Around Here Wedding & Event Guide 2023

El Dorado County - West Slope Wedding & Event Guide Spring

2023

PO Box 641, El Dorado, CA 95623

Phone: 530-303-8980

aroundheremagazine.com

weddings@aroundheremagazine.com

Publisher Westword Publishing

Editor Sara Pagano

Ad Design Sara Pagano

Submissions: Around Here Magazine

Wedding & Event Guide is produced annually in Spring and updated in Fall of each calendar year. It is specific to the West Slope of El Dorado County. For directory listing, advertising or article entry, contact weddings@aroundheremagazine. com. Publisher cannot be responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and/or artwork. To be returned to sender, an SASE must accompany material submitted to Around Here Magazine.

The information published in Around Here Magazine Wedding & Event Guide is believed to be accurate and authoritative but is not intended to substitute for legal, accounting, rental, design or other professional advice. Opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of Around Here Magazine.

The use of Around Here’s artwork, design, articles or information is prohibited without prior written consent of the publisher. Contents copyright © 2023 by Around Here Magazine, published by Around Here Magazine.

Cover Photo by Jennifer Ingles Photography

Second Shooter for Vanessa Lynne Photography

In With The Old..

We are loving some of the newer trends today's couples are embracing for their weddings. Who doesn’t love a weekday ceremony, colorful gown, low-key hair, moissanite rings, sustainable and eco-friendly decor, and a private last dance?! ‘Unconventional is the new conventional’, we always say. However, there are some oldies but goodies we think should be honored no matter what. These are timeless traditions which will, hopefully, never go out of style.

Paper is impressive. Yes, we believe in the wedding website. But the touch and feel combined with the message conveyed on the surface of beautiful paper is something that will be appreciated and can be treasured forever. From the save-the-dates and invitations to paper cones for confetti and printed menus, your style and colors shine through on each of these pieces. They help to tie everything together in a tidy and cohesive package. Take advantage of paper’s potential and try to coordinate them all so they look like they’re goin’ to the same party! In addition, since you’ll have them anyway, how about handwriting your vows as a keepsake on lovely paper. Or write a note to your beloved (parents would love this too) the night before your nuptials. Even paper flowers are a thing!

Greet each and every one of your guests. In lieu of the receiving line, many couples are opting for a more lively version. For years, couples have practiced the “meet ’n greet”, usually during dinner, when the newlyweds stroll around the reception space and stop at each guest table to say their hellos and thank yous. This needs to be brief, or you’ll be there all night!

Consider these newer alternatives:

◊ do a “speed round” with your DJ or MC keeping you moving, and your photographer capturing a group shot of you with each table,

◊ host a pre-wedding event like a backyard brunch where you can visit at a more leisurely pace,

◊ take advantage of your photo booth by making it a point to get pics with each guest at some point during the festivities.

The key is to be intentional, just like your guests were intentional about being there.

Have a hanky on hand. It’s small but mighty! Once you’re dressed, and your hair perfectly coiffed, and you’re all made up, you might not have much of a chance for the rest of the day to dab, blot, wipe or blow. Keep a tissue tucked somewhere handy and inconspicuous, like up a sleeve or in your spouse’s pocket. It’s good for perspiration and happy tears alike. Disposable is fine, but a cotton ‘kerchief is ever so much nicer. Plus, it can be an heirloom (something old) or a novel new one just for your big day. Heck, order them custom embroidered as gifts for your bridal party (with the date and a cute sentiment like ‘keep your s!*t together’). Whether it’s

snarky or sentimental, you’ll be glad to have one on hand.

