sierra wedding guide 2011

Sierra WeddingGuide.com 1

Sierra 2011

2 Sierra WeddingGuide.com Sierra WeddingGuide.com 3


8 Beauty Wedding Day Pampering

10 Food Gourmet Catering Made Easy

12 Photography Boudoir: The Sexiest Gift to Yourself

14 Venues Finding the Perfect Wedding Location

16 Fashion Fashion Inspired Bridal Shoots

18 Licensing Answers to Obtaining Your License

20 Jewlery Finding the Perfect Diamond

22 Destination The New Napa

23 Directory Wedding Vendor Directory

PUBLISHED BY: melanie soleil photography

Creative Director: Melanie SoleilAccount Executive: Christy Wheat

For adverstising information contact [email protected] or call 530-274-2408

Photography by: Melanie Soleil Photography

VISIT US ONLINE AT SierraWeddingGuide.com

Content

as you FeeleautifulB

www.MelanieSoleil.com530.274.2408

Look as

as you Feeleautiful

Dear Brides,

I am so proud to welcome you to the second annual

issue of the Sierra Wedding Guide, showcasing the

rapidly growing wedding industry in Nevada County.

Just a short drive from the San Francisco Bay Area,

our little world is quickly becoming recognized as the

preferred wedding destination for savvy, successful

brides who appreciate the natural beauty of Northern

California.

Blessed with all four seasons and scores of truly unique

wedding locations, our lush community in the Sierra

Foothills offers more diverse vistas and stunning scen-

ery than any other place in California. From the rolling

majesty of our vineyards, to the quaint intimacy of our

pillared chapels, Nevada County is the picture perfect

place to indulge in a “destination” wedding - where

passports are optional.

Visit SierraWeddingGuide.com today and start

imagining your “destination wedding” in our Sierra

wonderland.

Melanie Soleil, Sierra Wedding Evangelist

From the Editor


Melanie Soleil is a celebrated wedding photographer, who has dedicated her career to capturing and complimenting the luscious, natural beauty of her brides and their big day. She especially loves brides who indulge in every special moment, and ensures they feel as beautiful as they look on their wedding day. Melanie loves to pam-per her clients with mini bridal-boudoir sessions, and is coveted for her limited one-of-a-kind boudoir sessions available each year. To discover more secrets of Melanie’s sun*kissed world, visit her blog at www.MelanieSoleil.com.

Donna Hoekstra , owner of Joy of Life Events, has a passion for the “Art of Events.” Donna works with couples to create their dream wedding or signature event that both they and their guests will enjoy. Donna is a Certified Professional Wedding and Event Planner with over 20 years of education and experience in the Hospitality Industry. As a Banquet Coordinator, Catering Sales Manager, and Restaurant Manager she has planned and imple-mented hundreds of events from weddings to business retreats. For more information visit www.JoyofLifeEvents.com

Stacy Shade is co-owner of Bloom La Boutique, and an active hair stylist in the Grass Valley community. She has been creating one of a kind wedding party looks and styles for 11 years. Formally trained at the world-renowned Aveda Institute in London, England and also with the Prive Hair Company, Stacy specializes in cutting modern everyday hairstyles that are complemented with bold and vibrant colors. Stacy is always looking to create a new and exciting look for you. www.bloomlaboutiquesalon.com

Nicole Arbaugh is the on-site Bridal Consultant at Stucki Engrav-ers, and loves to help couples with bridal party gifts and wedding day essentials. She also oversees the public relations and events for both Stucki Jewelers and Stucki Engravers & Distinctive Gifts. Stop by the store at 124 Mill Street for help with all your bridal party gifts!

Contributors


Contributors530 885 K ISSjkisslerweddings.com

THE ULTIMATE WEDDING VENUEPRIVATE, SECLUDED, INSPIRED BY NATURE

Specializing in weekend weddings, lodging available.

Custom tailored indoor and outdoor weddings, receptions, showers, day spa

retreats and rehearsal dinners

www.gvcourtyardsuites.com (530) 272-7696

Luxury Boutique Hotel Day Spa ∙ Special Event Center

Paula Onescu-Grogan, Master Stylist30+ years of making brides look beautiful!

