Mendocino Weddings & Events » location

The evolution of a wedding tent

Sonya — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 22:32:37 +0000

Strike the tent, there’s nothing to it….. wrong!!

I just marvel over the production that goes into striking a tent for an event! Living here on the beautiful Mendocino coast we often (almost every weekend!) are setting up a tent to allow our clients to explore the great wide open, or lean directly atop the ocean bluff to host their wedding celebrations. The crew that assembles the tent has such finesse, they often make it look like they are constructing a pixie stick house for a child to play, however when I get the wild hair to suggest to “not use so many tie downs” they all look at me with crazy eyes and say all at once “no way – you cannot remove that tie down, it is the main thing holding the entire tent up,” so I have to giggle and thank the stars that they know what they are doing and well!

These tents are like an event hall equipped with heaters, flooring, and whatever you desire your look to be, can be created in this space. I look at a tent as a painter’s blank canvas allowing you to paint whatever picture you see for your day’s events. From a oval canvas top tent, to a round style circus tent, or even the coolest of all with a clear top tent (but be careful and make sure you have a tree coverage or this tent is hot, hot, hot inside) can all be used to allow the elements that surround your event to be brought inside with coverage from the weather if it is cool,windy, rainy or hot.

Mendocino weddings can take care of all of your rental needs….

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White Weddings

Sonya — Tue, 10 May 2011 04:14:40 +0000

A white wedding is a traditional formal or semi-formal wedding originating in Europe. The term Originates from the white color of the wedding dress, which became popular with Victorian era elites, after Queen Victoria wore a white lace dress at her wedding.

It looks like white wedding are making their come back. For so long the wedding seems to have gone quite colorful, but as the time ticks on it looks like many will be heading back to the traditional “white wedding”.

One of our coordinators spent a few weeks this past month jet setting around the world to two different countries and was honored to attend a wedding in Guadalajara and Argentina. Maria’s wedding in La Criolla Argentina was a white wedding for sure, so after seeing Martha Stewart’s white wedding post today, I decided to share some inspiration too.

You can see more of Tommy and Maria’s wedding at http://www.facebook.com/mendocinoweddings.

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The planning of the party, should be as FUN as the party

Sonya — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 04:05:11 +0000

Father of the brides. Love them!

I am so happy to get to know all of my clients and their families, especially the Dad’s while their daughters are venturing out on a new endeavor and they are there in support with wide smiles to proud arms as they deliver their gem to the alter. I wanted to share a super sweet note that I received from a Dad after meeting with them for a consult. We always strive to do our best, and when hear that our couples and their families are able to ENJOY their wedding planning experience it just brings butterflies to my belly!

Sonya,

As I said on the way out, you really do inspire confidence and I just wanted to thank you for clearly being good at what you do! As you can probably tell by now, all four of us are pretty relaxed about the whole deal, but you get a lot of credit for helping us stay that way. Of course my favorite daughter (OK, I only have one…) is pretty organized herself, but the way the two of you blew through the key decisions with efficiency was impressive. We had a blast with Nicolas and the tasting, he is a pro and we are thrilled with him on many levels. Sitting in the car while the ladies checked out all three hair and make-up places was not the high point of my trip, but hey, I knew what I was getting in for when I signed up. We know this is going to be a great weekend but bottom line, we couldn’t do it without you, and we are all delighted it is you!!

Look forward to seeing you again in August. You are the best!

Thanks.

Relaxed father of the bride to be

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I do, I do, I do.

Sonya — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 02:48:13 +0000

Oh… my while writing, I realize how many details Wendy and Jason had in their wedding. What a fun way to take over the village!

The Mendocino Hotel was home for the weekend to all of Jason and Wendy’s closest friends and family, their rehearsal dinner was a beach barbecue on Friday night planned by Mendocino Weddings that included local caterer Karina’s catering, and the amazing band Kevin & the coconuts played the steel drums where Wendy surprised Jason with a song she had learned. It was so fun!)

