Sierra
2011
Sierra WeddingGuide.com
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Sierra WeddingGuide.com
Content
8 Beauty Wedding Day Pampering 10 Food Gourmet Catering Made Easy 12 Photography Boudoir: The Sexiest Gift to Yourself 14 Venues Finding the Perfect Wedding Location 16 Fashion Fashion Inspired Bridal Shoots
18 Licensing Answers to Obtaining Your License 20 Jewlery Finding the Perfect Diamond 22 Destination The New Napa 23 Directory Wedding Vendor Directory PUBLISHED BY: melanie soleil photography Creative Director: Melanie Soleil Account Executive: Christy Wheat Photography by: Melanie Soleil Photography
VISIT US ONLINE AT
SierraWeddingGuide.com
For adverstising information contact info@sierraweddingguide.com or call 530-274-2408 Sierra WeddingGuide.com
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Look as
Beautiful
as you Feel
www.MelanieSoleil.com 530.274.2408
From the Editor Dear Brides, I am so proud to welcome you to the second annual issue of the Sierra Wedding Guide, showcasing the rapidly growing wedding industry in Nevada County. Just a short drive from the San Francisco Bay Area, our little world is quickly becoming recognized as the preferred wedding destination for savvy, successful brides who appreciate the natural beauty of Northern California. Blessed with all four seasons and scores of truly unique wedding locations, our lush community in the Sierra Foothills offers more diverse vistas and stunning scenery than any other place in California. From the rolling majesty of our vineyards, to the quaint intimacy of our pillared chapels, Nevada County is the picture perfect place to indulge in a “destination” wedding - where passports are optional. Visit SierraWeddingGuide.com today and start imagining your “destination wedding” in our Sierra wonderland.
Melanie Soleil,
Sierra Wedding Evangelist
Contributors Melanie Soleil is a celebrated wedding photographer, who has dedicated her career to capturing and complimenting the luscious, natural beauty of her brides and their big day. She especially loves brides who indulge in every special moment, and ensures they feel as beautiful as they look on their wedding day. Melanie loves to pamper her clients with mini bridal-boudoir sessions, and is coveted for her limited one-of-a-kind boudoir sessions available each year. To discover more secrets of Melanie’s sun*kissed world, visit her blog at www.MelanieSoleil.com. Donna Hoekstra, owner of Joy of Life Events, has a passion for the “Art of Events.” Donna works with couples to create their dream wedding or signature event that both they and their guests will enjoy. Donna is a Certified Professional Wedding and Event Planner with over 20 years of education and experience in the Hospitality Industry. As a Banquet Coordinator, Catering Sales Manager, and Restaurant Manager she has planned and implemented hundreds of events from weddings to business retreats. For more information visit www.JoyofLifeEvents.com Stacy Shade is co-owner of Bloom La Boutique, and an active hair stylist in the Grass Valley community. She has been creating one of a kind wedding party looks and styles for 11 years. Formally trained at the world-renowned Aveda Institute in London, England and also with the Prive Hair Company, Stacy specializes in cutting modern everyday hairstyles that are complemented with bold and vibrant colors. Stacy is always looking to create a new and exciting look for you. www.bloomlaboutiquesalon.com Nicole Arbaugh is the on-site Bridal Consultant at Stucki Engravers, and loves to help couples with bridal party gifts and wedding day essentials. She also oversees the public relations and events for both Stucki Jewelers and Stucki Engravers & Distinctive Gifts. Stop by the store at 124 Mill Street for help with all your bridal party gifts!
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THE ULTIMATE WEDDING VENUE PRIVATE, SECLUDED, INSPIRED BY NATURE
530 885 KISS jkisslerweddings.com Specializing in weekend weddings, lodging available.
Luxury Boutique Hotel Day Spa ∙ Special Event Center
Custom tailored indoor and outdoor weddings, receptions, showers, day spa retreats and rehearsal dinners
www.gvcourtyardsuites.com (530) 272-7696
Beautiful Hair & Make-up for the Modern Bride Paula Onescu-Grogan, Master Stylist 30+ years of making brides look beautiful! Modern * Fabulous * High-Fashion Call for your Complimentary Consultation
530.265-3888 (salon) 530.558-5907 (cell)
Stray Cuts & Co.
