Wedding & Event
Sip, Sip, Hooray
Picking wine for your special day
Trendsetting
Popular ideas to elevate any wedding


Write wedding vows with relative ease
The exchange of vows is an integral part of many wedding ceremonies. Vows are promises made to one another that serve as the basis of the marriage commitment. Historians say some of the oldest traditional wedding vows can be traced back to manuals of the medieval church in England. There are no formal wedding vows in the Christian Bible, but those who profess this faith typically incorporate the teachings of Jesus Christ into their vows.
Many modern couples prefer to exchange their own vows rather than share standard verses. This is particularly true for couples who will be having ceremonies customized to their own beliefs and relationship histories. Writing vows enables the soon-to-be betrothed to be creative, personal and speak from the heart. However, when faced with writing sentiments that will be expressed in front of others, nerves can set in. These tips can help couples draft vows more easily.
♦ Identify who this person is to you; put a label on your relationship. Is he or she a friend, partner in crime, confidante, or all of the above?
♦ Be sure to say, “I love you” in the vows. Many couples get so hung up on language that they may forget these most basic words at the heart of the wedding.
♦ Gush about all of the reasons for that love. Offer

personal stories, anecdotes or something that will illustrate to the crowd why you want to spend your life with this person.
♦ Look to the future. Think about how you want to spend the years ahead. Paint a picture of what you envision your lives will look like, whether that includes children, traveling the globe, or other ideas.
♦ Make promises to one another. Vows are essentially promises, so come up with some you agree to abide by. These can include similar sentiments
Couples who are writing their own vows should realize they do not have to rival the words of the most profound authors or learned scholars. They should be honest and simple and express the sentiments that mean the most to them as they embark on this new journey.
by Charleen Earleyto ones that are shared in traditional weddings, or clever and humorous promises, such as to always do the dishes, or pick up clothes from the bedroom floor.
♦ Include stories that point out your collective strengths and weaknesses. Don’t forget to mention instances when things were tough and how you overcame them, and how you can use these lessons in your future as a married couple.
– Courtesy of Metro Creative






Sip, Sip, Hooray! Picking wine for your special day
Planning an event, particularly a wedding, involves numerous decisions, and selecting the right wines can feel daunting. However, with a few key considerations, you can curate a selection that complements your occasion and delights your guests.
Before determining how much wine to purchase, several basic factors should be addressed: What is your budget? How many people are attending? Will you also be serving spirits and/ or beer? Is the event indoors or outdoors?


What dishes are on the menu?
Now, let’s crunch the numbers: A standard bottle of wine holds 750ml, roughly five glasses if poured by staff or four glasses if guests serve themselves.
Rather than estimating by the hour, a more practical approach is to plan for two to three glasses per guest throughout the event. If cocktails and beers are also avail-
able, figure about half of your guests will opt for wine.
For instance, with 100 guests expected and estimating two glasses per guest, you would need about 25 bottles of wine. This breaks down to 100 glasses of wine (50 guests times 2 glasses) divided by 4 glasses per bottle. Include a few extra bottles for contingencies or unexpected consumption.
Once the quantity is settled, focus shifts to selecting the right wines, which
largely hinges on your menu choices. For lighter fare like fish or chicken, consider pairing with Chardonnay or a crisp Pinot





Grigio. Red wines such as Pinot Noir complement beef and chicken dishes well, while a versatile option like Chenin Blanc pairs nicely with curry.
Don’t shy away from exploring diverse wine options beyond the usual suspects. For instance, consider a Pinot Grigio from the Alto Adige region or an Italian Primitivo (Zinfandel), which offer excellent quality and value. Couples often find satisfaction in selecting wines like a Chenin Blanc from Vouvray, showcasing lesser-known but exceptional, choices.
Ultimately, choose wines that resonate with your personal preferences and complement the event’s ambiance. Sampling wines beforehand ensures they meet your expectations in taste and quality. By selecting wines that suit both your palate and budget, you can ensure your celebration is memorable and filled with delightful moments. Cheers to selecting the perfect wines for your special day.






