everafterHalf Moon Bay Review

{ All the things to do before you say “I do.” }

the bridal guide

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MICHAEL DANIELS MOKUME GANE(In Japanese means wood-grain metal)

A rare and difficult art – the fusing of layers of precious metals to form a single piece withunique markings dates back over 500 years.

Design, Fabrication & RepairDiamond Brokers

www.mainstreetgoldworks.com 542 Main Street, Half Moon Bay

650.726.2546

Visit our Showroom

Tuesday-Saturday

10:00-5:30

Wedding Jewelry &

Bridal Party Gifts

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P lanning a wedding can be nerve-wracking, especially in tight economic times. But “Unlock the Secrets to a Suc-cessful Wedding,” scheduled Sunday,

March 1, at the Oceano Hotel and Spa, can help skim the stress from getting ready for that special day.

It’s set to be an informative, interactive, fun wed-ding event with a fashion show, from noon to 5 p.m. at the 95-room hotel. The only certified “green” hotel in San Mateo County and nearing its one-year anniver-sary in March, the Oceano, with its seaport architecture and harbor views, is a premiere Coastside wedding location. It was voted “The Bay Area’s Best Wedding Venue” by San Francisco Chronicle readers.

Recognized Bay Area wedding professionals will be on hand for interactive discussion. Delectable re-freshments and myriad tips and secrets for a successful wedding will abound, and engaged couples and their family and friends are encouraged to attend.

“I think everybody should be involved” in wed-ding planning, said Oceano wedding and event planner Nancy Nerhan.

Top Bay Area wedding professionals who will share their secrets include:» Psychologist and relationship expert Brenda Wade, Ph.D., who has discussed relationships on NBC’s “To-day,” “The Oprah Winfrey Show”and “A View from the

Bay” will discuss the psychology of a good marriage;» Renowned Half Moon Bay health and beauty expert Dr. James Newman, M.D., FACS;» Event planner and wedding specialist Janet Lash of Peninsula-based AVSO — A Very Special Occasion — says that she will “give tools and knowledge to make decisions and plan a beautiful wedding;”» Representatives from fashion designer Maggie Sottero, whose gowns will be featured in the fashion show;» numerous other wedding professionals whose ex-pertise includes photography, wedding cakes, rehearsal

dinners, and more.Topics, which will be

addressed with discussion and question-and-answer, include how today’s economy has affected wedding plan-

ning, where and how to create the wedding of your dreams, the little secrets professional wedding planners know and can share, and how to plan a great marriage while planning a great wedding.

Entertainment will be provided by dancers from the Cheryl Burke Dance Studio in San Francisco. (Burke is on tour with “Dancing With the Stars,” Lash said.) •

Admission to the wedding event is $20 per person with $10 per companion. For more information and to RSVP, contact the hotel at 726-5400.

Tips for a stress-free walk down the aisle

| creating a plan |

Event presents wedding experts, planners, fashions, entertainment to make that special day easier | By Stacy Trevenon

What: A Wedding Event/Fashion ShowWhere: Oceano Hotel, 280 Capistrano Road, Half Moon BayWhen: Noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 1Cost: $20 per person at the door, with $10 per companionInformation: 726-5400

everafter

5Red-carpet

beauty secrets

8Don’t be intimidated

by the flowers

10Wedding trends

for 2009

12Planning your

wedding on a budget

15Tying a different

type of knot

17Finding a perfect

set of pearls

19Where to get married on

the Coastside

| contents |

Published by the Half M

oon Bay Review

©2009

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132 EAST THIRD AVENUE�SAN MATEO, CA 94401�+ 650.347.3444�WWW.NOUVELLEVOGUE.COM�

The pampering begins when you step through the�door of this refined and exquisite bridal boutique.�

“Nouvelle Vogue”� redefines French luxury with an�exclusive collection of European gowns, impeccable�service and personalized attention.�

NOUVELLE VOGUE�

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE�IN STYLE AND SERVICE�

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F or every A-lister, looking great at an awards show is almost as important as remembering an acceptance speech. While most celebrities have a team to get them picture-perfect, there are some simple tricks you can do at home to make sure you’re

camera-ready on your wedding day. Giuliana Rancic, host of E! News and a red-carpet staple, shares some

simple beauty tips that are sure to make you look and feel your best all night long — without a celebrity-sized budget.

Hydrate: Give yourself a healthy and glowing complexion by getting plenty of rest the night before the event, and stay hydrated during the day. When water gets too boring, add a splash of cranberry or pomegranate juice. The antioxi-dants will add to your glow.

Relax: If you’re prone to getting pre-event jitters, it’s important to find a way to relax beforehand so you can arrive feeling your best. Remember that confi-dence shows. To de-stress, she suggests meeting a friend for yoga, getting a full body massage or putting on some fun music to dance to as you get ready.

Be prepared: Try on your outfit the day before to assure that you have the right shoes and accessories. You’ll feel much more relaxed on the day of the big event knowing that you have everything ready. It also pays to have a Plan B out-fit in mind, just in case. And while you have your outfit on, pull out your digital camera and snap a couple photos of yourself to practice finding your picture-perfect pose the way models do.

