My Northstar-at-Tahoe™ Resort Wedding

Ashley + Brian, a real Northstar Wedding video!

2012-01-31T12:10:00.000-08:00

Ashley + Brian's NorthStar Wedding from Jason Chesebrough on Vimeo.

Beautiful! Congratulations to the happy couple and thank you Jason Chesebrough for sharing.

Cutest Escort Cards of 2011

2012-01-10T16:30:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! Check out these adorable escort cards from real Northstar Weddings last year!

What is in store for your 2012 Wedding?

K + J , a real Northstar Winter Wedding

2011-12-27T14:48:00.000-08:00

As we say goodbye to 2011, it wouldn't be right without showing off Northstar's final wedding of the year, photographed by the very talented Ciprian Photography (thank you!). This DIY bride and her family created a one of a kind event. The reception was set with large manzanita branches dripping with crystals and goblet style candle holders that sparkled and glowed.

A whimsical part of dinner would be the English poppers, filled with a joke, a crown, and a toy.

Their cake toppers were real life versions of themselves and their pooches!

As a nod to the groom's regional management position at 7-11 they offered their guests real 7-11 doughnuts! The room smelled like sugar right when you walked in!

The ceremony ended with vintage noise makers. How fun! And the bride's sister created all of the artwork used for the programs as well as the table numbers and escort cards.

The bride looked stunning in a to die for crown at the ceremony that literally made her look like a princess!

After the ceremony she swapped out her crown for a very glam fascinator.

I loved this wedding and all of the special touches were my favorite parts! Congrats you two, Bxo

A wedding on the slopes!

2011-12-21T11:57:00.000-08:00

Happy first day of winter! It is snowing every day at Northstar and we just had a very "cool" (get it? as in brrrrr) wedding in the snow! Thank you to Ceremony of Love for providing these images photographed by Talbot Images. And a big congrats to Sharon and Bruce. Nice kilt!

A sweet treat!

2011-12-09T14:25:00.000-08:00

Why have just one when you can have an assortment of smaller wedding cakes? I love the simple beauty of this set by Flour Girl Wedding Cakes, photographed by the very talented Leah McCormick. Enjoy!

A REAL Northstar Proposal!

2011-12-03T15:52:00.000-08:00

On Friday, December 2, 2011, one of our Ski patrollers, Steve, was in for a big surprise. Here is his story that he later shared with the bride:

"While skiing down Northstar’s West Ridge ski run, I visualized a man on his knee apparently holding a lady’s left forearm. She was crying loudly. I was therefore certain that at least her left arm was injured and that the fellow with her was assisting her pending the arrival of a Ski Patroller. Me. So you can imagine how disappointed I was when, after rushing to your side to assist, you told me that everything was OK. Then, the lady, still sobbing, yet sporting a huge smile, said to me, “He’s proposing to me right now!”. Congratulations guys."

W-O-W! This story was a tear jerker. Congratulations Amber and Brookie, and let the planning begin!

Natalia + Tim

2011-11-25T11:44:00.000-08:00

To celebrate Black Friday, I have a FREE real Northstar wedding to share with you. Now that's a deal! Natalia and Tim were recently featured in Smitten Magazine, pages 202 - 217. Could that flower girl be any cuter? Natalia was flawless and brilliant and her veil was to DIE for. Tim was dashing, sweet and my funniest groom of the season! Not funny looking, just very humorous. Congratulations you two! xo

What are you grateful for this year?

2011-11-23T15:31:00.000-08:00

I am grateful for L-O-V-E! Happy Thanksgiving to all our Northstar newlyweds!

Have a beautiful day with each other and your new BIGGER families! xo

Wedding Preview this Weekend! Just added- Balance Spa!

2011-11-15T10:14:00.000-08:00

After the Northstar Wedding Preview this Sunday, 11.20.11, enjoy mini spa treatments at Balance in the Village from 2pm - 4pm! This is a drop in event featuring a sampling of wedding hair and makeup, manicures, massage and facials. Plus if you haven't had your fill at the Preview, they will also have some wine and munchies for you! Balance is located at the bottom of the grand staircase below Starbuck's in the Village. Enjoy and see you soon!

The Victorian House in Reno

2011-11-04T15:15:00.000-07:00

Hello lovely couples! Today I made two new friends from Take the Cake Events and they shared a new concept with me called the Victorian House. So, OF COURSE I wanted to share it with you all right away. Most Northstar Weddings are destination weddings. At the Victorian House they make it easy for you to interview an entire collection of wedding vendors all at once...in their Victorian house. Get it? And you don't have to choose all of them for your big day. If you decide to just go with Tiers of Joy (which is one of Northstar's preferred bakeries) for example, for your cake and not the DJ or photographer, that's cool. I think this is a very efficient use of a busy bride's time, especially if you haven't chosen any or many of your vendors yet. Happy planning! Bxo

Letterpress cards from your Iphone!

2011-10-27T09:56:00.000-07:00

Thank you Steve Jobs (RIP), Apple is so clever and a bride's best friend! The new Cards app from Apple lets you create and mail beautifully crafted cards personalized with your own text and photos — right from your iPhone or iPod touch. Take a quick snapshot and with a few taps and swipes, an elegant letterpress card is on its way to any address in the world. Each card is just $2.99 when sent within the U.S. and $4.99 when sent to or from anywhere else. And that includes postage. Etiquette usually calls for a handwritten note, but I think this is the next best thing!

The Knot's top wedding trends for 2012

2011-10-22T16:25:00.000-07:00

So a while back you guys saw a pic of me at the Wedding MBA convention in Vegas. Well I finally got a chance to get my notes together and tell you what is going to be HOT for 2012:

1. Black tie is back- Ornate venue, fancier is back, grandeur, used to be cool to be casual, not anymore, vintage. (Have you seen the elegance of the Overlook tent? I mean, you have this one in the bag!)

2. White palettes reign coming from Chelsea Clinton, Ivanka Trump, and white bridal parties like the Royal Wedding and the Kim Kardashian Wedding (Tent, big European umbrellas, and little white lights everywhere? Done!)

3. Formality doesn't have to mean no personality. (The unique energy of the Northstar Village is anything but dull.)

4. Structure changing, night doesn't end with reception. Formal dinner, dancing, some people go home, then it's off to disco. After party will become part of reception. Brides want elegance but want to end with pure unadulterated exuberance. (Hello! Can you say Mikuni, Chocolate Bar, or Baxter's?)

5. Surprises are a must. Food trucks hot right now and bakery breakfast to go for the morning after as a favor. (Let us know how we can help you WOW your guests, we are at your service!)

By the way, did you know I got to see Kathy Ireland there? She has a Wedding line, and is such a motivational speaker and beautiful woman!

xoxo, Brett

Lori + Nick = a real Overlook wedding at Northstar

2011-10-13T11:20:00.000-07:00

I heart these images from Lori and Nick's gorgeous Northstar California Wedding photographed by the very talented Carlie Statsky! Check 'em out:

New! Northstar California

2011-10-08T12:44:00.000-07:00

Because you may want to use the full and proper name and/or logo in your invitations, here is a message from the Resort:

"So, you’ve probably noticed that our logo has been updated. In case you were wondering, here are a couple reasons for the change.

