By Peter Bruce posted on Sunday, September 5, 2010 @ 9:32 PM - (General)
No simple city park, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park is larger than New York City's Central Park, filled with lush California green and serves as an expansive, approachable and welcome escape from the traffic(sometimes) and close quarters of urban San Francisco .And this was the location Brian And Jamie picked for there wedding.
Golden Gate Park encompasses more than 1,000 acres of land on the west side of San Francisco and contains a number of features that attract visitors and city-dwellers, grandparents and high schoolers, rollerbladers and benchwarmers alike. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean on its western end and extending 4.5 miles east, San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park includes the Japanese Tea Garden, the Strybing Arboretum, the San Francisco Conservatory of Flowers, the de Young Museum, the AIDS Memorial Grove, Stow Lake and the Academy of Sciences.And Hidden away along a small dirt path, the enchanting Shakespeare Garden, with an arched iron-wrought gate, is the type of homely garden opening that one would to expect to stumble upon in Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. The Shakespeare Garden contains numerous plants that are referenced in Shakespeare's actual writings, and on the back brick wall, quotations and passages from his plays are engraved on stone tablets for visitors to read or to use as a prop for wedding photos. After a nice and funny cerermony all the gusst went of to a great diner and function at boulevard restaurant.
By Peter Bruce posted on Sunday, September 5, 2010 @ 8:48 AM - (General)
Pamela and marquis had there wedding at the beautiful Wente Vineyards in Livermore which is surrounded by beautiful grapevines and foothills, Wente Vineyards has become one of the most sought after wedding venues in the Bay Area. Featuring a beautifully landscaped lawn for outdoor weddings and a historic California, mission-style event center, Wente Vineyards is the place for a truly memorable wedding.I like the fact that they great true to tradition and jumped the broom.
"Jumping the Broom" is a symbol of sweeping away the old and welcoming the new, or a symbol of new beginnings.Peter Bruce Photo
Jumping the broom has become one of the most popular African traditions at weddings-traditional and African-centered. History tells us that the ancestral roots of this ritual began deep in the heart of Africa. It's original purpose and significance has been lost over the years because of the association with slavery.
This broom ceremony represents the joining of two families, it's showing respect and pays homage to those who came before us and paved the way. Therefore it should be practiced with honor for your ancestors and the beauty of our rich heritage. During the slave "transitions" we were not allowed to practice many of the traditional rituals of our past therefore, much of our heritage was lost during this time. However, a few were considered harmless and allowed.
Today "Broom Jumping" is a ritual, handed down from generation to generation to remind us of a time when our vows were not legally sanctioned. During slavery, our ancestors sought the legitimacy of marriage by jumping over the broom and into the bonds of domesticity. For our ancestors, this small ritual was a legal and bonding act connecting them with the heritage of the home land and giving legitimacy,dignity and strength to their unions. In there eyes this union was now sanctioned by "the almighty"
It is said that broom jumping comes from an African Tribal Marriage Ritual of placing sticks on the ground representing the couple's new home together, I have also heard it said that the spray of the broom represents all of us scattered and the handle represents the almighty who holds us together...... You decide
Today's ceremony can be performed at the wedding, after the minister pronounces the couple man and wife or at the reception, just after the bridal party enters the reception area. Should you decide to incorporate this wonderful tradition in you wedding remember to do it with the honor and dignity it represents.
Please enjoy some of the photo and check back in a week or so to seee them all
By Peter Bruce posted on Saturday, August 28, 2010 @ 6:08 PM - (General)
Stracey & Jason came all the way from New york to have there wedding at the beautiful Brazilian Room
(see the photos below) which is set high in the hills of Northern Berkeley lies Tilden Park Ca, popularly considered “the Jewel of the East Bay of California.” Hiking trails with names like Seaview or Skyline wind past creeks, mineral springs, and sylvan meadows, up to the sweeping panorama offered at Inspiration Point. Yet just about every vista in Tilden Park is inspirational. Encompassing the Tilden Nature Area, most of the park’s 2,100 acres serve as tranquil shelters for native cal plants & wildlife. The Rangers here are very serious about preserving this magnificent habitat,they even close one of their roads seasonally to protect migrating newts—and the result is a cornucopia of natural beauty. Visitors also enjoy the abundance of recreational activities, including steam trains, a golf course and an antique merry-go-round. For generations of Bay Area residents, outings to Tilden Park have been part of a happy tradition, beginning with a youngster’s first pony ride and perhaps culminating in a wedding ceremony at the historic Brazilian Room.
It was once part of the 1939 Golden Gate Exposition on Treasure Island, the Brazilian Room was presented as a gift to the East Bay Regional Park District by the country of Brazil. The original interior hardwood paneling was kept intact, while a new exterior of local rock and timber was constructed by the Works Project Administration to permanently house the room.