Pros, cons of shorter, longer engagements
The average engagement length has increased over the years and is pushing 12-15 months, according to brides. com.
“It gives you enough time to enjoy your engagement, get all your ducks in a row. Vendors book up quick,” said Katie Brandt, a resident of Discovery
Bay, who got engaged late last year.
A longer engagement helps you secure first choice vendors – in Brandt’s case, most of them local – while also allowing more time for the hard decisions, she said. “Do you have kids at the wedding? It’s a big controversial topic, something we’re still deciding.”
Brandt, a customer service manager at Bill Brandt Ford in Brentwood, is getting married to Oscar Hernandez, a mechanic at the dealership, in May of next year. “He’s my best friend, so it’s fun. We’re excited to get married,” she said.




The couple is getting married in just under a year. According to samstarns.com, there are pros and cons to shorter engagements and longer engagements. Here are a few of each: Pros of a longer engagement:
♦ Plenty of time to make the hard decisions, such as whether or not to include children
♦ A longer timeline with careful planning can alleviate stress from being rushed
♦ More time to enjoy the process of getting to the altar
♦ Easier to book venues, caterers and honeymoon destinations further in advance
♦ More time to save money Cons of a longer engagement:
♦ Procrastination can lead to feeling rushed at the last minute
♦ Some vendors may not be able to book far in advance
♦ Family circumstances can change. Bridal Guide warns that grandparents can sometimes experience rapid changes in health during the engagement period
♦ More time to second guess decisions
Pros of a shorter engagement
♦ ‘Wedding fatigue’ and the excitement might wear down.
♦ No time for changing your mind, or being swayed by family or friends.
♦ Less stress and pressure on you.
♦ You are less confused. There are many options for every wedding decision.
♦ Vendors are booking. If you contact them too early, they won’t have their calendars open for booking your date if you have a long engagement.
♦ less time to wait, and more time to enjoy being a happy couple Cons of a shorter engagement:
♦ Higher costs because vendors prefer to be booked well in advance of a wedding date.
♦ Your favorite vendors might already be booked.
♦ You will be rushed with planning.
♦ If you’re eloping to a coveted destination and want to experience popular activities that require reservation, a short engagement (less than 6 months) may mean some reservations and flights are booked or are expensive.

♦ Dress alterations can take a while. It can be tricky to get these done in just a couple of months. To view a video, visit www.thepress. net / multimedia



The importance of connection
pher cannot be overstated. A wedding day is a personal and intimate experience, and you want to feel at ease with the person capturing those moments throughout the day. You also need to know you can trust them to capture your story and document your day in a way that reflects your personality and style.
Your wedding day is meant to be one of the most important days of your life, and you want to capture it in the best possible way.
Choosing the right wedding photographer is crucial to ensure you have beautiful memories of your special celebration. However, it’s not just about finding a photographer with the proper skills and experience, it’s also important to find someone you feel comfortable with and can connect with on a personal level.
The importance of a connection between you and your wedding photogra-
When you meet with potential photographers, get to know them and their work. Look at their portfolio and see if their style matches what you’re looking for. Ask them about their experience, their approach to wedding photography, and their post-wedding day process. But also, pay attention to how they make you feel. Do they seem genuinely interested in getting to know you as a couple? Do they listen to your needs and concerns? Are they as enthusiastic about your vision as you are?
On the other hand, if you don’t feel a connection with a particular photographer, don’t be afraid to move on. No matter how skilled or experienced they may be, getting the kinds of photos you want will be difficult if you feel uncomfortable with them.
By taking the time to find the right photographer for you, you’ll be able to capture your wedding day in a way that reflects your unique love story.












Get hitched to these wedding trends
Modern couples are choosing to start their lives together in style. The latest trends suggest it’s bound to be a fashionable year for those tying the knot in the months to come. These ideas are on many a modern couple’s wish list.
Scaled-down style
It may be the year of the ‘mini’ in terms of bridal style. From dresses to bouquets to diminutive foods, couples can’t get enough of miniature items that, despite their small size, add maximum impact to the big day.
Celebrant-led ceremonies

For some, there is no more meaningful part of the wedding than the ceremony when two lives are joined together.