Say cheese: You can count on there being photos taken at any big event, so your smile needs to be camera-ready. A lip stain is your best bet for long-lasting lip color, and a bold shade will make your smile extra eye-catching. Of course, no matter how bright the color, it can’t hide dull teeth. Giuliana swears by Crest Whitestrips to make sure her teeth are sparkling before the big event. “My latest beauty secret is to use new Crest Whitestrips Advanced Seal two weeks before my big event. Because the strips mold to my teeth, I can talk,

drink water and go about my routine while I’m wearing them! They fit perfectly into my busy schedule.”

Finally, eat right: You don’t want to be hungry during the event, but you also need to look your best in that dress. On your wedding day, eat a small meal with protein in the morning, like an egg white omelet with veggies. Then, in the afternoon, stick with liquids like a fruit smoothie, which gives you energy without making you feel too full or bloated.

Other tips from local professionals: When making a timeline for you and your aesthetician to get your skin in flawless wedding condition, ac-cording to Half Moon Bay Medical Aesthetician Lisa Wimsett, there are several things to consider. Is acne an issue? Do you have uneven skin tone (hyperpig-mentation)? Do you have rough skin and clogged pores, or does your skin just

Red-carpet beauty secrets for your wedding dayWith award season in full swing, all eyes are on celebrities and their red-carpet style

| beauty |

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260 Capistrano Road | Half Moon Bay CA 94019650.712.1288 | www.CrabLanding.com

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freshnessis what makes us special.

cupcakeshand frosted memories

That Takes The Cake2271 Union Street, San Francisco, CA 94123 | 415.567.8050 | Tues-Sat: 11-7, Sun: 12-6

qualitymakes the difference.

Weddings by the SeaTerry Plank, Wedding Officiant

“He is caring, pleasant, friendly, professional, well-read, punctual, and has the most ef-ficient website to help a nervous bride choose her vows.”

“WE LOVED HIM! His look and feel was right on the mark.”

“Terry brings a wonder-ful presence to a wed-ding. He seems to pick up the mood and char-acter of the wedding, so that he provides the right mix of solemnity and humor.”

www.weddingsbythesea.comterry@weddingsbythesea.com

(650) 726-0890

I like conducting ceremonies that are warm, sincere, emotionally rich,

and have a dash of humor.

need some freshening and brightening? “Whatever your skin condition, it is best to see your aestheti-cian early in the process to make a treatment plan that will best suit your needs,” Wimsett advises, and adds, “Whether you need a series of microdermabrasions, laser treatments or light peels, you will want to complement these with a good home care plan to get the best results for the big day and beyond.”   If you are considering Botox or fillers for the first time, it is also best to see your doctor at least one month before. That way you have time to make sure everything is just the way you want it. Wimsett works along with Dr. James Newman at Pure Skin Therapy in Half Moon Bay.

At Bamboo Hair and Body in Half Moon Bay, owner Yasmin Caminiti asked Bamboo’s “wed-ding guru” stylist Anna Aboud for her best advice: “Plan a well-timed bath, drawn the night before or the morning of your wedding,” suggests Aboud. “Lavender oil in the bath water is restorative to the spirit. Try a drop of lavender oil massaged into your wrist and temple acupressure points at any time to both sooth and produce a general feeling of calm. Your hair, skin and overall energy will reflect the beauty found within.”

For hair, Bamboo’s Yasmin Caminiti says the rule of thumb is to schedule a “preview” visit prior to your wedding day. Come equipped with photos and ideas and try out the hairstyle you want. Stylist Anna Aboud is also Bamboo’s wedding specialist, who organizes whole wedding packages for brides and bridesmaids to come into the salon to get their hair styled on the wedding day. Having an idea of how you want your hair to look, trying out the style before the wedding day, and then having scheduled salon time to perfect the style on the day of the wedding is the way to go. •

| beauty |

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James Newman, M.D.

LocationPremier Plastic Surgery: 625 Miramontes #105, Half Moon Bay and 50 South San Mateo Drive, Suite 320, San Mateo | 650.340.7200 | PremierPlasticSurgery.com

“My goal is to achieve excellent surgical outcomes with the least invasive techniques by providing you with expert

counseling and taking an active role in your recovery process with assistance from my supportive staff.”

Specializing in Facial Plastic Surgery

Dr. James Newman serves on the clinical faculty at Stanford Hospital and as a spe-cialized consultant to the Palo Alto Veteran’s Hospital and the Valley MedicalCenter in Santa Clara. Because of his desire to provide personalized care, he creat-ed a private practice. He performs a large number of surgical cases at Premier PlasticSurgery in San Mateo, Mills-Peninsula, El Camino and Stanford University hospi-tals. Last year, Premier Plastic Surgery expanded with the grand opening of a HalfMoon Bay office featuring advanced skin care by Lisa Wimsett. Premier PlasticSurgery offers a wide array of facial plastic surgery, laser therapy, and minimallyinvasive procedures. Dr. Newman donates his expertise to Humanity United inGiving, providing medical and surgical care to orphaned children around the world.