Modern * Fabulous * High-FashionCall for your Complimentary Consultation

530.558-5907 (cell)

Beautiful Hair & Make-up for the Modern Bride

530.265-3888 (salon) Stray Cuts & Co. 215 Sacramento Street, Nevada City


Your big day is a time to be pampered and indulged from head to toe. No one does this better than beauty experts who know exactly how to make you look your best! It’s a wonderful feeling to have your beauty team arrive and be completely focused on caring for you, and you’ll look amazing in your photographs with professional quality hair and make up. Here’s a simple beauty list for every bride to follow:

6-8 months before : Clear your skin blemishes. Acne, scars, sun damage can be greatly diminished through treatments like retinol cream, lasers, and skin lighteners, but these treatments take time. Be sure to start early for the best results. To improve your complexion, consider a regimen of monthly facials and treatments like fruit acid peels, witch refresh skins outer layer. Microdermabrasion, a form of exfoliation that uses tiny crystals, is better for sensitive skin.

2-4 months before : Hire your hairstylist and do a trial run. If you’re planning some-thing new like highlights or color, make sure to start 3 months before to ensure your stylist has the color recipe just right.

2-3 months before : Hire your make-up artist. Keep in mind that wedding make-up is typically much heavier from everyday application. This will ensure your skin looks flawless in photos and highlights your key features. It’s a great idea to do your hair and make-up trial before your boudoir or engagement photo session. This will give you the chance to see what your make-up looks like on film.

Most of all make sure to work with experts you feel comfortable with. Ask friends or vendors for referrals, and be sure to communicate with your beauty team. Lastly, enjoy the experience of being completely indulged during this special time in your life!

Wedding Day Pamperingby Stacy Shade

Be a u t y

Feeling Beautiful on Your Big Day


203 Mill Street * Grass Valley, Ca 95945 * 530-273-5260

In Salon or On LocationLet our team of experts make you feel beautiful on

your wedding day!

www.BloomLaBoutiqueSalon.com

Above Bloom Salon:

Carola May, 530-477-5360www.skinstudio.biz

Get Glowing Skin NOW! Bridal Make-up & Skincare

Organic Facials * Microdermabrasion


For many couples, wedding day is the first large scale event they’ve ever arranged catering for. At first this task can seem a bit overwhelming, but it need not be. I recently sat down with renowned chef Antonio Ayestaran to find out what every couple should know about selecting a caterer and how easy and enjoyable the process really can be.

Antonio says the first thing to consider is how important the dining aspect is going to be for your wedding. Do you want an elegant or casual dining experience for your guests? Knowing this will help determine the best style of dinning for your unique day. Many caterers offer set menus, but some like Antonio will work with you to create an imaginative custom menu. This could be anything from your grandma’s chicken recipe, to your favorite restaurant’s fillet minion, or anything in between. Let your caterer know your favorite types of food, restaurants, etc. to give them an idea of your culinary style. This is a great starting point for creating menus.

Always be sure to set up a tasting with your caterer. This is a wonderful opportunity to open a bottle of wine, relax, and sample several dishes while in narrowing down your menu. Some caterer’s will charge a nominal fee for this (about $50), however many include it in your contract fee. Not only will you enjoy this time dining on exquisite food, but this gives you a chance to really work with and get to know your caterer on a more personal basis.

Before you meet with your caterer, be sure to have your location and date confirmed as this can slightly affect your price. For instance, fresh produce varies

The Joy of FoodWedding Catering Made Easy

by Melanie Soleil


Wedding Catering Made Easyby Melanie Soleil

Antonio is an A.C.F. certified chef with over 15 years of experience. He represented the State of California at the largest cooking competition in the world: the Culinary Olympics in Germany in 1996, 2000, and 2004; receiving Gold, Silver and Bronze medals for his creations.

greatly by season, and if you’re getting married in a remote location with no kitchen or electricity, your caterer will need to set up a portable kitchen. A true professional should be able to service your wedding in even the most remote locations.