On Saturday guests were picked up by a trolley, and transported to the Cypress grove where they were greeted with a glass of sparkling wine, handed a “YAY” flag, and listened to Mambo This while waiting for the anticipated celebration to begin. Once the Wendy arrived she surprised her guy Jason with the song “Halo” which was sang by a local singer Sally Wells. As the ceremony was taking place, local artist John Hewitt hand painted the scene with water colors for the couple to take home as a remembrance of their special day. Details in the ceremony were plenty. There was a rose ceremony presented to their mothers, the couple’s rings were passed to each guest for a blessing, their mothers wrapped the couple with colorful, beautiful beads, a reading of love was spoken, and under each 117 chairs lay a river rock brought from the couple’s property where each guest was invited to come up for a blessing and placed the rocks around the couple, forming a love circle. Once the ceremony was complete the guests returned to the circle, picked up their rock and through it over the cliff with a loud cheer. Once the guests had arrived back to the Mendocino Hotel they enjoyed yummy cocktails and appetizers in the main lobby before being seated in the dining room on 3 large godfather style tables where they enjoyed a meal prepared by Mendocino Hotel. Some fun games were played, speeches were spoken, the cake was cut (with a large machete!) and then everyone moved into the garden room that was transformed into a 1940s speakeasy setting. Some guests were even dressed in period clothing!

Wendy had a friend perform a joyous belly dance before the bride and groom swayed to their first dance and to everyone’s surprise ( even mine!) the bridal party pulled off an amazing choreographed dance piece that was sooooo fun! Check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rRyKKzHPTQ

Ahhh… the party was fun.

Pablo had his photo booth set up in the corner and at 10:30pm we surprised everyone with 3 beautiful cigarette girls passing treats and cigar shaped savory foods, as well as opened up the hot fudge sundae bar which was a hit too.

So here is the synopsis of Jason and Wendy’s awesome wedding day. Thank you for sharing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg6sCjoYVJo

Check out this slideshow of Jason and Wendy’s amazingly saturated day with details, details, details!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBhEFzfcv_Q&feature=channel_video_title

Slide by: Kindyl Houston

Check out all of these vendors!

Saturday August 28, 2010

Ceremony: Cypress Grove

Reception: Mendocino Hotel

Transportation: Mendocino Trolley

Bride and Groom: Red Burks Hudson

Ceremony music: Mambo this

Beyoncé “Halo” was sung by local Sally Wells as the bride walked

John Hewitt local Artist painted the ceremony as it was happening

Scharffenberger was served at the ceremony

Photographer: Cassandra Young

Food: Mendocino Hotel

Cake: Sharon Garner

Floral: Mendocino Floral Design

Hair: Kali from unforgettable

Make up: Mendocino Beauty

DJ: Aykut events from SF

Videographer: James Burkart SF

Photo Booth: Pablo Abuliak

Lighting and Draping: Matt Rowland Events

Super sweet words from the bride and groom:

“Being a couple with very high standards for all of our personally-planned social events, my husband-to-be and I had quite the elaborate vision for our Big Day. Given that Mendocino is several hours away from where we live, we knew we had a tricky process ahead of us. Quickly coming to the conclusion that it would be impossible to accomplish this vision by ourselves, we looked very carefully for a seasoned wedding coordinator who could make our dream day a reality. After briefly considering a few coordinators outside of Mendocino, we found Sonya at Mendocino Weddings…perhaps it wasn’t so much that we casually “found” her as much as, while inquiring for wedding services, everyone in and around Mendocino and many former out-of-area clients and vendors she’d worked with just raved about the work of Mendocino Weddings. As soon as we met Sonya, we knew – this was definitely our Wedding Coordinator. Throughout the planning process, Sonya was consistently in touch with us, keeping us up-to-date on the planning progress, carefully taking note of our ideas & even building on our vision with inspiration she shared. It seems like every week we left a conversation with Sonya saying- “We love it!”. Her local connections and thorough knowledge of the area made planning not only a breeze, but a fun & exciting experience that Jason & I got to enjoy together. How Sonya & Mendocino Weddings kept so many details together from such a detail-oriented, yet somewhat disorganized pair we were, is beyond me- but that’s exactly what they did. On the day of our wedding, Mendocino Weddings completely brought our wedding vision to life. I’m partially convinced that Sonya has a twin because this amazing woman was everywhere! She successfully went to every effort to make sure everything was in place and that we were blissfully happy. It made me giggle to find that, although I knew what we we’d asked for in our day, I found myself constantly gasping in delight seeing just how impeccably our vision had become a reality. Jason & I had the most incredible day filled completely with love & celebration with absolutely not a care in the world regarding how the details of the day unfolded; we knew it was in the best hands. All Jason & I had to do was focus on one another and share our joy with those we dearly love – it truly can’t get any better than that. Many thanks, Sonya & Mendocino Weddings!”
Wendy & Jason Osburn