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F lowers play a major role in setting the tone of your wedding. Whether simple or complex, soft or structured, elegant or bold, they should evoke the mood you want to set. There are many exciting directions you can go with the flowers.

Incorporating unexpected materials or dealing with traditional materials in a unique way will give your wedding that extra-special touch your guests will remember. Let your wedding flowers make a statement about you as a couple. An elegant arrangement will take on a playful edge when fruit is in-corporated. Get creative with the containers. Wood boxes, porcelain bowls, vintage glass or even a free-standing arrangement (such as a floral sphere) that requires no container are just a few alternatives to the standard glass vase. Even if your goal is to do something more traditional, you can find ways to make the flowers your own. Don’t get caught up in the “meaning” of each flower and feel you must have roses because roses mean love. Instead, focus on what you’re drawn to visually. Let color, texture, shape, size and materials come together to set the tone and maybe even tell a story. Have fun with the décor. The day is about you and your fiancé and every element of the wedding should be something you really love.

When meeting with a potential florist, don’t be afraid to voice your thoughts. Pinpointing what you don’t like is as important as saying what you do like. It’s not going to hurt anyone’s feelings if there’s an image in

Don’t be intimidated

by floral arrangements for

the big day

| flowers |

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the portfolio that you dislike. We want to make you happy so tell us what you think will help us serve you better. Images are extremely helpful. You don’t have to show up knowing the names of every flower you like. Look through maga-zines or Web sites before a consultation to gather images. They don’t have to be strictly flowers either. A picture of a room or type of fabric can say something about your aesthetic and the mood you want to set. If you feel lost and over-whelmed when it comes to the flowers and décor, choose a florist you trust and whose work you like and let us do what we do best.

It doesn’t have to break the bank either. Here are some tips for a tight budget:

» Choose flowers that are in season and locally grown;» Incorporate floating flowers like a single large floating dahlia

on a cocktail table in lieu of a full arrangement;» And focus the budget on key items or areas rather than trying to

put flowers in every available location. •

Lauren Godshall is owner of Branch Floral Design in San Francisco and specializes in weddings and events throughout the Bay Area. She can be reached at (415) 647-8173 or at info@branchfloraldesign.com. Her Web site is www.branchfloraldesign.com.

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What are the hot colors this season? What flowers are we seeing again and again? Experts from the Coastside share what they are seeing in wedding trends for 2009.

Casey’s Café, Casey SampleWe’re seeing families coming together to create events that are more homegrown — lots of family involvement to share the duties and to create something that is more economical, more personal. On the coast, with the farmers markets so popular, fresh local foods are also a big trend.

A Festive Affair, Lisa HarrisThis year, we’re seeing outdoor venues that are a bit rustic, with a pretty side. Wineries, flower fields and barns are all good choices, weather permitting. Colors are changing from the Tiffany blue and brown that’s been popular for the past couple of years. This year we are seeing a transition to pewter mixed with a deep, rich purple and shades of gold for warmer tones. We’re not seeing a lot of shine — we’re seeing more matte finishes.

Simply Delicious, Robin FainMake sure your favors are the final special touch to carry out your wedding theme and colors. We’ve been doing lots of truffles for favors and unique things like caramel apples for fall weddings.

Gleim Jewelers, Georgia GleimIn wedding jewelry we’re seeing Micro Pave using many, many small diamonds to give a ring a delicate appearance. It’s very, very feminine. Platinum is still popular. The classic solitaire is still the most popular.

| wedding trends |

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e l e g a n t

w h i m s i c a l r o m a n t i c p e n s i v e

Photography by Pemberton~Katie Pemberton | (650) 726-7427

www.photographybypemberton.com

* FREE with bookings by Aug. 30, 2009[ One Petite Album: 5x5 20-page soft book ]

Bay World Travel, Ginger MinolettiThe best deal out there is to book your cruise right away. January and February are known as ‘WAVE’ months and you can get amazing deals on small river cruises, or small sailing vessel cruises to romantic locations like Tahiti or even Europe. Right now there are cruises offering two-for-one specials with free airfare. Call now!

Main Street Goldworks, Patti WarshauerFor the bride, white metals are still strong. The Micro Pave style is reminiscent of an antique look, and has never really gone out of style — and is very much in style again.

Posh Moon, Carol Patin-GipeRecently, we’ve been selling our French line of crystal necklaces with matching earrings. We see a lot of women coming in for mother-of-the-bride dresses because we have a unique collection of new dresses that look nostalgic and vintage. Same with hats — our new hats have a vintage feel and are perfect for mothers of the bride, bridesmaids and even brides planning a beach wedding.

Gourmet Appliance, Rebecca Seely-KavalikuThe most popular item we carry is Le Creuset. A bride and groom can register for individual pieces, or come in on their own and buy a starter set to get their new kitchen going. Le Creuset has a life-time warranty and is made from beautiful enameled cast iron. The colors are gorgeous. You can mix and match or buy everything in one color. Red seems to be the most popular color at the moment.

