JUNE 16, 2017
The Press Special Edition • Summer 2017
Bridal & Formal Wear Ron Essex Photography www.ronessexphotography.com ron@ronessexphotography.com
J. James Bridal www.jjamesbridal.com 625 First Street, Brentwood (925) 420-3141
Premier Floral & Event Loft www.premierfloralandevent.com 238 Oak Street, Brentwood (925) 513-5285
Hannah Nicole Winery www.hnvwines.com 6700 Balfour Road, Brentwood (925) 392 -3189
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Community Center
Beautiful outdoor wedding site Indoor banquet seating for 330 guests Caterers dream kitchen Elegant pre-function area Ample parking
Photos courtesy of Wedding Bug Studios
Brentwood Parks & Recreation 35 Oak Street, Brentwood, CA parksandrecreation@brentwoodca.gov 925.516.5444
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Wedding bliss in East County
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AMY SCHRADER
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etting ready to tie the knot? Everyone knows that the hardest part of a wedding
lies in the preparation and planning. Premier Floral and Event Loft’s artsy, unique and edgy designs will bring your wedding theme to life. From left: Vanessa Hargis, owner Samantha Hartshorn and Taylor Plummer.
You can create the perfect dream wedding here in East County with the help of these local vendors who will help make your big day unforgettable.
Hannah Nicole Vineyards – destination wedding close to home You don’t have to head to Napa to have a stunning destination wedding. Hannah Nicole Vineyards has all of ON THE COVER: Local couple Michael and Shannon Jackson, photographed at Hannah Nicole Vineyards in Brentwood. The local venue offers all the charm of the Napa Valley close to home. Photo by Ron Essex Photography.
Photo courtesy of Ron Essex Photography
the charm of Napa close to home. The vineyard’s picturesque setting includes lush vineyards and sweeping views of Mount Diablo. “We are unique to the Brentwood area, because we are the only facility that
goes from vine to bottle on property,” said Debbie Francis, director of operations. The authentic vineyard experience also gives brides and grooms many choices for where they will exchange their vows. From under the willow trees along the
vines, a backstage area or the front gazebo with picturesque views of Mount Diablo and dazzling sunsets, there is something for everyone. Receptions can be held in see Wedding page 4B
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Wedding from page 3B multiple areas, or brides and grooms can choose to utilize the entire facility. Finally, no wedding venue is complete without a wedding coordinator to make sure your special day runs smoothly. “Our team is dedicated to your day and takes great strides to ensure that your day is one that will be remembered fondly,” said Francis. Hannah Nicole Vineyards is located at 6700 Balfour Road, in Brentwood. For more information, visit www.hnvwines. com or call 925-392-3189.
J. James Bridal – more than just wedding dresses J. James Bridal has become an integral part of the wedding experience for many East County brides. “When someone comes in, we don’t believe we’ve made a new client, but a new friend,” said Julie James, J. James Bridal owner. The small boutique is not your warehouse-style dress shop, which is why customers receive such personalized service. They carry on-trend labels such as Sophia Tolli, Kenneth Winston and Ella Rosal, with options for just about any budget. They also offer bridesmaids gowns, tuxedo rentals and the latest trends in men’s formal wear. “The process of finding the gown
should be a memorable and enjoyable experience,” said James. “There have been many occasions when we have cried with our bride when she finds the perfect gown.” James recommends brides call to make an appointment to ensure a consultant is with them every step of the way. She also recommends that brides order their gown nine months prior to the date of the event to ensure it’s received in time for any alterations. J. James Bridal is located at 625 First St., in Brentwood. For more information, visit www.jjamesbridal.com or call 925-420-3141.
