Oh my gosh! This wedding was the PERFECT way to kick off 2010. Sarah and Anthony are one of those couples I just get giddy about when  I meet. Stylish, young, fun and so adorably cute! Plus, they are both artists, and have a great aesthetic. Once they explained to  me the “look” they were going for, I felt really inspired. Sarah really wanted an organic, natural feel to her images. And Anthony liked the minimalist element that the Winter season provides. Where some couples (and photographers) might wish this were a Spring or Summer wedding, I loved the fact that they actually liked the Winter feel.

The day started when I met Sarah and Anthony at the Claremont Resort Hotel and Spa, which if you don’t know, is a fabulous place in Oakland, Ca. The hotel was established in 1915, and I just love the vintage feel.

From the Claremont Hotel and Spa, we went up into Tilden Park to the East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden, where an intimate ceremony was held. Even in the “off’ season, this garden was gorgeous, and I highly recommend a visit if you haven’t been there already.

After weeks of rain and cold weather, the sun came out this day for Sarah & Anthony.This is Anthony’s Nana, Hazel. If I could adopt her as my grandmother, it’d be a done deal!Anthony, smiling.This is the fabulous outfit of one of Anthony’s good friends. I just loved the juxtaposition of colors, patterns and texture.Topping off the outfit was the sneakers. Sweet!I LOVE the trees in the background. Yay for Winter!Everyone just looks so incredibly happy.I really like this photo. Something just so sweet about this picture of a father and his daughter.Cheers to mother and daughter matching cowboy boots!Sweet sisters.Trees!I love the tattoo. Nice shot by my assistant, Breck!I love this shot. So serious, but it totally works!From serious to silly! How cute are these ladies?Such beautiful eyes! I’m officially jealous.Rock those cowboy boots, girl!Proof they’re really married!I love Anthony’s look in this photo.Sarah is so pretty. Wow.Snapped this just as the Parks Authority asked us to stop. Oops. Still, a nice shot tho, eh?Sarah smiling for Breck.After these fun shots at the botanical garden, we rounded out the day with a dinner and celebration at Oliveto Restaurant in the Rockridge district of Oakland. The food was great and the space reserved for the group was perfectly cozy.After listening to Anthony’s impromptu speech at the end of the night, where he told Sarah what she meant to him, I gotta admit, I got a little teary.Shot this while eating dinner in the next room. Camera in one hand, fork in the other. Yeah, that’s how I roll.I like the expression on Sarah’s face that Breck captured. She’s having a blast!
Here we go!I noticed Mom’s tattoo as I went over to Sarah to say goodbye.

Sarah and Anthony were just such a pleasure to work with. I really enjoyed meeting their family and friends. Everyone was so down to earth and friendly. It’s clear, Sarah and Anthony are very loved. And, the love they have for each other is very inspiring. Sarah and Anthony’s wedding was the perfect reminder why I photograph weddings. So for that, THANK YOU, Sarah and Anthony. It was such an honor to capture these moments on your special day. Enjoy!

Claremont Resort Hotel and Spa
41 Tunnel Road
Berkeley, CA 94705
510-843-3000
http://www.claremontresort.com

East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden
Tilden Regional Park
Berkeley, CA 94708
(510) 544-3169
http://www.nativeplants.org

Oliveto Restaurant
5655 College Avenue
Oakland, CA 94618
(510) 547-5356
www.oliveto.com

Generation Green is Canon’s environmental initiative that aims to reduce the environmental burdens in all stages of a product’s lifecycle. This program is designed to provide business partners, customers and consumers a way to identify and learn about the various green products and solutions Canon offers. Check out their website to learn more about their environmentally conscious products.

SUSTAINABILITY

Arbor Day Foundation: From January 1 – June 30, 2011 Canon will be running a Tree Planting program for the imageRUNNER ADVANCE series of MFPs. During this time frame, Canon will plant 1 tree for every imageRUNNER ADVANCE unit purchased. Canon has planted over 70,000 trees over the past three years. In one day alone, these 70,000 trees can generate enough oxygen for 200,000 people.

Inkjet Cartridge Recycling: To contribute to the goal of zero landfill waste, Canon is introducing a collection and recycling program for Genuine Canon Inkjet Printer Cartridges.

