Amy Nichols Special Events Blog - San Francisco Wedding & Event Planner

Wedding Tips and Tricks - Another Article on TresSugar.com!

2012-01-27T12:16:00.000-08:00

Tres Sugar's newest wedding post, Wedding Tips and Tricks from Pros in the Know, went up today and the article featured some tips from me as well as other local pros who were at the San Francisco Wedding Fair at the Four Seasons last weekend. Here's a recap of my tips -- for the full article, click here.

Photo by Flory Photo

Keep your guests comfortable by offering parisols, pashminas or umbrellas if it's going to be hot or cold out. This a also a great way to add touches of color into your wedding day!

Avoid big gaps in timing (between the ceremony and reception) and keep things moving during the reception. Consider having activities, dancers, or musical performances throughout the night.

Floramor's Laura Little and I collaborated on this list of budget tips to keep in mind when planning your big day.

No bride-to-be should be without a copy of Emily Post's Wedding Etiquette by Peggy Post. This is especially helpful if you don't have a planner to help with etiquette predicaments!

You can never go wrong with edible favors, whether it's homemade jams, whoopie pies, or bags of candy.

Be sure to read the rest of the article Wedding Tips and Tricks from Pros in the Know and don't miss Tres Sugar's list of 2012's Hottest Wedding Trends!

We've Been Named to the Best of Wedding Planners by The Knot!

2012-01-26T07:45:00.000-08:00

For the second year in a row we were recently named to The Knot's best of weddings list in the wedding planner category! The list is created each year based on rankings and reviews of local brides. In addition to being picked by real brides, the editors at TheKnot named Amy Nichols Special Events an editor's pick for the first time! These accomplishments are a big honor for us, and they wouldn't be possible without the support of our brides and grooms. THANK YOU for making us a Bay Area favorite!

Hottest Wedding Trends for 2012 - Interview on TresSugar.com!

2012-01-25T13:47:00.000-08:00

Photo by Rachel Peters Photography via Style Me Pretty

On Sunday, I attended the San Francisco Wedding Fair at the Four Seasons. While there, I had the pleasure of meeting Tres Sugar editor Tara Sharp and she asked me about wedding trends for 2012.

First up, oyster bars during cocktails are a fun trend, especially with the popularity of local oyster purveyors such as Hog Island Oysters.

Another trend that continues to be popular is late-night food for those hard partying guests. Whether it's a food truck, sliders or tacos, just be sure to serve it well after dinner (at least two hours after entrees are cleared).

Check out Tres Sugar's article to see what other fun trends other pros shared in 2012 Hottest Wedding Trends!

Little Details: Persimmons

2011-12-19T08:21:00.000-08:00

Winter is here, which means it's persimmon season! I spied these persimmons (I believe the Fuyu variety) at my local neighborhood market yesterday.

This beautiful fruit always reminds me of Christmas, and my parents have always been big fans. My mom loves to add fresh persimmon slices to winter salads, and persimmon pudding has always been a favorite dessert of my dad's (Happy 65th Birthday, Dad!!).

Another Nichols family favorite is dehydrated persimmons. My mom insists they taste like "candy" -- not sure I would agree with that description!

Want to try persimmon pudding? Here's a recipe from Martha Stewart for this Christmas classic. And here's another recipe for a persimmon salad from one of my favorite recipe sites, Epicurious.

Boy or Girl? Gender Reveal Cupcakes!

2011-12-15T07:34:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for an unique way to announce the gender of your baby to your loved ones, check out what Trisha Sutton of Cream & Flutter did!

She made these adorable gender reveal cupcakes to surprise her family and friends and share the good news. Check out the entire post on Half Baked The Cake Blog.

This would be even more fun if you were having twins -- you could bake cupcakes with both pink and blue if you're expecting a boy and a girl!
-- Susan

An Unusual "Christmas" Tree with Fruits & Vegetables

2011-12-14T08:35:00.000-08:00

My mom recently went on a home tour in Ojai, California and she shared this picture of a very unusual Christmas tree with me. I love the colors and all of the different things used -- from the peppers to the pomegranates, to succulents!

Colorful Truck Themed First Birthday Party!

