Weddings at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins

Created Space Studios, many thanks for this beautiful footage from Caleb and Jennifer's wedding! 

This Sacramento based Bride and her born and raised San Francisco Groom decided to host their traditional nuptials at St. Brendan’s church with a classic reception at the hotel back in October 2015. With an autumn inspired color palette of honey and ruby and florals constructed of all white roses, hydrangeas, and calla lilies their wedding was classic perfection. To cap off a special weekend the bride and groom stayed in the Mark Hopkins Suite that includes an enclosed glass terrace and balcony overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge.

Photos courtesy of: http://www.nightingalephotos.com/

Band: http://notoriousrocks.com/blog/

Chairs: http://www.standardpartyrentals.com/

Linens: https://www.nvlinens.com/

Florist: http://www.petalssf.com/

They met in Washington D.C., dated in New York, and settled in San Francisco. In true Big and Carrie fashion it took 10 years to make it down the altar but the wait will surely be worth it. To have friends become clients has been a blessing and a planners dream and I can’t wait for their July wedding which will be full of thoughtful details and surprises. 

Photos courtesy of: http://www.jbm.photo/

Thank you Ariel, Sam, (and little Juniper) for showcasing the InterContinental Mark Hopkins as one of your favorite venues for your clients weddings. Check out the video for some history, pictures, and how the hotel aims higher with flawless weddings and experiences.

The reason I insist on a sneak peak is for a moment like this! Thank you Jay Tsai Photography for this perfect shot! 

While gold and ivory are the most popular tones in Peacock Court, it’s not the only color palette for a wedding or special event. It’s amazing how lighting and some simple choices in chairs and linens can completely transform a room into a unique, slightly modern, and crisp space. This wedding was as refreshing as it was special, given the bride worked at the hotel at the time. You’ll find that many of the colleagues at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins have a fondness and sincere appreciation for the hotel, it’s history, service, and reputation.  We wish you a lifetime of happiness MJ and Dominic, thank you for allowing the hotel to be part of your special day!

Photography: http://pictilio.com/

Chairs: http://www.blueprintstudiocollection.com/index.php?page=home

DJ: http://www.verduccies.com/

Florist: http://www.posydesign.com/

Lighting: http://partner.psav.com/SANFRANCISCO#.ViKcdn6rSM8

You know you’re going to have amazing pictures when Clane Gessel is in the house….hotel rather. An energizer bunny of sorts, Clane can be in four different states in one week just for his clients. But don’t worry, he isn’t always that busy. He tries to dedicate himself to about sixteen weddings per year, with some wiggle room of course! Clane has made some fast friends in the wedding industry and has been featured in the Huffington Post, BRIDES, Borrowed and Blue, Style Me Pretty, and Ceremony Magazine. His work has won numerous awards and recognition and he is as humble as can be.  Have a peak at a few images from this wedding last weekend!

These sweethearts are getting married next week! 

As a mama to an ambitious toddler, wife, and full time wedding specialist for the best hotel in San Francisco (I can’t help it I love the Mark Hopkins) the stress and workload is non-stop in every category of life. No complaints, I wouldn’t have it any other way and I’m thankful to have some form of balance to maintain a thriving career and family all at once. While my husband is the backbone of my support, these must haves have given me the extra boost I need personally and professionally.  

Next Barre – Danville Studio

I started with Next Barre after receiving a Living Social deal which was a great way to get introduced to a new fitness plan and routine. I had no idea what to expect and was blown away by the intensity of the low impact sets and the direction and guidance from the instructors. I’m not a tire flipping, rope swinging, crawl in the mud kind of athlete but I do love a good challenging workout and this is it! Just when I think I have mastered a move, the instructors change it up so every class is a challenge and the results speak for themselves.

http://nextbarre.com/

 Rifle Paper Co.

A well-made and of course attractive planner is an essential item for any planner but also for the busy bride. Rifle Paper Co. is known for their stylish and functional planners printed in the USA and assembled by hand.

https://riflepaperco.com/shop/planners/

 Kevin Murphy – Fresh.Hair

I love this product so much I buy two at a time, one for at home and a travel size version to leave at the office. Fresh Hair helps remove excess oils and gives your hair the perfect refresh it needs in between washes.  

http://kevinmurphy.com.au/product/fresh-hair/

Alice Bow – Insoles

Kate Middleton uses these…need I say more? These hand crafted leather insoles are made in London and will make any high heel comfortable.  It’s an international purchase so buy at least two at a time, your feet will thank you whether it's your wedding day or a busy work day.

When it comes to wedding styles and trends some fade out quickly while others find a re-birth. Here are my favorite 3 wedding trend re-do’s that have found their way back to into the 21st century wedding.

Shower Bouquets

Stemming from the Victorian Era this type of floral bouquet included several ribbon streamers tied at the base and cascading down. I love the way this look can add texture, color, and a softer approach to the traditional tightly wrapped bouquet. Did you ever wonder why ladies rush to make a ceremony rehearsal bouquet from left over bridal shower ribbon? That’s a wrap!

Champagne Coupe Glasses

Did you know this glass was designed in England in 1663 specifically for champagne? It made a big splash in the United States in the 1930’s after the prohibition and is certainly starting to “bubble” up again. A befitting glass for the era of the Mark Hopkins, this might make an appearance at your wedding soon!

Moet & Chandon

Nicole and Rob’s wedding was an Italian family affair. As Bay Area natives choosing a wedding venue in San Francisco was a must on their list but it was also very important to their parents. One really great element the InterContinental Mark Hopkins hotel has that makes this hotel even more unique is that it’s multi-generational. Our couple’s parents have a history here, maybe even their parents too, and I have found this to be true for several couples of ours. Nicole and Rob incorporated their parents and siblings into all aspects of the planning from the first site, to the menu tasting with custom entrees, specialty wine selection, signature cocktails, and all of the detailing. When a Father of the Bride is looped into all of the emails, then you know you have to be on point! Robs sister even stepped in as their wedding planner given her experience with event planning in the corporate and non-profit sector. So with all hands on deck the Buono and Lembo families used their family resources to pull off one big, alluring, Italian feast of a wedding celebration, glow sticks and all!  

Photos courtesy of: http://seestheday.com/  

Floral Design: http://www.floretlafayette.com/contact-us/

Linens: http://nvlinens.com/

Top 5 reasons why this is my favorite wedding video of all time (and it just happens to be of a Mark Hopkins couple)

1. The drone used to get aerial shots of the hotel.

2. The dancing!

3. The bride hair twirling (you cannot miss it, it’s towards the end)

4. The bride and grooms sweet exit on the Cable Car

5. The soul train.

Thank you SRNDPTS for your amazing talents and making our couple so happy with your work. To see more of Dane’s talented videos check out his website!