Ron Essex Photography – telling your love story through photography After you’ve planned the day of your dreams, it’s important to find the right photographer to capture those intimate moments. With more than 26 years of professional photography experience, Ron Essex not only captures the special moments of a wedding, but also the character, feelings and emotions of the big day. “I have a natural knack for capturing those special moments,” said Essex. Essex’s final product is a beautiful, artis-
I look for those little moments that the bride and groom might not have noticed on their day, but will bring tears to their eyes when they see it later. – Ron Essex, photographer tic and editorial spread that tells a story. “What I’m really doing is trying to capture images that people are going to want to hold onto for the rest of their lives,” said Essex. “I look for those little moments that the bride and groom might not have noticed on their day, but will bring tears to their eyes when they see it later.” Ron Essex Photography offers fullservice wedding packages, including highend quality prints and wedding albums. The wedding day photography experts are currently accepting bookings for fall and summer. For more information, visit www. ronessexphotography.com.
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Premier Floral and Event Loft – give your wedding an artsy and unique touch Flowers are the perfect way to create the mood for your wedding. Whether brides go traditional, romantic, whimsical or modern, owner Samantha Hartshorn is an up-and-coming florist, who attended the Fashion Institute in San Francisco to obtain her degree in visual communications, and she continues to educate herself by attending floral workshops in Los Angeles. “We’re very young and not your average florist,” said Hartshorn. “We love mixing colors, textures and creating new trends in floral design and arrangements that people have never seen before.” Premier Floral and Event Loft uses all of the traditional flowers you’d expect from a florist, but likes mixing in specialty flowers as well, including eucalyptus, amaranthus, dusty miller, anemones, ranunculus and David Austin roses. Premier Floral and Event Loft is located at 238 Oak St., in Brentwood. For more information, visit www. premierfloraleventloft.com or call 925-513-5285.
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Local jewelers, including Cre’me dela Gem Jewelry in Brentwood, help couples create custom engagement rings and wedding bands for their special day.
Photo courtesy of Donna Ross
Wedding day bling
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AMY SCHRADER hoosing an engagement ring and wedding bands is a big decision.
Not only is it a symbol of your upcoming marriage, but it’s also something you’ll wear for the rest of your life. Whether you choose a classic style, modern trend or a one-of-a-kind custom creation, local jewelers can help you find rings that are the perfect fit for your style. Cre’me dela Gem Jewelry is a full-service jewelry workshop in Brentwood that designs, creates, repairs and enhances unique jewelry. Their bridal consultants can help you create the perfect ring. “My focus is on customer service and knowledge,” said Donna Ross, Cre’me dela Gem owner. “I believe the shopping experience is most important and I want someone’s purchase to be a memorable story to
pass on.” Ross works with all budgets, whether it’s $600 or $6,000, and always explains the diamond factors and price point, so her customers can make an informed decision within their budget. “Vintage styles, diamond halos and rose gold are engagement trends to watch for this year,” said Ross. According to Ross, a vintage engagement ring with a double halo and three-quarter carat oval diamond runs between $4,700 and $4,900. A one-carat round diamond halo engagement ring is about $5,200. When it comes to wedding bands, titanium and tungsten bands are popular for younger men, which start at $300. “Women still prefer diamond bands that match their engagement rings,” said Ross, who specializes in creating contoured or see Bling page 7B
Tuxedos • Proms • Evening Gowns TUXEDOS FOR ALL OCCASIONS! Many Styles Available • 100 Colors to choose from
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757-5020
43 E. 18th Street, Antioch (next to Bank of America)
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Let them eat cake – after you pick it out AMY SCHRADER
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hoosing your wedding cake is one of the most fun aspects of planning your wedding, if