Savvy Skirts, Sheri OlsonFor bridesmaids’ gifts, above and beyond, the most popular item we carry (we’ve sold out four times) are the foldable purse hang-ers that you can carry in your purse and use at a bar or a table to hang your purse when you are out. They are adjustable and fold up into a little velvet bag that goes in your purse. For the mother of the bride and mother of the groom, we are seeing a lot more gift baskets being put together with personalized items. With the economy, we are seeing a lot more thoughtful, practical gifts. •

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Skin Therapy

Pure Skin Therapy625 Miramontes #105, Half Moon Bay, 650.560.4842

www.premierplasticsurgery.com

Introducing

Latisse™A new innovation for lashes

fda approved for lash growth

Dr. James Newman M.D.

Lisa WimsettMedical Aesthetician

fda approved for

before

afterBotox cosmeticBody Shaping Therapy

Laser Hair RemovalMicrodermabrasionLED Light Therapy

459 Prospect Way, Princeton-by-the-Sea 650.728-8108 www.mezzalunabythesea.com

Your wedding, Italian-style!Create a memorable rehearsal dinner or wedding receptionwith an Italian flair. Enchant your guests with harbor viewsfrom the large arch-framed windows in the Small BanquetRoom. Host up to 40 people surrounded in the Tuscanthemed decor. The intimate lighting, hardwood dance floorand elevated stage area in the Large Banquet Room will keepyour guests dancing late into the evening. This room boastsvaulted wood ceilings and an over-sized fireplace and canhost up to 135 people. We also have a full service bar andspecially designed banquet menus to meet all your needs.

A s a bride, once your Prince Charming has popped the ques-tion and placed the perfect princess cut on your left hand, the last thing you’re thinking about is a budget. You’ve fan-tasized about your perfect day since childhood and money

was never an object. But how are you going to afford that? While you don’t want to sacrifice your dream wedding, you also don’t

want to demolish your savings. Fortunately, you can still have your cake and eat it too … without paying full price.

Here are some expert tips to stay budget-friendly for your big day.

Propose a budget: Discussing finances is never easy, but it’s an essen-tial conversation before planning your wedding.

Traditionally, the bride’s family provides a significant financial con-tribution, so find out what type of funding you might be receiving from this source. However, more and more couples are going it alone these days, so work with your fiancé to establish a budget and decide how much each of you can afford to contribute. Decide together what’s worth splurging on and where you can save. If a designer dress is a must, consider hiring a deejay or loading up an iPod instead of a 10-piece band.

Don’t forget that communication is key — stay open, honest and committed to your budget.

You can plan your

wedding on a budget

| expenses |

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Make your event nothing short of spectacular!wedding accessories

tables, chairs

tenting

specialty linens

and more!

Half Moon Bay | Santa Cruz | Gilroy(650)726-3262 | (831) 425-1535 | (408) 846-1885

PARTY RENTALSA Festive Affair

www.afestiveaffair.com

Commit to research: Since you’re planning your wedding on a budget, you might find that a wedding planner is an expense you can’t afford. Instead of hiring outside help, make a list or find a wedding checklist of everything you need to purchase and arrange before your big day.

Once you have established exactly what you want, research, research, re-search. Never buy an item or hire a ven-dor without doing your homework. Make sure to check out user reviews and read vendor profiles online. A great resource for researching vendors is OneWed.com where you can browse thousands of vendor ratings and reviews from brides across the country. The site has the larg-est local vendor database available so you can find all of the services you need in your “I do” destination.

Be a Cyber-bride: It’s a little known fact that everything found in brick and mortar stores can be bought online, often for less. Lucky for the budgeting bride, online couponing sites are available to provide coupon codes for a number of online merchants.

Just go to Google and type in a retailer name and coupon code for a list of resources. Deals range from deep discounts to free shipping — saving you major cash. Think bridesmaids’ gifts, rehearsal dinner dress, thank-you notes, party favors, table decorations and much more.

Spread the love: Once you’ve said “I do,” cut the cake and tossed the bouquet, it’s off to the honeymoon. And since ev-eryone loves newlyweds, take advantage of your newly married status for vacation perks and fun freebies.

Start by calling your hotel in advance and letting them know you’ll be coming for your honeymoon — they might be motivated to upgrade your room or throw in a romantic surprise. Don’t forget to share your good news at airline counters, restaurants and any other trip destinations. More often than not, you’ll receive special treatment in the spirit of celebration … and after planning a wedding, you deserve it!

You’ve fantasized about your perfect day since childhood and money was never an object. But how are you going to afford that?

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Gourmet Appliance315 Main Street 650-712-7707

They’re starting a new life together, so help them startoff with the best! Le Creuset makes memorablemoments for people who savor food. They’ll be making their own new memories with this lendary,handcrafted cookware! Gourmet Appliance haseveything for the bride and groom’s new kitchen!

for the bride and groom!

