Tri-Valley wedding planners and florist work together to make your wedding vision a reality.

Home to more than 100 beautiful venues including wineries, estates, churches, museums, hotels and country clubs, Tri-Valley is an ideal location to plan a wedding year-round. Whether you’re just beginning to plan your dream wedding or finalizing the details, the Tri-Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau has tools to make the process stress-free and easy.

The Tri-Valley CVB offers brides complimentary planning assistance that will make your planning process simple. Our expert wedding sales coordinator can assist you with the following services:

• Hotel Room Assistance for Guests- You will receive proposals with rates and availability from area hotels based on your desired amenities and needs.
• Welcome Services- The Tri-Valley Visitor Guide will give your guests information about events and attractions in the area they will need to make the most of your wedding weekend.
• Rehearsal Dinner Planning- With access to all the private banquet facilities in the area, our wedding sales coordinator can help you plan the perfect rehearsal dinner. Whether you want a casual, fun event or an elegant affair, we’ll help you find the perfect fit.
• Wedding Weekend Activities- To help your guests enjoy a full weekend of fun in the Tri-Valley, our team can help organize private wine tours, spa days and golf tournaments for groups of 10 or more.

Martinelli Event Center is just one of the more than 100 venues in Tri-Valley.

To get in touch with our Wedding Planning Coordinator, e-mail sales@trivalleycvb.com or fill out a simple RFP on the website.

Our new Wedding Planning Guide is a comprehensive list of hotels, venues and vendors in the Tri-Valley. The guide is available for download online.

Our wedding gift to you…

Take advantage of our complimentary services and book 10 or more guest room nights with the help of our wedding sales coordinator during your wedding weekend and receive a $200 American Express gift card. This offer only applies to new room bookings and must be actualized by October 30, 2011.

Honeysuckle was named the wedding color of 2011.

With the holidays over and 2010 now a memory, brides-to-be are looking ahead to what’s hot and new for 2011 wedding trends. From the ceremony to reception to décor and entertainment, there are many ways to personalize these trends to fit your wedding.

Murrieta's Well is just one of many beautiful outdoor venues in Tri-Valley.

Outdoor ceremony and reception venues are a big trend of the new year. Tri-Valley is home to a number of beautiful winery venues with views of the sprawling vineyards and rolling hills. Just a few examples include Murrieta’s Well, Garre Winery, Concannon Vineyard and Wente Vineyards.

Selecting wedding colors is often a first step in deciding a decorative theme. Honeysuckle has been named the wedding color of 2011. The vibrant hue is eye-catching and is a great choice for couples looking to make a bold statement with décor elements.

The popularity of food trucks has even hit the wedding day! This is a perfect option for the cocktail hour.

Catering and food options are evolving in 2011, as well. Trends in wedding dining mirror everyday culinary trends. Think small bites and food trucks! Tapas-style and buffets are hot this year, allowing for a more casual and informal affair. If you’re planning a very relaxed event, consider a trendy food truck.

Vintage elements like passed down family jewelry, photo booths, favors from classic brands and relaxed poses for photography create a romantic nostalgic vibe will give your wedding a timeless style.

Whatever your theme, colors or creative elements, the most important thing is to make it unique and make it your own. All the 2011 trends can be adapted to fit your style and budget. If you’re ready to get started, be sure to look into our complimentary planning assistance.

This opulent five-tier cake is a graphic interpretation of damask; it plays up the pattern, which is traditionally tone-on-tone.

It seems like every television network has a cooking show right now and being a foodie is hotter than ever! An observant bride can even use these shows to help to find wedding inspiration.

A recent episode of  “Top Chef: Just Desserts”  put the contestants to the test with a wedding cake challenge. Renowned cake designer Sylvia Weinstock , who has been making celebratory cakes for more than 30 years, served as a guest judge for the competition.

The cake guru, who has created more than 500 cakes in her career, shares her expert advice to consider when selecting your own wedding cake:

• Visit reputable bakers and sample their cakes.
• If your special day falls in the winter or is a dinner celebration, a richer cake may be more satisfying. Try chocolate or hazelnut.
• If your wedding is a daytime event in warmer weather, serve a lighter cake, such as lemon-curd cream with fresh raspberries.
• Variety is the key. The wedding couple can opt to make each layer a different flavor. This will benefit your guests who are picky eaters.
  

  Cupcakes are a fun, whimsical choice for wedding desserts that can be creatively displayed.

The cake is a key tradition in weddings, but that doesn’t mean it has to be conventional. Several emerging trends provide a unique, updated spin on the classic.

• Cupcakes are a great, fun option that can be creatively displayed. Cupcakes can be less expensive than a traditional cake and are easier to select a variety of flavors.
• Cake pops are light, bite-size treats inspired by lollipops that will make a modern wedding fun and memorable. Fun flavors and decorative elements make these treats special.
• Make it memorable by nixing the cake and serving your favorite dessert . Think cheesecake, pies, truffles, meringues, tarts or profiteroles.
  

