VIBE/ YOUR SOMEDAY HAS FINALLY ARRIVED, AND
OPPOSITE PAGE: BRIAN MACSTAY PHOTOGRAPHY; THIS PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: ANHTUAN HONG; BRIAN MACSTAY PHOTOGRAPHY; DANNY DONG PHOTOGRAPHY; SHUTTERSTOCK; ANHTUAN HONG; RACHEL CAPIL PHOTOGRAPHY; COURTESY OF RUBY HILL GOLF CLUB
YOU WANT TO THROW A SOPHISTICATED SOIREE WITH A DECIDEDLY UPSCALE FEEL. BALL GOWNS, BLING, BEDAZZLED FONDANT CAKES—NOTHING IS TOO OVER THE TOP FOR YOU.
DRESS
Big is back: Pick out a voluminous ball gown or A-line dress from La Soie Bridal in Walnut Creek, and put the guys in traditional black tuxedos. And glam is all about the accessories: Add a rhinestone belt, white gloves, a long veil, and brilliant jewelry. To give yourself a polished, 1920s Hollywood look, add a birdcage veil and bold red lipstick. lasoiebridal.com.
VENUE
Pleasanton’s Ruby Hill Golf Club (below) provides a romance-packed wow factor, with its breathtaking main dining room (really, more of a ballroom), 40-foot ceilings, glass windows, chandelier, and Florentinemotif carpet. After the ceremony, make your big entrance as a couple down the club’s impressive grand staircase. rubyhill.com. The Claremont Hotel Club and Spa in Berkeley has myriad indoor venues, from ballrooms to swanky lounges to rooms overlooking the San Francisco Bay. If you want, stay a few days before or after the wedding to be spoiled by spa treatments and relaxation. claremontresort.com. Also contemplate Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery’s 20,000-squarefoot Mediterranean villa, which features an elegant grand salon, limestone accents, hand-carved doors, and tables to accommodate up to 600 guests. Opt to rent dramatic chandeliers and colored up-lighting. casarealevents.com.
CAKE Back in are multilayer cakes with elaborate fountains, lighting features, and cute toppers. Go square, and order one with smooth fondant, sparkly ribbon, and cascading flowers from Alamo’s Katrina Rozelle. katrinarozelle.com.
Extra Touch
Invites
Glamorous invitations call for something flourished that you might not use every day, as well as formal wording. Concord’s Creative Designs by Mimi can add crystal adornments, buckles, and sashes in silver and white, or black and gold. creativemimi.com.
DECOR Opulent ballrooms, chan-
Another way to add sparkle, literally: Venues where it’s legal allow guests to line up holding lit sparklers and salute the bride and groom, as they make their showstopping exit.
deliers, and bold colors with glittering accents make a statement. Add moody up-lighting and go-go lights. Put together your tabletop settings starting with luxurious rentals from Napa Valley Linens in Emeryville. nvlinens.com. DIABLO WEDDINGS 55