HIGH-END INDOOR/OUTDOOR APPLIANCES | COOKWARE AND SMALL KITCHEN GADGETS

A wonderful place for a wedding ...

•Historic landmark chapel dating from1872 with beautiful stained glass windows,seats up to 100

•Use our ceremony or design your own

•Lovely new sanctuary seating 250 alsoavailable

•Located in downtown Half Moon Bay

COMMUNITY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

All who wish to be married in our church are welcome.(650) 726-4621 www.cumc-hmb.com

Picture perfect: Mark Jordan, of Mark Jordan Photography, says, “My advise to the budget-minded couple would be to save money by choosing a wedding venue that is all-inclusive — where the ceremony, photography and reception can all be performed in the same location. This saves on transportation costs and the amount of time you need for other services, plus you get to spend more time with your guests.”

Shanti Duprez of Portraits by Shanti warns, “I definitely think if you are on a budget, do not skimp on photography, as this is truly where your memories are. However, my suggestion is to find a pho-tographer you really love and see where they stand on accessing your negatives. Having access to your negatives and giving up the album trend for the time being can save you a lot of money, and at a later date you can invest in putting an album together. Don’t skimp on the professionalism of a good photog-rapher.”

“Do cut where you can — on elaborate menus as most people forget what they ate, or cut back on spending for flowers, which end up a wilted mess anyway — but don’t cut corners when hiring a profes-sional, experienced wedding photographer,” adds Katie Pemberton, of Portraits by Pemberton. “All the priceless moments and stunning portraits that you will treasure for generations will be compromised if you “save a few bucks” by hiring an amateur.”

Michael Wong of Spring Mountain Gallery has some advice, too. “Do a potluck instead of catering; have the wedding in your backyard; get your Aunt Arlene with the new digital camera to shoot your wedding; shop at a thrift store for your dress; and have your newly ordained Uncle Fred officiate,” he said. “Seriously — if you want it done right, do the research and hire professionals who are within your budget allowance.” •

| expenses |

Have your cake and eat it, too: Susan Morgan, owner of Elegant Cheesecakes in Half Moon Bay, of-fers the following advice: “A good way to compromise is to buy a smaller, quality cake for presentation, and then have a less expensive sheet cake made with the same quality ingredients. The sheet cake can be cut in advance and the per-person cost can be half the price of the cake used for presentation.” Morgan also suggests a “centerpiece” cake at each table in lieu of flowers. This can be a beautiful, decorative cake with a big “wow” factor.

Keisha Williams, owner of That Takes The Cake in San Francisco, says cupcakes are the latest trend in wedding cakes. “People can enjoy multiple flavors, and we have no minimum or maximum that a wedding party can order from our 24 flavors.” Cupcakes can be monogrammed, and there’s no need for plates or silverware — or cutting, for that matter. These gourmet cupcakes can cost as little as $2.95 per person making them a very budget-friendly choice.

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According to statistics com-piled by the U.S. Census Bureau and other agencies concerned with such mat-

ters, some 80 percent of the more than 2 million weddings in the United States are performed in churches or synagogues. That leaves almost half a million wed-dings that are taking place elsewhere and in the hands of officiants, the generic title given for those ministers, reverends and other ordained folk who are authorized to perform matrimonial ceremonies.

Unless a couple is looking for the ultra-cheesy Las Vegas “Chapel O’ Love” experience — which is popular, with more than 100,000 knots being tied in Sin City every year — there is sure to be an officiant close by who can do the job the way you want it. Many advertise, have

Web sites and can be found through a simple search of the Internet. The trick is to “check out people who fit your chem-istry,” suggests Anne Dilenschneider, a non-denominational minister who lives on the Coastside, where she’s been hitch-ing people for more than 20 years. With the majority offering free consultations, it’s a great way to get to know the various officiants and see who feels like a good fit for your upcoming ceremony.

Half Moon Bay and its surround-ings make for some of the most pictur-esque wedding settings in the world. You can have your wedding party barefoot on the beach or putting on the Ritz (Carl-ton), or any number of charming locales in between. Terry Plank, a veteran offici-ant with more than 2,000 nuptials under his belt, mentions Hastings House and its

| ceremonies |

Tying a slightly different knot

HALF MOOn BAY AnD ITS SuRROunDInGS MAKE FOR SOME OF

THE MOST PICTuRESquE WEDDInG SETTInGS In THE WORLD

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Breathtaking Ocean ViewsAward-Winning Seafood

Outdoor, Oceanfront Dining

Sam’s Chowder Houseoffers the perfect settingfor your celebration andan incredible backdropfor photographs of yourspecial day...

“Top three outdoor dining spots”

— San FranciscoMagazine

“Beautiful views, friendlyservice, great seafood”

— San FranciscoChronicle

4210 N. Cabrillo Hwy (Just South of Pillar Point Harbor)

(650) 712-0245 x4www.samschowderhouse.com

garden setting “with all the flowers is a nice, natural place to have a ceremony.” Other places mentioned by local officiants include the Beach House hotel, either of the lighthouses, the Community United Methodist Church downtown or any stretch of beach that might catch your fancy (provided you get a county permit in advance.) Remember to check the tide tables if you’re going to go for the beach option. “I did one ceremony where they’d put the wedding arch on the beach the night before,” remembers longtime officiant Bud Andre. “The tide was coming in the next morning and I had my back to the water. I kept watching everyone's eyes — if they got really wide, I knew I was in trouble!” More rustic settings include the Community Church in Pescadero and the Old West-style Long Branch Ranch.