Toner Cartridge Recycling: Canon was the first in the printing industry to create a toner cartridge recycling program. Canon toner cartridges are 100% recovered with zero landfill waste.

Hardware Recycling: Canon is committed to the world community and the belief that we are building a better world for future generations. We want to work with our customers to ensure appropriate recycling of certain products to help improve the environment and our local communities.

Business Copier Remanufacturing Program: Canon’s Business Copier Remanufacturing Program helps reduce waste and conserve the environment by extending the lifecycle of select Canon equipment – following our long held “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” philosophies and initiatives.

Toner Container Collection Program: When Canon plastic toner containers cannot be recycled locally or sent to a local energy recovery facility, Canon allows customers to ship them to their designated facility for recycling.

Use of Bio-Based Plastics: Canon’s innovative green technologies include bio-based plastic, an environmentally conscious material that incorporates plant-based and organic components, with the world’s highest level of flame resistance. Our imageRUNNER ADVANCE digital imaging series incorporate this design on certain parts where users directly interface with the device.

Refurbishing Program: The Canon refurbishing facility manages waste stream processes for Canon products, so Canon has full control over recovery and salvage for its products, not third-party vendors.

Recyclable Hardware: From the development and design stages, Canon strives to attain 65% recyclability and 75% recoverability for its products, as stipulated by the EU Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE Directive).

Use of Recycled Plastics: Canon uses numerous types of recycled plastic in exterior housings and other product parts. For example, “Sandwich molding” in which recycled plastic is sandwiched between layers of virgin plastic. This technology contributes to realizing more environmentally conscious products.

COMPLIANCE

ENERGY STAR®: Qualified products are 25% more efficient than conventional models. By using less energy these products reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save energy as well as money. ENERGY STAR products automatically enter low-power mode when not in use.

RoHS Complaint: This is a directive from the European Union that restricts the use of hazardous materials found in electronic products. This product restricts the use of cadmium, mercury, lead, hexavalent chromium, Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB), and Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE).

CONSUMPTION

Auto Duplexing: Using automatic two-sided printing and copying can save you up to 50% of your paper supply.

4-in-1 Printing, 2-in-1 Printing (Image Combination): This allows users to place multiple pages on one page, saving up to 75% of your paper supply.

Document Scanning: Allows users to convert paper-based documents into electronic data format for archival purposes, as well as short-term storage, or distribution to other destinations over a network or the Internet. Can help reduce huge volumes of paper stored in file cabinets and the need to distribute hardcopy documents via interoffice, overnight delivery, or regular mail.

PC Faxing: Send documents directly from your PC to a fax machine to reduce paper and print usage.

Secure Print: Also known as “PIN printing”, allows users to send print jobs to a device and then not release the job for printing until entering a personal identification number at the device. This helps to eliminate the practice of users sending jobs to print and then not going to retrieve them, or reprinting lost jobs, both of which waste paper.

Mailbox: Electronic mailboxes allow users to store frequently used documents (ie. forms, etc.) into memory at the device, then edit and preview, and/or combine print data with other jobs already stored in a mailbox for later output. This capability provides users with significant flexibility in managing job composition and output, and permits the printing of jobs on demand thereby saving paper costs.

Access Management Modes: Includes a range of features allowing administrators to track and control device access and usage by department, or on an individual-basis, and allows settings that can be implemented across an entire enterprise (such as page limits, enforce 2-sided printing, restrict/allow color printing, and eliminate banner pages, etc.) to conserve resources.

Toner Saving Mode: When an applicable product is switched into the toner saving mode, it allows for a 20% more economical toner usage.

Airshell Cartridge Packaging: AIRSHELL is packaging material for the imageCLASS toner cartridges that utilizes air cushioning. It reduces product package sizes, improving shipping efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions generated during transport by 23% to 49%.

Ink Saving: This feature allows you to use up to 50% less ink when printing in order to make your ink supply last longer and reduce the number of wasted ink cartridges.

Individual Ink Tanks: The individual ink tanks may reduce the amount of wasted ink from cartridges as compared to a composite 4 color cartridge by allowing users to replace individual color tanks rather than entire color cartridges.

Recycled Plastics: Approximately 25- 58% by weight of Canon calculators is made up of post-consumer recycled plastic which was recycled from other Canon Products.

Free Layout: Allows users to manually place multiple pages on 1sheet in a desired layout to maximize paper usage, thereby reducing wasted paper supply.

