Photography with Passion and Flair

2B | THEPRESS.NET Wedding Planner JUNE 26, 2009

Making fl oral arrangements smooth as silk

Flowers are everywhere at weddings. The bride

holds a bouquet as she glides down an aisle

covered in rose petals daintily strewn by the

fl ower girl. The bridesmaids hold bouquets and the

groom and groomsmen wear boutonnieres. That’s a

lot of fl owers – and you haven’t even gotten to the

reception yet.

All this fl ower business can lead to a hefty price tag, but there are ways to have gorgeous fl ower arrangements with-out spending thousands of dollars.

Brentwood’s Geri Palmer, owner of Exclusively Yours, has been doing fl ower arrangements for decades, but now she deals only in silk fl owers, an affordable alternative to fresh fl oral designs.

“Silk fl owers are just as beautiful as fresh fl owers,” Palmer said. “The quality makes them look so real that you can’t tell the difference. They might not have the fragrance of fresh fl owers, but we have a way to sneak some fragrance in. Plus, the best part is that you can keep silk fl owers forever.”

Another advantage of silk fl owers is that you don’t need to worry about whether a fl ower is in season or not, or about fl owers wilting or showing signs of decay by the end of the evening. Silk fl owers can also be dyed to match any color scheme, while most fresh fl owers cannot. This frees up options and allows for more creativity when planning arrangements.

S A M I E H A R T L E Y

see Silk page 14BGeri Palmer, left, and her granddaughter Tiffany Bruce create fl oral arrangements with silk fl owers available for lease or purchase.

Photo by Samie Hartley

4B | THEPRESS.NET Wedding Planner JUNE 26, 2009

St. AnneCommunity Life

Center

• Weddings• Quinceañeras• Birthdays• AnniversariesSeating for up to 400

2800 Camino Diablo Rd.Byron

(925) 634-6625www.StAnneChurchByron.com� �

Wedding Special

$150 OFFWhitening

Discovery Bay residents Elyse McMurray and Mark Buckman were mar-ried on their back deck overlooking the water on June 20. About 50 close friends and relatives attended the ceremony, after which the newlyweds boated off to Ski Beach, where they originally met. Here, Mark performs the quasi-traditional duty of carrying his bride over the transom. We’re not sure how the tin-cans-tied-to-the-stern thing worked out. Congratulations, Mark and Elyse!

Boating blissPhoto by Stacey Chance

• Engagement Parties• Rehearsal Dinners• Any Occasion

LunchTue-Fri 11:30-2:30

Dinner 4-9:30Weekend Dinner

4-10Closed Mondays

Best in French, Italian and

Japanese Cuisine

925.626.7461613 First Street, Brentwoodwww.prevots.com

Oyster Bar & Grill

We have a private banquet room, which can accomodate 50 guests.

JUNE 26, 2009 Wedding Planner THEPRESS.NET | 5B

Registries off er honeymoon help

Getting married is quite

an affair. You plan a

ceremony and a reception

down to the fi nest details, from fl ow-

ers and vows to napkin rings and

favors. But keep things in perspec-

tive. Despite the work, when all’s

said and done, you get to go on your

honeymoon!

Of course, the wedding sets you up for happily ever after, but the true kick-off to wedded bliss comes with that well-deserved vacation for two. And while the wedding and reception can cost a pretty penny or two, the honeymoon can be paid off by all those guests and well-wish-ers you left dancing at the reception.

Antioch’s Almost There Travel offers a Bridal Registry package that allows wedding guests to present monetary gifts that go directly toward paying for your honeymoon. Owner Tammy Larsen said a recent client’s entire honeymoon, includ-ing hotel accommodations and activities, was paid for by guests. The couple paid only for meals and souvenirs.

“The bridal registry is great because your guests are able to pay toward some-thing that you truly want,” Larsen said. “This is also great for couples who already have a crock pot and a toaster and don’t need friends and family buying them a bunch of kitchen appliances they don’t need.”

Larsen said couples should book honeymoons six to eight months in advance, not only to ensure that they get the vacation they want, but also to give family and friends plenty of time to make

a donation toward the trip. Notices can accompany engagement party invitations, save-the-dates, and wedding announce-ments so that guests are continuously reminded that they can contribute toward your honeymoon instead of rattling their brains trying to come up with the perfect his-and-hers gift.

