I'm thrilled to have Stacy of Bel Vino Winery {located in Temecula California}, joining us today on the blog to take a look at five ways you can transform your winery wedding from the traditional wine themed wedding into something that fits you as a couple and is gorgeous and unique for your guests. I now turn the blog over to Stacy . . .

Whether set at an East-coast, Napa or Temecula winery, it seems as though every winery themed wedding provides a glamorous, yet rustic charm to each and every wedding. As we know, vineyard wedding locations can dramatically affect the style of wedding a bride selects but with many wineries and vineyard weddings looking similar, how do you make your winery wedding unique?

Idea Number 1: Think Outside the Box

Most winery weddings use corks, wine bottles and wine crates as part of their décor but lately it seems as though that is all vineyard weddings consist of. What if instead we created multi-level hors d'oeuvre styled centerpieces? Think outside the box with an assortment of cheese, crackers and grapes as table centerpieces. This would create an intimate, personalized and new way for wedding guests to enjoy cocktail hour food, socialize and enjoy the centerpieces at a whole new level.

The above photo showcases what we mean. But instead of cheeses, crackers and grapes, this fun table display used the centerpiece to share delicious sushi (but you get the idea). Photo courtesy of from My Favorite Flowers

Idea Number 2: Change the Venue

When I write to change the venue, I don’t mean to stray away from a winery but to look into other room options than the traditional tasting/barrel room or veranda deck overlooking the vines. What if instead, you had your wedding among the vines themselves? While it would be a more outdoorsy and casual setting, it would absolutely provide a change of scenery from a typical vineyard wedding and set your wedding apart as unique.

A Jonathan Edwards Winery wedding among the vines | photo by Robert Norman Photography

Idea Number 3: Go Monochromatic

While wine country weddings make us think of rich reds, deep purples and wood tones (which are always lovely), why not change things up with a monochromatic winery theme? Instead of reds, utilize the white wines with their rich champagne tones as inspiration. Crème/gold linens, ghost chairs (clear acrylic), gold plating and white flowers will add glamour, while the monochromatic style will be one-of-a-kind and stylish.

Idea Number 4: Think Industrial

Warehouse weddings with industrial tones are becoming more common for the modern bride so why not implement a love of wine and urban landscapes by requesting to have your wedding in the processing room? Most wineries have large stainless steel tanks, vaulted ceilings and industrial equipment in their processing room which would be made beautiful with the right selection of table linens, centerpieces and more. Plus, having a wedding here would definitely be different from any other winery/vineyard wedding we’ve ever seen before.

Fermentation Room of the Ventolera Winery in Chile | photo by Cristobal Palma

Metlock Ames tasting room

Idea Number 5: Make it More Than an Event

If you are considering an intimate wedding of less than 100 guests, why not make it more than an event with a tasting? Guests can celebrate your nuptials and learn about the proper way to drink wine, find their new favorite and truly have a great time. You’ll have an intimate time with those closest to you and your special day will be different than any other winery wedding anyone has ever been too. For a less expensive option that includes a high guest count, you could also utilize the large amount of space many vineyards have by having lawn games or other entertainment.

Rustic Chic Wine Tasting Wedding

Making Your Winery Wedding Distinctive

With so many winery weddings looking similar, you can make yours distinctive by thinking outside the box, changing the color scheme or thinking of wine as an industry. Would you add any of these ideas to your winery destination wedding? What are the ways you are or have made your wedding distinctive from other weddings which may be considered similar? Share your thoughts in the comments.

About the Author
Stacey Waldron loves to discuss weddings and is an expert on wine country weddings since she is the Internet Marketing Director for Bel Vino Winery located in Temecula California.

Did you know that today is National Lighthouse Day? To celebrate, I have some AMAZING photos from real weddings that took place at lighthouses. Plus, I have a fun cookbook that is a combination of national history with regional yumminess. If you've ever been in a lighthouse you know that the staircases are narrow and they spiral around. When you combine these stairs with a bride and groom, you get the most stunning wedding photos in both color and black and white.  

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The American Lighthouse Cookbook is a "culinary journey across America to visit our country's most beautiful and historic lighthouses". As you go through the book by region {Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast Atlantic, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, Gulf Coast, California and Hawaii, Northwest, and the Great Lakes} you will read about the history of 47 lighthouses and then you will find menus based on the local foods of the country's coasts {nearly 300 recipes total}. On my list of must makes: upside-down apple pandowdy {pg. 14}, cornmeal griddle cakes with maple syrup {pg. 27}, blueberry slump {pg. 37}, Maryland crab cakes {pg. 70}, and many others. Last night I had to try "my friend Cathy's easy peach cobbler" {pg. 106} - I of course had to convert it to use gluten free flour, but OH MY GOSH! This was delicious - definitely one of my top favorite desserts I've ever made. My daughter wanted to be sure there was enough left over for dessert tomorrow night - which there is :) This lighthouse historical/cookbook makes a wonderful gift for the couple that has a love of the beach {like myself and hubby}.

Note: this post contains affiliate links and while I did receive a copy of the featured cookbook, the views/thoughts shared above are completely my own.

I loved reading this and had to share it with you . . . "Chicago Marriott Naperville Chef Creates Buzz with New Wedding Cake". My daughter will also love to hear about this as she just finished learning all about bees in her kindergarten class. We even had a curiosity bee showcase to attend so we could see all the amazing "bee knowledge" the kids now have.

Pastry Chef Erica Tomei of the Chicago Marriott Naperville has unveiled her latest creation: the Signature House Honey Wedding Cake. The cake, which is available exclusively to couples planning their wedding at the Chicago Marriott Naperville, is the first wedding cake in Marriott’s worldwide hotel network to be created using honey from the Marriott’s rooftop bees.