  Cake pops are inspired by a nostalgic favorite, the lollipop. But these treats and the fun embellishments are all modern.

Whatever option you choose, picking the perfect bakery or pastry chef to create your wedding day dessert is important. We have several great options right here in the Tri-Valley . Bibiane Bakery , Noland’s Cakes, and Primrose Bakery all specialize in delectable and creative wedding cakes and desserts.

If you’re planning a wedding and would like complimentary assistance finding the perfect venue and vendors, contact the Tri-Valley CVB at 925.846.8910 or sales@trivalleycvb.com.

Evening Weddings at Wente Vineyards are always a bride's favorite.

The top area wedding venues, vendors and planners take center stage at the Livermore Valley Wine Country Wedding Faire from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 12, 2010 at the Bankhead Theater. Tickets are available online now for $8 or at the door for $10.

Livermore Downtown Inc. presents the event that includes an intimate group of local wedding experts who can help you plan your wedding in one stop, in one day.

Palm Event Center is just one of the fabulous Livermore wine country wedding venues represented at this weekend's Wedding Faire.

Discover the hottest new wedding trends and unique ideas with some of the most sought after wedding professionals in the area. Sample wedding cake and local wine as you browse through and meet new contacts that will make your planning process stress-free and seamless.

Dozens of businesses will be on hand to help you plan the Livermore wine country wedding you’ve always dreamed of. Several beautiful venues including Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery, Concannon Vineyard, Crooked Vine and Stony Ridge and Wente Vineyards will give you a taste of just how affordable and beautiful a Livermore wine country wedding can be.

A sophisticated table arrangement. Photo courtesy of Tyler Vu Photography.

Whether you’re just beginning to plan your wedding or are in the process of working out the last few details, be sure to check out the Modern Luxury Bridal Event on Saturday, August 15, 2010 at the Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco.

More than 3,000 brides are expected to attend the event filled with decadent hors d’oeuvres and gourmet tastings from renowned chefs, champagne and martini bars, the glamour of the Vera Wang and Monique Lhuiller High Fashion Runway Show and magnificent exhibits.

A dramatic table display. Photo courtesy of Tyler Vu Photography.

While you’re there, stop by the Tri-Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau booth and discover all that the area has to offer for your wedding. Whether you’re planning a event for 30 or 300, the Tri-Valley has beautiful venues and creative vendors to help your visions become a romantic reality.

Be sure to ask about our exclusive offer for Modern Luxury Bridal Event attendees. When you book 10 rooms for your wedding using our complimentary wedding planning assistance, you’ll receive a $200 gift card.

Tickets are still available for the Modern Luxury Bridal Event and can be purchased online or at the door. If you choose to buy your tickets at the door, be sure to print your coupon for discount tickets.

A striking bridal bouquet from Delford West Flowers

Incorporate flowers that are in season and available locally. This will cut down on additional fees from florists having to source blooms from other locations. The Petal Pusher, a Pleasanton-based European-style florist has a blog that lets customers know what’s in currently in the store.

Choose wisely when deciding how many arrangements to have and where they will be positioned. Get the most effective use of your flower purchase by placing flowers in focal areas that people will see throughout the ceremony. Centerpieces and bouquets are more essential, where flowers decorating the end of a pew may not be noticed.  Twigs & Ivy has great examples of flower arrangements that make a statement.

Schedule a consultation with your prospective florist. During this meeting you can discuss your budget, favorite flowers and colors. You’ll be able to look through the florist’s portfolio for inspiration and get your questions answered by the experts. Many florists, like the Flower House in Livermore have galleries from their previous events.

A unique arrangement utilizing fresh sliced lemons and limes offers a distinctive, affordable touch.

Florists are often knowledgeable about other wedding vendors in the area. Delford West Flowers not only provides custom flower arrangements for the big day, they also have a directory of other local vendors that specialize in everything from catering to attire to accommodations.

Your floral expense can also be reduced by choosing to have an  outdoor ceremony or reception at a venue with planted flowers when the plants are in bloom.

For a full list of florists and other wedding vendors in Tri-Valley, visit www.trivalleycvb.com or contact Wedding Sales Coordinator, Stacey Roth at Stacey@trivalleycvb.com.

Shade makes for a pleasant afternoon wedding at Murrieta's Well in Livermore.

The Tri-Valley can be very warm during the summer, with peak temperatures often flirting with the century mark. Fortunately, there are several things a bride can do to limit the heat’s affect on the big day.

Outdoor weddings are a favorite among many brides and grooms. Pick an outdoor venue that will have shade during the time of your ceremony.

Looking your best in the heat of summer can be a challenge. Consider weather when choosing your hairstyle. The Tri-Valley is typically hot and dry during the summer. Consider applying a leave-in conditioner the week before your big date to make your hair shiny and healthy and consider wearing your hair up.

Apply layers of light makeup for a radiant look.

For the perfect complexion in photos, apply light amounts of makeup in layers. Avoid heavy, thick foundation that will increase the appearance of shine.

Remember your guests will experience the heat, too. Recommend they wear lighter clothing and make sure to have plentiful beverages on hand throughout the event to stay hydrated.