Although many couples still prefer traditional religious weddings, others are opting for more customizable, celebrant-led events that are personalized and tailored to the couples’ unique histories and stories. Flexibility in relation to the ceremony location, and options for inclusivity and cultural diversity, are priorities among many modern couples.
Experiential extras
Sure, couples are still opting for a band or a DJ to provide the bulk of the reception entertainment, but many also are branching out into new arenas. One new trend offers creative flair. Couples hire an artist to paint or sketch a portion of the ceremony or reception in real time, and guests can enjoy seeing how the scene unfolds. Additional options regarding entertainment include culturally specific performers.
Creative photography
For years now, couples are increasingly opting for less stilted, posed photos in favor of something a little less rehearsed. Candid photography and a photojournalism approach are popular requests among modern couples, but an even more adventurous photo style also is emerging. As drone photography becomes even more common, aerial photos and video are being used to add an even more distinctive approach to wedding documentation.
Colorful fashions
Modern weddings are big on color, from bold and vibrant floral displays to wardrobe choices. Gone are the days when brides must wear white. They’re now choosing everything from pastels to silver and even black if the mood hits. Plus, wedding party dresses are equally vibrant, with many brides letting their bridesmaids mix and match gowns and colors in a range of hues.
Weekend-long weddings
Some people don’t want the magic of the wedding to end after one day, so they go for an entire wedding weekend. Hitched says searches for weekend wedding venues have risen by 50 percent in the past year.
On-demand wedding cake slices and dessert
According to Vogue, many modern weddings opt to skip table service, and pass slices of wedding cake to those who want them. The rest can be placed in to-go boxes for guests to grab on their way out. This ensures the dance floor stays full and the late-night revelers satisfy their midnight cravings.
– Courtesy of Metro Creative








4 tips for finding the right wedding venue
Acouple’s wedding day is typically broken into two parts: the ceremony comes first, and the reception follows soon after. Depending on couples’ preferences and religious beliefs, ceremonies may take place at a house of worship or another location that is separate from the reception venue. In some instances, couples may choose one location for both the ceremony and the party to follow. Wedding venues are where the bulk of the day will unfold, and couples can consider these four tips to find a venue that suits their needs.
1. Consider your theme and wedding style. Most couples know which sentiments they want to convey during their weddings. The venue should match the theme so the entire wedding will feel connected to the space. A modern wedding, for example, will be at home in an art gallery or warehouse. A wedding with natural elements may work better on a ranch or in a botanical garden.
Zeroing in on the wedding style helps narrow down potential venue options.
2. Assess the budget. A couple may find what seems to be the perfect venue, only to realize that the cost of the space doesn’t fit their budget. Ampersand Travel says the venue accounts for the most significant wedding expense, at an average cost of $9,000. Finding a venue that will maximize dollars spent involves looking at what is included. Rentals for chairs, linens, lighting, a dance floor, and other extras can quickly add up. Couples should have a set limit they’re willing to spend on the venue and let that dictate the location.
3. Availability of the location. When a couple wants to get married may determine their venue options, especially if they’re planning on a budget. September and October are now the most popular months to get married, so venues will book up quickly during that time of year. Those who have their hearts set on specific days will have to begin the search earlier than couples with no attachment to a particular date. Concessions may need to be made if a certain date is a must.
4. Estimate the size of your guest list. Price, date and style will factor into wedding venues, but the number of