Wedding ceremonies are extremely popular on the great flagstone patio, with its dramatic panorama of sloping lawn and tree-studded hillsides. After toasting the newlyweds, guests can sip their champagne among the colorful mix of agapanthus, hydrangea and other flowers that make up the small garden adjoining the patio, or sample hors d’oeuvres under the cherry tree, abloom in April with perfumey-pink blossoms.
The setting at the Brazilian Room is just as lovely indoors as out. The building’s Old English-style façade is defined by a trio of leaded-glass doors, each with dormer-style threshold. When guests move inside for the reception, they’ll find that floor-to-ceiling leaded-glass windows run the length of the other side of the room as well. These rear windows also offer a close-up look at the forest, evoking the romance of a light-filled mountain cabin. Dark wooden beams create a novel pattern on the ceiling, and polished wood flooring and a huge stone fireplace give the space additonal rustic charm.
The serene pastoral surroundings at the Brazilian Room offer an environment free from noise and distraction, where Nature’s gifts are honored and preserved and the modern world is in harmony with the building’s heritage. It’s a place you’ll want to make part of your own family tradition after this wedding
To see all the photos Stracey and Jason wedding...
By Peter Bruce posted on Thursday, August 26, 2010 @ 2:43 PM - (General)
All the photos from Sarah & Josh wedding are up on line to every one can see them. No pass word needed. Just go to www.peterbruceweddingphotography.com Click on "Store" tab at top right & look for your photo.
PLEASE ALWAYS GO THOUROUGH THE WEB SITE AS GOING DIRECT TO THE STORE MAY LOCK YOU OUT THINKING YOU ARE SPAM
By Peter Bruce posted on Wednesday, August 25, 2010 @ 9:21 AM - (General)
We just got the first draft of the bFORACURE book done. Please view it,pass it on to others.Put it on your blog,tweet it etc etc. And lets us know what you think
By Peter Bruce posted on Saturday, August 21, 2010 @ 11:06 PM - (General)
Please be careful out there. There are hidden cost from companies that can make your wedding hell. Here are some handy tips from Peter Bruce Photo on not being ripped off.
1. Wedding Band Equipment, you say what
Why it's hidden The cost of the wedding band includes fees for the musicians' time and the minimum amount of equipment needed. If your reception space is extra-large, then additional speakers and microphones could possibly be required to project the best sound quality. The cost Anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars How to avoid it Before booking your band or DJ you need to clearly explain the layout of the space (or have them check it out, if they're willing) so the vendors know exactly what they're working with. If they want to add in extra equipment, you should have them explain why it's necessary before you sign a contract or agree to pay for anything else.
2. Postage Stamps good old USPS can kill you
Why it's hidden Stationers don't advertise the shipping costs; if they did, you might decide to go with simpler (read: cheaper) invites. The cost Oversized, awkwardly shaped and bulky invitations will most often run you as much as $3 each to mail. How to avoid it Skip the fancy boxed invitations and multilayer cards, which can bulk up quickly and cost a lot more than you bargained for.
3. Wedding Dress Alterations
Why it's hidden wedding dresses are pretty pricey and stores don't want to scare away clients by listing alterations as part of the total cost. The cost A simple hem can be less than $150, but completely rebuilding a bodice or moving zippers can send the price soaring. How to avoid it Ask about what the store charges for every alteration you may need before you purchase the gown. If it's too much, don't be afraid to take your dress to a less expensive seamstress to have alterations done.
4. Photo/Video Overtime
Why it's hidden Your photo or video person are booked for just a certain amount of time, so if your wedding runs a little longer than you expected, they'll charge per hour. The cost Starting at $250 per hour How to avoid it When planning the day, factor in extra time for getting dressed and taking photos. You'll get a realistic sense of how long everything should take. Refer to this itinerary when booking your photo/video vendors. Can I say I don't charge by the hour. I am with you for the day. Flat rate
5. Welcome-Bag Delivery
Why it's hidden Most hotels don't factor in a welcome-bag delivery fee when you block rooms. And they may fail to mention the rate unless you ask -- they'll just add it to your final bill. Inquire within; they may even charge you a fee for holding the welcome bags if you drop them off before the guests arrive! The cost Up to $9 per bag How to avoid it During the booking process, ask about the hotel's policy on receiving and delivering welcome bags to guests' rooms. It may be free or cheaper if they hand the bags out at the counter as guests check in. If you don't want the extra charge, you can distribute them at the rehearsal dinner.
6. Rental Transport cost
Why it's hidden You'd assume that the rental companies would include these extra fees in the per-item costs (do they honestly think you're going to fit 150 chiavari chairs in your own car?), but surprisingly, they don't. The cost From $50 up to more than $500 How to avoid it Ask the rental company what their shipping and packaging fees are up front -- if the cost is too high for your budget, shop around a bit. You just might find that you'll actually save some money by renting items from a more expensive company that includes delivery costs at no extra charge.