· The drop shadow was so 1996 and needed some refreshing

· We removed “At Tahoe” and included “California.” Simply, the California persona aligns well with who Northstar is (laid back, family, fun)

We fully expect that most of you will keep referring to us a “Northstar,” and that’s cool with us. At the end of the day, our job is to make your ski/ride experience the best it can be. Updating our logo will help us communicate who we are to a larger audience that loves California and the Lake Tahoe area."

Northstar Table Settings

2011-10-05T12:57:00.000-07:00

Happy snowy October 5th from Tahoe! I am serious- 1 inch at my house. Very unusual, but it is almost melted now and back to blue sunny skies!

Anyhow, I know I have described the non-floral centerpieces included in your wedding package but I thought you might enjoy some photos (flower not included):

Also, have you began to consider your napkin fold? Ha ha, it's probably a bit early, but still I thought you would appreciate this:

I also really like the draped napkin under the plate that hangs down to near the bottom of the chair seat for plated dinners. Last but not least, I try to repost the color wheel for floor length standard linen options for Northstar Weddings every so often so you don't have to dig so far back in my blog:

Happy Wedding planning! Bxo

Prepare to be floralized!

2011-09-28T16:57:00.000-07:00

This past weekend's real Northstar Wedding had absolutely amazing floral courtesy of Cazale's Flower Shop from Stockton, CA. They came a long way, but boy was it worth it! Check it out:

By the way, did you know you can RENT trees like seen at this Wedding? Well you sure can at Villager Nursery here in town. But most importantly, congratulations to the gorgeous Kate and dashing Aaron! Hope your marriage is filled with as much beauty as your wedding. - Brett

Free name change gift cards for Northstar brides!

2011-09-22T10:20:00.000-07:00

That's right! I just returned from the Wedding MBA where I encountered a new product just for you! The first three of you to tweet me @NStarWeddings, Facebook me, email me, call me or comment on this post will receive a gift card from MissNowMrs.com for on-line auto completion of your social security, IRS, Passport, USPS, state voter registration and state driver's license forms, as well as name change notification letters for your banks, credit cards, mortgage providers, insurance companies, professional license boards, and investment companies along with step by step guidance through the filing process, so you can focus on being a newlywed!

xoxo - Brett

Jaime and Tia- a real Northstar Wedding!

2011-09-20T09:53:00.000-07:00

I can't get enough of Jaime and Tia's Wedding video! It still gives me chills because their joy is absolutely infectious. I dare you to only watch this once! Thank you Studio THP for capturing such amazing footage and congratulations to the beautiful couple. You guys are the best! xoxo

A vintage romantic wedding- so pretty!

2011-09-08T15:34:00.000-07:00

Another real Northstar Wedding at the Overlook with design by Scott Corridan, need I say more? Not when pictures say a thousand words- enjoy!

Congrats Sara and Gavin! xoxo

A NEW twist on the monochromatic wedding!

2011-08-26T10:20:00.000-07:00

Usually when I see a monochromatic theme, it's with one color- but at Casey and Clint's real Northstar Wedding, they couldn't choose just one. They went with eight BOLD colors: lime green, red, blue, lemon, purple, turquoise, neon orange and hot pink, all set on a black backdrop. The results- very dramatic! Congratulations you two! xoxo

Crazy for Burlap!

2011-08-12T11:22:00.000-07:00

Trending right now is burlap at your Wedding! See the latest images from real Northstar at Tahoe Weddings:

Mmmmmm Yogurt!

2011-08-11T11:52:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love frozen yogurt? With food trucks trending in the wedding world right now, nothing could be more unique than this! Yogurt truck pulls up at your wedding, rehearsal dinner, or farewell BBQ, and guests help themselves to lots of flavors and toppings. Mmmm, sounds fun, memorable, and tasty!

And guess what, Mmmmm Yogurt is local!

Unique Guest Book Alternatives

2011-07-30T10:53:00.000-07:00

I LOVE all the fun new twists on traditional guest books that make your wedding so, well...you! Check out some of my favorites from real Northstar Weddings over the past couple weeks:

Baseballs- this guest thinks the groom hit a "home run" marrying his bride! :)

Not sure what they call it but I dubbed it the honeycomb guest book. Guests wrote little notes and filled the honeycomb with their messages to the bride and groom. Imagine how stylish this would look hanging in your hallway? Plus, instant access to your guests' best wishes every time you walk to the kitchen!

"Message in a bottle"- guests slipped notes into however many wine bottles they liked. Each wine bottle was labeled with 1st anniversary, 2nd anniversary, etc. through their 50th. Each year on their anniversary the bride and groom plan to open the bottle and read what their guests intended to them to read at that moment in time. Brilliant!

And this was a note on an always classic photo frame signature guest book. I just loved the message and would wish that on every happy couple! xoxo

Wedding Advice from Glow Event Design

2011-07-22T14:52:00.000-07:00

We are so lucky to have some tips from a pro event designer like Christina with Glow Event Design, and even better is that she was a REAL Northstar bride last year! Guess she knows what she's talking about then huh? Read on...

What was your favorite design element at your wedding?

My favorite design element to our decor was that everything we used was natural - nothing plastic or fake. I was really inspired by the beauty of Tahoe, and I wanted our day to reflect upon the beautiful plants and trees around us. For an aisle runner, we used flower blooms and pine cones to fill glass hurricanes placed at every-other seat. We brought in aspen trees and a wooden archway to decorate the ceremony site. Our tables were named after ski resorts we'd been to, and we placed the table name signs in wooden frames at each table. Probably my favorite decor item was the escort card tray which we filled with split green peas. We also used the peas to fill mini hurricanes with tea lights placed on the cocktail tables.The peas were actually the inspiration for the green in our color scheme.

Did you have a theme?

I called it "Mountain Chic." We wanted everything to be authentic and natural, but still very upscale and sophisticated.

Describe your color palette.

Our main colors were green, cream and chocolate brown. We added accents of coral for a pop - and also because coral tied in with the existing orange color on the outdoor patio furniture!

What would you have done different?

We got married in August and had prepared for extreme heat during the day. We rented extra umbrellas, had a cold drink station, etc. Unfortunately, a cold-front blew in the day of, and it was actually FREEZING! We had purchased a few blankets to place around the fire pits at night, but not many. If I could do it all over again, I would have made a contingency plan for the cold weather and stocked up on fleece blankets to give out to guests, and added a warm drink to the bar menu (like a spiced wine, hot chocolate, etc).

Any other words of advice?

Relax and enjoy your day! Don't stress about last minute details - none of your guests will know if the napkin is folded wrong, or their place card is crooked. The day goes by in a flash, so make sure throughout the night you take the time to look around and savor the moment.

Wendy + Abe

2011-07-16T16:25:00.000-07:00

What a unique Northstar Wedding and once again a first for us! It all started with a scenic gondola ride up to a ceremony in the round. Their chuppah was held by friends to signify strength and unity. Seven special guests blessed them as the occasional mountain biker whizzed by and cheered.

Next guests arrived to the reception. Wendy and Abe always had their hearts set on three kings tables of 50 guests each on the lawn. Even though we had measured and did a rough set, we really weren't sure if it would fit until all of the rented tables arrived the day of. And look how amazing it turned out!

