Whether in a tricked-out warehouse, a church, on a beach or in a ballroom, today more than ever, bridal couples want their weddings personal, polished and reflective of their own unique selves. And if there’s any doubt about who they are, how they met, what their interests are or where the honeymoon will be, a number of social media outlets and a customized wedding website will provide all the clues you need. Modern engaged lovebirds spend an average of $28,000 on their big day, adding to the coffers of the $55 billion wedding industry. Much of that cost goes toward imprinting the ceremony with the style and personalities of the honored couple. Allison Tan, public relations and social media manager for the Four Seasons Silicon Valley at East Palo Alto, recalls a San 76 South Bay Accent Francisco pair turning the hotel ballroom into a “purple oasis” as a tribute to their beloved Los Angeles Lakers. And George Patten, director of catering and convention services at the Fairmont San Jose, speaks of new hybrid ceremonies, where couples are married twice “once under his religion, then they step out and go to a room next door to get married immediately under her religion.” TWO FOR TECH In a region as diverse as the Bay Area, it’s no wonder many weddings here would be especially distinctive, generating inspiration and ideas for couples throughout the country. “California in general tends to be more of a trendsetting state,” says Kim Forrest, an editor for the Maryland-based industry site WeddingWire. “It’s not necessarily that I see things that are different, but in California as a state—and Northern California in particular—I see a lot of trends first.” Silicon Valley twosomes have been quick to embrace the social sharing behavior prompted by modern technology, and many seem eager to use any number of devices to record each phase of their romance. Increasingly, couples are making the proposal itself part of the celebration, some opting for big public displays involving flash mobs or major events. It’s certainly not unusual for a prospective bridegroom to arrange an outing to a scenic location and then pop the question in view of a hired, hidden photographer who captures the moment on film or video. “That’s something really new and exciting,” Forrest says. “It’s something we’re seeing more and more, a private moment that’s documented.” A few years ago, not many couples were willing to spring for an engagement photo shoot. Now, however, pre-wedding pics are a significant trend. Engagement shoots offer more documentation, according to Forrest. “They want to have those professional photos of themselves.” Now that a wedding website is practically a requirement, platforms such as WedSocial and AppyCouple are easily incorporated into the page (or downloaded onto a tablet). These apps simplify logistical headaches such as RSVP tracking and ease the sharing and organization of photos. Many other apps, such as iWedding and WeddingHappy, are available for managing the details, budget and the stress leading up to the main event. Along with planning apps, WedIt enables wedding videography from the guests’ perspective and Double (also known as the PartiBot) allows loved ones who can’t attend to join the party remotely. Ashley Brand, principal planner for the Northern California office of LVL Weddings & Events, confirms that Bay Area couples particularly enjoy “incorporating new-age technology and fun elements of the tech industry into weddings.” Sunnyvale resident Mike Fischer recalls receiving an email from a close friend: “The message was just a link to a video, and when I opened it, I saw my buddy and his fiancée standing on the beach; they told me they were planning a wedding on that spot, and my friend asked me to be his best man. It was so cool the way they did it; I couldn’t believe it.” Love in the fast lane? Luxury and automotive ingenuity collide at Club Auto Sport in San Jose. COURTESY OF CLUB AUTO SPORT. OPPOSITE PAGE: JANAE SHIELDS. PREVIOUS SPREAD: ALLURE BRIDALS RUCHED LACE STRAPLESS GOWN, PHOTO BY JON MOE
South Bay Accent - Jun/Jul 2015
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