you work with a reputable baker. Mike’s Pastry Shop in Antioch has been baking happiness for brides and grooms for 60 years, and whether you are looking for a traditional three-tier cake or something more original, the shop has something for everyone. “We’re an old-school bakery that does things the old-fashioned way,” said Mike Van Der Valk, bakery owner. “Everything is made from recipes; we make our dough ourselves, and we don’t buy fruits from cans or buckets.” Even though the bakery has old-fashioned values, their cakes, pies and pastries can be far from traditional. “We make beautiful traditional cakes, but we also make so many modern cakes with simple and clean designs and unique colors and flavors,” said Van Der Valk. For those looking for traditional designs, Mike’s Pastry Shop has tiered English wedding cakes covered in fondant and decorated with intricate lace
designs made with royal icing. Each layer can have a unique cake flavor and filling. Flavors and fillings include strawberry, lemon custard, chocolate mousse, chocolate buttercream, raspberry buttercream, raspberry jam and more. “Our top seller for 60 years is our strawberry, chiffon and whipped-cream cake,” said Van Der Valk. “Our recipe, which uses fresh strawberries, a chiffon cake and 100 percent whipped cream, has been a favorite since 1957.” While some take the traditional cake route, others look for something a little more off the beaten path. “Choosing your wedding cake has become a much more imaginative experience for those looking for something unique,” said Van Der Valk. “The interaction between the customer, baker and cake decorator is very open and collaborative.” According to Van Der Valk, some customers provide photos of other cakes for inspiration or want their cake to reflect the bride’s dress, flowers used during the ceremony or some other personal aspect. “We chose a rustic style three tier wedding cake,” said Oakley resident
Photo courtesy of Mike’s Pastry Shop/Facebook
Mike’s Pastry Shop in Antioch has been baking happiness for brides and grooms for 60 years and are known for their traditional confections as well as more modern creations. Megan Burgoon. “Each tier was a different flavor and the experience of choosing our cake and sampling all of the flavors was so much fun.” Customizing a cake isn’t for
everyone. Other brides and grooms want something even more nontraditional. For those looking to flaunt their unique style, Van Der Valk recommends foregoing cake and choosing pies. Summer pies can be filled with fresh and seasonal berries, and fall pies can celebrate the fall harvest of pumpkins and apples. Both can be customized with the bride and groom’s initials in the crust, made from pie dough and decorative pie-crust leaves. “We just made 120 individual pies, plus large pies for a wedding at a vineyard, and it was beautiful,” said Van Der Valk. Regardless of which route you take, Van Der Valk recommends brides and grooms book their wedding cake consultation months before their wedding, although they have been known to help brides and grooms who have come in the week of their wedding in a bind. Mike’s Pastry Shop is located at 1872 A St., in Antioch. For more information, call 925-757-3333, visit www.mikespastryshopantioch.com, or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ yourplaceforcakes.
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Bling from page 5B sculpted diamond bands made to fit alongside engagement rings. Another local store that specializes in custom jewelry is Broder Jewelry Design in Brentwood. Owner, Mark Broder, is a second-generation jeweler, who has been handcrafting fine jewelry for over 35 years. As a master stone setter, Broder also hand engraves jewelry, which is an art lost to many jewelers. “I create custom designed engagement rings and wedding bands in many different styles,” said Broder. “I’ve made very personal pieces that are so much more meaningful than buying a ring out of a display case – using a family diamond, incorporating a birthstone or hand engraving a symbol or message.” The local jeweler has even engraved wedding bands to match the tattoos of his customers. According to Broder, the most popular stone shape for engagement rings is the round, brilliant cut, because a well-cut round diamond gives the most fire and brilliance. Antique cushion-cut diamonds are also a popular trend. “One of my favorites is the radiant cut,” said Broder. “It gives you the shape of an emerald cut, but with the facets and brilliance of a round cut.” Broder also makes many nontraditional engagement rings with colored gemstones. He can work with his client’s gemstones or supply them from his shop.
I’ve made very personal pieces that are so much more meaningful than buying a ring out of a display case, using a family diamond, incorporating a birthstone or hand engraving a symbol or message. – Mark Broder, Broder Jewelry Design He has created custom pieces from $300 to $50,000, however, each customer receives the same personalized service no matter their budget. “When I create custom pieces, they are built to last generations,” said Broder. Broder Jewelry Design is located at 640 Harvest Park Dr., Suite B, in Brentwood. For more information, visit www.broderjewelry. com or call 925-634-6398. Cre’me dela Gem Jewelry is located at 626 First St., in Brentwood. For more information, visit www.cremedelagem.com or call 925-516-6200.