This wedding had so many gorgeous details and was a real labor of love for the both the bride and groom. And I say what a SUCCESS! Good luck you two, thank you for the blessing and congratulations! xo

Jaime + Tia video engagement shoot

2011-06-28T11:03:00.000-07:00

Jaime and Tia E-shoot from damon chamberlain on Vimeo

Congratulations to Jaime and Tia! They were just married here at Northstar, but before that came the engagement shoot. I love this idea! An engagement VIDEO shoot instead of photos. What a treasure to have to watch forever. Thank you Frontside Films for sharing, and best wishes you two- xo!

Gift time!

2011-06-18T17:40:00.000-07:00

While you are busy receiving Wedding gifts (hopefully you are sending thank you cards), I too have gifts for you!

First of all California sales tax just went DOWN! That's right effective July 1, 2011 it will drop by 1% saving you a fist full of cash on your Wedding. While I personally am not responsible for this gift, I just had to share it with you. Thank you legislature!

Secondly, Overlook just had a fancy new tent installed! It still has the same elegant ceiling treatment, but it is two feet taller with larger windows should you need to keep the walls on, and a nifty mesh wall too. It's on a easy to use sliding track and would be useful for privacy or for keeping guests away from the dinner tables during cocktail hour. Ok, so I didn't personally buy the tent either...but I took the photos. You're welcome! xo

First spring wedding...or was it winter?

2011-06-10T13:16:00.000-07:00

This adorable spring wedding kicked off Memorial Day weekend at the Resort, was the first wedding of the season here at Northstar, and the very FIRST ever ceremony on the stage. Weather caused the move, but I think it turned out oh so unique. I mean, how many people can say they got married over a roller skating rink? Congrats Christina and Bill! xo

Pinterest!

2011-06-03T16:03:00.000-07:00

So the name is fun to say, but more than that, Pinterest is "a place to catalog the things you love". OK, so you know how while cruising the web for fabulous wedding ideas your "favorites" folder in your browser became so big you can't find anything anymore without sending out a search party? Well imagine your "favorites" folder evolved into an wedding inspiration board complete with photos- brillliant!

Golf tournament for your wedding weekend?

2011-05-27T10:19:00.000-07:00

This is a great deal here at Northstar! Check it out:

A Cinderella Story

2011-05-20T16:31:00.001-07:00

OK, seriously? This was too ironic. And let me preface that there is no disrespect to Princess Beatrice of York and Princess Eugenie of York, but I could not resist a little Royal Wedding humor this late on a Friday afternoon!

New! Online lodging reservation system for your guests!

2011-04-28T13:30:00.000-07:00

Ta daaaaah!!! Online lodging reservations for groups are now available. If you have a Northstar lodging webpage, we will revise it shortly for you. Otherwise please update your personal wedding web sites and / or save the dates with: www.northstarattahoe.com/groupreservations.

Ceremony Arch or ???

2011-04-21T10:26:00.000-07:00

One of our Northstar grooms plans to build a Chuppah for his Wedding- brilliant! So, when he asked me for ideas, I dug through my photos from the past few years and thought I could share some inspiration with you too!

Winter Wedding Wonderland!

2011-03-31T16:01:00.000-07:00

Wow, how breathtaking is this Northstar Wedding produced by Scott Corridan Design ? Congratulations to the gorgeous Christina and her new husband Karl! Plus a HUGE thank you to Viera Photographics for these fabulous images- outstanding!

St. Patrick's Day Wedding!

2011-03-18T11:02:00.001-07:00

Top o' the morning to you! Last night we had the most adorable St. Patrick's Day Wedding. It had just snowed the day before so the white trees made a spectacular backdrop for the ceremony. The groom and groomsmen made a splashy entrance on skis and snowboards, and the black and green reception rocked at TC's Pub. I think Sarah and Jake have a lot of luck in their future- congratulations you two! xoxo

Hair, Makeup, Manicures, Oh my!

2011-03-03T16:31:00.000-08:00

Future Northstar Brides,

You and a Guest are Invited to Balance!

April 16th 2011 4-6pm (immediately following the Wedding Preview)

Relax and indulge yourselves in free consultations about your hair style, makeup, massage, facials, manicures and pedicures! Complimentary wine also provided by Balance, as well as sample hors d’oeuvers provided by Mikuni’s, Rubicon, The Chocolate Bar, and Olivier Napa Valley.

Space is Limited so please RSVP by calling 530-562-1164 to make your reservation.

Nicole Miller Bridal Gowns now at Adagio in the Village at Northstar

2011-02-16T15:43:00.000-08:00

New! Adagio Boutique, located in the Village at Northstar, is the only Boutique in the North Tahoe Area that carries Nicole Miller Wedding Dresses. They are available Sample for Ordering with 6 to 8 weeks Delivery Time. So, if you want to try any on the weekend of the Wedding Preview, you need to make your appointment soon.

They also carry Nicole Miller Brides Maid Dresses, and designer gowns that would be perfect for any Northstar Wedding. In addition, Adagio can steam a dress or suit before the big day, taking care of any pesky travel wrinkles.

Marriages that LAST begin at Northstar!

2011-02-09T12:24:00.000-08:00

Love is in the air at Northstar Resort this Valentine's Day and apparently it sticks! This real Northstar Wedding was celebrated on August 19, 1989 courtesy of our very own on-site wedding coordinator: Sharon Fontes, AKA Praetzel. Not only does she still work here, but she is still married to this dashing young man! Here are some of the fun details:

Officiant: Dan Holzer (he is on our recommended list still)

Northstar Coordinator: Connie Blair (she is a Director here now)

Gown: Jessica McClintock (Sharon just found it again and wants to do something fun with it, anybody have ideas?)

Flower Girl waving to her Mommy: Sharon's niece who just had her first baby. Congratulations Andrea!

The groom also worked at Northstar at one time as a groomer in the winter...small world.

Enjoy!

Thanks for sharing you two- your photos are super sweet and loving! Happy 22nd Valentine's Day as husband and wife!

Jo + Hiro 10.17.10

2011-02-04T10:14:00.000-08:00

As promised, more REAL Northstar Weddings...LOVE the flowers and thank you to Matt Theilen Photography for these images. Apparently, he photographed "the best cake smash ever" at their Wedding. I was wondering, how do you smash a cake that beautiful? Check out his blog for more. Congrats Jo and Hiro! xoxo

Real Weddings Blog

2011-01-22T13:59:00.000-08:00

Everything you ever wanted to know about me up for grabs on Real Weddings Magazine Blog. Check it out for a little fun!

Sacramento Bridal Show

2011-01-12T11:01:00.001-08:00

Hi y'all! So I went to the show this past weekend and brought back my top three faves to share with you:

1. Rocket Photo Booths They are adding video to their booths in the next couple months!

2. Sweet Candy Land (916)792-0500 They trick out a candy booth for you, and stick around to keep it stocked!

3. Pose Prints Create caricatures of you and your sweety then "pose" on custom save-the-dates, thank you notes, etc. Guess who this is?

50 Favorite Wedding Details of 2010

2010-12-31T09:15:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! And to celebrate, check out the best of 2010 from The Knot- like this amazing hand carved, wooden bouquet:

50 Favorite Wedding Details of 2010

Brides and Basketball?

2010-12-21T15:28:00.001-08:00

Really? This is a seriously good idea...wish I would have thought of it! $10 for a bridal show and a game? Genius! I hope Brides and Football is next: Go Niners! (one can hope, right?).