A number of the officiants in the area have very informative Web sites and come from a variety of interesting disciplines. Danise Conrad became an ordained minister after moving to the Coastside in 1999. Before that, according to her Coastal Weddings Web site, she’d spent 15 years in the world of com-mercial advertising. You can find out which officiants have formal religious backgrounds, who offers special packages and even compare prices. Although mostly non-denominational, many who perform weddings seem to be more multi-denominational, as they are happy to include elements ranging from traditional Catholic and Jewish ceremonies to Native American and Shinto wed-ding practices.

Four-hundred dollars seems to be as much as anyone charges, with most hovering around the $300 range. That’s for the ceremony itself — most charge an additional fee if they’re required to be at the wedding rehearsal. Be sure your chosen officiant is a legally ordained minister, which is necessary for them to properly marry people in the state of California. (Ordination is a simple process and usually can be done not only for free but instantly through the online Web sites of such organizations as the Universal Life Church and the American Fel-lowship Church.) Once ordained, a minister in California has the legal authority to perform weddings, baptisms and other services.

Although online ordinations are completely acceptable, it sometimes helps to have a little backup. Rev. Andre was once a Catholic priest, which came in handy following a ceremony in which a grandmother related to a just-married couple started grilling him as to what parish he served. “I told her I was retired, which was true — I used to work for the SFPD — then I listed the parishes I was in as a priest. I think it satisfied her. At least long enough for me to get away!” •

Marc Hershon, familiar to Review readers as the creator of the weekly editorial Phodoodles, is also an ordained minister from the Universal Life Church and is available for weddings, baptisms and supermarket openings.

REMEMBER TO CHECk THE TIdE TABLES IF YOu’RE gOIng TO gO FOR THE BEACH OPTIOn

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THIS IS WHAT YOUR HONEYMOON SHOULD BE!Let us send you on your dream honeymoon with

Happy Vacations. Take the stress out of your

trip by letting us worry about the details.

We are here for you Before,During and After your travel.

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engagement to honeymoon.

Janet EllinwoodIn business since 1982

415.518.1942 or 415.454.5896

�The Posh Moon519 Main StreetHalf Moon Bay

650-726-3821

Romantic Gifts & Feminine ClothingFabulous Jewelry for Brides and AttendantsCustom Wedding FavorsHeart-Warming Treasures for all true romantics

A L L D R E S S E D U P !d re s s e s , a c c e s s o r i e s a n d g i f t s

fo r y o u r b r i d a l p a r t y

P earls are the ideal wedding companion. Known by some as the “Queen of Gems,” the classic elegance of pearls tran-scends centuries and style fads. Nothing looks more beauti-ful with a bridal gown than a single strand of flawless pearls.

But pearls are not just for the bride — they’re the perfect accessory for bridesmaids as well. Today, you can find pearls in shades ranging from the traditional white all the way through the color spectrum, including pink, green and even black, so they will coordinate with the wedding party’s dresses.

Pearls are formed when a foreign object enters the shell of a mollusk and triggers the release of nacre, which builds layer upon layer until a pearl is formed. Most pearls in retail stores today are cultured pearls. They are less expensive than natural pearls because they are mass-produced with the aid of technology. Instead of waiting for nature to take its course, pearl farmers insert an irritant and a nucleus (often a mother of pearl bead) into an oyster to speed up the process. Cultured pearls come in a variety of shapes and

Find the perfect pearls for your wedding ensemble

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Strawflower Village | 80 N. Cabrillo Hwy., Suite G | 560-9081

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Say “I Do”... to a candybar at your receptionwww.simplydelicioussweets.com

Planning your PERFECT wedding day?

Coastal WeddingsWedding Ceremonies, Renewal Vows & Commitment Ceremonies

Danise ConradWedding Officiant/Licensed Minister(650) 704-0906coastal_weddings@comcast.netwww.yourcoastalwedding.com

sizes, and many are dyed, which means you can find a wide range of colors. Akoya cultured pearls are produced by the Akoya oyster found in the

waters surrounding Japan. They are almost perfectly round and are well-known for their high luster and rich color, which can range from white to cream, pink, green, silver and gold. These pearls can vary in size from between two millimeters to 10 millimeters. Multiple strands or choker styles are hot wedding trends. Because they are affordable, cultured Akoya pearls also make great brides-maids and mothers’ gifts.

South Sea cultured pearls are larger than Akoyas, usually more than 10 millimeters. Produced in the warm waters of the South Seas, they come mainly from Australia, Indonesia and the Philippines. These pearls are usually white, yellow or gold. Due to their size and rarity, South Sea pearls are expensive. Exotic golden South Sea pearls in particular have gained popularity in the United States in recent years. “If you’re choosing a special strand of pearls for your wedding, this can be a good jewelry investment,” says Par-man.