215 Sacramento Street, Nevada City
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Beauty
Wedding Day Pampering Feeling Beautiful on Your Big Day by Stacy Shade Your big day is a time to be pampered and indulged from head to toe. No one does this better than beauty experts who know exactly how to make you look your best! It’s a wonderful feeling to have your beauty team arrive and be completely focused on caring for you, and you’ll look amazing in your photographs with professional quality hair and make up. Here’s a simple beauty list for every bride to follow: 6-8 months before: Clear your skin blemishes. Acne, scars, sun damage can be greatly diminished through treatments like retinol cream, lasers, and skin lighteners, but these treatments take time. Be sure to start early for the best results. To improve your complexion, consider a regimen of monthly facials and treatments like fruit acid peels, witch refresh skins outer layer. Microdermabrasion, a form of exfoliation that uses tiny crystals, is better for sensitive skin. 2-4 months before: Hire your hairstylist and do a trial run. If you’re planning something new like highlights or color, make sure to start 3 months before to ensure your stylist has the color recipe just right. 2-3 months before: Hire your make-up artist. Keep in mind that wedding make-up is typically much heavier from everyday application. This will ensure your skin looks flawless in photos and highlights your key features. It’s a great idea to do your hair and make-up trial before your boudoir or engagement photo session. This will give you the chance to see what your make-up looks like on film. Most of all make sure to work with experts you feel comfortable with. Ask friends or vendors for referrals, and be sure to communicate with your beauty team. Lastly, enjoy the experience of being completely indulged during this special time in your life! 8
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In Salon or On Location
Let our team of experts make you feel beautiful on your wedding day!
www.BloomLaBoutiqueSalon.com
203 Mill Street * Grass Valley, Ca 95945 * 530-273-5260 Above Bloom Salon:
Get Glowing Skin NOW!
Bridal Make-up & Skincare
Organic Facials * Microdermabrasion
Carola May, 530-477-5360 www.skinstudio.biz
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The Joy of Food Wedding Catering Made Easy
by Melanie Soleil
For many couples, wedding day is the first large scale event they’ve ever arranged catering for. At first this task can seem a bit overwhelming, but it need not be. I recently sat down with renowned chef Antonio Ayestaran to find out what every couple should know about selecting a caterer and how easy and enjoyable the process really can be. Antonio says the first thing to consider is how important the dining aspect is going to be for your wedding. Do you want an elegant or casual dining experience for your guests? Knowing this will help determine the best style of dinning for your unique day. Many caterers offer set menus, but some like Antonio will work with you to create an imaginative custom menu. This could be anything from your grandma’s chicken recipe, to your favorite restaurant’s fillet minion, or anything in between. Let your caterer know your favorite types of food, restaurants, etc. to give them an idea of your culinary style. This is a great starting point for creating menus. Always be sure to set up a tasting with your caterer. This is a wonderful opportunity to open a bottle of wine, relax, and sample several dishes while in narrowing down your menu. Some caterer’s will charge a nominal fee for this (about $50), however many include it in your contract fee. Not only will you enjoy this time dining on exquisite food, but this gives you a chance to really work with and get to know your caterer on a more personal basis. Before you meet with your caterer, be sure to have your location and date confirmed as this can slightly affect your price. For instance, fresh produce varies
greatly by season, and if you’re getting married in a remote location with no kitchen or electricity, your caterer will need to set up a portable kitchen. A true professional should be able to service your wedding in even the most remote locations. Determine your budget for food, rentals, etc. and make sure you know what your paying for. Some caterer’s will tack on extra fees for things such as cake cutting, cake serving, corking, wine pouring, etc. So an unusually low quote could end up costing more after all the service fees are tacked on. Working with a full service caterer will help reduce this, as they can provide everything from food, plates, silverware, and service. Catering can range in price from $25-$50+ per person (plus tax and gratuity) Lastly, Antonio says the most important part in selecting your caterer or any wedding professional is to choose someone you feel comfortable with. If you feel uneasy, chances are you’ll have an uneasy day on your wedding, and no bride wants that. Antonio is an A.C.F. certified chef with over 15 years of experience. He represented the State of California at the largest cooking competition in the world: the Culinary Olympics in Germany in 1996, 2000, and 2004; receiving Gold, Silver and Bronze medals for his creations.
