Cool Finds : Fremont Diner

If you ever find yourself driving through Sonoma make sure you stop at the Fremont Diner. (2698 Fremont Drive). What use to be the old "Babes" is now a new hip burger & shake establishment that got it all right. From the vintage candy selection down to the chef side bar seating every last detail is obviously well thought out. This place doesn't just have the look down...the food was delicious. Of course my favorite was the chocolate shake I had a "sip" of...but the made to order ice cream sandwich with either chocolate or vanilla ice cream didn't suck either! They do offer real food as well, breakfast treats from griddle cakes to wild shrimp & grits as well as many choices for lunch; including the fremont burger, daily seasonal salad, or one of my favs macaroni & cheese! Their moto is "farm direct" so everything is seasonal, local & fresh.

I would even make the hour trek drive out there to show the place off to an out-of-towner; it's that cute! But don't just take our word for it...

InStyle - Non Tradional Invites

Our beloved invitation for Jackie & Joby was published in InStyle's invitation story about non traditional invitations. Black and white invite? Ho Hum they say. We have to agree that Jackie & Joby's wedding was far from traditional. Based on a concept of "Beatles Go To India" we were able to combine traditional India motifs with the color palette & iconic imagery of the era of the Beatles. The couple adore the Beatles & planned their honeymoon in India.

We loved the freedom we had to create such a unique invitation. There were belly bands with clouds on them, brightly colored envelopes and even ex libris cards that encouraged guests to bring a book as a gift to expand the couples ever growing collection.

Some amazing industry folks were involved that we love working with! Alison Events helped pull everything together and make sure that all the details were nailed down; Nicole Sillapere designed the wedding to make sure the couples dream became a reality and A Jesse Leake captured all of this amazing work and important event on film.

(photos by Jesse Leake)

A Savvy Event for Alice Waters

Emarie & Kelly of A Savvy Event asked us to create a rustic style menu for a very special dinner hosted by Alice Waters of the infamous Chez Panisse Restaurant in Berkeley. Proceeds from the dinner benefit the Land Based Learning where Ms. Waters serves on the national Advisory Board.

The evening started with Alice Waters in conversation with Craig McNamara at the Farm on Putah Creek. They discussed her views on public school lunches, partnerships with local organic farmers and her inspiration behind her restaurant. Guests at the talk could nibble pizza's oven baked onsite by Buckhorn Grill and sample many delicious organic wines from local vineyards. Many got in line to buy a signed copy of Alice's new book, Edible Schoolyard: A Universal Idea.

For those who purchased tickets to attend the private dinner with Alice Waters were directed to the beautiful setting designed by A Savvy Event. Glass vases in shades of blue and green filled with local wildflowers graced the king table with natural linens and crisp white plates. The menus were held in place with rafia and every guest had their own unique Peculiar Pair place cards!

Cornerstone Hoedown

We were asked by the lovely ladies at Cornerstone Gardens to create an invite for their upcoming party. They settled on a country howdown theme that was a treat to create. It's always a nice change to design something that is type driven without all the fancy cursive fonts and delicate florals. This invite was bold & brazen..grabbing your attention immediately. The friendly southern tone just makes you want to put on your boots and 2 step the night away.

Kristen said they received so many positive replies the day after they were mailed; all with kudos and praises to the design of the invitation - thank you!

We'll be there, not square, and will post pics of the fabulous venue & festivities.

And if you are still looking for a venue for your fabulous event we urge you to check out Cornerstone! Located at the gateway to the Wine Country, Cornerstone Gardens is a unique and contemporary location that combines an avant-garde landscape with the pure romance of the Sonoma Valley. Cornerstone can accommodate events, from the intimate to the grand, in several picturesque areas. They offer several spaces, which include the Vineyard Lawn, which is surrounded by lush pinot noir vineyards, a Historic Barn, and a grand Zephyr tent nestled in the middle of a rose garden. Small intimate weddings and elopement packages are also available and are held in an intimate and private setting among the vineyards. Cornerstone Gardens is the ultimate choice for an unforgettable celebration. (- cornerstonegardens.com)

The Knot

Last night we attended a festive party hosted by The Knot . It was a celebration to say thanks for all their vendors that help make their magazine & website so fantastic. Mary Beth misses all the fun living so far away! We learned many interesting facts about our clients and what they are looking for when searching for their perfect team of wedding vendors. The Knot chose the impressive SF Design Center as the perfect showcase for a unique celebration. If you are looking for a jaw dropping venue for your wedding this is a must visit!

Our fabulous friend Michelle Walker and I hammed it up in the photo booth provided by Shutter Booth . You can cram a lot of guests into one of these things for some candids you'll be sure to enjoy. The food prepared by Thomas John Events was absolutely delicious. A variety of amazing seafood concoctions filled us up perfectly. Their presentation and friendly staff were an added bonus.

Floral design by Spiral Hand made us want to start to decorate more with unique flowers and unexpected arrangements. Their work was so lovely we wanted to take a few home with us...we didn't though! Promise!!

And as luck would have it I stayed long enough for the raffle only to WIN a spa treatment at the Hotel Vitale . Another tempting option to host your wedding day festivities! I give winning up to the fact that our business card must have felt all too enticing in the raffle box. Deep letterpress impression on 100% cotton paper...yep..had to be the card because I never win anything!!

Thanks again The Knot for a fantastic event! We look forward to our coverage in the Fall Winter issue of the New York Metro. We'll be sure to blog about it.