Tahitian pearls are produced in Tahiti, the Cook Islands and Mexico. They

range in color from black, to aubergine, pistachio and many other colors, often with overtones of blue, pink or green. These pearls range between 8 and 15 mil-limeters and are highly valued because of their rarity.

When choosing pearls, look for nacre thickness and quality. Nacre quality determines how long the pearl will last as well as how light

reflects through the pearls. Check for any cracks or peeling in the nacre. Also, look for how the pearls on a strand are matched. Pearl matching affects the value of the piece, as mismatched pearls are not as aesthetically pleasing. Finally, look for pearls that are individually knotted between each pearl instead of just strung one after the other — that’s a sign of quality.

Patti Warshauer, owner of Main Street Goldworks in Half Moon Bay, suggests a classic pearl pendant as the perfect

bridesmaids gift. “You can either do a simple pearl pendant or even look for color stones that match the bridesmaid dresses,” War-

shaer suggests. Georgia Gleim from Gleim Jewelers agrees. “If you want to go for something very traditional, a pearl pendant or pearl earrings are very nice. If you want to go for something a little bit contemporary, gems spaced along a chain are very feminine.” •

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F U L L S E R V I C E C AT E R I N GServing the Coastside & Peninsula Since 1977

• Rehearsal dinners, cocktail parties, engagement parties

• Wedding reception & event planning

• Menu created especially for you & your guests

Call 650.726.2044 to make your appointmentCasey’s Cafe 328 Main Street, Half Moon Bay

SAMPLE THIS!

weddings2009

the SWEETESTpart of your day

So beautiful. So delicious. So shippable.(650) 728-2248

www.elegantcheesecakes .com

Cypress Meadows, Moss Beach

Cypress Meadows offers spacious, well-lit meeting areas, privacy, re-freshing outdoor spaces and fantastic views. Located in Moss Beach, Calif., on nine acres adjacent to the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, Cy-press Meadows is just a 30-minute drive from San Francisco and less than an hour from Silicon Valley. Enjoy beautiful meadow and ocean views from the main room, guest rooms and patio. Meeting areas and guest rooms are equipped with cable, wireless Internet and Hd-ready LCd televisions with dVd players. The commercial kitchen facility is designed to provide easy access and optimal working space for cater-ers. This allows them to provide your event with the best possible service. 343 Cypress Avenue, Moss Beach. (650) 728-8045

www.cypressmeadows.net info@cypressmeadows.net

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Where to get married, have your reception or

rehearsal dinner

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650-726-1390

Preserve your memories.

353 Main Street, Half Moon Bay

Mezza Luna, Princeton-by-the-Sea

Create a memorable rehearsal dinner or wed-ding reception with an Italian flair. Enchant your guests with harbor views from the large arch-framed windows in the Small Banquet Room. Host up to 40 people surrounded by Tuscan-themed decor. The intimate lighting, hardwood dance floor and elevated stage area in the Large Banquet Room will keep your guests dancing late into the evening. This room boasts vaulted wood ceilings and an over-sized fireplace, and can host up to 135 people. We also have a full-service bar and specially de-signed banquet menus to meet all your needs.

459 Prospect Way, Princeton-by-the-Sea. (650) 728-8108 www.mezzalunabythesea.com

Oceano Hotel and Spa, Half Moon Bay Harbor

The Oceano Hotel and Spa is a spectacular ocean-front location overlooking picturesque Pillar Point Harbor. The wedding garden sets the stage for unforgettable outdoor ceremonies and receptions, and complements the elegant 4,400-square-foot grand Ballroom and Atrium, which offer a beautiful backdrop for an ideal indoor gathering.The Oceano Hotel and Spa features all of the ex-quisite amenities essential for a grand wedding cel-ebration. Wedding events can all be custom-tailored to make each a unique and memorable success. Enhancing your special event are accommodations that include 95 beautifully appointed guest suites, most overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

280 Capistrano Road, Half Moon Bay Harbor. (650) 726-5400 www.oceanohalfmoonbay.com

Info@oceanohalfmoonbay.com

Crab Landing, Princeton-by-the-SeaCrab Landing offers a stunning location for private ceremonies, receptions and other celebrations. There are three areas of the restaurant utilized for private events: Princeton Promenade, Capistrano Courtyard and Pillar Point Terrace. Located in Princeton-by-the-Sea, Crab Landing presents guests with the distinct pleasure of delighting in an epicurean feast while enjoying a spectacular, panoramic view of both Pillar Point Harbor and the Pacific Ocean. Crab Landing features the freshest seafood, the finest steaks and both an oyster and sushi bar. The coastal climate and fertile land pro-vide locally harvested produce utilized by our seasoned chefs.