2011-12-07T08:52:00.000-08:00

My nephew Ben turned one over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. My brother was in charge of planning the party which means he put it off to the last minute (love you, Chris!) but luckily he asked me for help so I had fun coming up with ideas. Ben loves trucks and Chris said its the only toy he truly reacts and engages with, so it seemed like a natural theme for the party -- plus what's not to like about brightly colored trucks.

The first idea I had was to create a "road" that we could place some toy trucks on -- I bought a piece of black fabric to create a runner on the dining table, and then used Avery labels to create white street lines.

To add a little truck flair, I found a truck banner from adorable design company Meri Meri, and colorful paper plates, napkins, and cups. To add contrast, I added a small solid red plate which could be used for cake after lunch.

I didn't find any truck party hats, but instead bought stickers from Mrs. Grossman (an all time favorite my entire life) and added them to solid blue and red hats.

Fun truck cake from Southern California's M.J.B Cakes -- look at the grass!! It was delicious too -- chocolate with chocolate mousse.

The favors were cookies by Baked Perfection (based in Ventura & Gilroy)

Happy Birthday, Ben!!!

Cancelled -- SF Wedding Etiquette Event with Anna Post

2011-12-02T08:27:00.000-08:00

Monday 12/5 Update:
Unfortunately we have had to cancel this event. We hope to have an opportunity to host an event with Anna Post in 2012!

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Earlier this week we shared information about an exciting wedding etiquette event with Anna Post of the Emily Post Institute that we're hosting at Union Street Papery this coming Thursday, December 8th.

We're offering five free tickets to the first five brides who comment on this blog post! Here are the rules:

1. You must be a bride (not a vendor) getting married in 2012 or 2013
2. Include your name (first/last)
3. Include your wedding date & venue

And that's it! Hope to see you next week!

Peacock Theme Baby Shower & Dessert Buffet -- Blue & Green Details

2011-11-28T19:15:00.000-08:00

Earlier this fall a client hired us for a baby shower for a colleague of hers, and we had a ton of fun putting together a baby shower with a peacock theme that was inspired by an invitation (below) from Minted.com. Photographer Jihan Cerda beautifully captured the details -- check out the lovely post she put on her blog here -- there are tons of photos! Below are a favorite of my details from the day.

Invite by Minted, linens by La Tavola

A blue and green dessert table! Chartreuse sequined linen by La Tavola and Floral Design by Laurel Designs. Cupcakes by Susie Cakes.

Cookies by Sugar Mama SF

Cakepops by Sweet Lauren Cakes

Champagne bar with "mixins" such as Chambord, passion flower puree, and elderflower liquer

Fruit Skewers - catering by Barbara Llewelyn Catering

Finger-sized brunch foods were served, such as mini french toast!

Wedding Etiquette Event with Anna Post of the Emily Post Institute at the Union Street Papery

2011-11-27T21:05:00.000-08:00

Monday 12/5 Update:

Unfortunately we have had to cancel this event. We hope to have an opportunity to host an event with Anna Post in 2012!

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We're thrilled to announce we're hosting an upcoming wedding etiquette event at Union Street Papery on Thursday, December 8th.

Join author Anna Post of the Emily Post Institute for an evening of Q&A about your pressing wedding etiquette questions -- whether you're a bride, a bridesmaid, or the mother-of-the-bride, Anna will be sure to answer your etiquette questions.

Anna Post has written books on a number of topics, including the recently published 18th edition of Emily Post's Etiquette which covers current issues such as social media and technology. The Emily Post Institute's wedding-related titles include:

Wedding Etiquette (5th edition)
Emily Post's Wedding Parties
Emily Post's Great Get-togethers
A Wedding Like No Other
Do I Have to Wear White?

This exciting event will be hosted by Amy Nichols Special Events and Union Street Papery at the Union Street Papery Bridal Bungalow -- the perfect resource for wedding invitations, save-the-dates and much more!

Details:
Wedding Etiquette with Anna Post
Thursday, December 8th
Reception starts at 6pm
Q&A with Anna from 6:30-7:30

Location:
Union Street Papery
2166 Union Street (between Fillmore & Webster)
San Francisco, CA 94123

**If you would like to submit questions anonymously in advance, kindly email them to: info@amynichols.com.

Attendance is limited -- please reserve your space today! Books will be available to purchase on the day of the event. Register for the event here.