Conserve Paper Features: When possible, this function will automatically rotate a page to fit the current media size and reduce wasted paper supply.

ENERGY SAVING

Quick Start: The energy efficient Quick Start feature of the ink jet printers makes it easy to start up your printer in a matter of seconds, making it more convenient to keep the printer off, thus reducing energy consumption.

Energy Saving Mode: Automatically puts devices to sleep after a specified time, thus reducing energy consumption.

LED Light Source: The LED Light Source allows the scanning unit to be smaller and have no warm up time, resulting in lower energy consumption, and allowing users to start scanning immediately (excluding film scans).

USB Powered: The low power requirement of Canon scanners allow them to be powered solely through a USB cable. The elimination of the external power source also reduces the amount of materials needed during production.

Solar Powered Only: The LS-716H calculator is powered solely by solar power. It does not use any batteries, thus reducing the amount of waste generated.

Standby Mode under 5W: Using only 5W or less in Standby Mode means that this printer/scanner will minimize energy consumption even when left on.

Auto Power Switch: The products are automatically turned ON or OFF in accordance with the power ON/OFF state of the computer.

RAPID Fusing System: Canon’s RAPID Fusing System uses a special fixing film and ceramic heater that heats instantly for fast warm-up speeds, quick first prints, and drastically reduced energy consumption – up to 80% reduction in energy consumption compared to conventional roller-fixing systems.

Induction Heating (IH) System: Canon’s Induction Heating (IH) toner-fixing system provides fast heat conduction through the application of a high-frequency electrical current through a coil built into a fixing roller. As a result, the technology reduces standby times to one-sixth of wait times while cutting energy consumption by about 70% compared with conventional systems.

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Even though Kermit the Frog might disagree, being green is getting easier.

What does it mean to be green?

It’s pretty simple, actually. A “green” photographer is one who has assessed the impact his/her company has on the environment and who chooses to use environmentally sustainable and socially responsible practices in an effort towards lessening this impact.

Why would I want to go green?

American’s current interest in things environmentally friendly is booming: BPA-free water bottles, eco-friendly yoga mats, solar panels on homes, and hybrid cars have become common place. With over 155,000 professional photographers in the United States, the photography industry is simultaneously experiencing it’s largest ecological footprint in it’s 200-year history. By going green, not only are you opening yourself up to a new segment of customers who are looking to hire eco-friendly vendors, but by implementing some simple energy and cost saving steps, you’ll be helping the environment and your bottom line.

What steps can I take to be more eco-friendly?

Going green may be easier than you think. Even small steps can have an impact. Here are some simple suggestions:

• Recycle - Think paper, cans, glass, plastics, batteries ink cartridges, paper, mail, and office supplies. It’s all fair game!

• Reduce Waste – Use only what you need. Offer online galleries in lieu of paper proofs. Deliver contracts, invoices and receipts as PDFs.

• Reuse Materials – Reuse packaging and envelopes. Print on both sides of office paper. Use rechargeable batteries and solar powered battery chargers. Consider purchasing recycled, used or re-furbished computer hardware, office machines, camera equipment and office furnishings.

• Choose eco-Friendly Products – Many office items come in high quality, eco-friendly versions including paper, pens, envelopes, paper towel, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies.

• Save Energy – Use the standby mode (or turn off) electrical equipment when not in use, install dimmer switches and CFLs, keep the thermostat below 70 degrees, install low flow toilets and faucets.

• Cut Your CO2 - Got a destination wedding or event? Purchase carbon offsets to lessen the footprint of your travel. Use public transportation, carpool, or ride a bike to run errands and meet clients. You’ll be surprised how the good fresh air and sunshine will make you feel. And, you might even get there quicker!

• Shop Local – When you shop locally, not only are you reducing the pollutants and other expenses involved in the long-distance manufacturing and shipping of products, but you are also doing your part to support the local economy.

• Don’t Be Trashy – Before you toss old or used items into the trash, consider posting them websites like Freecycle.com or Craigslist.org, or donating them to charity. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure!

• Save a Tree (or Maybe a Forest) - Reduce unwanted mail with www.stopjunkmail.org. Pay bills online. Choose to have your magazine subscriptions delivered electronically. Purchase recycled paper products.