This sounds sooooo delicious . . . The Signature House Honey Wedding Cake is made from honey cake soaked in the Marriott’s house honey syrup, filled with a creamy honey mousse and iced with vanilla buttercream. Each cake is custom designed to fit the style and ambiance of the wedding. Brides- and grooms-to-be will work with Chef Tomei to choose a design, sample the signature cake at their tasting session with the Marriott’s wedding coordinator, and can even visit the more than 60,000 rooftop bees.​

today's post is courtesy of Shindigz

Shindigz researched over 200 celebrity wedding and engagement announcements to find five, trendy locations creating buzz. These celebrity hot spots are also available to the public for parties and weddings. “Researching celebrity, wedding venues is insightful,” says Jacquie Downey, Director of Sales and Marketing at Shindigz.com, a leading, national source for event and wedding party supplies. “Celebrity planning teams find amazing, wedding and party places to decorate."

1. Necker Island – British Virgin Islands
The ultimate destination wedding resort, this 74-acre private island is Sir Richard Branson’s home and hideaway. Last year, this luxurious resort hosted Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo’s secluded wedding.  Necker Island accommodates up to 28 guests with larger wedding parties support by working with neighboring islands.

2. Kunde Family Estate – Kenwood, CA
This 100+ year old, 5th generation family estate is known for its wine and hosting memorable weddings. Mountain top views, stone ruins and wine aging caves carved into volcanic lava flows are among the choices for the ceremony and reception. Actor Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller married at the winery in October.

3. Sowden House – Los Angeles, CA
Designed by Lloyd Wright, son of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, the historic home pays homage to Mayan culture and reflects the elements of nature.  It was featured in Scorsese’s film “Aviator” and was the setting for former “Dexter” star Julie Benz’s marriage to marketing executive, Rich Orosco last Cinco de Mayo.

4. Arlington Hall at Lee Park – Dallas, TX
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo and former Miss Missouri Candice Crawford chose stately Arlington Hall at Lee Park for their nuptials. Recently renovated, the hall and park make a peaceful setting nestled in Dallas’ historic Uptown area. Many call the site the front lawn of Dallas because of the majestic trees and beautiful lawns.

5. Front Porch Farms – Ashland City, TN
Country music insiders know this antebellum-style estate located west of Nashville.  It’s fitting that Lady Antebellum’s Dave Haywood wed Kelli Cashiola amid the picturesque countryside. Couple it with Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton's engagement party that was held here and Front Porch Farms is the place to ride your county-themed wedding!

About Shindigz
Since 1926, Shindigz has “made life more fun” for 22 million events through the manufacture and sale of personalized party supplies.  Shindigz ships products from its facilities in South Whitley, Indiana across the United States and around the world to 59 countries.  With more than 34,000 products, it provides customers with a complete party solution. For more information about Shindigz, visit http://www.shindigz.com. 

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

I was recently invited to attend a fun event in NYC at the Trump SoHo New York for bridal bloggers and editors. We were able to experience Trump SoHo as a bride-to-be including everything from an overnight stay to primping to partying. It was an experience I will truly remember and I thank Dana, Nubia, Nicole and the entire staff at Trump SoHo for an amazing stay. Today I'll be sharing with you lots of photos that I took with my iPhone as well as all the details on the hotel {which is truly breathtaking}.

Before an amazing dinner, we were treated to a spa suite party experience with mini treatments including make-up and hair while enjoying yummy snacks and drinks. In the Spa Suite collection there are 3 luxury suites that offer the ultimate pampering experience. Two of the suites feature private treatment rooms, and one includes a private sauna for two. All suites feature bathrooms with 32-inch deep Jacuzzi tubs, hydrotherapy jets in oversized showers, a stocked mini bar with healthy snack options, an in-room yoga mat, and a private entrance to the 11,000-sq-ft spa. This is perfect for the bride and her bridesmaids as they get ready for the wedding or are having a fun girl weekend getaway.

After getting beautified, we were able to get into the Rent the Runway dresses we selected. Since my baby bump was a bit bigger than I thought, my back-up size dress still didn't quite fit. But, I came prepared and brought my own black dress along for the event. We all then went to dinner 46 stories above New York's majestic skyline in the glass-enclosed SoHi that overlooks the Hudson River. Words cannot even describe the views from this venue space {and the stunning ceiling treatment that can be color changed - see above photo}. And, being there to see the sunset was absolutely gorgeous. This is the perfect place for a reception that can accommodates up to 80 people for intimate weddings or 150 for receptions. It's also an ideal location for cocktails to be served before heading into one of the other event spaces for your reception or even the after wedding party. Trump SoHo NY boasts more than 12,000-sq-ft of elegant event space. All events are planned with the assistance of the special events team and in addition to SoHi, the other venues include the 3,894-sq-ft SoHo Ballroom, the 2,224-sq-ft Hudson Square, and the 1,026-sq-ft covered Spring Terrace.

And, while we enjoyed an amazing dinner, cocktails {mocktails for me} and yummy mini desserts - we were able to make our own wedding bouquet with the help of Flowers of the World. Here's the creation I came up with - I call it my shabby chic bouquet :)

After the dinner we were able to enjoy a night stay in a luxury deluxe guestroom. Each of these guestrooms feature Fendi Casa furniture and floor-to-ceiling windows. The next morning we enjoyed a lovely breakfast spread in a penthouse suite and as were were led up the suite, we received a tour of a few other suites that are available. What AMAZING views!!!!!

I hope to one day return to Trump SoHo New York - and if you are looking for the perfect wedding location for your wedding, do consider Trump SoHo. Not only, will the event team take care of everything for you, but the entire staff at Trump SoHo New York is super nice and always ready to help in anyway they can if needed.