Determine your budget for food, rentals, etc. and make sure you know what your paying for. Some caterer’s will tack on extra fees for things such as cake cutting, cake serving, corking, wine pouring, etc. So an unusually low quote could end up costing more after all the service fees are tacked on. Working with a full service caterer will help reduce this, as they can provide everything from food, plates, silverware, and service. Catering can range in price from $25-$50+ per person (plus tax and gratuity)

Lastly, Antonio says the most important part in selecting your caterer or any wedding professional is to choose someone you feel comfortable with. If you feel uneasy, chances are you’ll have an uneasy day on your wedding, and no bride wants that.

www.AntonioCatering.net http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo-

7028271-fresh-salmon.php530.401.8462 [email protected] Oak Meadows Rd. Grass Valley, CA

ayestaránantonioAAcustom catering chef services

ayestaránantonioAAcustom catering chef services

Specializing in imaginative and custom menusFull service catering company

Work with certified award winning chefs

408 Colfax Ave. Grass Valley, CA530.401.8462 [email protected]

Imaginative Fresh Gourmet

b bwww.AntonioCatering.net


by Melanie Soleil

Indulging in Boudoir

Ph o t o g r a P h y

There’s no denying it- he thinks your beautiful, sexy and everything in between. Although most women think of Boudoir Photography as a wonderful gift for their partner, the session actually ends up being the sexiest gift you can give to YOURSELF.

So what exactly is boudoir? The term (pronounced boo-dwah) comes from the French word for “a woman’s bedroom or private sitting room”. The goal of a Boudoir session is to capture intimate portraiture while helping you feel absolutely sexy and beautiful. Sessions are normally done in intimate settings such as a private studio, hotel room, or your own home. Images can range from romantic, sexy, sensual, abstract, couture, sassy, or fun depending on your personality.

I personally fell in love with Boudoir a few years ago after having my own session done. I was nervous and carrying a few extra pounds at the time, so my girlfriends and I arranged our sessions together for support. The experience was so amazing that I vowed to learn everything I could about Boudoir and share the experience with other women. I walked out of the studio feeling totally magnetic, for the first time in years fully embodying the beautiful, sensual woman that I am. My hope is that every woman, no matter her size or shape gets to indulge in this wonderful experience.

What can you expect from your session? The main thing you should expect is to have fun and FEEL beautiful! Boudoir is all about capturing YOU in the most flattering way possible. The first thing we do is sit down and talk about what type of images you want to make. Do you prefer dark “Maxxim” type images, or are you more the soft, natural romantic type? Once I have an idea of your style, we’ll go through your wardrobe to pick the pieces which most compliment your body and image. I work very closely with you to accentuate your favorite features, and hide those not-so-favorite features.

The Sexiest Gift to Yourself


by Melanie Soleil

When we begin shooting, I’ll lead you through a series of poses that compliment your specific body type. You’ll be walked through the entire process to ensure you always feel confident and sexy! During a full session, you’ll have time for 2-3 outfit changes or different looks. By the end of the session, not only will you FEEL sexy and confident, you’ll also have a luscious collection of photographs documenting your unique feminine beauty; sure to be the sexiest gift you’ve every given yourself!

Melanie Soleil, is an international wedding photographer and teacher who specializes in helping women look as beautiful as they feel. Melanie offers a limited number of unique boudoir sessions each year. Visit MelanieSoleil.com or SoleilBoudoir.com for more info.

Visit us Online

* Get Inspired with Real Weddings* Ask Our Pannel of Experts* Plan Your Destination Wedding

Sierra .com


Auburn Valley Golf Club, choose from 3 beautiful ceremony sites at our lush scenic golf course. Indoor/Outdoor venue, available year round. Club can accommodate up to 250 guests. We offer on-site catering and a knowledgeable coordination team to make planning your wedding easy. 530-269-2775 ext. 14 www.AuburnValleyWeddings.com

Venue Highlight

Nevada County is fast emerging as a destination location for savvy Northern California brides and grooms. The area, rich in Gold Rush his-tory, showcases the beauty of all four seasons; and is an easy drive from San Francisco and Sacramento International Airports.

With its various elevations, Nevada County offers sights with very distinct characteristics. At the higher elevations in Truckee and Donor Lake there are magnificent Sierra Nevada Mountains with towering pines, clear lakes, and streams.

Nevada City has Victorian charm and historic architecture, offering year round beauty and accessibility. Grass Valley has kept the rustic down town appeal from the days of the gold miners. The softy rolling hills of the lower elevations offer an abundance of vineyards, wineries, and tasting rooms set amid ancient oaks.