ABOUT ANNA POST:

Anna Post is the great-great-granddaughter of Emily Post. A modern etiquette expert, Anna covers topics ranging from green weddings and business etiquette to politics and pop culture. Anna conducts business etiquette seminars across the country. She also speaks nationally at bridal shows and events and is a columnist for Inside Weddings magazine. In addition, Anna has worked with companies such as Intel, The Body Shop, Princess Cruises, 3M, Hyatt Place Hotels, and Skype to promote their brands to national media.

Anna is a popular source for media outlets such as USA Today, The New York Times, the Associated Press, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, BBC.com, and Real Simple, and has appeared on The Today Show, The Early Show, Good Morning America and NPR.

Anna worked previously for the Motion Picture Association of America and in the Washington, D.C. office of Senator Patrick Leahy. A graduate of Phillips Academy and the University of Vermont, she currently lives in Burlington, Vermont.

Thanksgiving May Be Over... But....

2011-11-25T10:27:00.000-08:00

So Thanksgiving is over, but I couldn't help but share these two adorable ideas I saw last night while flipping through Google Reader in a tryptophan coma. This veggie turkey crudite platter is hysterical, and actually not super intimidating. It would be a great activity to do with young kids too.

Found on Black Eiffel, idea from Eating with Food Allergies

And then how cute are these "corn" cookies from dessert designer guru Amy Atlas made with gum & skittles? I think I'd like to try with M&Ms. I don't think these would last long if my niece were around!

Thanksgiving may be over, but we're switching into high gear for my nephew's 1st birthday party tomorrow. Pictures of that party to come!

Fun Thanksgiving Food/Craft Ideas from Edible Crafts

2011-11-22T13:03:00.000-08:00

Couldn't help but share these fun dessert & cookie ideas spotted on Google Reader. If you have kids they'll be sure to love the looks of these crafty treats from Edible Crafts' blog, Craft Gossip. Happy Thanksgiving!!

Pumpkin Pie Cookies

Peanut Butter Turkey Cupcakes

M&M Turkey Favors

The Knot Best of Weddings 2011 - Amy Nichols Named an Editor's Pick!

2011-11-17T22:40:00.000-08:00

The Knot recently came out with its list of the Best of Weddings Professionals for 2011, and we're pleased to announce that we were included on their list of the Best Wedding Planners of Northern California. In addition, we were one of the few companies selected as an "Editor's Pick"! Check out the article here.

World's Best Wedding Planners & Designer Hotlist -- Junebug Weddings Picks Amy Nichols Special Events!

2011-11-17T22:36:00.000-08:00

It's not often that we get to say we've been picked as one of the World's Best Wedding Planners and Designers -- but as of today we can say we have!

A big thank you to the ladies of Junebug Weddings who bestowed this honor upon us, as well as a few of our fellow Bay Area wedding planner friends.

Here's what they had to say about Amy Nichols Special Events:

You have your ring, you’ve told your family, your friends are excited, and now what to do? Before you spend one second of the hundreds of hours that it will take to plan your wedding by yourself, stop and call Amy Nichols Special Events. Specializing in fashionable, classic weddings and events throughout the Bay Area, Napa Valley, Sonoma and beyond, Amy’s timeless work is coveted by popular bloggers and magazine editors, and highly sought-after by couples who want celebration that is truly unique. Share your vision with her and watch it unfold with ease and impeccable style.

For those of you unfamiliar with Junebug Weddings, it's great resource with tons of gorgeous photo inspiration. Last year we had a wedding featured on Junebug's awesome blog, What Junebug Loves. Click here to see this lovely Carmel Valley wedding.

Ways to Say Thank You!

2011-11-16T08:08:00.000-08:00

Are you looking for a creative and personal way to say thank you to your wedding guests? Express your gratitude in style with a photo thank you card!

Check out these fun thank you signs we found on Etsy.com!
-- Susan

White & Black

Handcrafted thank you sign made from reclaimed barnwood. Perfect for that rustic wedding!

Rustic, yet formal

2 Piece White Rustic Sign

Just Married!

Exclusive Wedding Dress Event in San Francisco - Win a Free Ticket!