A Unique Save the Date

2010-12-18T15:09:00.000-08:00

Found this on Polka Dot Bride today and I love it so much I just had to share it with you! And if I don't get to talk to you before, Happy Holidays to you and your sweety! xoxo

Next Wedding Preview Date!

2010-12-16T13:26:00.000-08:00

Save the date: Saturday 04.16.11 is the next Wedding Preview Day! And now, for a special holiday treat, enjoy this fabulous wedding full of spunky, fun touches. Congratulations Nicole and Andrew and thank you to Ciprian Photography for the great shots!

Thanksgiving 101 with the new in-laws to be!

2010-11-23T13:28:00.000-08:00

So you got engaged over the summer and this may be your first holiday with your new fiance's family. Are you ready? Well, I have some simple tips to ensure your success and enjoyment:

1. RUN

That's right head to the gym for a jog on the treadmill. Research proves that exercise can decrease stress when your mother in-law to be brings her side of the guest list and it includes more people than your venue will hold.

2. CRY

From laughter when your fiance asks why the reception tablecloth color is important! Wait, is he joking? Anyways, laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.

3. SCREAM

The answer to your teammate and new sister in-law to be's Pictionary drawing. Games are fun and bring people together. Heck, by the end of the night you may have a new bridesmaid too!

4. PULL YOUR HAIR OUT

A well tweezed eyebrow always leaves a good impression!

5. DRINK HEAVILY

Get your eight glasses of water a day! Dehydration can lead to increased blood pressure as the body struggles to pump blood through the body. Keeping yourself calm will come in handy when your new father in-law to be announces that he refuses to wear a tuxedo at the Wedding because he prefers denim.

And if all else fails, prepare yourself for what not to do. Examples of this can be found in this short video:

But seriously, please have a beautiful, happy Thanksgiving with your new family and travel safely!

It's finally here! The new issue of Real Weddings Magazine shot at Northstar Resort!

2010-11-17T10:33:00.000-08:00

Melissa + Ryan

2010-11-11T12:01:00.001-08:00

Seriously adorable and truly Northstar! Congratulations to Melissa and Ryan and thank you to Heidi Huber Photography for her beautiful images! (click the link for more of this Wedding)

Benches!

2010-11-10T10:30:00.000-08:00

How cute is this?

I am loving benches for ceremonies, how about you? Well GUESS WHAT? This is so exciting... we just purchased an inventory! That's right, we now have 46 of these beauties that seat four each, so up to 184 guests. I believe that we will paint them a dark wood color to match more of the mountain setting here. Now think of the potential- you could even mix and match with the dark wood folding ceremony chairs we have. We hope to have one at the Wedding Preview for you to well...preview. Love!

Too many linen choices- not a bad problem to have!

2010-11-04T09:28:00.000-07:00

Way back when, I posted a color wheel of our FLOOR LENGTH linen choices for Northstar Weddings. Well, we now have an updated photo of all of your fantastic options. Pretty groovy, right? Just be sure to check with your on-site event coordinator that your color comes in the table size / shape you select. Some of the more eclectic colors don't come in all sizes.

Breaking News!

2010-10-29T09:48:00.000-07:00

Northstar-at-Tahoe™ Resort today announced that two new movie theaters will soon open in the Village at Northstar, offering resort guests and members of the community yet another opportunity to relax and rejuvenate with friends and family when they visit the resort. Scheduled to open in December 2010, The Village Cinemas will be operated by veteran theater owners Bloomhuff Theatres, Inc. and will be the only movie theaters in the vicinity of Truckee, Calif.

The Village Cinemas will be located on the lower level of the Village at Northstar near TC’s Pub, and will feature two screens – with one theater containing 122 elevated seats, and the second containing 55 flat seats. Scheduled to be open seven days a week during the winter season, The Village Cinemas will feature Hollywood hits and a full service concession stand that will include beer and wine sales for guests ages 21+.

How cool is this?

Good Bye Wedding Season!

2010-10-28T09:35:00.001-07:00

Sadly, Wedding season has come to an end. But don't worry, we have been collecting loads of images from this summer and will continue to post fabulous Northstar Weddings!

Plus, we have several very unique winter Weddings in our future to share with you- coming soon...

Lastly, have you RSVP'd for the Northstar Wedding Preview? Please do by November 1, we want to see you there!

And now for the good stuff: GRAY + PINK = HOT! I really like this color combination. And check out the adorable wagon filled with pinwheel escort cards- it's pink too! Now, what to do with those orange couches...well cover them of course! Brilliant! Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Kline!

Lynne + Justin

2010-10-13T15:01:00.000-07:00

You all get to suffer through my amateur shots again because I just couldn't wait to share these with you! Cool things to note:

1. The Bride made this dramatic cake / cupcake stand! Yes, that is real black lace!

2. Feathers in the flowers = sultry!

3. Money saver: See the empty vase on the table? That's because each bridesmaid will lower her bouquet (next photo) in there at her respective table after the ceremony. This savvy bride probably saved hundreds of $$$.

Way to go Lynne and Justin (and Bella too), congrats!

Mo + TJ

2010-10-01T12:14:00.000-07:00

Ok, I have one word for this Overlook Wedding- STUNNING! Thank you enLuce Photography! See more of this gorgeous wedding at their blog. Congratulations Mo and TJ- goodluck and best wishes! xoxo

It's coming...

2010-09-28T10:42:00.000-07:00

NORTHSTAR WEDDING PREVIEW- 11.20.10- SAVE THE DATE!!!

Yes, I know we discussed the possibility of 11.07.10, but due to some recent changes, we have now confirmed the date of Saturday, November 20th.

Festivities will probably start around noon with:

Food Tasting
Wine Tasting
Meet your Coordinator
Tablescapes and Linens
Lodging Tour
And More!

I will be emailing you all a formal invitation within a week. You may bring up to 5 guests + you. Also, we will be setting up deeply discounted lodging so that you can make a weekend out of it!

Looking forward to seeing you all again, this is going to be so much fun!

-Brett

Tahoe Unveiled

2010-09-10T16:04:00.000-07:00

Sounds Fun!

News you can use

2010-09-01T13:03:00.000-07:00

Regarding alterations to your wedding gown, did you know taking the tags off could save you $$$... or as one of the guys in my office suggested, you could opt for a spandex wedding gown instead (one size fits all)- LOL!

Ana + Aaron

2010-08-27T15:48:00.000-07:00

Shotgun Wedding! Ha, ha- you will get it if you watch this slide show of brilliant photography by Adi Nevo Photographs featuring absolutely stunning floral by Reno Tahoe Event Florist. Look at how cute these boutonnieres are! They look like mini bouquets- adorable! Also, check out their escort cards, just like from a real library- love it! Congratulations you two and great job on the wedding planning!

Martis Valley Wedding

2010-08-24T12:26:00.000-07:00

Look at how pretty an intimate Martis Valley Wedding turns out! This location is also suitable for rehearsal dinners and after glow brunches for up to 75 guests.

If there was a vote, this would probably win "Best Place to Watch the Sunset at Northstar" because the sun sets right behind the mountain range splashing color on the valley below- gorgeous!

P.S. If you haven't viewed the comments below, you might have missed Emily Main's invitation to view fabulous shots from Angela and David's wedding on her blog. Enjoy!

More Wedding Images!