guests also is a major consideration. A trendy restaurant may seem like the perfect locale, but it must be able to accommodate everyone. Couples should come up with a list of potential guests and look for a venue that can accommodate everyone.
Couples also should visit potential venues in person to see which, if any, details might be missing from online or magazine advertisements. A host of factors, including accessibility, should be considered when looking for a venue.
– Courtesy of Metro Creative
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For print, email your events to calendar@brentwoodpress.com one week prior to publication. For online, post your events for free on The Press Community Calendar www.thepress.net/calendar.
This Week’s Events
Saturday, June 22
Soroptimists’ Uncorked Event Celebrates 40 years of Service
The sixth annual Uncorked event is from 5-9 p.m. at De Luna Ranch at 7540 Balfour Road in Brentwood. Sip wines not found in the local grocery and indulge in delicious bites while mingling with fellow wine enthusiasts. Dinner is being catered by The Holy Smoker, and Joey T and Friends will entertain. Tickets are $75 and include, dinner, six-ounce wine-tasting glass, raffles, appetizer bar, dessert and a silent and live auction. Proceeds support Soroptimist’s mission to empower local girls and women. This year, they awarded scholarships and recognition to 22 recipients. Tickets available at Eventbrite – https://www. eventbrite.com/e/soroptimist-uncorked-tickets908428503107?aff=ebdssbdestsearch - or at Gursky Ranch at 1921 Apricot Way or by leaving your contact information at 925-219-2670. For details about soroptimists, visit www.siofthedelta. com or call Sue Pretzer at 760-583-3058.
Railtown Classics and Antiques Festival in Byron
Ride the trains, and visit antiques and vintage dealers, classic motorcycles and cars plus music and entertainment on two stages from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Main Street to Borden Junction. Taste local food and spirits, barbecue rib cook-off, games, costume contest and scavenger hunt. The festival is part of the community’s five-year celebratoin of its sesquicentennial (1878-2028). All money raised will fill the needs of the community (sidewalks, a main street, mobility and affordable housing) and its ability to thrive. For details, contact Roger Boaz at Roger@ROARca.org.
Tuesday, June 25
Oakley Senior Center Bus Trip to Cache Creek Casino
The bus will leave the senior center at 215 Second St. at 8 a.m. and return by 5 p.m. to allow for five hours of gambling and lunch. Tickets are $47. RVSP by calling 925-626-7223.
Thursday, June 27 and Thursday, July 25
Hometown Nights - A celebration of community and nostalgia
The Downtown Brentwood Coalition presents its newest event series, Hometown Nights, from 4-8 p.m. daily in historic downtown Brentwood. These nostalgic, family-friendly evenings will be a celebration of all things Brentwood, including a ‘50s theme with classic cars and an ice cream social area offering a variety of treats for purchase. On June 27, the East Contra Costa Historical Society will guide attendees through the history of downtown Brentwood; agriculture and art with local displays and interactive exhibits; local wine and food from award-winning local winerie; downtown restaurants offer indoor and outdoor seating; Threads of Strength - a special fashion show in which Adventure Therapy Foundation, a local nonprofit, present a fashion show uplifting individuals impacted by cancer. For details, visit contact Executive Director Amy Tilley at specialevents@downtownbrentwood.com or visit www. brentwooddowntown.com.
On the Horizon
Saturday, June 29
City of Oakley’s 25th Anniversary Parade