2011-11-14T20:13:00.000-08:00

Looking for the perfect designer wedding gown, but don't want to break the bank? Run, don't walk to Encore Bridal's pop-up shop in San Francisco this weekend! Encore Bridal is bringing a selection of consigned wedding gowns from their LA showroom to Blu Bungalow this weekend. They carry current styles of Vera Wang, Monique Lhullier, Lazaro, Christos and others 30-70% off retail.

An exclusive, Friday night VIP Cocktail & Pre-Event Shopping Reception is taking place this Friday, November 18th before the main shopping event on Saturday, November 19th. Encore Bridal has graciously offered a FREE ticket for us to give away to one lucky reader to the VIP Cocktail & Pre-Event Shopping event. In order to enter, all you need to do is comment on this blog post by Wednesday evening, November 16th at 9pm PST (be sure to include your email address with your comment). We'll select a name at random Wednesday evening.

VIP Cocktail Reception & Pre-Event Shopping

Friday, November 18th from 5:00pm - 9:00pm

and

Saturday, November, 19th, Open Shopping Event

10:00am - 3:00pm

Cost:

Friday night VIP Cocktail & Pre-Event Shopping Reception, $26 per BRIDE. Each ticket includes one guest. Additional guest tickets can be purchased for $6. Brides can view and buy gowns prior to the event's opening day at a champagne cocktail reception. Each VIP receives a dedicated appointment time and a gift bag filled with goodies.
Saturday event entry is free.

For further details about the event, visit the event website here. To see the dresses that will be available, click here.

Good luck!

Five Quick Wedding Planning Tips from Aussie Wedding Blogger, Ms. Polka Dot

2011-11-11T07:52:00.000-08:00

It's Friday, and why not start the weekend than with some wedding planning tips from down under... Today's 5 Quick Wedding Planning Tips are from Aussie wedding blogger, Ms. Polka of Polka Dot Bride! If you've never checked out the wedding and entertaining blogs from Australia, take a moment and enjoy -- there are also some fantastic Aussie wedding magazines out there, such as Real Weddings.

Without further ado, here are Ms. Polka Dot's tips!

1. Spend some time after getting engaged just basking in the glow -- enjoy no expectations, no pressures, no plans, just bask in the glow of your new commitment!

2. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Don't stress yourself out with too many DIY projects, Hire in the professionals for tasks you don't have time or ability to do and finish your DIY projects early and consider hiring in help to make sure things run smoothly on the day!

3. Hold Hands. One of my favourite wedding tips was when the couple made sure they held hands all night of their wedding. While it may not be for you I love the sentiment of checking in with each other and keeping close and present with your newly beloved.

4. Host your guest. I know guests are adults but if they're from interstate and have never been to your wedding destination before consider doing something to help them feel less like lost souls. Host a get together, a celebration before the wedding, or provide a list of suggested activities. I love it when I fly somewhere for a wedding (often a three day trip) and I get to spend longer than the ceremony and reception celebrating!

5. Don't be afraid to do something really you and fun: wearing a cardigan, amazing shoes, red lips or a short dress, You don't need to fit a certain style or expectation, you just need to be you.

Thank you, Ms. Polka for the wonderful tips!

If you would like to be featured in our Five Quick Tips column, please contact me at info AT amynichols DOT com.

Engagement Party Cookies - Will You Marry Me?

2011-11-09T08:43:00.000-08:00

My old friend Laura now runs Cake Bakeshop in Manhattan Beach. She posted a picture of these cookies this weekend on Facebook that she made in preparation for an upcoming engagement party. They were too cute not to share! I will have more photos form Laura's creations coming soon. She used to be my go-to baker for delicious treats in the Bay Area, but now I have to admire her handiwork from afar!

Little Details: Books at Anthropologie

2011-11-06T13:43:00.001-08:00

When it comes down to it, it's really all about presentation, isn't it? Why do people ooh and ahh about candy and dessert bars at weddings? Because they're so darn pretty when they're tied together with colors and fun vessels. Even when entertaining at home you can elevate the ordinary by laying things out nicely and cohesively.

It's no secret that like things look good together but I couldn't help but notice this pretty display of books at anthropologie.

BTW this is my first blogpost written via iPhone. Let's hope it works!

Ferry Building San Francisco Wedding Featured on StyleMePretty!