While couples can plan their honey-moon on their own with the convenience

S A M I E H A R T L E Y

see Honeymoon page 13B

Tammy Larsen and Carol Wilson of Antioch’s Almost There Travel will help you plan the perfect honeymoon and tell you about how your guests can help you pay for it.

Photo by Samie Hartley

6B | THEPRESS.NET Wedding Planner JUNE 26, 2009

Dance At Your Wedding!

Ballroom Dancing

by Cozette

Surprise Relatives and GuestsBride & Groom First DanceFather & Daughter Danceas well as the Bridal Party

Private Instruction with “Cozette Hileman”Certifi ed Instructor, 20 years experience

www.reddoordance.comBallroom Dance, Belly Dance & More

NEW LOCATION: 817 First St., Bwd

925-240-9847 “Direct Line”

925-356-1957 Cell

Few events in life offer better

incentive to get fi t and healthy

than a bride’s upcoming wed-

ding. But what’s a girl to do when she’s

down to the wedding wire but not

down to her fi ghting weight?

Plenty, say the experts. Whether she’s a few months or few weeks away from the Big Day, a few choice tips can help every bride look and feel her best.

One alternative is the popular mineral body wraps. All the rage with celebrities such as Robin McGraw (Dr. Phil’s wife) and Oprah Winfrey, the wraps are steeped in organic minerals and distilled water and applied with Ace-type bandages for 60 minutes. Clients are encouraged to lightly exercise during that time; i.e., run a treadmill or ride a stationary bicycle to keep the circulation moving.

According to Launa Stach of It’s a Wrap in Brentwood, if done on a regular basis, clients can lose as much as 10 to 30 inches overall in a matter of weeks.

“If a bride comes in about a month before her wedding, I would recommend a once-a-week treatment,” said Stach, who quoted the procedure at $139 per treatment. “The results are truly amazing and they stay off as long as you maintain your weight. I do it myself. The fi rst time I did a treatment I was able to pull on my Wranglers. After the second treatment I

was able to wear them in public and now I can actually sit down in them and be comfortable. It’s amazing.”

But if you’re looking for a little more traditional approach, good old-fashioned nutrition and exercise – not starvation diets – might be the answer, said Susan Emmett of Body Under Construction in Brentwood

“I always tell people to keep a food diary and eat nutritiously,” said Emmett. “If you eat plant-based foods (fruits and vegetables) abundantly, it will reduce your cravings and you’ll eat more sensibly. Eat fi ve to six small meals a day.”

Emmett also suggests exercising in some form on a daily basis. Exercise not only increases your heart rate and burns calories; it builds and tones the muscles. Plus, during the stress-fi lled days before a wedding, a little exercise is a great way to relax and unwind.

And don’t forget the water. “There are many reasons why water is important in our diets, but what people don’t always know is that water is a natural appetite suppressant,” said weight loss coach Virginia King. “You’re brain doesn’t differentiate between hunger and thirst, so when you think you’re feeling hungry, your body may in fact be thirsty. Try it; you have nothing to lose except some weight.”

To make an appointment for a body wrap, call It’s a Wrap at 925-634-4668. For additional information on weight loss nutrition and programs, call Virginia King at 925-899-7575, or e-mail Susan Emmett of Body Under Construction at semmett1@comast.net.

Slim-down tips for the Big DayR U T H R O B E R T S

JUNE 26, 2009 Wedding Planner THEPRESS.NET | 7B

Tena Parish, owner/baker/decorator at TLCakes, rolls out some baby blue decorations for a cake she’s working on. TLCakes can bake whatever you need for your wedding, including cakes, cookies,

cupcakes or desserts. You can reach Tena at 925-513-3688.

Cake crafter

Photo by Sonia Beasley

PISTACHIOSPISTACHIOSLOCAL HONEY, OLIVE OILLOCAL HONEY, OLIVE OILDRIED FRUITS, NUTS, GOURMET ITEMSGift Baskets Made To Order, All Occasions

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(925) 634-49131291 Apricot Way, Brentwood

www.gurskyranch.com

PISTACHIOSPISTACHIOSLOCAL HONEY, OLIVE OILLOCAL HONEY, OLIVE OILDRIED FRUITS, NUTS, GOURMET ITEMSGift Baskets Made To Order, All Occasions

COUNTRY STORECOUNTRY STOREOPEN SATURDAYS 9:00-3:00

(925) 634-49131291 Apricot Way, Brentwood

www.gurskyranch.com

10B | THEPRESS.NET Wedding Planner JUNE 26, 2009

Discover the perfect wedding, anniversary or business banquet location at LONE TREE

GOLF & EVENT CENTER in Antioch.

