Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Tanin Blumberg!
Hello all! Jo here, one last time!
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wedding photos
Wow! I can't believe that Jaclyn and Tanin's wedding is already over! It was such a perfect celebration.
Jaclyn was a radiant modern day Cinderella in her Cymbeline of Paris gown as she walked down the aisle towards her groom, who teared up when he saw his gorgeous bride. The couple exchanged vows in the picturesque backdrop of Stryker Sonoma. Their beautiful wedding bands from Shukra sparkled against the setting sun. The moment Tanin was given permission to kiss his bride, the party was under full swing!
During cocktail hour, guests sipped mint-iced teas, wine, and soju martinis. They noshed on fine cheeses and delicious bite sized appetizers such as truffled macaroni and cheese "pearls", miniature lamb burgers, ahi tuna rolls, and butternut squash and apple bisques. Everyone mingled and chatted excitedly amidst a cocktail area decorated with the elements I brought in from Crate and Barrel. I mixed beautiful home accents such as the chic Meryl Floor Lamp, gorgeous Zarha vases filled with Jaclyn's favorite flowers, and family photos in Galleria frames, with a few vintage finds at my favorite flea market to create an ambience that looked like an extension of the couple's home. Classic Party Rentals and Designer 8 helped me create a cocktail lounge that was stylish and intimate.
For dinner, guests sat at long tables lined with romantic candles and elegant floral arrangements by Julie Stevens Designs. Pippa vases from Crate and Barrel, as well as quill vases and violet bud vases housed the flowers and Bellamy Carafes housed the wine. Mini Salts Pigs were used in place of conventional salt and pepper shakers, and pixie tealights added both style and candlelight. Paula LeDuc Fine Catering served a delicious organic heirloom tomato and buratta salad followed by hanger steak and farmers market greens. Guests were surprised at the end of dinner with an invitation to join the newlyweds downstairs for their first dance. Stryker Sonoma's barrel room was revealed, treating guests to a dance lounge, desserts, drinks, and late night snacks of petit croque monsieurs.
Renowned cake artist Sam Godfrey from Perfect Endings designed a spectacular four-tiered wedding cake with wood grain accents. It was topped with a handmade oversized aubergine tinged sugar peony. Scrumptious slices of chocolate, red velvet, and vanilla cake were passed, wowing the guests even further! Jaclyn and Tanin were overjoyed to be surrounded by all the people who love and support them, and the celebrations continued well into the wee hours with DJ Solomon spinning the couple's favorite tunes.
It was an honor to bring Jaclyn and Tanin's fairytale to life and designing with beautiful home accents Crate and Barrel provided at my disposal was the icing on the cake. I am also grateful to all the wonderful people who helped me make this celebration such a success:
To Stryker Sonoma – Thank you Sadie, Jen, and Tim for embracing our vision and allowing us to add to the splendor of your vineyard. And who could forget your delicious wine!
To Susan at Papel Press - once the invitations mailed, the compliments never stopped, and the surrounding wedding day stationery was simply perfect. Thank you!
To Paula LeDuc Fine Catering – You are better than your impeccable reputation if that is possible. The food was beyond delicious and your staff and their service was flawless.
To Julie Stevens Design – You were such a pleasure to work with and your floral designs were exactly the creations we imagined. You are a visionary!
To Deirdre and Julie at Classic Party Rentals - thank you for all your hard work, your attention to detail and for your beautiful smiles at the end of a very long day.
To Amy & Stuart – Thank you for capturing all the magic. Your photographs are divine and will forever remind the couple just how beautiful their special day was! You are the best!
To Paper Tape Films – I had goosebumps watching your wedding footage. It was romantic, sweet, classic, and just brilliant! The perfect way for any couple to preserve and relive their best memories.
To Bella Bridesmaids - Thank you for making Jaclyn's maids look gorgeous.... your cocktail dresses were the perfect shade, flattering and fun.
To Nouvelle Vogue – Jaclyn looked like an absolutely stunning bride in her Cymbeline dress. The soft ruffles and romantic flow was a perfect compliment to the beautiful scenery and Jaclyn's beautiful personality.
To Perfect Endings – Thank you for creating the most spectacular cake. You are a master architect of divine sweetness!
To Gunjan at Shukra – The couple's bands are stunning, just like the rest of your jewelry. Their sparkle and strength will be a reminder to Jaclyn and Tanin of their commitment, friendship, and love.
I had such an amazing time with Jaclyn and Tanin and will sincerely miss them! Their love is inspiring and I wish them a life filled with love, luck and angels!
Until next time,
Jo
Just around the corner!
Hello! Jo here again!
With the wedding right around the corner, Jaclyn, Tanin, and I can all feel the buzz of excitement! I cannot wait to watch this fairytale come to life.
I have been having so much fun combining Jaclyn and Tanin's wish for a wedding that has a modern sensibility with a vintage twist. I love clean lines and simplicity, but the history we are adding within the decor adds a lovely personal touch. I will be selecting my favorite pieces from Crate and Barrel and mixing them with the treasures I have collected from flea markets; old books, cameras, globes, and chessboards, adding a sense of history and nuance. These keepsakes are a little something extra for Jaclyn and Tanin to use in their home as constant reminders of their special day!
The ceremony will embrace the natural beauty of the Stryker Winery and its surroundings. With the lush vineyards as a backdrop, Jaclyn will walk down a traditional aisle lined with hydrangea and lavender, and scented with fresh mint leaves. We wanted the flowers to feel like they were collected from an English garden, fresh and fragrant but not too manicured. Using a mix of earthy blooms in whites and greens with hints of wildflowers, lavender, and punches of deep purple, Julie at Julie Stevens Design will create the bouquets and fill Crate and Barrel vases with gorgeous arrangements, all adding to the splendor of the evening. Julie has designed flowers that will perfectly compliment the vineyard’s natural beauty and stay true to Jaclyn and Tanin's style. Working with her has been such a treat!