Our county has over fifty wedding venues ranging from a perfectly land-scaped historic park to Victorian mansions, working ranches, barns and log cabins, as well as a vast array of outdoor settings.

We’ve described a handful of our unique venues below. To get more information and see slideshows of Real Sierra Weddings, visit our website at SierraWeddingGuide.com.

Venue Highlight Find the Perfect Wedding Location


Grass Valley Courtyard Suites, located within walking distance of historic downtown Grass Valley, the Courtyard Suites provides luxurious guest rooms, a full service day spa and unique event spaces perfect for your indoor or outdoor wedding, rehearsal dinner or shower for up to 100 guests. (530) 272-7696 www.gvcourtyardsuites.com

Grass Valley Veterans Memorial Building, located walking distance to downtown Grass Valley with plenty of parking. Spacious historic hall and stage available year round, our gorgeous hardwood floor is perfect for dining and dancing the night away. Accommodates parties up 995, tables and chairs included. 530.265-1238 ext2 www.mynevadacounty.com/vetsbldgs

J. Kissler Weddings, happily ever after starts here! Our open air, nature inspired venue accommodates up to 200 guests, with lodging for up to 22. Specializing in extended weekend and destination weddings, this venue is perfect for spending extra time with family and friends. Host all your wedding events in one location, available for single or multiple day events. Come stay and play at our beautiful 33-acre country estate at Wolf Creek. 530-885-KISS www.jkisslerweddings.com

St. Josephs Cultural Center, a picturesque location for your wedding in downtown Grass Valley. Indoor/outdoor ceremony options available year round. Fea-turing a fragrant 122-bush rose garden and a majestic historic hall possessing a wonderful aura. 3000 Square feet of dancing and reception space. The perfect place to hold a memorable wedding and reception. 530-272-4725 saintjosephsculturalcenter.org

Windfall Weddings Estate is perfect for elegant out-door affairs and casual events alike. 24 acres overlooking the Sacramento Valley and Coastal Mountain Range, it’s hard to find another setting more serene & beautiful. Dance the night away under the heavens on our 2100 square foot wedding platform, perfect for receptions up to 300 guests. Brides can purchase a package or simply cover the facility rental fee. 530-274-9173 www.windfallweddings.com

Finding the perfect wedding gown is a little like love at first sight. It doesn’t matter how many dozens of dresses you try on, the moment you step into “The One”, you know. The cut is perfect for your body, the fabric decadent, as if the dress was hand crafted just for you. During the months leading up to wedding day you get little teasers of wearing it: alterations, fittings, maybe trying it on for your girlfriends. However, those little glimpses don’t quite feed the desire to wear the dress in full view of admiring family and friends.

So after the wedding day has come and gone, rather than just boxing up that gorgeous dress and retiring it to stor-age, many brides are indulging in a chance to wear their dress again for a Bridal Photo Session. The Bridal Shoot, sometimes called trash the dress sessions (although we don’t do any trashing of dresses) are fun, glamorous, styl-ized fashion shoots designed to make you look and feel like a model for a bridal magazine. These are only limited by your imagination and can be as simple or extravagant as your want. It’s the chance to accessorize your dress with some bold shoes and jewelry, or let your hair down and head to the river for a more natural loook.

I love to schedule these sessions with my clients shortly after their wedding, as that “bride glow” is still radiating from every pore of their body for several weeks after the big day. We work closely together to come up with a concept that fits her personality and dress, and then head out for a fun afternoon of shooting. The result is a gorgeous collection of photographs and of course, the indulgence of wearing the dress one last time before it goes to storage.

Wear It Againby Melanie Soleil

Fashion Inspired Bridal Sessions


by Melanie Soleil

Custom Wedding Invitations & Stationary

DESIGNS ON PAPER by

530.913.8473Nevada City, California

www.designsonpaperbyphyllis.comphyllis@designsonpaperbyphyllis.com

• Personalize your wedding

• Shape your unique ideas

• Create a forever keep sake

• Offering Eco-Friendly options

• High quality design service

• Call today for Free consultation


530-205-9664 866-504-2329www.BrookeVideo.com

Brooke Video Productions Your Wedding from a woman's point of view.

After 35 years of business and 1,000's of weddings,Yours is still the Most Important to me!