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What a wonderful world

Sonya — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 17:13:27 +0000

Trees of green, red dahlias too, we watch them bloom, and I think to myself, what a wonderful day September 25, 2010 was for Jose and Sara’s wedding day!!

The day began in the ever so encrusted dahlia gardens that were further embellished with many more flowers that were either hung on shepherd’s poles to line the ceremony’s aisle, small intricate vases that hung in the wind, and magnificently lining the wooden arbor. Guests were served Middle Eastern lemon juice and Veuve Clicquot before heading to the amazing Glendeven Inn where they were greeted with signature cocktails in the garden, fabulous appetizers, and local Sergei strung his guitar cascading Spanish melodies in the wind.The guests were invited for a spectacular meal in the courtyard that held hundreds of Moroccan lanterns strung throughout the trees and overhead. The dinner was prepared by Brian and Shennen Morris and their ever so kind and professional staff. Dancing topped off the night in the contemporary wine bar lightly lit in amber orange to set a hip, lounge feeling. Fun was had by all!!!

What a fun wedding for the amazing Mendocino Floral Design. Not often do you get to embellish the dahlia saturated gardens with so many more blooms. Great job!

Photos: Cassandra Young Photography
Food: Morris Catering
Floral: Mendocino Floral Design
Cake: Melinda Ellis cakes
DJ: Modern Music Sound
Ceremony music: Sergei Bassehes
Make up: Mendocino Beauty
Hair: Kali at unforgettable
Equipment: Wine Country Party
Lighting: Matt Rowland Events

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Happy day!!

Sonya — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 18:14:50 +0000

Grow old with me! The best is yet to be. ~Robert Brown

Today is such an exciting day for many couples to either take the time to enjoy a savory dinner together, go on a stroll through the meadows, or even propose to be married for a lifetime. Oh… so exciting for us all!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Mendocino is such a beautiful back drop for a wedding!

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Toes in the sand!

Sonya — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 01:42:01 +0000

This was such a great wedding. Phil and Brianna were truly the description of total sweetness!

Brianna had a vision of her toes in the sand on the Mendocino Coast and a rustic, elegant, romantic reception following and that is exactly what she got. The wedding was on the beach and the reception was walking distance in an old rustic wooden lodge. With her spring green color palette, hundreds of candles, and all of the little details that they had posing against the old grain wood made this wedding so Mendocino. Phil and Brianna were such a treat and Phil we all loved the fedora hat!

They also were the couple that won our wedding giveaway in the spring which included an amazing private dinner at the Cliff House located at the Botanical Gardens.

Food: Mendo Bistro
Floral: LR Farm
Photo: Amanda Archer
Cake & cupcakes: Sharon Garner

DJ: Modern music sound

Ceremony music: Joel Andrews harp

Equipment: Matt Rowland Events

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Shaadi Mubarak ho aur dher sari badhaiyan

Sonya — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 02:56:14 +0000

”Shaadi Mubarak ho aur dher sari badhaiyan” means Happy wedding to you and lots of happiness!

Albert & Sonia: Sunday August 1 2010. Albion California.

