Image courtesy of Here Comes the Guide

We are so elated to announce that we have finally completed the certification process at Here Comes the Guide!

I’ve always loved this resource for finding both venues and vendors, as they put all participants through a rigorous interview process, asking both past clients and vendors (a whopping total of 30) series of questions to get an in-depth view at the services and experience each vendor offers. They also personally interview each applicant to get a better sense of who they are and to help determine whether or not they should be included. The result is a collection of fully-vetted, established, wedding businesses that provide only the most excellent of services to their clients. We are absolutely honored to be included!

You are welcome to view our profile in the Guide here: http://www.herecomestheguide.com/northern-california/wedding-services/kate-miller-events/

It was such an amazing process – and I seriously get a bit emotional when I read the anonymous client comments included in my profile. For those past clients who participated – you are SO amazing and wonderful – THANK YOU!

Congrats to Nicole for winning The Lab Giveaway of two free tickets – we can’t wait to see you there!

For those who did not win, don’t forget to purchase your tickets tonight! Ticket prices will increase at the door – AND the first 75 attendees will receive some pretty sweet swag bags full of goodies.

Click here to purchase your tickets now!

In the meantime, we’d LOVE to give away (2) free tickets to The Lab Event on Saturday, January 14th, 2012 in Sonoma, California at Cline Cellars! Interested in attending? You can buy your ticket here OR enter the contest below using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Not sure how to use Rafflecopter? Watch this 45 second video for a tutorial on how to enter a giveaway using Rafflecopter. There are 4 methods of entry, with the first method (commenting on this blog post) being mandatory while the third method (Tweeting about the giveaway) can be used once per day:

a Rafflecopter giveaway
The Lab Event Ticket Giveaway will end on Friday, January 13th, 2012, at 12:01am, at which point a winner will be randomly chosen and announced here.

Please use a valid email address and/or Twitter handle so that I can contact you if you win!

Sorry, this giveaway is open only to residents of the U.S.

Best of luck – and I hope to see you at The Lab Event!

Kristin was drawn to rustic design elements – but also adored the upscale modern vintage vibe of the The Citizen Hotel. She was torn and wasn’t sure how to proceed – so we developed a Bendel Botanical design for her, that brought together the classic chocolate brown and white stripes of Henri Bendel, with apothecary botanical florals including moss, sola flowers and air plants.

Image Courtesy of Travis Hoehne Photography

Image Courtesy of Travis Hoehne Photography

Image Courtesy of Travis Hoehne Photography

Image Courtesy of Travis Hoehne Photography

Image Courtesy of Travis Hoehne Photography

Image Courtesy of Travis Hoehne Photography

Image Courtesy of Travis Hoehne Photography

Image Courtesy of Travis Hoehne Photography

Image Courtesy of Travis Hoehne Photography

Image Courtesy of Travis Hoehne Photography

Image Courtesy of Travis Hoehne Photography

Image Courtesy of Travis Hoehne Photography

Image Courtesy of Travis Hoehne Photography

Image Courtesy of Travis Hoehne Photography

Image Courtesy of Travis Hoehne Photography

Image Courtesy of Travis Hoehne Photography

Image Courtesy of Travis Hoehne Photography

Image Courtesy of Travis Hoehne Photography

Image Courtesy of Travis Hoehne Photography

Image Courtesy of Travis Hoehne Photography

Image Courtesy of Travis Hoehne Photography

As you can see – the stripes make the botancial design “work” against the modern vintage aesthetic of the hotel. We created an escort card display from Kristen’s antique mirror, added moss and ferns, tealights and escort card flags were pinned whimsically throughout.

The stripe and botanical theme was also reflected in the stationery and dessert table, while striped ribbon accented botanical arrangements in apothecary jars. Our lighting designer displayed a pattern on the tent lining that reflected elements of the custom designed stationery and amber lighting created a lovely ambiance throughout the room. We loved this unique look and we were super pleased to create a custom design that was so tailor-made to our clients’ tastes!

Special Thanks to our Vendor Team!

• Wedding Planner & Event Designer: Kate Miller Events™
• Floral Design:Flourish
• Photography: Travis Hoehne Photography
• Cake Designer: Sweet Cakes By Rebecca
• Invitations and Stationary: KME Paperie via Kate Miller Events™
• Bridal Hair Stylist: Edward Anthony Concepts
• Bridesmaid Hair Stylist: Styles by Renee
• Makeup: Makeup by LeiLani
• DJ, Lighting, & Photo Booth: Exquisite Entertainment
• Rentals:  Classic Party Rentals
• Ceremony Venue: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
• Reception Venue: Citizen Hotel

Kate Miller designed DIY projects such as chalkboard place mats, patterned pennant flags, and “There’s No Crying in Baseball” tissue packs that Ashley crafted and put together herself to add a personal touch. The result was nothing short of amazing!