Sandy Brooke


Nevada County Clerk-Recorder’s Office(530) 265-1221950 Maidu Ave, 2nd floorNevada City, CA 959598:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Fridayhttp://www.mynevadacounty.com

Regular License Fee….$72Ceremony in Recorder’s Office....$40Certified Copy….$13 in person/ $16 via mail

How do we obtain a marriage license?The Recorder’s Office is located on the second floor of the Rood Center in Nevada City. Marriage licenses can be issued between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. If you wish to have staff perform your marriage ceremony, you may request an appointment online or by calling 530-265-1221. If you are obtaining a public marriage license and you are over 18 years of age, you simply need photo identification (driver’s license, passport, military ID). No blood test is required. Both parties to the marriage must be present when obtaining a public marriage license.

How long is a marriage license good for?The marriage license is good for 90 days from the date issued. If not used within 90 days, a new license must be obtained.

What happens to the license after the ceremony?After the ceremony, the license is completed by the person performing the ceremony and returned to the recorder’s office. It is required that the license be returned within 10 days after the ceremony. Once received, the completed license will be registered. At that time, you may purchase a copy of the license either by telephone, mail or in person.

Can we have our marriage ceremony performed by a Judge in the Courthouse?Yes. A Judge can perform a marriage ceremony at the Courthouse, Monday through Friday by appointment only. Call (530) 265-1751 for an appointment.

Nevada CountyMarriage License Information


Marriage License Information

www.ncweds.com

PLANNING A WEDDING

nevada county wedding & event professionals

Windfall Weddings Estate

Unique & Elegant Sett ing — Breathtaking Panoramic Views

Call for reservations. 530-274-9173 www.windfallweddings.comInt imate Garden Sett ing — Convenient ly located in Grass Val ley

Sierra WeddingGuide.com 21 20 Sierra WeddingGuide.com

Finding The Perfect Diamond

J e w l e r y

Far after the cake has been eaten, and flowers faded, your diamond ring will shine on; making it the most important and likely the largest investment in your wedding day. For many of us, gem quality is a bit of a mystery. The easiest way to begin understanding diamonds is to start with the four C’s: color, cut, clarity and carat.

Color

Gem quality diamonds can vary from colorless to light yellow or light brown. Colorless diamonds are the most rare and only American Gem Society (AGS) certified labs have a set of Master Diamonds to compare and rate diamond color.

Cut

Of all of the 4C’s, cut has the most pronounced effect on a diamond’s beauty. The more exact and symmetrical a cut, the more the light can reflect creating that “bling” people desire. Half of the value of the diamond is defined by the cut.

Clarity

Diamonds can have internal characteristics known as inclusions or external characteris-tics known as blemishes. Diamonds without inclusions or blemishes are rare, however, most characteristics should only be able to be seen under magnification. When grading clarity, a gemologist uses magnification and specific lighting to consider the effect these characteristics have on the diamond’s appearance and/or durability.

by Nicole Arbaugh


Wedding Videos,Ceremony or complete day,

Love story slideshows.

Wedding DJ’s‘Fun & Professional’

530.272.6293 ~ 877.901.9724 Nevada City, CA 95959

www.MountainEventProductions.com

Carat

The diamond’s physical weight is measured in metric carats. One carat equals 1/5 gram and is divided into 100 points. Carat weight is the most objective of the 4C’s, as it involves no estimates, comparisons or judgments.

The “Fifth C” is Confidence

When you consider making this investment, shop with a jeweler you trust. Ask about credentials and certification and make sure all your questions are answered in an unrushed manner, this will help ensure your jeweler is qualified to help you with the most specific details of your diamond purchase.

Stucki Jewelers is one of only 51 accredited AGS labs in

California. Our staff Graduate Gemologist is available

to answer your questions and help you select the perfect

ring.

Wonderful Memoriesa St. Joseph’s Cultural CenteraA Historical Gem in Downtown Grass Valley

530-272-4725saintjosephsculturalcenter.org

a Beautiful Gated Rose Garden a Original Antique Decor a 3,000 Sq. Foot Hall


Stay and Play in the “New Napa” by Donna Hoekstra

Wine tasting, boating, golf, hiking, music & theater- Nevada County has it all for couples wanting the perfect destination location for a wedding weekend. With family and friends often traveling hundreds of miles to celebrate with you, “Weekend Weddings” are quickly gaining popularity with couples who want to indulge in an extended wedding celebration.

