How to Create a Realistic Wedding Budget: Tips from a California Wedding Planner
Plan your dream day with confidence. In this guide, I share my expertise as a California wedding planner to help you create a realistic wedding budget, prioritize what matters most, and avoid overspending while designing a celebration you truly love.
Summer Wedding Inspiration: A Bold Citrus and Blue Styled Shoot
Discover summer wedding inspiration with a bold citrus and cobalt blue palette. From vibrant florals and fresh citrus accents to chic glassware and patterned linens, learn how to style a playful yet elegant tablescape perfect for weddings, garden parties, and outdoor celebrations.
Unexpected Luxury Details Guests Will Always Remember
As a California wedding planner, I’ve seen how small yet thoughtful touches like custom welcome drinks, bespoke lounge areas, or personalized late-night snacks that transform a celebration into an unforgettable experience. Beyond the stunning venues and beautiful décor, these elevated details create moments of surprise and delight, ensuring your California wedding feels unique and memorable.
Santa Barbara Wedding Weekend at the Hotel Californian
Shand and Tara’s Santa Barbara wedding at the Hotel Californian was the perfect blend of coastal elegance and personal touches. Held on the Summer Solstice, their wedding weekend featured a rooftop ceremony, heartfelt toasts during a Vin d’Honneur, a candlelit reception, and a fun after party at Sandbar—all thoughtfully planned for a luxury yet laid-back California celebration.
How To Word Your Wedding Invitations
Looking for the perfect wedding invitation wording? As a wedding planner, I know how important it is to get the details just right. This blog post breaks down everything you need to know—from traditional phrasing to modern options—so your invites feel true to you and clearly share the who, what, when, and where. Let’s make wording your invitations simple, stress-free, and beautifully on-brand.
An Intimate Airbnb Wedding in the Hills of Tehachapi, California
An intimate Airbnb wedding in California blended natural beauty, heartfelt moments, and relaxed elegance. From mountain views to a weekend celebration with loved ones, it showed how magical a private rental wedding can be. Planning at an Airbnb takes thoughtful coordination—checking host policies and hiring vendors used to unique spaces— the result is a deeply personal, one-of-a-kind celebration.
Allegretto Vineyard Resort, Paso Robles, California
Experience the magic of an al fresco wedding at Allegretto Vineyard Resort. Dine under the stars surrounded by lush vineyards, with tables adorned in beautiful floral arrangements and candlelight. The breathtaking views and romantic atmosphere make this the perfect setting for an unforgettable celebration.
Yosemite National Park Wedding Ceremony
Embark on a magical journey with a Yosemite National Park wedding ceremony, where nature's breathtaking beauty sets the stage for your unforgettable day. As a wedding planner, I specialize in creating seamless, awe-inspiring experiences amidst towering sequoias and majestic granite cliffs. Here are essential steps to help you organize a memorable wedding in Yosemite National Park.
Stonepine Estate, Carmel Valley, California
Stonepine Estate in Carmel Valley offers a fairytale setting for luxury weddings, blending European charm with California's natural beauty across 400 acres. During a curated weekend experience, I explored the estate’s venues, enjoyed exquisite hospitality, and connected with fellow top-tier wedding professionals. From intimate garden ceremonies to lavish receptions at Chateau Noel, Stonepine is a truly immersive and unforgettable destination wedding venue.
How to Build a Wedding Timeline: A Wedding Planner’s Guide
If you’ve ever wondered how to build a wedding timeline, this blog post is for you! As a wedding planner, I know a smooth timeline is the secret to a stress-free celebration. From your first look to your last dance, I’m sharing everything you need to know to keep your day flowing beautifully.
The Margaux: A Styled Shoot to Remember
Step inside our vibrant styled shoot at The Margaux, a stunning black and white barn venue in Madera, California. We brought bold color, lush florals, and elevated elegance to this modern rustic space—showcasing how thoughtful design can transform a venue. From romantic tablescapes to fashion-forward details, this shoot is full of wedding inspiration for couples dreaming of a colorful, elegant celebration. Explore the magic we created at one of Central California’s most stylish venues.
Creating the Best Wedding Guest Experience
Make your wedding unforgettable by crafting a guest experience filled with personalized touches, seamless planning, and stunning décor. From interactive entertainment to gourmet dining, every detail should reflect your love story while ensuring your guests feel special. At Shelley Ann Events, we specialize in designing luxury weddings that leave a lasting impression with flawless execution and thoughtful experiences.
Planning a Wedding in Less Time: Insights from a Wedding Planner
Whether it's due to a short engagement, unexpected circumstances, or simply a desire for a quicker wedding planning process, it's entirely possible to plan a beautiful and memorable wedding in less time. If you find yourself on a shorter wedding planning journey, know that it is entirely possible to plan a beautiful, meaningful, and unforgettable celebration of love.
Experience a Magical Weekend at The Lodge at Two Moons in Oakhurst, California
I recently had the pleasure of visiting The Lodge at Two Moons in Oakhurst, California—a stunning venue surrounded by natural beauty and perfect for a full wedding weekend experience. From its picturesque ceremony sites to cozy accommodations and gourmet cuisine, it offers everything couples need to create an unforgettable celebration in the heart of the Sierra.
The Maples, Woodland, California
Nestled among trees and picturesque landscapes, The Maples provides a charming backdrop for any wedding. Spring at The Maples is nothing short of magical. The venue comes alive with vibrant blooms, lush greenery, and a gentle breeze that carries the sweet scent of blossoming flowers. It’s the perfect season for couples looking to celebrate their love amid nature’s beauty.
Discovering the Perfect Wedding Venues in Visalia, California
Whether you envision an elegant indoor celebration or a rustic outdoor gathering, Visalia boasts a variety of venues that capture the essence of romance and beauty. Let’s dive into some of my top picks.
Villa San Juliette, Paso Robles, California
If you are envisioning a wedding that combines the charm of a vineyard with the sophistication of a grand estate, I wholeheartedly recommend considering Villa San Juliette as the setting for your special day. From the scenic surroundings to the exceptional service, this venue has the potential to make your wedding a cherished memory that will last a lifetime.
10 Things to Remember When Planning Your Private Estate Wedding
Planning a wedding at a private residence offers a unique and personalized experience for couples who seek to create a truly intimate and memorable celebration. While the idea of exchanging vows at a place with sentimental significance can be enticing, hosting a wedding at a private residence comes with its own set of challenges and considerations. Here are 10 key things to remember when planning your wedding at a private residence:
Tipping Etiquette for Your Wedding Vendors
Planning a wedding involves countless details, including showing appreciation to the creative partners who helped bring your vision to life. A common question that I get asked is, “should we and how much should we tip our wedding vendors?” Tipping wedding vendors is a customary way of thanking them for their hard work and dedication. To help you navigate this aspect of wedding etiquette, here is a breakdown of who to tip and the recommended amounts.