2010-08-18T14:19:00.000-07:00

Are you tired of REAL Northstar Weddings yet? I did not think so...and today we have a special treat! In addition to the fantastic images of last Saturday's wedding at the Overlook, I snagged a photo of a beautiful head table at the Ritz Carlton, designed by A Bud and Beyond. Enjoy!

I especially like this guest book. It's like that other tree we saw this past winter but instead of ink thumbprints, you write your name on a self adhesive leaf. Cute and less mess!

Table number ideas for outdoor weddings

2010-08-04T15:13:00.000-07:00

Light breezes at Tahoe outdoor weddings could mean fallen table number stands. While I love the pine cone idea with a paper number tucked in between the scales for a natural, earthy look, Inspired by This inspired me today too. Check it out, flat table numbers from assorted new and vintage exterior home address numbers!

Angela + David 07.23.10

2010-08-03T13:05:00.000-07:00

So, these are just my amateur shots, but I couldn't wait for the professional photographer's to share with you- their wedding design was just so great! Enjoy, and congratulations to the happy couple!

Models Needed!

2010-07-29T16:00:00.000-07:00

Girls, guess what? Northstar will host the photo shoot for the next issue of Real Weddings Magazine! We are talking about the COVER and a 14 page fashion editorial! The only thing missing are the models, and that could be you! What could be more appropriate than a REAL Northstar Bride on the cover? Apply here by August 15th! Good luck ladies!

Lauri + Joe

2010-07-28T09:53:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Lauri and Joe, married at Northstar on 07.03.10! And thank you to Ciprian Photography for these awesome photographs!

Chalkboard place cards / mats - so fun!

2010-07-23T09:48:00.000-07:00

Look what I came across on Polka Dot Bride this morning! These chalkboard place cards that double as place mats would jive well with Tahoe Weddings, don't ya think? I also love how each table has two seats open for the bride and groom to join each table for different courses during dinner. What a unique way to interact with all of your guests!

Ship Tips | Weddingbee

2010-07-22T14:21:00.000-07:00

Good advice for all you destination brides! Ship Tips Weddingbee

Scott Corridan Weddings at Northstar Resort

2010-07-16T14:04:00.000-07:00

NEW!

The Scott Corridan Experience for Northstar at Tahoe!

You may now kick the bride- heeheehee

2010-07-16T12:10:00.000-07:00

What are you doing this Sunday night? I just couldn't help myself from sharing this with you- I say make it a GIRLS NIGHT! Grab your bridesmaids and a bottle of chardonnay for movie night. Just be sure they promise not to do this to you!

Got a Groom's Gift?

2010-07-07T11:42:00.001-07:00

Check it out!

My Wedding Library is giving away a foursome of golf at Red Hawk near Reno! Just share your best engagement story on Facebook and let the "liking" begin. Fun!

Real Overlook Wedding

2010-07-02T13:48:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Colin and Kathy! Focus Photography took some bee-utiful shots! Check them out here.

Overlook Map

2010-06-30T12:35:00.001-07:00

Guess what our graphics department did for Overlook Weddings, they made a map! So simple, but oh so useful. Stuff them in welcome bags, link from your wedding website, or both!

Farrah Rale jewelry discounts for Northstar brides!

2010-06-23T14:38:00.000-07:00

Have you found the perfect wedding jewelry yet? Farrah Rale in the Village at Northstar can help! In fact, I had them make all my pieces custom for my wedding (password is cplusb) there because I needed a splash of yellow to match my headpiece (password is cplusb). I could have even made them myself, but being a busy bride, I opted to simply select all the beads, gems, and chains, then they put the earrings, necklace, and bracelet together for me. I loved it so much, I had them make similar pieces for my bridesmaids gifts that they also wore at the wedding!

Look in the upper left hand corner under "useful links" for a special offer from the shop!

European Umbrellas on Deck

2010-06-09T10:56:00.000-07:00

2010 brides- it finally stopped snowing! Summer is here and we are getting so close to your wedding day- yay!

What's new at the Overlook since you last came up? European Umbrellas, that's what! These are really nice and will provide more shade than the market umbrellas alone (you can still have up to six umbrellas too). I love how our Banquets department set the lounge furniture around them to hide the base and create a cool space for the cocktail hour. Or if you are dining al fresco with the dance floor and cocktail hour in the tent, these will provide much better coverage for your guests. Plus, they match the tent and there are THREE of them up there! By the way, I hope you like flowers because there are plenty hanging and ground pots at the Overlook and it looks fabulous!

Martis Valley Grille brides: the deck got a makeover and it looks great! We removed the fixed umbrella stands so that your tables can be arranged anyhow you want now. It also was resurfaced and painted a neutral stone gray. Next up- new flowers for the perimeter planter boxes!

Snowy Overlook Wedding!

2010-05-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

photo courtesy of Ciprian Photography

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Lu- our very first Overlook Wedding of the season! And yes, it is still snowing here- unbelievable! But have no fear, summer is here, and right around the corner. Looks like we are going straight from winter to summer and skipping spring all together. Nothin but sun starting Saturday! Keep up on the latest predictions at the Tahoe Weather Discussion.

New Guest Book Idea!

2010-05-26T15:17:00.000-07:00

Last weekend there was an adorable wedding at Baxter's and I fell in love with this simple guestbook:

Get, it? "Leaf" your thumbprint? Now they will have a unique piece of art after they have this framed!

Plus, check out these fun favors doubling as place cards via vintage soda bottles. The spontaneous part is that they planned their wedding in two weeks! Congratulations Kristy and Jeff, I hope you have a beautiful life together!

There's a New Rental in Town

2010-05-21T14:34:00.000-07:00

Crux Events, a local company, recently partnered with celebrity wedding planner Scott Corridan to assist them with adding to their stock. And wow, did they add a boatload of great new inventory! Their new brochure is filled with many new and unique pieces to create a Sierra / Tahoe environment, and lots of gorgeous linens that we haven't seen in this area before. Cool factor: for those of you not having your ceremony on the lawn, they have bocce, croquet, horseshoes and badminton for your cocktail hour - how fun!

Apparently, there is more to come: chuppahs, garden structures, sofrehs, garden gates, ceremony seating, cake tables and stands, and specialty spiritual and religious objects. Thanks Crux, keep it coming!

Sabrina and Conor - Published!

2010-05-19T16:09:00.000-07:00

Their Northstar wedding was recently published in Real Weddings Magazine, check it out!

Also, FYI, the Overlook tent went up today, so the Pavilion is really starting to take shape for Wedding Season!

Rehearsal Dinners or After Glow Brunch

2010-05-14T14:21:00.000-07:00

I know your main focus has been on planning the wedding (as well it should!), but have you given thought to a rehearsal dinner and / or after glow / farewell brunch yet? Obviously, the lake has plenty of great options, and we can provide Northstar shuttles for a fee.

But if you want to stick closer to home, you can host intimate affairs in Northstar restaurants, or throw a larger event (20 or more people) in one of our catered spaces.

We just rolled out a new rehearsal menu with special pricing for Northstar Weddings. Take a look at the upper left corner of your screen under "Useful Links". Or if you prefer a more formal affair, check out Baxter's new menu also listed under "Useful Links". They can provide private dining indoors or out for up to 85 guests. Please contact me if you would like more information.

Happy Planning!