• Choose eco-Friendly Vendors – Does your lab offer eco-friendly products or paper? Are your frames made from sustainable materials? How many of your vendors are employing green practices?

• Ask Questions – Do you really need to purchase a new item, or can it be rented or bought used? If you must buy new, is the item available in an eco-friendly version, or from a local retailer?

• Create Partnerships – Connect with other local/green-certified, businesses. These relationships often lead to lucrative referrals.

• Get Certified – Many local, national and industry-specific organizations are available to certify green businesses. Certification not only recognizes you for your achievement, but it also sets you apart from your competition

• Keep on Learning – Going green doesn’t happen over night. It’s a result of thoughtful choices and changing one’s habits. For tips on how you can be more eco-friendly, check out National Geographic’s Green Guide or attend the annual Green Festival in a city near you.

• Donate to an Environmental Non-Profit: Whether you choose to donate your time, or a portion of your earnings, organizations such as the Environmental Defense Fund, Sierra Club, World Wildlife Federation, Friends of the Urban Forest and Greenpeace are just a few of many great organizations you can support.

Where Can I Go for More Information?

Green America – A national nonprofit consumer organization, promoting environmental sustainability, social justice, and economic justice.

Green Chamber of Commerce – Supports the development of sustainable business practices and advocates for a green public policy.

Bay Area Green Business Association – Just one of many city and county-specific organizations that certify green businesses.

Green Bride Guide – Everything you need to plan a green wedding.

Greener Photography – Certifies and educates professional photographers.

I’m happy to announce that my studio is featured in the January/February 2011 issue of Green Business Quarterly. Green Business Quarterly serves businesses and executives that are embracing innovative sustainable practices in profitable and responsible ways. It is an essential guide for gaining industry insight, learning in depth about unparalleled executive strategies, and keeping a head of industry trends. From start-ups to large corporations, Green Business Quarterly provides a fresh perspective and well-rounded view on how to be a leader in your market while simultaneously being a leader in sustainability. As a trusted publication for mid- and top-level executives, Green Business Quarterly constantly provides inspiring and timely editorial.

To read the article, just scroll below, or visit the Green Business Quarterly website. The article appears in the January/February 2011 issue on page 11. Enjoy!

I recently had the pleasure to attend Global Green’s 6th Annual Gorgeous and Green Benefit Gala at the W Hotel in San Francisco.

The star-studded Gorgeous & Green Gala featured a fabulous vintage and eco-fashion show, a glamorous green cocktail party, beautiful Mad Men-inspired decor, eco-friendly cocktails by 360 vodka, wines by eco.love, beats by DJ Donovan, living walls by Design Ecology, top sustainable companies, celebrity guests, and more.

Global Green’s Annual Gorgeous and Green Gala is one of the Bay Area’s premier green lifestyle events. This event has done much to expand the perception of what it means to be truly sustainable without sacrificing style. Gorgeous & Green benefits Global Green’s initiatives to create green schools and green affordable housing in the Bay Area and nationwide.

Sponsors included Rabobank, SPG Solar, Pureology, PG&E, Andronico’s, Newton Vineyards, 360 Vodka, Silver Spring, Blueprint Studios, and Kimberly Rider Interiors.

Here are a few of my favorite Mad Men-inspired photos from the evening. Big thanks to our friends at Orange Photo, who took the first two images. I LOVE them. More photos can be seen and ordered at: http://store.orangephotography.com/p131223287

W Hotel – San Francisco
181 3rd Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

Global Green – USA Headquarters
2218 Main Street, 2nd Floor
Santa Monica, CA 90405

Zem Joaquin/EcoFabulous
Gorgeous & Green Gala co-chair

Nadine Weil/Heart of Green
Gorgeous & Green Gala co-chair

Tips and Information from Certified Green Photographer Rebecca Wilkowski

by Tricia Goss, Featured Green Contributor; Featured Food & Wine Contributor, Associated Content

Photographers have an affinity for nature. If you are a professional photographer or simply love to snap photos of scenes that catch your eye, you do so because you want to share the beauty and appeal that you perceive in the setting. Perhaps this is why green photography makes so much sense.

What is green photography? Photographer Rebecca Wilkowski provides a definition.

“It’s pretty simple, actually,” says Rebecca. “A ‘green’ photographer is one who has assessed the impact his/her company has on the environment and who chooses to use environmentally sustainable and socially responsible practices in an effort towards lessening this impact.”