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Making all your hair dreams come true BRENNA ENOS
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rand new to the Brentwood salon scene, Fourth and Rose Hair Studio opened its doors to
the public on May 1, ready to trim, curl, cut and pin just in time for wedding season. Brides-to-be can find stylists ready to make their dream wedding day hair a reality. This full-service salon caters to a variety of hair needs, offering everything from cuts, color, highlights and extensions to conditioning treatments, touchups and more. Not just for the ladies, grooms can also receive a cut to make them look sharp for the big day. Fourth and Rose Hair Studio is a family-
operated business, owned by Lois Larson and her daughters, Natalie Larson and Corinne Stephenson. Lois has been a licensed hairdresser since the age of 18 and managed a salon in Alameda for nearly 30 years. But when both of Lois’ daughters also became hairdressers, the ladies decided a family salon would allow them to work together. “My youngest daughter has been encouraging me to get a salon for a while now, because we have all been working at different salons and were paying rent,” explained Lois. “She thought it would be great if we could all come together as a family salon.” Three other licensed hairdressers have also joined the mother-daughter trio, and since the opening of the salon last month, business has flowed in mainly due to word of mouth. Hiring hairdressers with a wealth of industry knowl-
Secrets to a long, happy marriage Some couples have been together for 50 or 60 years, and they say they’re still as much in love as they were the day they said, “I do.” What do they know that others do not? “We all need to be flexible and to compromise in marriage, but you’ve got to be true to your core traits and characteristics – what I call your authentic self,” said clinical
Community Life Center • Weddings • Quinceañeras • Birthdays • Anniversaries Seating for up to 400
Byron (925) 634-6625 www.stannechurchbyron.com
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– Natalie Larson, owner Fourth and Rose Hair Studio edge and experience has been an asset for the growing business. Many of the new employees have brought along their own clients. As the salon grows, the three hope to hire six more hairdressers to fill up each hair station.With expansion in mind, the salon currently has an open room the owners plan
psychologist and relationship guru Dr. Phil McGraw. Some couples enter a relationship projecting a persona they believe the other person wants – one that really isn’t what they’re all about. Consider the following advice to make a marriage endure for the long haul: ♦♦ There’s no such thing as the perfect marriage. Some couples create an image of what they think marriage is supposed to be, and that image often goes ‘poof’ once reality sets in. Even soul mates are bound to frustrate or irritate one another from time to time. ♦♦ Couples should express their frustrations. Bottling up frustrations can eat at a person and eventually destroy a marriage.
St. Anne
2800 Camino Diablo Rd.
We want to keep our stylists busy, and we’d love for it to have high energy.
to someday convert for either eyelash extensions or permanent makeup services, but for right now, their main goal is simply to grow the business. “We’re really trying to get people in there,” explained Natalie. “We want to keep our stylists busy, and we’d love for it to have high energy.” The trio’s dream of having a family salon has finally come to fruition, and for those looking for a one-stop shop, Fourth and Rose Hair Studio hopes to make your hair dreams come true, too. Fourth and Rose Hair Studio is currently open six days a week and accepts both appointments and walk-in clients. It is located at 4530 Balfour Road, in Brentwood. For more information, call 925-626-5844 or visit www.vagaro.com/fourthandrose.
♦♦ Make time for romance. It’s easily said, but not so easily done. Too often, married couples forget what it was like to date, when all of their attention was spent on each other instead of the house, kids or work. Happy couples find ways to spend quality time with their spouses. ♦♦ Respect each other. Troubled couples often realize they treat strangers better than they treat each other. Good marriages are based on a foundation of respect and love. It’s easy to lose feelings of love if the respect is gone. Couples can realize there are some thorns that come with the roses of marriage, and staying happy together does take work. – Courtesy Metro Creative