Make your event memorable with: Five-Star Catering menus for events Expansive 4,500 sq. ft. ballroom 4,000 sq. ft. patio with golf course views Meeting space up to 300 Spacious wrap around deck with

picture-perfect mountain & delta views Elegant outdoor tent pavilion Accessories–dance fl oor, wedding arch,

bridal court Wedding planning assistance–cake,

photographer, music

$18.95ONLY

Mouthwatering Menu Plus Live Jazz Every Sunday from 10 am-2 pm.

(Special Rates for Seniors and Children 10 & under)

EXTRAVAGANTSUNDAY BRUNCH BUFFET

CALL (925) 706-4220 www.lonetreegolfcourse.com

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LUNCH 11-4 p.m. Daily

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GOLF & EVENT CENTER

SUNDAY BRUNCH SPECIALBuy One Brunch Buffet at regular price,

Get a second Brunch Buffet

1/2 OFF with this AdMouthwatering Menu Plus Live Jazz

Every Sunday from 10am – 2pm(Special Rates for Seniors and

Children 10 & under)

LUNCH 11-4 p.m. Daily

SUNDAY BRUNCH 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Brides & GroomsRegister with Private Quarters

• Book a Bridal Shower Today

• Luxurious Bedding & Bath

Products for every budget

Susan Meyer

925-519-9138Comfort Consultantwww.susanmeyer.privatequarters.net

So you’re planning a wedding.

You’ve ordered the fl ow-

ers, secured the location and

confi rmed the caterer. Now there’s just

one detail left – the music.

According to Doug Daley of Daley Entertainment in Discovery Bay, more and more couples these days are opting for the modern sounds of a DJ versus a live band. The reasons

are obvious, including a wider selection of original artists, an expanded play list, and the bonus of continuous music – no need to give the band a 15-minute breather every hour.

But, said Daley, while couples might be tempted to trim corners when it comes to choosing a DJ, buyers beware: not all compa-nies are created equal.

“Organization matters,” said Daley. “The biggest thing I tell prospective clients is that they

Choosing a DJ for a wedding isn’t as easy as it looks. Couples need to consider many factors when deciding on music for their reception.

Not all DJs created equalPhoto courtesy of Daley Entertainment

R U T H R O B E R T S

see DJ page 11B

JUNE 26, 2009 Wedding Planner THEPRESS.NET | 11B

need to think of their DJ as a wedding organ-izer. Plan ahead, ask them how they organize the day to include the fi rst dance, toasts and introductions. If your (DJ) is announcing the fi rst dance and your photographer is in the bathroom, or it’s almost time for the toast and you don’t know where the best man is, you’re going to be bummed. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes that needs to be considered, and not all DJs can handle that.”

One thing they must be able to handle, however, is song selection. When choosing the music, Daley works closely with the couple to create a play list that not only refl ects their tastes, but their guests’ tastes as well.

“A good DJ needs to be diversifi ed and know how to read the crowd,” he said. “You need to be able to work with the couple to get their preferences, but they also need to consider the fact that they’re throwing a party. Sure, the couple may love disco, but does everyone? Oftentimes the bride and groom are the youngest people at the event – it’s impor-tant to consider the musical preferences of the guests as well and be able to adjust for that.”

Daley has been adjusting and perfecting his craft at weddings and corporate func-tions throughout the Bay Area for more than 15 years. He enjoys the upbeat environment (“people are always happy to see you”) and the challenge of individualizing each event – and he’d better, because weddings and celebrations have changed considerably over the years.

“When it comes to a wedding, I don’t think there is any right or wrong way to do things,” he said. “But what I’m starting to

see is that weddings are becoming more of an event. People are turning their weddings into spectacles. It used to be that couples would take a ballroom dance class before their wedding so they could get through the fi rst dance. Now I’m seeing couples hire profes-sional dancers to choreograph their fi rst dance; sometimes they even have professional dancers at the event who break into dance. You see a lot of different things.”