There are many ways to get some relief from the heat without it putting a damper on the day. Many Tri-Valley venues allow weddings to be held in the morning or early evening to avoid the hottest part of the day. To find out more about some of the beautiful wedding venues in the Tri-Valley, check out the Tri-Valley CVB website.

With some advanced planning you will stay cool, look flawless and have a great time with your family and friends.

Fun for all ages at the Robert Livermore Community Center

Many venues embrace children at weddings and special functions. The Robert Livermore Community Center in Livermore even developed a program to not only supervise and feed your children, but also entertain them while the adults are socializing and dancing next door!

Clown at Ruby Hill Golf Club in Pleasanton

The Ruby Hill Golf Club in Pleasanton has an adjacent room to the main banquet section, where hired sitters have plenty of space to play with your children. What I find attractive is also that French doors lead out onto the beautiful patio.

Our newest member Little Hills Ranch in San Ramon has plenty of activities for children and teens- from bounce house, over ping-pong to volleyball.

If you are interested in finding a Tri-Valley venue for any of your functions where children need to be watched and entertained, contact the Convention & Visitors Bureau. We have a free referral service that will help you source kid-friendly venues in Tri-Valley (Pleasanton, Livermore, Dublin, San Ramon, Danville).

Wedding at the Palm Event Center in Pleasanton

1. Ask the photographer to show a complete set of wedding images taken from one event – preferably the venue that they are getting married at. Typically this is 400-600 images.
The reason for this is to show the couple an entire event that was captured professionally and consistently well. It’s important that the couple not get caught up by the sales approach. They should first like the quality and style of the photography when meeting with a studio.
If they are expecting to receive 500 images, they should not be disappointed that only 50-100 images were acceptable to them. Since most all studios are digital, it should be no problem asking to see complete weddings.
It’s also worth asking when the proofs are be ready after the wedding. Typically it would be 3-6 weeks.

Flower Girl by YJM Photography

2. Know the individual who is photographing their wedding. Just because a couple views a wedding album at a studio, doesn’t necessarily mean that they are to expect that person to show up at the wedding. I would recommend that the photographer who the couple chooses name be on the contract and that they see their work. Some studios have more than one photographer.
The photographer should have liability insurance. There are some venues that require this from their vendors. If an individual who attended the couple’s wedding was to get injured by tripping on equipment, the couple and venue should not be held responsible. Also, it’s not unreasonable to ask how the photographer will be dressing the day of the wedding.

Tying the knot in the vineyards

3. Meet with 3-6 photographers, and don’t be pressured to sign a contract.  At the same time, don’t wait until that last minute to hire one. I recommend hiring a photographer 6 months to a year before their wedding. Also, it is perfectly acceptable for couples to contact the studio with any additional questions after their initial meeting.
On the day of the wedding, the photographer is probably going to be spending more time with the couple than any other hired person.

Romantic kiss at Wente Vineyards Livermore

4. The wedding day is one of the most important moments in ones life. Couples should feel comfortable and willing to to discuss anything that’s on their mind with the photographer or any other person they hire.
Even though e-mailing is the common form of communicating for so many these days, when important details need to be discussed I recommend speaking over the phone. This is especially important when it comes to discussing the time line and events of the wedding day. I prefer meeting in person at the studio two weeks before the wedding.
Once a time line has been made, I recommend asking the photographer to send an email which outlined their meeting. At this point, emailing the itinerary is important so that there is no misunderstanding of times and events.
Technically, if a photographer captures images digitally which most all do, make sure to ask if the images are in the raw format and not just jpg. Raw format is a much better way of working during the editing process. Once raw images are edited, at that point they can be converted to jpgs. For more information, couples should research the web.

Bride by YJM Photography

5. Lastly, referrals are always a good way of finding a photographer. If this is not possible, the Internet is a good way of seeing if the photographer is respected by the industry. Just because an individual owns a $5000 digital camera, doesn’t necessarily mean that they know how to use it.

JUST MARRIED!!!

If you are looking for proposals from Tri-Valley photographers, video graphers, DJ’s, Wedding Planners or other wedding service providers, please fill out this form and you’ll find them in your Inbox. Our complimentary referral service also includes venue and hotel room search!

Several times a year I spend a whole day with these professionals showcasing them Tri-Valley wedding venues and here is what I learned:

1. Generally the first hour of consultation is complimentary.

2. A wedding planner helps you to stay within your budget.

3. A wedding planner can assist you with issues you might not be aware of in the midst of your “newly engaged” euphoria e.g. intra and inter family relations/tensions.

4. A wedding consultant is trained to know the in-and outs of contracts with service providers, wedding venues and hotels.

5. A wedding consultant stands by you, knows how and when to give advice, stays calm the day of and ensures that you and your guests have the greatest time of your lives!

I would call it an investment for success- and ideally you should only get one chance to experience this special day, YOUR wedding day!!!

March 2010 Wedding Planner Familiarization Tour through Tri-Valley, CA