Guests of the happy couple will enjoy cocktails hosted in an outdoor lounge that I have designed using home accents from Crate and Barrel. Throw pillows on crisp white couches and floor lamps will provide that homey feel, like an extension of Jaclyn and Tanin’s living room, only grander! Clusters of candles will also be illuminating the evening along with strands of bistro lights and the stars overhead. Paula LeDuc Fine Cateringhas selected the finest cheeses for a decadent wine and cheese tasting during the cocktail hour, where there will also be tray passed hors d'œuvres designed as a tribute to Jaclyn and Tanin's favorite nostalgic foods. At our tasting, the head chef of Paula LeDuc wowed us with a feast of amazing dinner selections inspired by local, organic produce. In keeping with the comfortable feel of the evening, Jaclyn and Tanin wanted the desserts to be old school - think milk and cookies! And at the end of the evening, all guests will be treated to a delectable midnight snack of bite-size pockets of croque monsieurs. The final menu is a reflection of the happy couple: stylish, creative, and sweet!
The countdown is on! Jaclyn and Tanin are such an amazing couple and I cannot wait to see them share their love and celebrate with their family and friends. Till next time!
Wishing you Love, Luck, and Angels,
Jo Gartin
Two months to go!
Hello again!
I am excited to bring you the updates on the 'Ultimate Wedding' I'm planning for Jaclyn and Tanin. So much has happened in the past month, so let's get right into it!
Inspired by Stryker Winery's unique architecture and natural surroundings, Jaclyn and Tanin chose an elegant yet earthy feel for their wedding sprinkled with a mix of both modern and vintage touches. We designed a collage of images for inspiration, sometimes referred to as a mood board. The color palette incorporates shades of aubergine, splashes of pale pinks, platinum grey, and wood grains. There are old school decor accents, organic cuisine, clean lines and a definite feeling of fun. The perfect combinations for this very stylish couple!
With the theme and the colors of the wedding set, it was onto invitations. We chose Papel Paper and Press to help send out the exciting news to friends and family. Letterpress expert and founder, Susan at Papel custom designed a collection of letterpress stationery using our color palette and combining vintage icons with modern design. To tie in the earthy elements the invitation will be hand-mounted to a sheet of wood grain and wrapped with twine.
Amy & Stuart Photography were my first choice for Jaclyn and Tanin's wedding. They will fall in love with Stryker. It's a photographer's playground! Using film and digital media, this California-based husband and wife team effortlessly capture every magical moment. In keeping with the vintage twists, we hired Super 8mm film experts, Paper Tape Films to document this fairytale. Unlike conventional filmographers, 
Paper Tape Films captures each wedding on wonderful antique 8mm cameras where the signature graininess gives that nostalgic wonder.
Like most radiant brides-to-be, Jaclyn was thrilled to go dress shopping! The moment we walked into the charming Nouvelle Vogue Bridal Boutique in San Mateo, we knew Jaclyn was going to find her dress. With their impeccable taste and personalized service, boutique owners, Chantal and Saida, Jaclyn slipped into a romantic ivory gown with a chapel train by Cymbeline of Paris. The strapless bodice is covered with delicate French lace and the ruffled organza layers fit Jaclyn like a glove. I know most people watch the bride when she walks down the aisle, but I love to watch the groom. I am quite sure Jaclyn will take Tanin's breath away as she processes!
Of course, we couldn't forget Jaclyn's bridesmaids. To ensure we got the perfect dresses to compliment the theme, we arrived at Bella Bridesmaid in San Francisco.
Specializing in chic and wearable bridesmaid dresses and accessories, Bella Bridesmaid is an appointment-only boutique that ensures a personalized and intimate experience. After looking at the wide selection of dresses, Jaclyn
chose a Melissa Sweet charcoal organza dress with delicate flower detail. Also from Bella Bridesmaid came the finishing touches; M Flynn bubble earrings in sterling silver and adorable matching silver cream Nelle tuxedo inspired clutches. This is going to be quite the stylish bridal party!
So the planning is well under way and everyone involved is so excited to be a part of this amazing experience. I can't wait to continue on this beautiful journey with Jaclyn and Tanin — they are both such a pleasure. Stay tuned!
Sending you love, luck and angels,
Jo
Let's Get This Party Started!
Welcome!
First, I'd like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all the entrants of The Crate and Barrel Ultimate Wedding Contest for sharing your love stories with us. It has been a pleasure to be part of this amazing community!
And now, I am delighted to embark on this unforgettable journey with Grand Prize Winners Jaclyn and Tanin, designing a wedding celebration filled with fairytale moments they can cherish forever. Follow me here for ongoing updates throughout the planning process. From stationary to tabletops, I am excited to share with you my inside tips and savvy secrets that will bring Jaclyn and Tanin's wedding to life.
Each of my events begins with an overall vision. While this can stem from a variety of influences, the location often dominates. In their contest entry, Jaclyn and Tanin imagined their Ultimate Wedding as a celebration of love staged amidst the vines of Wine Country. With its panoramic views overlooking picturesque Alexander Valley, the Stryker Sonoma Winery is the ideal venue for their October nuptials. Stryker's stunning and unique architecture will be the perfect backdrop for the contemporary yet earthy touches Jaclyn and Tanin envisage at their celebration.
I hope to shower you with inspiration and smiles in the coming weeks as I bring Jaclyn and Tanin's fairytale wedding to life...
Wishing you Love, Luck, and Angels
Jo