The parade from 9-10 a.m. runs down Main Street beginning at 5th Street and ending at Civic Center Plaza. Residents are invited to participate in the parade with floats, classic cars or as part of a performing group, band, dance team, or
walking group. For details, visit http://www. OakleyInfo.com.
Oakley Summer Fest
This festival from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Civic Center Plaza at 3231 Main St. from Norcross Lane to Vintage Parkway is free and family friendly with live music on the main stage, a giant kids area, local artisan makers, adoption opportunities with Joybound People & Pets (previously known as the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF), and food vendors. For details, visit http://www.oakleysummerfest.com
Thursday, July 4
Brentwood’s Fourth of July Parade
The City of Brentwood’s Fourth of July parade starts at 9:30 a.m. with the children’s parade (no registration is required). The parade will start at First and Birch Sreet., down First to Oak St. ending at Fourth St. To register for the main parade, visit www.brentwood.ca.gov. Come celebrate dressed in your red, white and blue.
Liberty Bell 5K presented by the Liberty Lions Band Boosters
The first Liberty High School Band 5K (3.1 mile) fun run is from 7:30-10 a.m. at Veterans Park, 3841 Balfour Road in Brentwood. Registration starts at $35. Proceeds directly benefit the marching band, jazz band, concert programs, winter percussion and winter guard programs. For the virtual run, you can run whenever and where ever you want from Thursday, July 4-Sunday July 14. All participants will receive a 2024 first annual commemorative T-shirt and medal for participating. Packet pick-up is scheduled for Wednesday, July 3, from 3-7 p.m. at Fleet Feet, 6061 Lone Tree Way, in Brentwood. For details, visit https://libertybell5kfunrun.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=16236.
Friday, July 12-Sunday July 14
A Chorus Line: Teen Edition
This performance is a full-length version of the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical, adapted for performance by high school students with family audiences. The musical captures the spirit and tension of a Broadway ensemble audition. There will be two separate casts to accommodate the great amount of youth talent that is part of this show. 7:30 p.m. at The Theatre at Edna Hill, 140 Birch St., in Brentwood. Tickets are $16-$20. Shows are July 12 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, July 13 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, July 14 at 2 p.m. For detais, visit https://ghostlightte.org/
Saturday, July 20
Book sale at Brentwood library
Teachers, parents, and homeschoolers will find bargains galore on a large variety of educational materials, children’s books and other back-toschool specials at the Friends of the Brentwood Library Educational Supplies/Teachers Pop Up Book Sale. The sale, which runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., will be on the second floor of the Brentwood Library, 104 Oak St. In addition to the educational materials, other reading favorites, such as adult books, books for young adults, and more will be available at discount prices. Visit https://www. friendsofthebrentwoodlibrary.org.
Ongoing Events
East County Rotary Club Meetings
Brentwood: The Brentwood Rotary Club meets weekly on Monday at noon at the Wedgewood Banquet Center at 100 Summerset Drive in Brentwood. For more information, visit https:// brentwoodrotaryclub.com/. Oakley: The Oakley Rotary Club meets weekly on Thursday at 7:30 a.m. at Black Bear Diner, 3201 Main St. in Oakley. For more information, visit http://rotaryclubofoakley.com. Antioch: The Antioch Rotary Club meets weekly on Thursday at noon at Lone Tree Golf