7. Taxes death and taxes wil get you
Why it's hidden Even though these aren't exactly hidden -- we all know that there are taxes on almost everything -- most couples don't think about how much they'll end up owing during the planning process. The cost This will depend on the total amount of money you're spending as well as the location of the event (taxes vary in different areas). How to avoid it There's no getting around paying taxes, but paying the entire bill in one lump sum can help lower the overall price, especially in the winter when vendors have fewer weddings to cover their bills.
8. Cake-Cutting Fee,and this one is wrong
Why it's hidden If you use the cake provided by your reception site, the charge is typically wrapped into the cost. Going with an outside baker can jack up the price. Why? Because your venue's workers are responsible for slicing and serving each piece, then cleaning the dishes. This means more work for their staff! The cost From $2 to $5 per guest How to avoid it Go with the site's cake baker. Don't worry: They'll likely be able to work with your vision. If you're set on a particular cake baker, then call your venue and find out what the fee is before you sign a contract.
9. Coat Check,even more wrong
Why it's hidden When you book your venue in the summer, it's easy to forget just how cold it'll be in winter months like December. The cost The damage starts at around $200. How to avoid it Union rules may dictate the number of people who are required to work the coat check (and the amount they get paid). Have a good approximation of your total guest count when you book the coat checkers.
10. Gratuities,only tip if the service was good
Why it's hidden Many couples often think that the "service charge" is a tip for the event staff when it's actually an additional fee that the catering halls charge. For what? To cover their own cost for hiring servers. The cost Typically 15 to 20 % of the event's total food and drink fee How to avoid it Once you get the proposed fee, add the service charge percentage so it's already accounted for before the event. The last thing you want is to get hit with an unexpectedly huge bill that just about breaks the bank.
By Peter Bruce posted on Friday, August 13, 2010 @ 10:21 AM - (General)
Here is some other great advice from Peter Bruce Photo. Even though it is your day,there are going to be people who know better or just think that there in put help. Yes some times it does but over the years I have seen the bad and the good. Read on and learn.
SOME PEOPLE JUST WANT TO HELP
1.The very Testy Bridesmaid
Problem: "I love my maid of honor to death, but getting her in a dress that wasn't black or covered every inch of her was a task. If we found a color or a print, she would tell me that she didn't want to take attention away from the bride." My Advice: If one of your bridesmaids is a little nervous about showing some skin or wearing a bold color, it's better to find her an alternate option than to force her into something she's not comfortable with. For a modest maid of honor, make a strapless dress more conservative by incorporating a wrap, a fun cardigan, or a vintage bolero jacket in a complementing shade. Or play up your color palette in a subtler way with jewelry or hair fascinators. And look at the bright side, compromising now will give you a little leverage when you serve as a maid in her wedding.
2. The Wedding Know-It-All person
Problem: "My future sister-in-law is telling me I shouldn't wear a white wedding dress because it would be too harsh with my skin tone, wants to register for gifts with me (as well as tell me what to register for), and is suggesting where we honeymoon!" My Advice: When wedding suggestions cross the line from helpful to aggravating, it's time to redirect that input so that you don't end up arguing over something that might not seem so significant a few years down the line. Assign specific tasks to keep her busy but still involved, like helping you confirm orders with vendors or assembling favors.
3. The Doesn't-Know-Her-Place Wedding Guest
Problem: "One of our guests keeps insisting that we invite everyone on her 'party guest list' to our destination wedding -- I even found an open invite on her Face book account!" My Advice: Some wedding guests take it upon themselves to suggest a few invitees. And then some guests invite everyone on the Internet. Unless you want Tom from Face book raising a glass to toast your union, make sure it's clear that there's only one guest list for your wedding. Luckily, rationalizing a small guest list is a lot easier when you have a destination wedding -- just explain that you're having an intimate wedding with close friends and family only (she should feel honored that she's one of them!).
4. The Over-Eager Wedding Guest
Problem: "A woman my mother knows wants to do my ceremony music, and a customer of my mother's always volunteers to help and acts like she is family. I hardly know her!" My Advice: You know that expression about too many cooks in the kitchen? Meet its wedding equivalent. Having a lot of people offer to help you plan sounds like a blessing, but when assistance comes from left field, it can feel like more of a hindrance. If you feel like someone's eagerness is a bit more than you need, let her know how grateful you are for the offer, but that you're in great shape, planning-wise, and that if anything comes up that she could help with, you'll be sure to call.
5. The Children-Or-Bust Wedding Guest
Problem: "My husband-to-be has a niece and nephew (both under five), and his sister, her husband, and his parents said they would refuse to come if the children aren't allowed."
My Advice: A lot of couples choose not to invite children to their wedding, but if you risk a boycott by some VIPs, find a way soothe the situation. Offer to hire a babysitter and set up a private area with games, coloring books, and a few comfy pillows for little ones to crash on if the reception runs past their bedtimes. Your relatives might even offer to chip in once they see how accommodating you're being, but if they don't, the extra expense will be worth bypassing the drama of a fight with your new family.