Tahoe Favors

2010-05-12T13:58:00.000-07:00

In an effort to personalize your wedding further, consider localizing your favors to Lake Tahoe or Northstar.

Tahoe Trivia tins are a creative and somewhat vintage gift packaged in silver tins. Each tin features fifty playing cards with interesting questions, answers, and fun facts about the people, events, and history of the Lake Tahoe area. Tahoe Trivia tins can also be custom made as a wedding favor or perhaps as a nice surprise in your welcome gift bags for guests. Available trivia tins include: Truckee Trivia, Lake Tahoe Trivia, and Tahoe Ski Trivia. Custom wedding trivia tins start at $10.00 per tin with a minimum order of 100 of more. For more information, email them at tahoetrivia@yahoo.com or visit or web site .

There are also many cute options for winter weddings at Beau Coup. Check out the gold pine trees that can double as place card holders.

Another option is to consider your venue when contemplating favors. For example, we have a Logo Company that can make customized glassware, candles, clothing, blankets, and more with not only your names and the wedding date, but the Northstar Resort logo as well. See the flier below for discounts.

Make it personal and guests will truly have a memorable souvenir from your wedding weekend!

The Circle of Love and it's VIP Transportation

2010-05-05T14:01:00.000-07:00

A wedding ring symbolizes eternity and something that can not be broken. Wedding rings are given as a token of unending love for each other. But what vessel will you choose to carry these all too important pieces of jewelry on your wedding day?

Sure, you can get a fluffy little white pillow with a silk bow, but what about this custom pillow from K Studio? Choose the bride and groom that look like yourselves, add a ribbon in your wedding color scheme, and voila! You have a trendy, custom pillow not only for your wedding day but for your wedding bed too!

I also LOVE the idea of ring bowls that you can keep as an ornament or a piece of wall art after the wedding. Check out all the styles, sizes, and shapes at Paloma’s Nest.

My personal favorite (because it’s what I did at my wedding of course) is the teddy bear ring bear(er). So, I asked my stepson, the ring bearer, to select his favorite teddy bear that he loved the most. We tied the ring on in a bow around his neck that we also used on the bouquets and he walked down the aisle with him. Sooooo cute!

Tip of the day: If you have any concerns at all about who / what is transporting the rings, use fake ones for the ring bearer and let the maid of honor and best man hold the real ones for exchange during the ceremony.

Lodging and Resort Info for Guests

2010-04-28T14:31:00.000-07:00

Our technology gals are soooooo smart! Look what they built for one of our upcoming Weddings! And, they would be happy to create a page like that for you too. Please email me if you would like one, and send me a couple of the two of you to make it more personal. Please allow up to 10 days to process your request. Thanks!

What's new?

2010-04-27T11:34:00.000-07:00

Hello! So I can't believe it is still snowing up here (it's not really sticking though). Still, on with summer wedding plans! Check out what our logo company is offering:

Also, (this is so fun,) feel free to walk around your wedding venue and explore the Village on a virtual tour. Enjoy!

Wedding planning help for you!

2010-04-22T11:31:00.001-07:00

I hope that most of you have had the chance to meet with your Northstar event planner by now! Therefore, I though now might be a good time to review their role in your Wedding. They are considered Venue / Site Coordinators. They handle the details of the ceremony and reception as it pertains to Northstar. They will also be at the wedding and usually stay to ensure the dinner goes off smoothly before leaving the remainder of the event in the capable hands of our Banquet Manager. They can give you their opinions of vendors they have worked with, but do not, for example, help you with table assignments, budgets or invitation selections. Get the gist?

Many of our brides require a little more assistance and there are different levels of wedding planners for them to choose from. Our coordinators can work together with outside wedding planners to make sure everything at your wedding is just right! The different types are:

•Event producer or full planner: For couples who want a wedding planner that will help them through the entire process. You should look for an event planning service or wedding consultant that can produce the entire wedding until the wedding is complete.

•Partial planner: For couples that has already completed some of their planning. If you are finding yourself bogged down with only two months until the wedding, consider a partial planner who can take over and finish up last minute details.

•Week of or day of planner: For couples who may want extra help coordinating the events on the big day. While your Northstar planner is doing some of this, they are mainly overseeing Northstar's responsibility to the execution of the event, not pinning boutonnieres on all the groomsmen. You should look for a planner that is willing to meet with you a couple times before the wedding so he/she understands your vision and needs for the day.

Local examples of full, partial, or week of /day of planners are Scott Corridan, Stephanie Anderson, Shannon Morse and Shawna Lee West, who specializes in day of wedding planning.

Movie Nights Location Change

2010-04-21T10:17:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I just got word that all movies will not be on the roller rink this year and instead have been moved over to the gondola building. Just wanted to let you know ASAP in case you were planning a roller skating / movie night as part of your wedding weekend. Also, the schedule is posted on the website now. Ana, you got your wish!

What did you think of the Wedding Faire?

2010-04-14T11:18:00.000-07:00

Brides and grooms- I hope you got a lot accomplished at the Wedding Faire last weekend! Would you please tell me what you think by taking this quick (less than one minute, I promise) anonymous survey? Thanks bunches!

P.S. Looks like Angela and David had tons of fun on the post wedding faire poker run, visiting village retailers with wedding services!

Sneak Peek!

2010-04-09T16:14:00.000-07:00

Drum roll please...! Our new menu is finally here! While many of you will be tasting it tomorrow, I still thought you might enjoy an exclusive preview (click on link to the left). Try not to drool on yourself while paging through it!

No Wedding Complaints!

2010-04-07T10:41:00.001-07:00

Guys, you really don't want to hear any of these common Wedding Complaints about your wedding! Keep in mind that we should not run out of food, nor provide lousy service so you don't have to worry about those two! Still, consider no waiting for buffet line fixes in our new Stationed menu with yummy choices like:

Action Stations:
Carving Station
Risotto Station
Pasta Station
Asian Noodle Station

Displayed Stations:
Antipasta Station
Soup and Salad Station
Potato Station
Breads and Spreads Station

Or our new Family Style menu:

Served on platters at table, options like:
Traditional Caesar Salad
Chef’s Choice Seasonal Salad
Antipasto Platter with Salami, Marinated Vegetables, Olives, and Crostini Crackers
Grilled Bavette Steak with Mushroom Ragout
Baked Filet of Petrale Sole Stuffed with Dungeness Crab with Lemon Garlic Crème Sauce
Seasonal Vegetables and Parsley Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
Rigatoni with Roasted Garlic and Broccolini
Chicken with Artichokes and Wild Mushrooms

Are you hungry yet? Well wait until Saturday and you will get to sample some of these tasty dishes at the Wedding Faire! We will also have the new menu there with buffet and plated options too. See ya soon!

Google + Weddings = LOVE

2010-04-06T10:26:00.001-07:00

Who doesn't love Google and I know you love Weddings if you are reading this so what could be better than the marriage of the two? Check it out: docs.google.com/wedding. It's pretty amazing...

I can't wait to see you at the Wedding Faire this weekend!

Fall Overlook Wedding

2010-03-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Carmen Salazar for sending more images from Donald and Meghan's September Wedding on the Overlook for us to drool over! See that cute pup below? He was a shelter dog, who doubled as a table number / name. And, in lieu of favors for their guests, the bride and groom told the dog's story on the back of the card and donated money instead. How sweet!