Look at the many local events on
Course & Event Center, 4800 Golf Course Road in Antioch. For more information, visit https://www. facebook.com/antiochrotaryclub/. The Rotary Club of the Delta meets weekly on Wednesday at 7 a.m. at Denny’s, 4823 Lone Tree Way in Antioch. For more information, visit https://www.rotaryclubofthedelta.org/.
East County Lions Club Meetings
Brentwood: The Brentwood Lions Club meets the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Westmont of Brentwood, 450 John Muir Parkway. For more information, visit: https://e-clubhouse. org/sites/brentwoodca/. Antioch: The Antioch Lions Club meets every second and fourth Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Denny’s on Delta Fair Blvd. Discovery Bay: The Discovery Bay Lions Club meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Discovery Bay Yacht Club. For more information, visit: https://discoverybaylions.com/ who-we-are/meetings/. Byron: The Byron Delta Lions Club meets every first Friday of each month at 10 a.m. at St. Anne’s Church for more information https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/byron_delta/.
Oakley Senior Center Food Distribution
The Oakley Senior Center at 215 Second St. gives out free food every Thursday from 1-2:30 p.m. Residents are asked to bring their own grocery bags. It also hosts a flea market, vendor fair, which includes trinkets, arts and crafts, collectibles and antiques, happens the first Saturday of every month from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Table space is $10 or 3 for $25. For details, call Jim Fridas at 925813-1007 or the senior center at 925-626-7223. The center also offers bingo the every second Tuesday of the month.Doors open at noon and you must be 18 to play.
Hope House Food Distribution
The distributions are on Monday and Wednesdays from 9 a.m.-noon at 218 Pine St. in Brentwood.
IHMC Food Distribution
On the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month, the Contra Costa County Food Bank distributes fruits and vegetables from the parking lot at 500 Fairview Ave. from noon-1 p.m. St. Vincent de Paul also distributes food from the church hall every Friday from 9 a.m.-noon.
Golden Hills Community Church Food Distribution
The SENT (Serving and Engaging Neighbors Together) Ministry, in partnership with Team Jesus Outreach Ministries will be distributing food to anyone in need on these Saturdays — Aug. 10, Oct. 12 and Dec. 14 — from 12:30 -2:30 p.m. while supplies last. Everyone is welcome. The church is at 2401 Shady Willow Lane in Brentwood. For details, call (925) 516-0653 or visit https://goldenhills.org.
Soroptimists of the Delta Soroptimists is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. We meet the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. For details, contact president Sue Pretzer at spretzer303@yahoo.com at 760-583-3058.
ACA Women’s Group
The ACA Women’s Group meets every Wednesday at 5 p.m. at 809 Second St. in Brentwood. For more information, contact Cici at 530-306-7034.
Discovery Bay Corvette Club Meetings
The nonprofit Discovery Bay Corvette Club meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Discovery Bay Yacht Club, 5871 Marina Road, Bilge Room. The club is dedicated to the enjoyment of owning and driving America’s sports car. For more information, drop by a meeting or contact the membership vice president at 925341-9433. For more information on the club, visit www.discoverybaycorvetteclub.com.
California Striped Bass Association West Delta Chapter Meeting
The California Striped Bass Association meets on the second Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. at Sportsmen Yacht Club, 3301 Wilbur Ave., Antioch. For more information, call Jim Cox five days before meeting at 925-860-4386. For more information, visit http://www.striper-csba.org/.
Marine Corps League, Delta Diablo Detachment 1155, monthly meeting
The Marine Corps League, Delta Diablo Detachment 1155, hosts its monthly meeting on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building, 757 First St., in Brentwood. The group is open to all active or retired U.S. Marines. Attendees are encouraged to bring a veteran friend, and spouses are always welcome. The meetings feature camaraderie, food, drink, conversation and updates on upcoming events. For more information, call 925-338-1775, email MCL1155@outlook.com or visit https://www.mcl1155.org/.
Soroptimists
Soroptimists is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. We meet the first Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St.
Delta Informal Gardeners
The group meets the fourth Monday of most months at the Brentwood Community Methodist Church. For details, contact Roger Marman at 562-421-8036 or ramarman@gmail.com.
Widow and Widower Grief Support Group
A widow and widower grief support group from Immaculate Heart of Mary Church meets every Thursday from 5 to 6:15 p.m. at the church library at 500 Fairview Ave. in Brentwood. The group focuses on finding a new normal as attendees walk the grief trail with others experiencing the same loss. For more information, contact Mary Ann Smith at 925-240-1706 or Sandy Heinisch at925-513-3412.
Friday
Night Al-Anon Meeting
Al-Anon meetings, which offer a supportive place for friends and families of alcoholics, are held every Friday from 8 to 9:15 p.m. at the Brentwood United Methodist Church at 809 Second St. in Brentwood. There is no need to register. For details, call Trisha at 510-910-1389.
Coffee with Carolyn
Kaleidoscope Cancer Connection’s Coffee with Carolyn is a cancer support group for women, hosted by Carolyn George and financially supported by The Kaleidoscope Cancer Connection of Byron. The group meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month from noon to 1 p.m. The location is at the Kaleidoscope Sacred Garden behind the Byron United Methodist Church (14671 Byron Highway in Byron). For more information, contact Carolyn George at 925-577-3325.
4-H Clubs
The Oakley 4-H Club has monthly meetings the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. The club is open to boys and girls ages 5-19. For location information, email Amanda at oakley@ contracosta.org. Knightsen: Knightsen 4H meets on the first Wednesday of each month from 5:30-7 p.m. at Knightsen Elementary School at 1923 Delta Road. Open to boys and girls ages 5-19 as well. For details, contact Rosa Sherwood or Maria Jehn at knightsen4h@gmail. com. Brentwood: The club has monthly meetings the second Tuesday of each month with dinner at 6:30, and meeting at 7 p.m. The club is open to boys and girls ages 5-19. We meet at the Knightsen Farm Bureau Hall at 3020 2nd St. in Knightsen. For further details, email Angela at brentwood@contracosta4h.org.