Make an entrance. (And an exit) It need not be grand either way. But your guests absolutely want to see you introduced, along with your wedding party, so they can connect names with faces. Everyone in attendance came to see the show and your entrance is the signal they need to know this party’s gettin’ started! You can do something as simple as the DJ/MC announcing names and relations as you all enter the reception space together. You can go all out and choreograph a dance to a specific song for each member of your party, complete with props like sunglasses and feather boas. Your DJ/ MC can get the crowd involved and make it a bit of a competition between the “sides”. Any which way, this is the cue everyone needs that you’re in the house and ready to celebrate. At the end of the night, making a planned exit is the best way to indicate to the crowd that it’s time to go. Whether you’ve arranged for an after party or you just want things to wind down, a strategic exit is fun for everyone and ensures the night ends on a high note.

Do us a favor. While there are now alternatives to the couple’s gift registry (hello honeymoon fund and charitable donations), we still believe

in favors for your guests to take home with them. (We know this is a hot topic!) Just a small gesture, a token of appreciation to thank your guests for taking the time (not to mention energy and expense) to spend this day with you. But gone are the days of jordan almonds and plastic pens. Yuck! The trick to a fave favor is that it must be meaningful AND useful. Both. At the same time. Unless you were raised on an almond farm or you’re the CEO of an international pen manufacturer, you’ll need to come up with something a little sweeter (pun intended). Certainly, anything edible is useful. Now make it meaningful. For example, sample size coffee grounds of your favorite blend if y’all are regulars at the local coffee shop. Or how about a mini bottle of BBQ sauce, if you have a reputation for outdoor grilling on the weekends. Of course, you could skip the consumables and go for a keepsake instead. The little pic that pops out from your photo booth will do the trick nicely. Or a seedling that can sit on a windowsill and continue on as a reminder of a fabulous day. Also, remember that some of your “extras” can do double duty; a paper fan for

keeping cool, bug spray or sunscreen, or a coaster place card can serve their purposes the day-of and beyond. Whatever little something you decide to offer, the label and wrapping will go a long way in making it meaningful. BONUS tip: Ask your coordinator to remind guests as they’re leaving to take one.

Write a note. Handwritten thank you notes will forever be the norm and a quintessential part of the wedding planning process. It is literally the least you can do to thank someone for attending and if they were kind enough to bring a gift. Just accept that this is a thing you will need to do. In fact, plan ahead for it. Make it something you’ll look forward to. When you’re selecting your stationery, back before you even send your save-the-dates, be sure to add coordinating thank you notes to your order. Also, consider a custom return address stamp or matching labels, and extra postage when you purchase these for mailing your invitations. This way, you’ll have everything you need when you receive gifts before the wedding. Send those thank yous within two weeks. For gifts you receive

at the wedding, and for anyone who attended your wedding (that’s right, even if they didn’t bring a gift), send a note within three months. This shows your gratitude in a respectful and timely manner. You do NOT want to hear rumors of folks wondering if you even received their gift or if you’re ever going to say thank you. Just do it. Plus, you can use the same note cards for any gratuities to your vendors the dayof. They love a personal note from their clients! Don’t we all love a heartfelt note?

Enjoy planning your wedding! Whether you’re a DIYer or you’d rather hire, make it yours.

Melanie & Katie Best Day Ever

Officiants

John Fitch

530.906.0520

Sylvia Rubio 530.560.5203

sylvia.the.officiant

The Paperwork of Marriage

“Deputy for a Day” Officiant Program

» For CA weddings only

» Applies to One Specific Wedding

» Online Application Prior to Swearing In

Marriage

» In Person - Available by Appointment, Application Available Online

Via Mail - Available Online

Via Email/Fax - Notarized Signature is Required, Payment Through Outside Vendor

»

» 8am-12pm or 2pm-4:30pm

» $80 to $85

More Information Online

For more information about getting married in El Dorado County, or to apply online, please visit edcgov.us/recorderclerk.

