Another thing that was important to us was to have our family and friends close together for the weekend and not spread out and driving all over Los Angeles. We wanted everyone to be able to walk to restaurants, shops, the beach, a wine bar perhaps.. and San Clemente is about the cutest little town for this. Tim and I love California so much, and this will be the perfect place to woo our guests.

Stay tuned for more updates on our wedding, including our engagement photo post soon!

{top and bottom photo by Studio 7 Wedding Photography, second to last photo by Lin and Jirsa}

Let’s talk New York: From dive bars to karaoke joints, to chichi rooftop lounges, there’s nothing you can’t find in this city. A classy affair with afternoon tea and cocktails at Bemelmans is sweet – or, for something more affordable, but still sophisticated go for manis and martinis at Beauty Bar.

Where to Stay: Thompson Hotel’s 6 Columbus brings a bit of downtown cool to Columbus Circle. Think shag pile rugs, Eero Saarinen furniture and sexy prints by Vogue photographer, Guy Bourdin. Stay on the premises for sashimi and sake at Blue Ribbon Sushi – or head to the indoor/outdoor bar for scotch (there are more than a dozen to choose from) with a view.

Let’s talk Arizona, (Scottsdale to be exact): Scottsdale is known for its posh resorts, sybaritic spas and world-class golf — not to mention spectacular hiking, giant saguaros and Frank Lloyd Wright. During sauna-like summer season (June through September), stick to indoor pastimes – art galleries, John Wayne-like taverns, pampering massages – but during peak season, grab your mates and make the trek to the top of Camelback Mountain.

Where to Stay: The southwestern-themed Hermosa Inn sits on six acres and has gorgeous gardens and views of Camelback Mountains. Most of its 32 casitas are outfitted with freestanding pedestal tubs (for leisurely post-hike soaks).

Let’s talk Napa: It’s hard to argue with this hotbed of chardonnays and merlots. In addition to world-class wineries, Napa has a thriving food scene, not to mention those vine-covered landscapes. Intersperse wine tastings (don’t miss Hess, which has a contemporary art museum and excellent cabs) and locally sourced meals with a bike tour and downward dog sessions at Ubuntu.

Where to Stay: The contemporary-chic Bardessono’s best asset may be its location in downtown Yountville (where Thomas Keller has three restaurants, including Bouchon, a must for morning lattes and chocolate croissants). The eco-friendly hotel also has a supply of carbon fiber bikes (complimentary), a rooftop pool and easy access to wineries (a few within stumbling distance).

If you want to hear about more locations, or need help with your planning, Jetsetter’s Experts are standing by to put together the ultimate getaway!

One of the running themes throughout the decor and design: the idea of a childhood crush that turned into true love and eventually marriage.

Each of the candle sticks were found at vintage shops and painted to match the color scheme.

For the reception table, we found a beautiful grey lace runner and incorporated a Victorian cameo into the centerpiece. We built the planter box and painted it grey. We loved using navy velvet to create a luxurious, romantic feel to the table. We found a lace overlay that we cut to make lace napkins and used beautiful, vintage plates and chargers, chairs and silverware. We spray painted pine cones in various tones, from light glitter to grey to invoke the wintery landscape that was just outside the doors of the lodge.

Planning a Colorado wedding? See this venue? Gorgeous!

Photography: Trulife Photography / Design: Revel & Bloom / Florist: Bare Root Flora / Venue: Spruce Mountain / Invitation design: The Paper Guppy / Videography: Elevation Events / Bride’s dress: Colorado Bridal Collections / Cake: Kelley Kakes / Linens: Splendor For Your Guests / Vintage rentals: A Vintage Affair Rentals / Makeup: MakeupByJanine / Groom’s attire: Denver Tux

The dining area was layered with vintage rugs from Casa de Perrin near a rustic sun bleached table and a soft vanilla hued velvet couch and love seat from Archive Vintage Rentals.

For a tall dramatic statement a taller amber vase boasted simple organic stems of tall camellia branches, with their waxy foliage in hunter green.

Contrasting patterns of china and Florentine trays by Casa de Perrin were used to display vintage silverware, fresh loaves of bread and rich raspberry hued pomegranates. Inspired by a Renaissance still life, Isari Flower Studio created a trio of contrasting centerpieces featured in ethereal golden-footed glass.

For a Renaissance style dessert bar, home-style cakes and fruit tarts by Scootabaker were featured alongside buttercream cakes on silver cake plates and layered upon mirrored trays atop a vintage French table. Beautiful berries, pomegranates, pears and plums were scattered about to sweeten up this already scrumptious still life inspired presentation.

Why Alchemy Events & Invitations chose the a Renaissance theme:

Nothing exudes romance to me more than the ethereal age of the Renaissance. From it’s flowering of literature, science, art, religion and politics, this golden era flourished from every angle. Combining my passion for art, fashion, history and, of course, Italy, this age became proliferate with some of the greatest minds in our history. Starting in the 14th century in Florence, Tuscany, the Renaissance age boasted incredible works of art by Michelangelo, Donatello, Botticelli, da Vinci and great thinkers such as Dante. With inspirations from this indelible age, the 4th installment of our Art History for Brides series was born.

Event Design & Styling: Alchemy Fine Events & Invitations / Invitation Design: Alchemy Fine Events & Invitations / Photography: Luna Photo / Flowers: Isari Flower Studio / Tableware settings & Props: Casa De Perrin / Furniture & Props: Vintage Archive Rentals /Cake & Pastries: Scootabaker Bakery / Bridal Gowns: Allyson Simone of Allyson Simone Brides / Jewelry: Allyson Simone of Allyson Simone Brides / Venue: Orfila Winery / make-up: Brides by Brittany

It has the old world charm of a European inn right in the center of Seattle. And it’s rustic down to the cracks in the walls and vine-covered brick, but has a lovely elegance when gussied up with beautiful flowers by McKenzie Powell and candles and beautiful people getting married.

Rusty gates and beautiful little cabbages growing in the garden = two thumbs up if you ask us.

The ceremony spot might be a tad urban for some folks, but we love the little garden and the big fig tree. It’s all about the couple getting married here, which makes it really special in it’s own way.

Then there’s the especially charming courtyard where dinner is served. It’s just so deliciously intimate and backyard-feeling.

And then comes the food. The food seems like it would be worth a trip to Seattle, frankly. They bake bread in an outdoor oven, people. And that’s just the start.

Ready?

Does it not look divine? Definitely the picture of how we’d like to eat every day. We’ll take family style, organic, seasonal, blah blah blah, over a formal dinner any time.

You can see Amy and Jeri’s entire wedding on Michele’s blog, (including more of McKenzie Powell‘s beautiful work) and you can contact The Corson Building through their site to book your event. And then, PLEASE send photos. Pls. We’ve also heard a wee rumor that they’re planning to open up their farm on Vashon Island for events in the coming season. Now THAT would be something to see.

The Corson Building
5609 Corson Avenue South
Seattle, WA 98108
206-762-3330