Rebecca should know. She is a certified green photographer.

Rebecca did not start out as a green photographer, though. After moving from the Midwest to California in the late 90′s, she became interested in green living through her new friends.

“I was really intrigued by how important fitness and health was to so many people here,” she says. “I quickly made friends with people who really placed an importance on healthy living, and living in harmony with their surroundings. In some respects, I had to un-learn a lot of what I was taught growing up.”

Eventually, her new habits became a way of life. This, in turn, began to affect her work.

“When I moved to San Francisco in 2004,” shares Rebecca, “I attended the San Francisco Green Festival. It was then that I realized that I could apply the principals of green living in my daily life, to those of my business. It took me about two years of research, and a lot of trial and error, in order to change my business to being more environmentally friendly.”

So what is it about Rebecca’s methods that qualify her as a green photographer? She modified her business practices and became certified by Greener Photography, which is a non-profit organization that seeks to lessen the environmental impact of the photography industry. She is also a member of Green America’s Green Business Network, Greener Photography, Green Chamber of Commerce and Green Bride Guide.

Why should you consider green photography?

“With over 155,000 professional photographers in the United States,” says Rebecca, “the photography industry is simultaneously experiencing its largest ecological footprint in its 200-year history. By going green, not only are you opening yourself up to a new segment of customers who are looking to hire eco-friendly vendors, but by implementing some simple energy and cost saving steps, you’ll be helping the environment and your bottom line.”

There are green photography steps you can begin to take immediately.

“Going green may be easier than you think,” reveals Rebecca. “Even small steps can have an impact.”

Here are Rebecca’s thorough yet practical tips for any photographer wishing to go green:

• Recycle – Think paper, cans, glass, plastics, batteries, ink cartridges, paper, mail, and office supplies. It’s all fair game!

• Reduce Waste – Use only what you need. Offer online galleries in lieu of paper proofs. Deliver contracts, invoices and receipts as PDFs.

• Reuse Materials – Use rechargeable batteries and solar powered battery chargers. Consider purchasing recycled, used or re-furbished computer hardware, office machines, camera equipment and office furnishings.

• Save Energy – Use the standby mode (or turn off) electrical equipment when not in use, install dimmer switches and CFLs, keep the thermostat below 70 degrees, install low flow toilets and faucets.

• Cut Your CO2 – Got a destination wedding or event? Purchase carbon offsets to lessen the footprint of your travel. Use public transportation, carpool, or ride a bike to run errands and meet clients. You’ll be surprised how the good fresh air and sunshine will make you feel. And, you might even get there quicker!

• Shop Local – When you shop locally, not only are you reducing the pollutants and other expenses involved in the long-distance manufacturing and shipping of products, but you are also doing your part to support the local economy.

• Don’t Be Trashy – Before you toss old or used items into the trash, consider posting them on websites like Freecycle.com or Craigslist.org, or donating them to charity. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure!

• Choose Eco-Friendly Vendors – Does your lab offer eco-friendly products or paper? Are your frames made from sustainable materials? How many of your vendors are employing green practices?

• Ask Questions – Do you really need to purchase a new item, or can it be rented or bought used? If you must buy new, is the item available in an eco-friendly version, or from a local retailer?

• Create Partnerships – Connect with other local/green-certified, businesses. These relationships often lead to lucrative referrals.

• Get Certified – Many local, national and industry-specific organizations are available to certify green businesses. Certification not only recognizes you for your achievement, but it also sets you apart from your competition.

• Keep on Learning – Going green doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a result of thoughtful choices and changing one’s habits. For tips on how you can be more eco-friendly, check out National Geographic’s Green Guide or attend the annual Green Festival in a city near you.

• Donate to an Environmental Non-Profit – Whether you choose to donate your time, or a portion of your earnings, organizations such as the Environmental Defense Fund, Sierra Club, World Wildlife Federation, Friends of the Urban Forest and Greenpeace are just a few of many great organizations you can support.

Visit Rebecca Wilkowski’s blog for links to the organizations with which she is affiliated, as well as links to her photography portfolio. For more on green photography, check out GreenerPhotography.org.

(Click here to read this article on Associated Content. I hope you enjoyed my post. Click here if you’d like to see more Green/Eco-friendly blog posts, View My Portfolio, or Contact Me.)