Cameron Park

Cameron Park Community Center 530.677.2231

cameronpark.org

Cameron Park Country Club 530.350.1187 cameronparkcc.com

Camino

Apple Mountain Golf Resort 530.647.7408

applemountaingolfresort.com

High Sierra Iris & Wedding Gardens 530.642.1222 weddingsnflowers.com

Indian Rock Tree Farm 530.622.4087 indianrocktreefarm.com

Sierra Banquet Center 530.644.0345 sierrabanquestcenter.com

Silverthorn Meadows 530.621.2379 silverthornmeadows.com

The Lake at Apple Hill 877.920.0952

applehillwedding.com

Coloma

Coloma Resorts 530.621.2267

colomaresort.com

Gold Trail Grange 530.626.1194

goldtrailgrange.com

Villa Florentina 916.662.2144

villaflorentina.net

Venues

Cool

Black Oak Mountain Vineyards 530.802.0062 blackoak.cool

Diamond Springs

Mother Lode Lions Hall 530.957.9831

MotherLodeLionsHall

El Dorado

El Dorado Community Hall 530.622.9840 eldoradocommunityhall.com

Frontier Photo Studios 530.591.0138 frontierphotostudios.com

Lotus

Camp Lotus 530.391.3208 camplotus.com

Coloma Weddings at EarthTrek Expeditions 530.642.1900 colomaweddings.com

Pilot Hill

Bayley Barn 530.823.9090 gdrd.org/bayley-barn.html

Hart to Hart 530.885.9463 everhartcellars.com

Lotus View Ranch 916.417.5937 lotusviewranch.com

Placerville

American Legion Hall El Dorado Post 119 530.626.3956

legionpost119.org

Bella Vista Bed & Breakfast 530.622.3456 bellavistinc.net

Bluestone Meadow 530.621.1830

bluestonemeadow.com

Camp Nauvoo Roses and Acorns 916.207.9441

rosesandacornsweddings.com

Cold Springs Golf Club 530.622.4567

coldspringsgolf.com

Davies Family Inn 530.295.1000

thedaviesfamilyinn.com

Gold Hill Vineyard 530.626.6522

goldhillvineyard.com

Placerville Shakespeare Club 530.626.7626

placerville-shakespeare.com

Saureel Vineyard 530.409.3421

saureelvineyards.com

Sierra Vista Winery 530.622.7221

sierravistawinery.com

The White Barn at Powell Ponds powellponds.com

Wakamatsu Farm 530.621.1224

arconservancy.org

David Girard Vineyard 530.295.1833

davidgirardvineyards.com

Sequoia Mansion 530.364.5453 wedgewoodweddings.com/ sequoiamansion

Smith Flat House 530.621.1003 smithflathouse.com

Pleasant Valley

Pleasant Valley Grange 530.644.1602

pleasantvalleycommunityhall.com

Rescue

Rescue Community Center 530.677.9345

rescuecommunitycenter.com

Shingle Springs

Cielo Estate Winery 530.672.8575 cieloestate.com

Elks Lodge 1712 530.672.9120 placervilleelks.org

Lehman Barn 530.417.1000 lehmanbarn.com

Shingle Springs Community Center 530.672.7442

shinglespringscommunitycenter.org

Somerset Mediterannean Vineyards 916.230.8467

medivineyards.com

Saluti Cellars 530.957.2528 saluticellars.com

Stand Ready Ranch 916.300.0237 standreadyranch.com

The Barn at Rooster Cellars 530.303.8101 roostercellars.com

The Ranch at Stoney Creek 530.4014940 theranchatstoneycreek.com

Rehearsal restaurants

Smith Flat House 530.621.1003 smithflathouse.com

Green Room Social Club 916.952.1665

clubgreenroom.com

Sierra Iris & Wedding Gardens

Camino, Ca 530.642.1222

weddingsnflowers.com

Beauty and health

Cameron Park

Ashley Thornhill 530.350.9197

LaMaeSalonSpa.com

Mary Kay Cosmetics 916.804.3013 marykay.com/ahonoroff

Plexus Health & Wellness 916.804.3013

plexusworldwide.com/ AngelaHonoroff

Skin Deep by Ash 916.502.2864

skindeepbyash.glossgenius.com

El Dorado Hills

Brockway Hair Design 916.939.0379

brockwayhairdesign.com

Asante Spa 916.933.8905