www.AntonioCatering.net http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-photo7028271-fresh-salmon.php 530.401.8462 ayestaran@earthlink.net 2204 Oak Meadows Rd. Grass Valley, CA
Imaginative
Fresh
A
antonio custom catering
Gourmet
ayestarán chef services
Specializing in imaginative and custom menus Full service catering company Work with certified award winning chefs
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A
antonio
ayestarán
www.AntonioCatering.net custom catering
chef services
408 Colfax Ave. Grass Valley, CA 530.401.8462 ayestaran@earthlink.net
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Photography
Indulging in Boudoir The Sexiest Gift to Yourself
by Melanie Soleil
There’s no denying it- he thinks your beautiful, sexy and everything in between. Although most women think of Boudoir Photography as a wonderful gift for their partner, the session actually ends up being the sexiest gift you can give to YOURSELF. So what exactly is boudoir? The term (pronounced boo-dwah) comes from the French word for “a woman’s bedroom or private sitting room”. The goal of a Boudoir session is to capture intimate portraiture while helping you feel absolutely sexy and beautiful. Sessions are normally done in intimate settings such as a private studio, hotel room, or your own home. Images can range from romantic, sexy, sensual, abstract, couture, sassy, or fun depending on your personality. I personally fell in love with Boudoir a few years ago after having my own session done. I was nervous and carrying a few extra pounds at the time, so my girlfriends and I arranged our sessions together for support. The experience was so amazing that I vowed to learn everything I could about Boudoir and share the experience with other women. I walked out of the studio feeling totally magnetic, for the first time in years fully embodying the beautiful, sensual woman that I am. My hope is that every woman, no matter her size or shape gets to indulge in this wonderful experience. What can you expect from your session? The main thing you should expect is to have fun and FEEL beautiful! Boudoir is all about capturing YOU in the most flattering way possible. The first thing we do is sit down and talk about what type of images you want to make. Do you prefer dark “Maxxim” type images, or are you more the soft, natural romantic type? Once I have an idea of your style, we’ll go through your wardrobe to pick the pieces which most compliment your body and image. I work very closely with you to accentuate your favorite features, and hide those not-so-favorite features. 12
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When we begin shooting, I’ll lead you through a series of poses that compliment your specific body type. You’ll be walked through the entire process to ensure you always feel confident and sexy! During a full session, you’ll have time for 2-3 outfit changes or different looks. By the end of the session, not only will you FEEL sexy and confident, you’ll also have a luscious collection of photographs documenting your unique feminine beauty; sure to be the sexiest gift you’ve every given yourself! Melanie Soleil, is an international wedding photographer and teacher who specializes in helping women look as beautiful as they feel. Melanie offers a limited number of unique boudoir sessions each year.Visit MelanieSoleil.com or SoleilBoudoir.com for more info.