Image Courtesy of True Love Photo

Image Courtesy of True Love Photo

Image Courtesy of True Love Photo

Image Courtesy of True Love Photo

Image Courtesy of True Love Photo

Image Courtesy of True Love Photo

Image Courtesy of True Love Photo

Image Courtesy of True Love Photo

Image Courtesy of True Love Photo

Image Courtesy of True Love Photo

Image Courtesy of True Love Photo

Image Courtesy of True Love Photo

Image Courtesy of True Love Photo

Image Courtesy of True Love Photo

Image Courtesy of True Love Photo

Image Courtesy of True Love Photo

Image Courtesy of True Love Photo

Image Courtesy of True Love Photo

Image Courtesy of True Love Photo

As the guests transitioned into the reception, they were greeted with a seating card display of Cracker Jacks, popcorn boxes, and peanut bags labeled with each guest’s name and seating assignment.  Every chalkboard place mat was completely unique and created individually to feature fun drawings and/or Ashley + Ryan sayings.

Ashley even collected vintage items like old coke bottles, mason jars and crates to add to KME’s collection of vintage trophies and floral designs by Flourish.  With Ashley’s creativity and numerous DIY projects, this crafty bride really “Hit a Home-Run” with this one!

Image courtesy of mylifeisbrilliant.com

We are taking a break from the busy in honor of the Holidays! We hope that you and your families do the same and enjoy some quality time with your loved ones. Our Holiday Hours are listed as below:

Holiday Schedule
Closed Saturday, December 24, 2011
Reopen Tuesday, December 27, 2011

New Years Schedule
Closed Saturday, December 31, 2011
Reopen Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Can you believe that says 2012!? I can’t!

Image courtesy of Kate Miller

Before another Holiday passes by, I wanted to post some fun photos from our family Thanksgiving. My Mom did such a beautiful job with the decor and food, as usual – and we all had such a wonderful time.

As you can see, my Mom and I both take pleasure in a fabulous tablescape. Every year she hand-makes her own place cards for each guest – this year’s included a yummy peanut butter cup fashioned with a pretty sugar leaf and newspaper tag.

Okay, I’ll admit it – I get it from my Momma!

Image courtesy of Kate Miller

Image courtesy of Kate Miller

Image courtesy of Kate Miller

Thanksgiving Table

Image courtesy of Kate Miller

Image courtesy of Kate Miller

Image courtesy of Kate Miller

At KME, we are all so thankful for our fabulous Past Clients, wonderful Future Clients and incredible Vendors! We hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving as much as we did – and that the upcoming Holidays are merry and bright for you and yours!

We relied on Kate and her staff for a great deal, and they absolutely helped make our wedding the best it could be!”

Annie and Troy’s fabulous wedding took place at B’nai Israel Congregation with an evening reception at The Citizen Hotel overlooking downtown Sacramento.  In our first design meeting, Annie brought her Marc Jacobs handbag that was gifted to her from Troy and asked that we base the color scheme off of the slate gray and deep aubergine palette of the bag. We used a vast array of blues with a pop of violet to accent the custom stationary, napkins, flowers, lighting and candles.

Image courtesy of Sarah Maren Photographers

Image courtesy of Sarah Maren Photographers

Image courtesy of Sarah Maren Photographers

Image courtesy of Sarah Maren Photographers

Image courtesy of Sarah Maren Photographers

Image courtesy of Sarah Maren Photographers

Image courtesy of Sarah Maren Photographers

Image courtesy of Sarah Maren Photographers

Image courtesy of Sarah Maren Photographers

Image courtesy of Sarah Maren Photographers

Image courtesy of Sarah Maren Photographers

Image courtesy of Sarah Maren Photographers

Image courtesy of Sarah Maren Photographers

Image courtesy of Sarah Maren Photographers

Image courtesy of Sarah Maren Photographers

Image courtesy of Sarah Maren Photographers

Image courtesy of Sarah Maren Photographers

Image courtesy of Sarah Maren Photographers

Image courtesy of Sarah Maren Photographers

Image courtesy of Sarah Maren Photographers

Our Thanksgiving Tablescape from 2010 - Flowers by Flourish

We will be out of office for the Holiday (and a VERY special wedding!) from Thursday, November 24, 2011 through Monday, November 28, 2011.

Wishing all of our readers, vendors, clients and clients-to-be a Happy Thanksgiving! I am thankful for a wonderful family, a loving husband and to get to do what I love, with vendors that I love for clients that I love. We are off to spend Thanksgiving with my in laws at my Mom’s house this year – I hope you are all spending this day with those that you love as well!

What are YOU thankful for?