sparetimesportsclubs.com

Lotus/ Coloma

Lotus Salon & Boutique 530.409.0061

kaseylotussalon.glossgenius.com

Placerville

Alicia’s Hair and Cosmetics 530.444.9313 aliciashairandcosmetics.com

Body Mind Spirit Soul, Day Spa 530.626.1363 bmssplacerville.com

Cassandra’s Esthetics 530.919.5290 cassandrasessthetics.com

Dynamic Images Salon & Day Spa 530.622.5436 Dynamicimagesonline.com

Glittery 530.416.1304 shopglittery.com

Hurley Therapeutic Massage And Day Spa 530.417.2924

hurleymassageanddayspa.com

Renew Salon and Day Spa 530.748.3689

renewspa.us

Transcendent Beauty 530.999.3530

Transcendentbeautybybecca.com

Waterfall Salon & Spa 530.626.1571

waterfallsalonandspa.com

Voiteli 530.303.3799

voiteliwellness.com

Pollock Pines

Mountain High Salon & Spa 530.303.3297

mhsalonandspa.com

Wedding Planners

A Dazzling Day Weddings by Darcie 916.207.2743 adazzlingday.com

Amy Varain Weddings 916.304.3421 amyvarain.com

Best Day Ever Event Planning 530.306.3551 bestdayevercal.com

Camino Crystal Events 707.207.5658

Camino Crystal Events

Courtney Lawhon Events 916.990.1772 courtneylawhonevents.com

Sierra and Sky Wedding Planning sierraandsky.com

Event Rentals

Barnswallow Rentals 916.720.9123 barnswallorentals.com

El Dorado Hills Party Rentals 916.933.2500 edhpartyrentals.com

High Sierra Events 530.622.9065 highsierraevents.com

Vintagique Vintage Trailer Mobile Bar and Lounge 530.391.2713 vintagique.com

Wilkinson Portables 530.622.6169 wilkinsonportables.com

Wedding

Balloon Art Celebrations 530.425.6122 balloonartcelebrations.com

Maltbie Metal Works 530.391.6211 etsy.com/shop/MaltbieMetalWorks

Photographers

Tricia V Photography 808.345.8343 triciavphotography.com

Jennifer Ingles Photography 760.525.9462 Jenniferinglesphotography.mypixieset.com

Be Humbull Photography 530.407.1979 behumbullphotography.com

Renee Smith Photography 707.888.0098 reneesmithphotography.com

Vanessa Lynne Photography 530.417.4530 vanessalynnephotography.com

Jewelers

Jon Bate Jewelry 530.676.7297

jbjewelrystudio.com

R Purnell Jewelers 916.293.8688

rpurnelljewelers.com

Talisman Collection Fine Jewelers 916.358.5683 talismancollection.com

Ancient Gold Jewelers 530.626.8753 ancientgoldjewelers.com

Romans Jewelry 530.622.3787

romansjewelry.com

Travel Agents

Bill and Barb Wilson Dream Vacations 530.919.6367

bwilson.dreamvacations.com

Coastline Travel Advisors 916.939.8785

El Dorado Hills Travel 916.933.0476

edhtravel.com

Getaway Travel Specialists 530.391.5650

GTS2go.com

Hangtown Travel 530.622.1774

hangtowntravel.com

DJ

Bow Tie Events 916.337.2226 bowtieevents.org

DJ Grant Petersen 530.651.4634 proeventdj.wordpress.com

J.Crew Productions 916.271.1212 jcrewpro.com

The Travel Gals 916.801.8254

gowithttg.com

Alterations

El Dorado Hills Tailoring & Alterations 916.939.3340

edh-tailoring-alterations.business.site

Fresh Cleaners 916.933.4535

freshcleaners-ca.com

Rose Alterations 530.626.4865

Wedding Entertainment

Bearded Axe Throwing Lanes thebeardedaxethrowinglanes.com

Kathy Drew Interactive Entertainment 916.216.8232

kdrewinteractive.com

From funky to formal, fabulous and fun, El Dorado County is quickly becoming the newest wedding destination for today’s astute couples. Our unique, affordable venues allow you to choose from stunning vineyards, beautiful river campgrounds, charming inns, and lovely hotel ballrooms.