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Venue Highlight Venue Highlight Find the Perfect Wedding Location
Nevada County is fast emerging as a destination location for savvy Northern California brides and grooms. The area, rich in Gold Rush history, showcases the beauty of all four seasons; and is an easy drive from San Francisco and Sacramento International Airports. With its various elevations, Nevada County offers sights with very distinct characteristics. At the higher elevations in Truckee and Donor Lake there are magnificent Sierra Nevada Mountains with towering pines, clear lakes, and streams. Nevada City has Victorian charm and historic architecture, offering year round beauty and accessibility. Grass Valley has kept the rustic down town appeal from the days of the gold miners. The softy rolling hills of the lower elevations offer an abundance of vineyards, wineries, and tasting rooms set amid ancient oaks. Our county has over fifty wedding venues ranging from a perfectly landscaped historic park to Victorian mansions, working ranches, barns and log cabins, as well as a vast array of outdoor settings. We’ve described a handful of our unique venues below. To get more information and see slideshows of Real Sierra Weddings, visit our website at SierraWeddingGuide.com. Auburn Valley Golf Club, choose from 3 beautiful ceremony sites at our lush scenic golf course. Indoor/ Outdoor venue, available year round. Club can accommodate up to 250 guests. We offer on-site catering and a knowledgeable coordination team to make planning your wedding easy. 530-269-2775 ext. 14 www.AuburnValleyWeddings.com
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Grass Valley Courtyard Suites, located within walking distance of historic downtown Grass Valley, the Courtyard Suites provides luxurious guest rooms, a full service day spa and unique event spaces perfect for your indoor or outdoor wedding, rehearsal dinner or shower for up to 100 guests. (530) 272-7696 www.gvcourtyardsuites.com Grass Valley Veterans Memorial Building, located walking distance to downtown Grass Valley with plenty of parking. Spacious historic hall and stage available year round, our gorgeous hardwood floor is perfect for dining and dancing the night away. Accommodates parties up 995, tables and chairs included. 530.265-1238 ext2 www.mynevadacounty.com/vetsbldgs J. Kissler Weddings, happily ever after starts here! Our open air, nature inspired venue accommodates up to 200 guests, with lodging for up to 22. Specializing in extended weekend and destination weddings, this venue is perfect for spending extra time with family and friends. Host all your wedding events in one location, available for single or multiple day events. Come stay and play at our beautiful 33-acre country estate at Wolf Creek. 530-885-KISS www.jkisslerweddings.com St. Josephs Cultural Center, a picturesque location for your wedding in downtown Grass Valley. Indoor/ outdoor ceremony options available year round. Featuring a fragrant 122-bush rose garden and a majestic historic hall possessing a wonderful aura. 3000 Square feet of dancing and reception space. The perfect place to hold a memorable wedding and reception. 530-2724725 saintjosephsculturalcenter.org Windfall Weddings Estate is perfect for elegant outdoor affairs and casual events alike. 24 acres overlooking the Sacramento Valley and Coastal Mountain Range, it’s hard to find another setting more serene & beautiful. Dance the night away under the heavens on our 2100 square foot wedding platform, perfect for receptions up to 300 guests. Brides can purchase a package or simply cover the facility rental fee. 530-274-9173 www.windfallweddings.com
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Wear It Again Fashion Inspired Bridal Sessions
by Melanie Soleil
Finding the perfect wedding gown is a little like love at first sight. It doesn’t matter how many dozens of dresses you try on, the moment you step into “The One”, you know. The cut is perfect for your body, the fabric decadent, as if the dress was hand crafted just for you. During the months leading up to wedding day you get little teasers of wearing it: alterations, fittings, maybe trying it on for your girlfriends. However, those little glimpses don’t quite feed the desire to wear the dress in full view of admiring family and friends. So after the wedding day has come and gone, rather than just boxing up that gorgeous dress and retiring it to storage, many brides are indulging in a chance to wear their dress again for a Bridal Photo Session. The Bridal Shoot, sometimes called trash the dress sessions (although we don’t do any trashing of dresses) are fun, glamorous, stylized fashion shoots designed to make you look and feel like a model for a bridal magazine. These are only limited by your imagination and can be as simple or extravagant as your want. It’s the chance to accessorize your dress with some bold shoes and jewelry, or let your hair down and head to the river for a more natural loook. I love to schedule these sessions with my clients shortly after their wedding, as that “bride glow” is still radiating from every pore of their body for several weeks after the big day. We work closely together to come up with a concept that fits her personality and dress, and then head out for a fun afternoon of shooting. The result is a gorgeous collection of photographs and of course, the indulgence of wearing the dress one last time before it goes to storage.