I’m happy to share that recently I was asked to participate in, and photograph, an event at Oakland’s Lake Chalet. I go past the Lake Chalet several times a week while going running around Lake Merritt, and I’ve always wanted to peek inside as I’ve heard the restaurant is just great!

The green event was put on by the Lake Chalet, in conjunction with Karine Brighten of Karine Brighten Events, and Pilar Zuniga of Gorgeous and Green. Karine specializes in coordinating ‘green’ events, both private and corporate. Pilar offers wonderful eco-friendly gift, decor and floral arrangements, both for events and through her retail boutique in Berkeley.

The Lake Chalet has been working towards greening its facility, and is now available to host green events, such as weddings, corporate meetings, and more! I was really excited and honored to be chosen to be on the Lake Chalet’s “Preferred Vendor’s” list, as their only green-certified photographer…woo hoo!

Here are some fun photos of the event. I can’t wait to do more at this great venue. Oh, and they do a awesome 3-6-9 Happy Hour in the Pumphouse, and a great Taco Tuesday that you can enjoy right out on the dock when the weather is nice. Be sure to check them out, and commission a Gondola Ride on the Lake after dinner!

Event photographer for Lake Chalet Oakland Lake Chalet Green Weddings event Eco-friendly wedding flowers Lake Chalet Green Weddings event Sustainable Wedding Flowers Oakland Green Event Coordinator Oakland Green wedding flowers San Francisco Gorgeous and Green Weddings Berkeley Blue and Green wedding flowers San Francisco charity event photographer San Francisco private party photographer Green Wedding Coordinator San Francisco San Francisco gala event photographer Corporate event photography San Francisco Corporate Event Photography Oakland Oakland event photography Oakland Event Photographer Berkeley event photographer

A little history on the Lake Chalet (in case you didn’t know….I sure didn’t!)

Originally a tidal estuary formed by several creeks, Lake Merritt’s gets its name from former Oakland Mayor, Samuel Merritt, who proposed to dam and clean up the estuary in 1868. After funding the project with his own money, Merritt laid the groundwork for the urban sanctuary we know today as Lake Merritt.

The Lake was further transformed into a recreational park around the turn of the Twentieth Century as the roads and paths were built and in 1925 the Lake got its Necklace of Lights.

Municipal Boat House - The Lake Chalet building began life in 1909 as a high-pressure salt water pumping plant for the Oakland Fire Department; John Galen Howard designed the original concrete building.

In 1913, Walter D. Reed designed the two building wings to serve as a municipal boathouse. The building hosted excursions, regattas, locker rooms, a tea room and several restaurants.

The original pump station remained in operation until 1955 when building was converted to offices by Superintendent of Parks William Penn Mott Jr. to move parks staff there from downtown. The Lake Merritt Rowing club has used the lower south wing for their activities since 1961.

Lake Chalet Seafood Bar & Grill – The restaurant, which opened in August of 2009, was created by veteran restaurateurs Gar and Lara Truppelli (Beach Chalet Brewery & Restaurant and Park Chalet Garden Restaurant in San Francisco) working with Executive Chef Jarad Gallagher.

I hope you enjoyed my post. Click here if you’d like to see my Wedding Photography, View My Portfolio, or Contact Me.

Jerry Hart is a veteran radio broadcaster and morning show radio personality, including KISS FM in San Francisco. His weekly show, Smart Green Travel, is just one of many popular shows on Green 960 AM, which regularly features nationally syndicated talkers, including local and live news programming and environmental editorial content.

Click here to listen to the podcast.

Featured on this program:

Corina Ann Beczner
Owner & Green Wedding Consultant
Vibrant Events
www.vibrantevents.net
(415) 613-3778

Rebecca Wilkowski Photography
Certified Green Wedding Photographer & Photojournalist
(347) 413-4747
Web: www.RebeccaWilkowski.com
Blog: www.RebeccaWilkowski.com/blog

Bride Chic is the fabulous blog of couture wedding fashion designer, Amy-Jo Tatum. Amy-Jo has been a columnist for San Francisco Art and Fashion News and written articles for The Wedding Gazette. She founded The Design Project of San Francisco, a networking organization of fashion professionals collaborating their skills and talents on projects. She’s currently working on a book called—you guessed it—’Bride Chic’, all about that white gown and very special designer/client relationship. Want to see more of her fabulous gowns? Check out her site at www.amyjotatum.com

To read the article on my company in full, please visit Bride Chic. I hope you enjoyed my post. Click here if you’d like to see more Wedding Photography, View My Portfolio, or Contact Me.