And now there is a program to get FREE funding to transport your

guests in style! When you choose from any of El Dorado County’s unique accommodations for your overnight guests, you can receive up to $1000 to transport your group in luxury and style on your wedding day! It’s easy to apply, easy on your budget, easy on the planet, and an easy way to share your worry-free wedding day with your out-of-town guests!

It is called the El Dorado Stay & Play Shuttle.

“At first couples think this program is too good to be true”, says Jody Franklin, Executive Director of Tourism. “But it is funded by a grant from the El Dorado County Air Quality Management District. The El Dorado County Visitors Authority designed the program to encourage group transportation and overnight stays in El Dorado County, reduce motor vehicle emissions and introduce

new visitors to the area. The level of funding is based on the number of rooms nights booked.”

With a minimum of 20 El Dorado County room nights, applicants can qualify for $500 toward the cost of a shuttle. The maximum contribution is $1,000 for 40 room nights.

Applicants must provide information about where their guests are staying and for how long. Any commercial lodging property in good standing with El Dorado County is eligible. “I encourage anyone that is considering hosting a wedding in El Dorado County to check out the program. This could be the difference between providing a shuttle for your guests and not. We worked with professional transportation companies and I will guarantee that guests will be impressed,” says Franklin.

Check out Visit-ElDorado.com/StayPlay-Shuttle, email stayandplay@ eldoradocounty.org or call call 530.621.5885.