I am in love with this Hindu wedding and the people that I met along the way!!!
Sonia and Albie were the most amazing couple. Both recent graduates with their masters at Stanford University the month prior, having a wedding in Mendocino on August 1, and moving all of their guests that had traveled from India, New Zealand and every place in between to Chicago for a second wedding on August 7 was only the beginning of this enriched couple.Every detail was amazing and to this day the mandap that the ceremony took place is the most beautiful structure that I have ever seen. I had the privilege to assist the officiate during the ceremony that lasted many hours atop this gorgeous platform and it is a memory that I will keep dear to my heart forever. From the fruit, nuts, herbs, milk, honey, yogurt and fire that all symbolize the true value of marriage, purity, fruitation, and sweetness!

Words from the couple: Sonya Houston is the best wedding planner we could imagine. We actually held events in Mendocino and Chicago, so we got to compare two different wedding planners. That made us realize how lucky we were to find Sonya in Mendocino.

Sonya seems to know everyone in the area. She showed us locations we would never have found by ourselves. She found creative solutions to every problem.

Through the entire process she was an absolute pleasure to work with, always listening to us, and going the extra mile. On the day, we didn’t have to worry about a thing. Everything exceeded our expectations.

Mendocino is a wonderful place to have a wedding, and Sonya Houston is a wonderful wedding planner.

Photos: Charlie Gesell
Floral: Mendocino Floral Design
Cake: Franny’s cup & Saucer
Food: Mendo Bistro
Equipment: Wine County Party
Lighting & Draping: Matt Rowland events
DJ: Aykut
Musician: Gene Parsons

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Oh….blog, blog, and more blogging!!!

Sonya — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 02:55:15 +0000

Ok… I must admit that I like to perform the tasks of planning, researching and executing all the tiny details that it takes to create each seamless event that we are part of at Mendocino weddings. When it is time to write about the wonderous day,savory foods,abundance in floral design,or whether it was elegant, whimsicle, or a vintage affair, I am really negligant at the upkeep, however I would like to weave the readers through what an amazing year that we have had for 2010!

My hope is to begin with a few part series of the weddings that we have done, adding some detail and description of the fun days that we will remember for a lifetime

Guy and Sarah: Saturday June 26 2010 . Booneville California

This was such an amazing wedding!
Their inspiration was to have an outdoor country fair at a vineyard. There were food stations throughout that ranged from an oyster bar, outdoor pizza oven, Paco’s taco, bbq with smoked ribs and traditional mac & cheese, cheese station, yes even a candy table for guests to have a sweet treat.

Local wines were served, and yes they even had a mechanical bull!

Guy and Sarah, as well as their families were such a pleasure to work with and fun was had by all!!!

Brides kind words: Sonya, you made it all happen. You are just amazing.

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Planning to Elope

jude — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 19:52:46 +0000

Couples who elope often do so because they want a small wedding. They want to keep things simple, intimate and trés romantique.

Mendocino Weddings offers a Small Weddings and Elopements package for weddings up to 20 people. We take care of all the organizational details for small weddings. You choose and reserve the B&B or Hotel, bring the marriage license, and we will do the rest. We offer many locations to choose from for the perfect ceremony.

A small earth-friendly wedding was the goal of this bride and groom. David and Lisa stayed at the Stanford Inn for the fabulous vegan fare. They chose a vegan cake from Melinda Ellis Cakes and

selected flowers grown locally by Susy Kitahara. The bride went to Mendocino Beauty where they offer all non-animal products; Amy Wall at MB is well-known for her natural Mendocino look.

They held their ceremony at The Overlook so that they could walk, forsaking motorized transporta

tion.

Mendocino is a great location for elopements all year ’round. In the winter there are cozy indoor settings in front of a fire, spring is delightful with gardens coming to life, summer vows on the

headlands or beach are idyllic and autumn on the coast is known for its exquisite weather.

Another couple eloped to the charming, little town of Elk on the coast south of Mendocino.

The vendors for this simple yet elegant wedding were: Cake by Jennifer Arana, flowers by Rosa at L&R Farms and photos by Cassandra Young Photography. The couple lodged and dined at the delightful Harbor House in Elk.

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