About the Couple:
Sarah and Anthony met while they were students attending the Art Institute of California in Santa Monica. Anthony works in film and Sarah is an artist. According to their photographer, Rebecca Wilkowski, Sarah and Anthony are “stylish, young, and fun, and with a great aesthetic as they are both artists…” In college, the couple had the same circle of friends, but somehow managed not to meet each other for three months. Then, late one night at the end of a party, Sarah showed up and Anthony was smitten. A week into dating, Anthony asked for her hand in marriage but she promptly said “no.” After 3 1/2 years of asking, Sarah finally said yes! They tied the knot on January 31, which is Sarah’s grandparents’ wedding anniversary. They thought it would be a nice tribute to them, as they have been happily married for more than fifty years.

The Decision to Go Green:
The couple’s shared love of nature led them to throw a gorgeous green wedding. Anthony loves to write, draw, and go camping. Sarah likes hiking, camping, riding horses, and all things outdoorsy. They invited a group of close friends to keep their wedding day small and simple, very in tune with the outdoors. Using their creativity and working with the gorgeous scenery of their venue, Anthony and Sarah incorporated their unique personal styles into their celebration.

Venue:
Before the wedding, the couple stayed at the Claremont Resort Hotel and Spa.  The ceremony took place at Tilden Park in the East Bay Regional Parks Botanic Garden, a naturally stunning and serene living museum of California’s native plant species. This garden encompasses many of the state’s rare and endangered plants and is a place for visitors to wander among trees, shrubbery, and flowers from different plant communities throughout the state. Sarah and Anthony had both always wanted to get married outside, and the gorgeous Botanical Garden seemed like the perfect place.

Rings:
Anthony and Sarah chose a green and meaningful option for their wedding rings—they exchanged vintage rings that had belonged to Anthony’s grandmother.  This idea is eco-friendly, and offers a way for the bride and groom to make a special connection to important family members.

Florist:
The couple decided to use a local, family-owned and operated florist, Darling Flower Shop, for their floral arrangements. The Darling Flower Shop came highly recommended and created the gorgeous succulent bouquets that Sarah wanted. The yellow flowers in the bouquet are wattles, Australia’s national flowers, which perfectly represent Sarah because she is from Sydney, Australia and yellow is her favorite color.

Reception Food:
Sarah and Anthony both love Italian food, and Oliveto, close to Oakland, CA is their favorite restaurant in the whole city for Italian cuisine. Sarah’s heritage is English and Italian, so it fit very well and was a natural choice for their reception dinner. The venue created a delicious menu of fresh, local and certified organic foods for the bride, groom, and their guests.

Table Linens and Decorations:
The couple rented their table linens and decorations, an option that is both budget and eco-friendly. The white tablecloths added to the simple, elegant look that Sarah and Anthony created.

Entertainment:
Instead of having a live band, Sarah and Anthony decided to use their iPod for music as a money-saving strategy. They made their own playlists and hand picked songs that were meaningful to their relationship, as well as their friends and family.

Cake:
Sarah and Anthony wanted an Alice in Wonderland type cake, unique and a little silly, similar to the Mad Hatter’s hat.  Fortunately, they had a close family friend who was willing to make the beautiful cake from scratch. This is a great way to save money and add a personal touch.

Final Thoughts:
The bride acknowledges that planning a wedding can be stressful at times, but it’s worth it.  Sarah says that she and Anthony realized this “the moment we saw each other right before the ceremony. In that instant, all the stress of the day melts away, and you remember why you love each other.”

—–

The Green Bride Guide (GBG) has everything you need to plan a green wedding! Here you can find pictures from real green weddings, articles and advice on eco-chic decor, and a wide range of green wedding gifts including: organic bedding, Recycled Glass Dishes, and eco-friendly appliances. GBG also has the largest green wedding directory in the country, to help you connect with local vendors.

To read this article in full, please visit the Green Bride Guide. I hope you enjoyed my post. Click here if you’d like to see more Wedding Photography, View My Portfolio, or Contact Me.