Bakeries

Claire’s Cakez 650.862.0779 sites.google.com/view/clairescakez

Cupcakees by Missy 949.501.6822 cupcakeesbymissy.com

Frank Vilt’s Cakes 530.409.7046

Frank Vilt’s Cakes

JoJo’s Bakery 530.558.9062

jojos-bakery.com

Kustom Kreations by Traci 530.383.3913

KustomKreationsbyTraci

Randi Raye’s Cookie Company 530.350.5089

RandiRayesCookieCo.com

Sierra Rizing Bakery 530.642.1308 sierrarizing.com

Sugar Cakes and Bakery 530.919.6766

sugarcakesandbakery.com

Sugar Lillie Bakery 530.417.6111

sugarlilliebakery.com

Sugar Lips Protein Cakery 530.417.3678

sugarlipsproteincakery.com

Sweet Pairings Bakery 530.903.3158

sweetpairingsbakery.com

Other Sweet Treats

Danny’s Shaved Ice 530.558.0139

Danny’s Shaved Ice

Sugar House Cotton Candy 530.919.7364

sugarhousecottoncandy

Florists

Angie Zimmerman Floral Designs 916.941.1171

angiezimmermandesigns.com

Art & Petals 833.473.8257 artandpetals.com

Cameron Park Florist 530.677.3911

cameronparkflorist.com

Cool Florist and Gifts 530.885.2750 coolfloristca.com

El Dorado Hills Florist 916.933.4323

eldoradohillsflorist.com

Paper Moon Floral Design 530.205.3776

papermoonflowers.com

Placerville Flowers on Main 530.622.1121

placervilleflowersonmain.com

Scarlett & Sage Floral Co. 530.391.4449

scarlettsagefloralco.com

The Wild Olive 530.417.6971

thewildoliveflorist.com

Couture Wedding by Dottie 530.644.5730

coutureweddingsbydottie.com

Caterers

Bella Bru Catering 916.704.9749 bellabrucafe.com

Bolen’s Provisions 530.334.8020 bolensprovisions.com

Capital Sierra Catering 530.313.3505 capitalsierra.com

Corazon Tacos 657.88.TACOS corazon.brizy.site

Diane Wilkinson Catering 530.622.3883 dianewilkinsoncatering.com

Flatlanders by KRAVE 916.910.3159

kravekruiser.com

Hog Wild BarBQue 530.748.9949 hogwildbarbque.com

Mikeys Kilten Kitchen 530.748.6733

Mikey’s Kilted Kitchen

South Fork Catering 530.957.4357 SouthFork.cookforhire

Table Nectar 530.344.7613 tablenectar.com

Lodging Hotels

Best Western Plus - Placerville 530.622.9100

bestwestern.com

Best Western Stagecoach InnPollock Pines 530.644.2029

bestwestern.com

Historic Cary House Hotel 530.622.4271

caryhousehotel.com

Holiday Inn Express & SuitesEl Dorado Hills 916.358.3100

ihg.com

Rock Creek Inn - Georgetown 530.333.4359

rockcreekinn.info

Bed & Breakfast

American River Inn 530.333.4499

americanriverinn.com

Bella Vista Bed & Breakfast 530.622.3456

bellavistainc.net

Coloma Cottages 530.344.3479

colomacottages.com

Glen Morey Country House 530.306.3481

placervillebedandbreakfast.com

Ponderosa Ridge 530.344.9220

ponderosaridgebnb.com

North Canyon Inn 530.957.6952

northcanyoninn.com

Villa Agave 415.696.2670

thevillaagave.com

Wedding Checklist

12+ Months

☐ choose wedding date

☐ start wedding file

☐ decide wedding colors and theme

☐ decide on wedding budget

☐ hire wedding planner

☐ decide on ceremony site

☐ decide on reception site

☐ shop for wedding gown

8-10 Months

☐ choose bridal party

☐ select wedding officiant

☐ reserve reception caterer

☐ book photographer and videographer

☐ hire band or dj

☐ find bridesmaids’ dresses

☐ finalize guest list

☐ collect names and addresses for guest list

☐ send Save the Dates

☐ apply for gift registry

☐ throw engagement party

5-7 Months

☐ pick wedding stationary

☐ select wedding cake

☐ hire florist

☐ purchase wedding bands

4 Months

☐ reserve/buy tuxedos

☐ secure event rental items

☐ arrange transportation

☐ book hair stylist

☐ book makeup artist

3 Months

☐ send out invitations

☐ finalize menu and cost of catering

☐ order wedding favors

☐ order bridal party gifts

2 Months

☐ reserve rehearsal dinner site

☐ confirm tuxedos

☐ schedule alterations

☐ schedule bridesmaid and flower girl fittings

☐ order address labels

☐ confirm florist

1 Month

☐ design and order wedding programs

☐ apply for marriage license

☐ final gown fitting

☐ choose wedding accessories

☐ visit hair stylist

☐ visit makeup artist

☐ finalize details with wedding planner

2 Weeks

☐ call nonRSVP guests

☐ final head count to caterer

☐ provide song list

☐ confirm rehearsal and rehearsal dinner plans

☐ determine floor and seating plan

☐ confirm rental, cake and floral delivery date and time

1 Week

☐ last-minute seating changes

☐ organize wedding day attire and accessories

☐ confirm rehearsal information with attendants

☐ pick up formal wear

☐ pack wedding day emergency kit

1 Day

☐ review to do list

☐ give rings to best man

☐ get a good night’s sleep

Wedding Day

☐ eat something - avoid sugars and caffeine

☐ hair and makeup

☐ check in with planner

☐ relax, enjoy and live in the moment

1-2 Weeks After Wedding

☐ have wedding gown and flowers preserved

☐ write thank you notes

Wedding Day Emergency Kit Suggestions

safety pins

small snacks medicine

qtips

band aids

mini lint roller

tweezers

lotion

lip balm

Pepto Bismol

hair spray

floss

mints

bobby pins

wedding day timeline

nail file

eye drops

“A good marriage is one where each partner secretly suspects they got the better deal.”