California Weds

The courtship of Josh Venner and Brianna Bennett spanned many years and thousands of miles. So when they became engaged, the couple didn’t let anything hinder their union – not even when they discovered they would have to plan their wedding on a shoestring budget.

From a breathtaking proposal in France to an elegant wedding in a quaint woodland chapel, the story of Kevin and Becky McDonald seems written for a storybook.

Winner of The Knot's 2010 Best of Weddings award for the Central Coast, wedding DJ Paul Thompson of Escape Entertainment shares his top five tips for choosing a DJ/MC.

The biggest favor you can do for yourself in planning your wedding is to start as early as possible.

A winery can be a beautiful place to celebrate your special day. Here’s what to keep in mind before booking your venue:

The special moment happened on Valentine’s Day a year ago, when Chris took me out to beautiful Ragged Point, got down on one knee and with the crash of the waves below and the bright stars above, asked me to be his wife. A tearful “Yes” from me and we were on our way.

The reception is the celebration of one of the most joyous moments in your life with those closest to you. Filled with tradition and symbolic foods, the reception weaves family and friends together as they greet you for the fi rst time as husband and wife.

A wedding is one of life’s most joyous occasions, an event you’ll want to share with friends and relatives. These days, however, your dearest are not always nearest. To be sure out-of-town guests are part of the celebration, consider reserving a block of rooms for the weekend at an inn or a hotel.

A beautiful invitation, a heartfelt thank-you note — both mirror the warmth and happiness you feel at this special time in your life. All your wedding stationery is a reflection of you and your wedding. It should be chosen with as much care as is given in choosing your bridal attire.

As in planning any celebration, you’ll want to create a certain ambiance for your wedding festivities. Many caterers and party planners will take care of every detail, from the menu to the music. But, if you are planning your own wedding or simply want to add some extra touches, look to a party-rental store.

For a dress as important as your wedding gown, you want to do all you can to ensure you find exactly what you want, and visiting a full-service salon is a great way to get off on the right foot. At one of these shops you can expect to find a selection of quality gowns, along with a full line of accessories, including veils, shoes, jewelry and even guest books and other incidentals. And all products are guaranteed in case there is a problem. Seamstresses are available to do alterations on-site, and your dress will be pressed at least once, sometimes twice, before the day of your wedding.

Flowers symbolize the beginning of your new life together, unfolding with the promise of growth in love and devotion. Your careful choice of flowers will add much more than simple decorations at your wedding. Whether you wish to create the romantic feel of a garden or the high style of contemporary design, flowers will enhance the beauty and elegance of the ceremony and make a gorgeous setting for your reception.