2011-11-05T15:53:00.000-07:00

We wrapped up our big week with a third editorial feature, this time on Style Me Pretty's Little Black Book blog! The gals over there featured Katie & Lee's picture perfect San Francisco-themed wedding, shot by the talented Lori Paladino Photography team. It took place at one of my very favorite San Francisco venues, the Ferry Building. The gorgeous blooms were designed and styled by Emily of

Soulflower Flower Design. For even more photos, take a peek here at the blogpost we wrote about the wedding in October here. Enjoy the weekend!

Classic and Romantic Wedding at Villa Montalvo Featured on Snippet & Ink

2011-11-03T22:48:00.000-07:00

Our big wedding week continues with a featured wedding yesterday on Snippet & Ink! We've been itching to share photos from this wedding and happy that the day is finally here. The images were taken by the talented Cooper Carras at Saratoga's Villa Montalvo (also known as the Montalvo Arts Center). One of the super fun ideas from this wedding were the three wedding cakes, including the to-die-for Wedgewood blue cake (bottom right), all by Cake Coquette. Visit Snippet & Ink for much much more. See below for a few of our favorite details and pictures from the day.

Local favorite Natalie Bowen Designs designed the flowers (linens by Hartmann Studios)

Wedding ceremony in the Love Temple

The main Villa is straight out of The Great Gatsby!

The henna artist had a line all night!

Anemone boutinniere

Dinner menus by Minted

The dessert bar featured French macarons by Chantal Guillon
and traditional Afghan sweets (breadcrumbs, nuts & dried fruit)

And in case you missed it, our clients' Kim & Bryan's colorful fiesta-themed rehearsal dinner was featured yesterday on Martha Stewart Weddings! Be sure to check it out!

Fiesta Rehearsal Dinner on Martha Stewart Weddings!

2011-11-02T08:39:00.000-07:00

It may be November, but it's a color filled day for us... Check out this fun, fiesta rehearsal dinner which was featured on Martha Stewart Weddings yesterday! Nick and Maria of Studio 1208 Photography captured this lively and colorful event which took place at the Horned Dorset in Rincon, Puerto Rico. Be sure to visit Martha Stewart Weddings to see more photos (and there's also a video!).

To see even more from the wedding weekend, check out the photos from the wedding day which was featured on Style Me Pretty.

The beautiful floral arrangements were created by Julio and Emilio of Arquetipo, located in San Juan.

Harvest Dessert Buffet at Jacuzzi Winery Plus Fun Groom's Cake!

2011-10-10T07:18:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year we worked at Jacuzzi Winery for the first time. We wanted to share a few pictures from Nicole & Jose's wedding day, photographed by Matthew May Photography and featuring flowers by Nancy Liu Chin. The mini desserts were from Girl & the Fig Caters, the cupcakes were from Fleur de Lisa Cakes and the hilarious groom's cake was also by Fleur de Lisa. The groom's cake was of a llama, symbolizing Peru (where the groom's family was from) crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, as the bride is from New York originally. What I loved about it was that in addition to cake, the groom's cake was also made out of rice crispy treats! The inspiration for the dessert buffet wasn't a harvest theme, but with the olive trees in the the background and the brown and orange tones, it just says fall to me. Congratulations Jose & Nicole!

The barrel room at Jacuzzi Vineyards & Winery

We love the olive trees in the apse of the barrel room

A llama crossing the Brooklyn bridge!

DIY Corsage Station featured on Martha Stewart Weddings Blog

2011-10-06T06:27:00.000-07:00

One of the cutest details I've seen this summer was at my client Natalie Bowen's wedding where she crafted a DIY corsage and boutonniere station. My friend Claudia Hanlin (founder of NYC's Wedding Library) writes a weekly post for the Martha Stewart Weddings Bride's Guide blog and she shared Natalie's adorable idea on the Martha blog on Monday! To see the whole wedding, visit 100 Layer Cake -- they recently featured the wedding on their blog.

Photo credit: Flory Photo

Eco Cupcake Towers - Bonus: You can decorate them!

2011-10-05T07:04:00.000-07:00

Looking for a way to display cupcakes at your wedding or party? Here's an eco-friendly find from Green Party Goods, and even better, you can spray paint it to match your color scheme hot glue ribbon to the tiers. At $35, it won't break the bank either.

Visit the website to check out the other products too, including bambooware, striped straws and cupcake liners.