But the one thing that remains constant, he says, is quality. The price tag for a DJ can run the gamut, from $100 per hour up to a few thousand per hour. That might seem high, but when you consider the total wedding budget, dollars spent on music are surprisingly low.

“I look at it this way,” said Daley. “A typi-cal wedding today with 200 guests runs about $20,000, and couples spend approximately 2 to 5 percent of that budget on the music. The reception is about 90 percent of the function, and if you plan on spending only 5 percent on what controls most of your function, then you could be making a mistake. If you get the wrong guy, that 90 percent is ruined.”

In the end, said Daley, a couple’s most impor-tant day should be a reflection of their tastes, needs and desires, and that includes the music.

“Couples should remember that anyone can play music, but a DJ should also serve as the emcee of the event,” he said. “Take your time, interview more than one company and make a list of what you want. Sometimes the little behind-the-scenes details don’t seem like a big deal, but when it comes to the overall picture, it all counts.”

For more information, contact Daley Entertainment at 925-766-8677.

DJ from page 10B

The Ideal Setting for The Ideal Setting for

Your Special Day!Your Special Day!

Discovery Bay Country Club offers an exquisitely landscaped property that

is fi lled with trees, ponds, and vibrant fl ower gardens. Whether your

affair is an intimate gathering or a reception for as many as 200 guests, they can

be comfortably accommodated in Discovery Bay Country Club’s elegant dining

room that boasts breathtaking views of their lush, picturesque golf course.

To ensure your celebration is truly unique, the Executive Chef, culinary team

and event director at the property will work with you to plan and carry out

every detail of your celebration to ensure that your once-in-a-lifetime day is

both magical and memorable.

Discovery Bay Country Club1475 Club House Drive | 634.0700 | www.dbgcc.com

“Make your own salad bar”• Chicken Apple Crisp • Cobb • “Hail to Caesar” • Asian Chicken

• Buffalo Chicken • Greek • BBQ Chicken • Brentwood House Salad

We also offer Wraps (Roast Beef, Turkey, Ham, Veggie), Paninis, Soups and cheesecake from Cheesecake Factory.

2565 Sand Creek Blvd., Ste. 100 • Streets of Brentwood • 240-2835

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925-757-3333 | 1872 A Street, Antioch (Grocery Outlet Center) Open Mon-Sat 7am-7pm

The Icing on Your Perfect Day!Call us today to schedule a complimentary

tasting and consultation

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Weddings • Receptions • Private EventsSouthern Charm, Timeless Elegance, Service Second to None

Taylor RanchTaylor Ranch

For facility information and availability, please call

(925) 634-4519 www.taylorranch.org

Taylorranchweds@aol.com

JUNE 26, 2009 Wedding Planner THEPRESS.NET | 13B

WeddingsSpecial Occasions

Birthday PartiesHolidays

Tables, chairs, tents, infl atables and much, much more!

516-76643891 Walnut Blvd., Brentwood

Party Equipment Rentals

of online reservations, Larsen said she recommends using a travel agent to ensure you get the experience you want.

“I am a big believer in customer service, and I’ll do whatever I can do to make the couple happy,” Larsen said. “Other agents have asked me why I go the extra mile, sometimes even babying my clients by checking into their hotels for them online and making sure they have the right seating arrangement on their fl ights – but why not? It’s their honey-moon. They deserve the extra attention. They’ve been saving up for this, and they deserve the best experience possible.”

Larsen, a Brentwood resident with more than 10 years of experience in the travel business, said when planning a honeymoon, the most important thing for a couple to do is to know what type of experience they’d like to have. Does the couple want to lounge on the beach all day or do they want to go horseback riding and cave diving?

“Everyone has a different idea of what a honeymoon should be, so just

come with a list of ideas,” Larsen said. “You can have the dream honeymoon. You just have to know what you want and I’ll make it happen.

“I had a couple come to me who wanted to honeymoon in Europe. No problem. That’s not uncommon. People like to go to France and Italy, but this couple was interested in vampires, so I sent them to Romania. You just have to ask. I might not know of a place off the top of my head, but give me a day or two and I’ll have a vacation idea for you.”

Larsen said it’s a good idea for a couple to have an idea of their honey-moon budget, even if they sign up for the bridal registry, so that all the deposits can be paid before the wedding to make up for those relatives who put off making a payment through the bridal registry until a day or two before the wedding.