Summer 2010 Event Line Up (So Far...)

2010-02-27T15:27:00.000-08:00

My sweet hubby sent this over to me (not because that's like me or anything, hee-hee) but to make me laugh. So, I'd thought I'd share a giggle with you all:

(click to view larger in new screen)

Ok now, with a smile on our faces, back to Wedding Planning!!!

Do you know what is going on around the Resort over your Wedding weekend at Northstar? Find your date below for more info:

May

20 – 24 Sunchaser Challenge

29 – 31 Memorial Day Sidewalk Sale

29 Wine Walk

June

11, 12 Tahoe Star Tours – Mars Meets its Rival

13 LUNA Chix Road Bike Maintenance Clinic

13 Northstar Downhill Mountain Bike Race - #1

16-19 Tour de Nez presented by Northstar at Tahoe™

18, 19 Tahoe Star Tours – Saturn’s Moon

24 – 27 Pro Gravity Tour (Tentative)

24 – 27 Big Wheels Little Balls
Fundraising event benefiting the Active Force Foundation

26 Wine Walk

27 LUNA Chix Mountain Bike Maintenance Clinic

30 Tahoe Star Tours – War & Love Meet in the Sky

July

2 Tahoe Star Tours – War & Love Meet in the Sky

4 Independence Day

7 Tahoe Star Tours – Hercules on High

8 Northstar Thursday Night XC Mountain Bike Race Series – Race #1

9, 10 Tahoe Star Tours – Hercules on High

10 Beerfest & Bluegrass Festival

14 Tahoe Star Tours – Crescent Moon on the Rise

15 Northstar Thursday Night XC Mountain Bike Race Series – Race #2

16, 17 Tahoe Star Tours – Crescent Moon on the Rise

22 Northstar Thursday Night XC Mountain Bike Race Series –Race #3
LUNA Chix maintenance clinic

23 Northstar Super D Mountain Bike Race – Race #1

24 Northstar Dual Slalom Mountain Bike Race – Race #1

25 Northstar Downhill Mountain Bike Race - Race #2

28 Tahoe Star Tours – Dark Sky Wonders

29 Northstar Thursday Night XC Mountain Bike Race Series – Race #4

29, 30 Western States Police & Fire Games

30, 31 Tahoe Star Tours – Dark Sky Wonders

31 Wine Walk

31 Music Festival - Artist TBD

August

5 Lake Tahoe Music Festival - Natalie Cole

5 Northstar Thursday Night XC Mountain Bike Race Series – Race #5

7 Lake Tahoe Music Festival - Michael McDonald

8 Northstar Downhill Mountain Bike Race - Race #3

11 Tahoe Star Tours – The Milky Way

12 Cross-Country Bike Series – Race #6
LUNA Chix maintenance clinic

13, 14 Tahoe Star Tours – The Milky Way

19 Northstar Thursday Night XC Mountain Bike Race Series – Race #7

26 Northstar Thursday Night XC Mountain Bike Race Series – Race #8

27 Northstar Super D Mountain Bike Race – Race #2

28 Northstar Dual Slalom Mountain Bike Race– Race #2

28 Wine Walk

29 Northstar Downhill Mountain Bike Race – Race #4

September

1 Tahoe Star Tours – Jupiter

3, 4 Tahoe Star Tours - Jupiter

4 – 6 Northstar Arts & Crafts Festival

8 Tahoe Star Tours – Tribute to Carl Sagan

10 Tahoe Star Tours – Tribute to Carl Sagan

10 Northstar Super D Mountain Bike Race – Race #3

10-12 Autumn Food & Wine Festival

11 Northstar Dual Slalom Mountain Bike Race – Race #3

12 Northstar Downhill Mountain Bike Race - Race #5

18 Big Blue Adventure Race

October

2, 3 Race for Tara 4

15 – 17 Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships

Weekly Events

TBD Movie Nights
Movies begin at dusk – about 15 minutes after sun sets

TBD Live Music

***Events Schedule Subject to Change***

The official calendar should be published online by late April. There will probably be more things added by then and the movie calendar will be on there too. That way you will know if Groundhog Day is playing for your fiance the night before the Wedding or not (hi Ana)!

Invitations, Etiquette, and Addresses, Oh My!

2010-02-10T14:10:00.000-08:00

Hi guys and gals! It's probably about time you think about ordering your invitations...Remember, because your stationary order can take eight - twelve weeks to complete, plan on ordering at least four months out. That means you June brides need to get crackin! Also, The Knot has a great FAQ etiquette guide regarding invitations for you to check out.

So, here is a few of the addresses that you might need not only for your invitations, but also throughout your Wedding planning processes for Northstar:

Village Address:
100 Northstar Drive, Truckee, CA 96161

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 129, Truckee, CA 96160

Shipping Address:
50 Trimont Lane, Truckee, CA 96161

P.S. Are you coming to the Wedding Faire on April 10th? Be sure to RSVP to your event planner!

Hot Date for Overlook

2010-02-04T09:41:00.000-08:00

While many of you are looking forward to a HOT DATE with your fiance on Valentine's Day, you or someone you know may be looking for a HOT DATE for a Wedding Venue. Overlook Saturdays have been sold out for months, but we just had a cancellation for the PRIME date of Saturday, June 26th! Please email me if interested.

Ring of Love at Spirits in Stone

2010-01-23T15:07:00.000-08:00

So, Spirits in Stone (located in the Village at Northstar) is having a Valentine's Day sale, featuring this beautiful sculpture at an even more attractive price. While this would make a great gift for your sweety on the 14th, the first thing I thought of was: What a unique CAKE TOPPER!

It is a handcrafted piece described as:

"In Shona society, family bonding stands as the foundation for the entire culture. It is the sacred unit and all laws governing Shona society serve to protect these vulnerable bonds. The arms and bodies are carved with a continuous flow of rhythm to signify the unbroken bonds of their souls. This couple, locked in eternal embrace, offers constant reminder that love abounds in all places of the world."

For more information, visit Spirits in Stone online. The lovely sales ladies think this particular piece might be a little heavy without extra support in the cake or it can be placed next to the cake. They also have smaller pieces without the ring called Emerging Lovers that would be just right too.

Remember to make it personal, that's the key to a truly memorable Wedding!

Brett's Recipe for a Northstar Wedding Weekend

2010-01-13T09:13:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! 2010- the year of your Wedding! Woo hoo! So, I thought what better way to celebrate than to share my favorite recipes with you for an action packed, guest pleasing, fun-filled Wedding weekend in Tahoe:

Start with welcome bags for our front desk to hand out as guests check in

Add two hours of cocktails at Baxter's to welcome guests and listen to live jazz on the weekends

Top with an outdoor movie and set aside

In a new bowl, measure in jewelry creation or candle making with the girls

Knead in one scoop of gelato or sorbetto

Next, blend in hair, makeup, and nails at the Ritz Carlton Spa

Put it all together and dance the night away at your Wedding!