Brooke Video Productions Your Wedding from a woman's point of view. After 35 years of business and 1,000's of weddings, Yours is still the Most Important to me! Sandy Brooke 530-205-9664 866-504-2329 www.BrookeVideo.com
DESIGNS ON PAPER by Custom Wedding Invitations & Stationary • Personalize your wedding • Shape your unique ideas • Create a forever keep sake • Offering Eco-Friendly options • High quality design service • Call today for Free consultation 530.913.8473 Nevada City, California www.designsonpaperbyphyllis.com phyllis@designsonpaperbyphyllis.com
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Nevada County Marriage License Information
Nevada County Clerk-Recorder’s Office (530) 265-1221 950 Maidu Ave, 2nd floor Nevada City, CA 95959 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday http://www.mynevadacounty.com Regular License Fee….$72 Ceremony in Recorder’s Office....$40 Certified Copy….$13 in person/ $16 via mail How do we obtain a marriage license? The Recorder’s Office is located on the second floor of the Rood Center in Nevada City. Marriage licenses can be issued between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. If you wish to have staff perform your marriage ceremony, you may request an appointment online or by calling 530-265-1221. If you are obtaining a public marriage license and you are over 18 years of age, you simply need photo identification (driver’s license, passport, military ID). No blood test is required. Both parties to the marriage must be present when obtaining a public marriage license. How long is a marriage license good for? The marriage license is good for 90 days from the date issued. If not used within 90 days, a new license must be obtained. What happens to the license after the ceremony? After the ceremony, the license is completed by the person performing the ceremony and returned to the recorder’s office. It is required that the license be returned within 10 days after the ceremony. Once received, the completed license will be registered. At that time, you may purchase a copy of the license either by telephone, mail or in person. Can we have our marriage ceremony performed by a Judge in the Courthouse? Yes. A Judge can perform a marriage ceremony at the Courthouse, Monday through Friday by appointment only. Call (530) 265-1751 for an appointment.
PLANNING A WEDDING
nevada county wedding & event professionals
www.ncweds.com
U n i q u e & E l ega nt S e t t i n g — B re at h t a k i n g Panoramic Views
Windfall Weddings Estate
Intimate Garden Setting — Conveniently loc ated in Grass Valley Call for reservations. 530-274-9173 www.windfallweddings.com
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Jewlery
Finding The Perfect Diamond by Nicole Arbaugh
Far after the cake has been eaten, and flowers faded, your diamond ring will shine on; making it the most important and likely the largest investment in your wedding day. For many of us, gem quality is a bit of a mystery. The easiest way to begin understanding diamonds is to start with the four C’s: color, cut, clarity and carat. Color Gem quality diamonds can vary from colorless to light yellow or light brown. Colorless diamonds are the most rare and only American Gem Society (AGS) certified labs have a set of Master Diamonds to compare and rate diamond color. Cut Of all of the 4C’s, cut has the most pronounced effect on a diamond’s beauty. The more exact and symmetrical a cut, the more the light can reflect creating that “bling” people desire. Half of the value of the diamond is defined by the cut. Clarity Diamonds can have internal characteristics known as inclusions or external characteristics known as blemishes. Diamonds without inclusions or blemishes are rare, however, most characteristics should only be able to be seen under magnification. When grading clarity, a gemologist uses magnification and specific lighting to consider the effect these characteristics have on the diamond’s appearance and/or durability.
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Wedding Videos, Ceremony or complete day, Love story slideshows. 530.272.6293 ~ 877.901.9724
Wedding DJ’s ‘Fun & Professional’ Nevada City, CA 95959
www.MountainEventProductions.com Carat The diamond’s physical weight is measured in metric carats. One carat equals 1/5 gram and is divided into 100 points. Carat weight is the most objective of the 4C’s, as it involves no estimates, comparisons or judgments.
Wonderful Memories a St. Joseph’s Cultural Centera A Historical Gem in Downtown Grass Valley
The “Fifth C” is Confidence When you consider making this investment, shop with a jeweler you trust. Ask about credentials and certification and make sure all your questions are answered in an unrushed manner, this will help ensure your jeweler is qualified to help you with the most specific details of your diamond purchase. Stucki Jewelers is one of only 51 accredited AGS labs in California. Our staff Graduate Gemologist is available to answer your questions and help you select the perfect ring.