Local entertainment possibilities are endless, offering day and nighttime activities for guests of all ages. Reserve one of historic theatres for a private viewing of your favorite movie, arrange a private wine tasting party at a local vineyard, or an authentic “miners meal” at a local gold mine. Take a hike through the majestic Tahoe National Forest, or peruse antique stores. Gatherings at the lake, or Llama treks and horseback rides through our beautiful foothills all make wonderful memory filled afternoons.

After dark, guests can enjoy live music at numerous local taverns and wine bars, play their hand at the blackjack lounge, or take a seat in our historic theater.

Many couples are also choosing to incorporate one of the local events into their week-end of activities. Visit www.nevadacitychamberofcommerce.com for a detailed calen-dar of plays, musicals, concerts, and annual festivals including: Mardi Gras, Music in the Mountains, Nevada City Bicycle Classic, Northern Sierra Wine Trail, A Grape Affair, Celtic Festival, Nevada County Fair, Roamin Angels Car Show, and Cornish or Victorian Christmas. These are just a few of the attractions which draw visitors from around the state.

Whatever season, you and your guests will find a weekend full of activities in our quaint, historic, wine-infused community.

De s t i n a t i o n


in the “New Napa” by Donna Hoekstra

BEAUTYBloom La Boutique Salonwww.bloomlaboutiquesalon.com 530-273-5260

Alexa Leonhard at Bodyworks www.bodyworkssalonca.com530-273-2099

Paula Grogan-Onescu at Stray Cuts & Co. [email protected] 530-265-3888

Skin Studio by Carola May www.SkinStudio.biz 530-477-5360

BEDROOM DELIGHTSEarth [email protected] 530-205-7698

CATERING & DESSERTSAntonio’s Cateringwww.AntonioCatering.net 530-401-8462

Emily’s All Occasion Catering & Cakes www.EmilysCateringandCakes.com 530-409-3716

Hanford’s Catering www.hanfordscatering.com 530-888-7145

EVENT DESIGN & PLANNINGJoy of Life Eventswww.JoyofLifeEvents.com 530-432-4030

FLORAL DESIGNThe Magickal Florist www.themagickalflorist.com 530-265-8307

INVITATIONS Designs On Paperwww.DesignsonPaperbyPhyllis.com 530-913-8473

Illuminated Invitations www.illuminatedinvitations.com 530-863-9482

JEWLERSStucki Jewlers & Engravers www.stuckijewelers.com 530-272-1266

OFFICIANTSJennifer McGuire, Rev. 530-271-7038 [email protected]

ORGANIZATIONS

NC WedsNevada County Wedding Event Destination Specialists www.NCWeds.com

PHOTOGRAPHYMelanie Soleil Photographywww.MelanieSoleil.com 530-274-2408

MUSICMountain Event Productions www.MountainEventProductions.com 530-272-6293

VENUES

Auburn Valley Golf Clubwww.auburnvalleyweddings.com 530-269-2775 ext 14

Grass Valley Veterans Memorial Buildingwww.mynevadacounty.com/vetsbldgs 530-265-1238 ext 2

St. Joseph’s Cultural Centerwww.SaintJosephsCulturalCenter.org 530-272-4725

Windfall Weddings Estatewww.WindfallWeddings.com 530-274-9173

VENUES WITH LODGING

Grass Valley Courtyard Suiteswww.gvcourtyardsuites.com 530-272-7696

J. Kissler Weddings & Eventswww.jkisslerweddings.com 530-885-KISS

The Perfect Place Retreatswww.ThePerfectPlaceRetreats.com 530-477-8777

VIDEOGRAPHERSBrooke Video Productions www.BrookeVideo.com 530-205-9664

Mountain Event Productions www.MountainEventProductions.com 530-272-6293

Vendor Directory

24 Sierra WeddingGuide.com

Soleil BoudoirLuscious Portraiture for Women

Feel Beautiful

www.MelanieSoleil.com

sierra wedding guide 2011

Documents

destination wedding

sierra wedding evangelistfrom

sierra wedding guide

dream wedding

preferred wedding destination

growing wedding industry

editor6 sierra

sierra foothills