To fi nd out more about the bridal registry, set up an appointment with Larsen by calling 925-238-0001. Almost There Travel is located at 506 W. Second St. in Antioch. For more information, visit www.almosttheretravelagency.com.

Honeymoon from page 5B

14B | THEPRESS.NET Wedding Planner JUNE 26, 2009

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However, it is the infi nite life span of silk fl owers that offers the supreme perk that you don’t get with fresh fl owers: you can rent them.

Exclusively Yours leases fl owers for weddings and other social engagements and holidays. Palmer and her staff will even arrange fl owers at the reception hall and help decorate the area where the wedding ceremony will be held.

Palmer said couples interested in doing silk arrangements should have an idea of their budget and know what the color scheme for the wedding and reception will be when they visit her Brentwood shop. It also helps to come in with photos of what you’d like.

“Tell us what you want and what your

price range is and we can make your day,” Palmer said. “We can lease centerpieces as low as $15. We can work with any budget to help give the bride exactly what she wants. It’s her day, and we want to make her dreams come true.”

Palmer said the economic recession has made leasing fl owers especially popular. Couples can lease and buy fl owers – what-ever works for them – but Palmer notes that if you buy fl owers, you can give them away as gifts later on.

Exclusively Yours, located at 3855 Walnut Blvd. in Brentwood, is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, or by appointment Monday through Wednesday. For more infor-mation, call 925-634-7003.

Silk from page 2B

JUNE 26, 2009 Wedding Planner THEPRESS.NET | 15B

3201 Main St., Oakley 625-3555Hours: Sun.-Thur. 6am - 9pm • Fri. & Sat. 6am - 10pm

MON - FRI SPECIALS$5.99 Breakfasts • $6.99 Lunches • $9.99 Dinners

Steak & Eggs $6.99

Email: Oakley@BlackBearDiner.com

LARGE Banquet Facilities AVAILABLE• Birthdays • Sporting Events

• Rehearsal Dinners • Meetings • Catering Available

We wish you all We wish you all a very SAFE & HAPPY a very SAFE & HAPPY

4th of July!4th of July!

We wish you all We wish you all a very SAFE & HAPPY a very SAFE & HAPPY

4th of July!4th of July!

God Bless the

U.S.A.

Can we sample from a typical wedding menu?

Catering can be a large part of your wedding budget. Make sure you know what it is you’ll be getting for your money. Take your spouse-to-be and a friend with you to the tasting so that you can get varied opinions. Some caterers will charge a tasting fee, but it’s worth it.

May I see photographs of your table displays?

Some caterers who provide buffets or food stations include fl oral arrangements and other decorations. It’s also a good idea to discuss your color theme so that decora-tions and fl oral arrangements coordinate.

What does the price per person include?

Is the cost strictly for food, or does it cover tables, chairs, linens, tableware, punch service, table displays, etc.?

What other fees do you charge?

Are tips and taxes included in the price? Some caterers will charge a cake-cutting fee or corkage fee for wines. Make sure you get all fees in writing up front.

Do you handle special menu requests?

Some of your guests might have special menu needs due to food aller-

gies, vegan or kosher requirements. Make sure your caterer will accommodate these needs. Some couples want to have a special family recipe at the reception – grandma’s meatballs or foods from the family’s ethnic traditions. Find out if your caterer will personalize your menu with these items.

Do you off er cakes?Ask if your caterer offers wedding

and groom’s cakes, and fi nd out if they’re included in the price.

Will you pack us a “doggie bag” for after the reception?

Sometimes the wedding couple is so busy at the reception that they have very little time to eat anything. Attentive caterers will prepare small boxes of food for the couple to enjoy when they are fi nally alone.

What are the payment arrangements?

Find out how much of a deposit is required, and if it’s refundable. Ask when the fi nal payment is due and what the caterer’s preferred form of payment is.

When you fi nally settle on a caterer, make sure you sign a written contract. This guarantees that the caterer will provide the food, timelines and details you discussed.

Asking these 10 questions will help you choose the right caterer to help make your wedding a truly special celebration. – Courtesy of Family Features

Caterer from page 12B

16B | THEPRESS.NET Wedding Planner JUNE 26, 2009