The next day, relive all the memories with friends and family by topping with an after glow brunch at Martis Valley Grille or TC's Pub

Try the Low Fat Version:

Start with a handful of Wedding weekend itineraries, mailed to your guests

Combine with three hours of pizza and roller skate party at the cabanas

Add a dash of s'mores and allow to rest for eight hours

Next, combine scenic lift rides with hiking or geocaching on the mountain (also feel free to substitute with mountain biking)

Shake in a 9 hole golf tournament and follow with lunch

Top with massage and mani / pedi (bring your own hair stylist and make up artist with you) and spin off to your Wedding

Post-Wedding, add three hours of pool time and tennis, BBQ and serve before guests head home

Don't forget to watch those calories- gotta fit into that Wedding dress!

Your Wedding Website: Fun and Functional!

2009-12-16T14:24:00.000-08:00

Sure, building your Wedding Website is fun: showcasing you, the love of your life, and more of you...

But besides a celebration of your journey together, a Wedding Website can communicate all the details to your guests that you don't publish within your invitation (and saves paper, $ and the environment). Especially at Northstar, how better could you associate your guests with the weekend's festivities, lodging options, and Resort activities?

Check out a few of my favorites from real Northstar Weddings last summer for ideas for your site:

Sabrina and Conor

Andi and Jason

Whitney and Curtis

The first example was their own design and domain purchase, but there are also free sites like http://www.mywedding.com/ (the last two examples come from here), as well as http://www.ewedding.com/ and http://www.theknot.com/. These sites make it so easy, and you can be very creative with the content and design.

Your guests will thank you for taking the time to provide them with all the particulars of not just the Big Day, but the Big Weekend. But most importantly, how else will they know where you are registered? ;)

Happy Holidays to all and to all a good night of Wedding planning!

(Please comment here to provide your wedding website url, and share with other brides and grooms!)

Flower Girls and Ring Bearers, Northstar Style!

2009-12-09T10:08:00.000-08:00

Did you know that Northstar Resort is dog friendly? Your pup may be part of the family and you probably treat them like your children. Why not consider them to be in your Wedding ceremony? Your lady pooch can be the flower girl. Have your florist create a wreath for her neck like this:

What about your boy pup? Well, he can be the ring bearer of course! I loved how Heidi and Steve put a bow tie on their pooch (courtesy of Emily Main Photography):

You could also consider tying rings around his neck (not the real ones of course- those should stay safe with your maid of honor and best man).

Do you have two male dogs and you just can’t bring your self to make one the guest book attendant? Here is an interesting description of a Coinbearer from Wikpedia:

“The coinbearer is similar to that of the ringbearer. The coin bearer is a young boy who marches on the wedding aisle to bring the wedding coins. The wedding coins are more commonly known as wedding arrhae.

The coins are presented to the celebrant to offer their blessing upon the coins for prosperity, and unity. Once the minister administers their blessing to the coins, they hand the coins over to the groom to give to the open hands of his bride as a symbolic gesture that the couple will always be provided for.

The coins usually consists of thirteen gold and silver coins which represent Jesus and his apostles. The gold and silver brought together symbolises harmony and unity. Images on the coins can be simple or very artistic, images such as doves, hands holding, sun and moon, to mountain ranges.

Historically, Spanish colonizers started this custom. Initially performed only at Roman Catholic ceremonies, most other Christian wedding ceremonies have also adopted this tradition.”

Quick reminder, our lodging is generally not dog friendly because the next guest may have an allergy. However, we can make special accommodations for our Weddings, such as a deep cleaning fee after you depart.

P.S. Real Weddings Magazine just announced their Cover Model Contest for the next issue and she could be YOU! Entries are due by January 31st.

Date Change Anyone?

2009-11-20T14:46:00.000-08:00

Who needs green grass, pink flowers, and a sunny warm day for your Wedding when you could have snow? Ha, ha- just thought you might want to see Overlook and the Village with real snow! We just took these photos minutes ago and it reminded me that as many of you continue your planning, you may be traveling to Tahoe soon. If you ski, ride, ice skate, tube, or just want to challenge your sweety to a snowball fight; Northstar opens tomorrow for your winter enjoyment!

Remember: Cold nights = more snuggling, yeah!

Happy Turkey Day, Who's Hungry?

2009-11-10T11:59:00.000-08:00

Ahh, turkey, stuffing, grandma's home cooked gravy... As Thanksgiving approaches, is that what you are really hungry for? Or is it more REAL Northstar Weddings? (C'mon, tell the truth...)

Well, Grape Video has been kind enough to provide us with a sample of their fabulous work from this summer. You may need your tissue boxes, it's pretty sweet!

Wedding Package Standards and Details

2009-11-04T15:56:00.000-08:00

Hello you busy little Wedding Planners! Our banquet department recently passed on some details regarding your Wedding Package that I thought might be useful in your preparations:

Standard table setting:

Dinner fork
Salad fork
Dinner knife
Teaspoon (if plated will be set on the table. If buffet, will not)
Napkin
One of our standard centerpieces (fishbowl, rocks, floating candle) and /or votives
Water glass
Wine glass (universal)….able to house a red or white wine
Champagne flute if there is a toast
Dessert fork will be served with cake (or whatever dessert you are serving)

Complimentary ceremony beverage station:

The pre-ceremony beverage station is designed to refresh the guests when they arrive at the ceremony and will be broken down thereafter. It is not intended to be the non-alcoholic beverage at the reception.

When the ceremony is at Dustin’s or the Daylodge, we will serve in 12 oz plastic. When the ceremony is at the Overlook, we will serve in 12 oz glass.

Included linen:

All dining reception tables
All napkins
Linens for cake, gift and guestbook tables
Black linen for DJ table
Up to 6 cocktail tables if at the Daylodge or Overlook, two if at Martis
Overlays will be an additional charge

Umbrellas:

Up to six, you may request all of one color and we can usually accommodate

Questions? Drop me a line, I love to hear from you!

Tahoe Weddings- In Harmony with Nature

2009-10-30T11:49:00.000-07:00

Uh-oh, who was supposed to watch the cake?

I told everyone in my office that this happened at our last Wedding and they all believed me! LOL!

But, that's because I guess it really could happen, given that most of our Weddings have an outdoor ceremony and / or reception. It got me thinking that maybe I should point out a few things to consider regarding an outdoor Wedding at Northstar:

Sun: We will have a lovely ice cold beverage station for your guests at the ceremony site. This may be a good spot to place a few tubes of sunblock for guests that were not prepared. It also may be warm at the ceremony. Consider parasols and or fans with your program printed on them for your guests.

Sun: Be sure to tell your baker that your cake will live outside for a while. They may suggest fondant or marzipan over butter cream. Likewise, talk to your florist about more weather tolerant varieties of flowers.

Have I mentioned the Sun?: It melts chocolate, so if you are planning chocolate favors, please let us keep them refrigerated instead of decorating the dining tables with them. We can put them out as guests begin to leave instead.

Grass / cobble: Help your guests to wear proper footwear. You have all seen your venue and know that stilettos won't fly (but they may make your guest fly if they trip). This is a good tip for your Wedding website and / or welcome bags when they check in.

Wind: Consider low and / or heavy centerpieces. Also, candles, including unity candle ceremonies, need to be enclosed or the wind will blow them out. We've also seen many things on easels blow over. There is not usually strong winds as our slopes are protected, but there is usually a slight breeze and there is always the potential for a good sized gale. If you are worried about your veil, tiny fishing weights can be painted to match your attire and attached to the bottom of your veil to keep it from flying up during the big KISS!

Happy Halloween- have a Spooky time with your fiance this weekend!