260 Capistrano Road, Half Moon Bay. (650) 712-1288 www.crablanding.com

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Celebrating CouplesPersonalized Weddings & Union Ceremonies

Anne Dilenschneider, D. Min.Half Moon Bay, CA

650.728.7409650.218.3217 (cell)leadwithsoul@mac.com

Creating individual, intimate ceremonies for over twenty years..

Celebrating CouplesPersonalized Weddings & Union Ceremonies

Anne Dilenschneider, D. Min.Half Moon Bay, CA

650.728.7409650.218.3217 (cell)leadwithsoul@mac.com

Creating individual, intimate ceremonies for over twenty years.

garden weddings by the sea

hastingshouseweddings.com(650) 726-2513

Sam’s Chowder House, Half Moon BaySam’s Chowder House offers the perfect set-ting for your celebration and an incredible backdrop for photographs of your special day. The fresh scent of the ocean air, the brilliant blue of the Pacific Ocean and amazing sunsets provide a most romantic oceanfront setting for your special day. Bridal showers, engagement celebrations, weddings, rehearsal dinners and outdoor, oceanfront ceremonies can be held in several breathtaking ocean-view locations. With a sweeping view of the Pacific Ocean from every seat, casually elegant décor and delicious seafood, Sam’s is the perfect venue for one of the most important days of your life. 4210 n. Cabrillo Highway, Half Moon Bay (just south of Pillar Point Harbor). (650) 712-1245 www.samschowderhouse.com

events@samschowderhouse.com.

Hastings House, Half Moon BayBeautiful weddings by the sea in Half Moon Bay! unique Pacific Coast wedding site! The Hastings House garden is a one-of-a-kind site for your wedding or event. Hastings House is a lovely private outdoor setting, on the edge of the Pacific Ocean. The site is protected by a grove of trees that helps create an intimate, natural setting in the midst of the San Fran-cisco Bay Area. In this site you will find every-thing you need to plan a beautiful wedding, vow renewal, elopement, event, baby blessing, retreat or other special occasion in the Half Moon Bay Area.

347 Mirada Rd, Half Moon Bay. (650) 726-2513 www.hastingshouseweddings.com linda@hasting-shouseweddings.com

Pasta Moon, Half Moon BayPasta Moon is one of the Top 15 Best Italian Restaurants in the Bay Area according to Critic’s Choice in the San Francisco Chronicle. For your special occasion or event, Pasta Moon has a lovely private dining room overlooking our gar-den and Pilarcitos Creek. The room seats up to 45 people, and is available for lunch and din-ner bookings. Pasta Moon also has an outdoor event area and an award-winning wine list. Your special event only comes once … let Pasta Moon help you remember it forever!

315 Main St. Half Moon Bay. (650) 726-5125 www.pastamoon.com nicole@pastamoon.com

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Doug and Justin HattSERVING THE COAST SINCE 1970!

State Farm Insurance543 Main StreetHalf Moon Bay, CA 94019Off.: (650) 726-8400 Fax: (650) 726-9749Doug.Hatt.b8zv@statefarm.com

AFTER YOUR HONEYMOON ...PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE!

It’s Italia, Half Moon BayAs of March 2009, It’s Italia has relocated to the historic downtown location within the Half Moon Bay Inn. At It’s Italia, you’ll find the very best, the very freshest in authentic Italian food and house-baked pizza. The restaurant event area includes a heated outdoor patio area and a full bar inside. The Inn features romantic Tuscan suites as well as various room sizes for the bridal party or wedding guests. For room reservations, call (650) 726-1177 or go to info@hmbinn.com.

It’s Italia, 401 Main Street, Half Moon Bay. (650) 726-4444, Half Moon Bay Inn www.hmbinn.com

Community united Methodist Church, Half Moon BayCommunity united Methodist Church located in downtown Half Moon Bay is a historic landmark chapel dating from 1872 with beautiful stained-glass windows and seating for 100 people. guests can use the church’s ceremony or design their own. There is also a lovely, new sanctuary seating 250 that is available for use.

777 Miramontes Street, Half Moon Bay. (650) 726-4621 www.cumc-hmb.com

cumc@cumc-hmb.com

Long Branch Saloon and Farms, Half Moon Baynestled in the hills just south of picturesque Half Moon Bay, you’ll find an authentic Western town outfitted with all the modern amenities, casual atmosphere and unmistaken Western hospitality, which is perfect for a one-of-a-kind wedding. Long Branch Farms vintage Western backdrop makes the perfect setting for occa-sions of any kind and size. If you are having a corporate team-building event, celebrating a birthday or getting married, we can create an experience you will never forget! Call to arrange a site visit — the gate will be kept open for you!

321 Verde Road, Half Moon Bay. (650) 726-3117 www.longbranchfarms.net

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Cypress Meadows...

Enjoy the private and exclusive use of thisbeautiful facility for your special occasion.Spectacular garden, meadow, forest andocean views will help make the day memorable. We work with each couple toensure that their vision of their special day comes true.

Cypress Meadows343 Cypress Avenue, Moss Beach, CA 94038Ph. (650) 728-8045 or fax (650) 728-8046 www.cypressmeadows.net

The perfect venue for a beautiful wedding

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