a Beautiful Gated Rose Garden a Original Antique Decor a 3,000 Sq. Foot Hall
530-272-4725
saintjosephsculturalcenter.org
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Destination
Stay and Play
in the “New Napa”
by Donna Hoekstra
Wine tasting, boating, golf, hiking, music & theater- Nevada County has it all for couples wanting the perfect destination location for a wedding weekend. With family and friends often traveling hundreds of miles to celebrate with you, “Weekend Weddings” are quickly gaining popularity with couples who want to indulge in an extended wedding celebration. Local entertainment possibilities are endless, offering day and nighttime activities for guests of all ages. Reserve one of historic theatres for a private viewing of your favorite movie, arrange a private wine tasting party at a local vineyard, or an authentic “miners meal” at a local gold mine. Take a hike through the majestic Tahoe National Forest, or peruse antique stores. Gatherings at the lake, or Llama treks and horseback rides through our beautiful foothills all make wonderful memory filled afternoons. After dark, guests can enjoy live music at numerous local taverns and wine bars, play their hand at the blackjack lounge, or take a seat in our historic theater. Many couples are also choosing to incorporate one of the local events into their weekend of activities. Visit www.nevadacitychamberofcommerce.com for a detailed calendar of plays, musicals, concerts, and annual festivals including: Mardi Gras, Music in the Mountains, Nevada City Bicycle Classic, Northern Sierra Wine Trail, A Grape Affair, Celtic Festival, Nevada County Fair, Roamin Angels Car Show, and Cornish or Victorian Christmas. These are just a few of the attractions which draw visitors from around the state. Whatever season, you and your guests will find a weekend full of activities in our quaint, historic, wine-infused community. 22
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Vendor Directory BEAUTY
OFFICIANTS
Bloom La Boutique Salon www.bloomlaboutiquesalon.com 530-273-5260 Alexa Leonhard at Bodyworks www.bodyworkssalonca.com 530-273-2099 Paula Grogan-Onescu at Stray Cuts & Co. blueocean215@hotmail.com 530-265-3888 Skin Studio by Carola May www.SkinStudio.biz 530-477-5360
Jennifer McGuire, Rev. 530-271-7038 Jen@jennimcguiremosaics.com
BEDROOM DELIGHTS
Earth Erotics Sara.Lorraine7@gmail.com 530-205-7698 CATERING & DESSERTS
Antonio’s Catering www.AntonioCatering.net 530-401-8462 Emily’s All Occasion Catering & Cakes www.EmilysCateringandCakes.com 530-409-3716 Hanford’s Catering www.hanfordscatering.com 530-888-7145
ORGANIZATIONS
NC Weds Nevada County Wedding Event Destination Specialists www.NCWeds.com PHOTOGRAPHY
Melanie Soleil Photography www.MelanieSoleil.com 530-274-2408 MUSIC
Mountain Event Productions www.MountainEventProductions.com 530-272-6293 VENUES
Auburn Valley Golf Club www.auburnvalleyweddings.com 530-269-2775 ext 14 Grass Valley Veterans Memorial Building www.mynevadacounty.com/vetsbldgs 530-265-1238 ext 2
EVENT DESIGN & PLANNING
St. Joseph’s Cultural Center www.SaintJosephsCulturalCenter.org 530-272-4725
Joy of Life Events www.JoyofLifeEvents.com 530-432-4030
Windfall Weddings Estate www.WindfallWeddings.com 530-274-9173
FLORAL DESIGN
The Magickal Florist www.themagickalflorist.com 530-265-8307 INVITATIONS
VENUES WITH LODGING
Grass Valley Courtyard Suites www.gvcourtyardsuites.com 530-272-7696 J. Kissler Weddings & Events www.jkisslerweddings.com 530-885-KISS
Designs On Paper www.DesignsonPaperbyPhyllis.com 530-913-8473 Illuminated Invitations www.illuminatedinvitations.com 530-863-9482
The Perfect Place Retreats www.ThePerfectPlaceRetreats.com 530-477-8777
JEWLERS
VIDEOGRAPHERS
Stucki Jewlers & Engravers www.stuckijewelers.com 530-272-1266
Brooke Video Productions www.BrookeVideo.com 530-205-9664 Mountain Event Productions www.MountainEventProductions.com 530-272-6293
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Feel Beautiful Soleil Boudoir
Luscious Portraiture for Women
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www.MelanieSoleil.com