Cora Bella Weddings & Events

02/02/2022

We are excited to share our latest blog post:

15 of the Best Outdoor Bay Area Wedding Venues!

The ultimate list of the best Bay Area outdoor wedding venues, hand-picked by local wedding planners. We've seen these venues, and we know you'll love them.

10/28/2021

When couples begin planning their weddings, stationery and other paper goods may seem relatively unimportant on their lists of wants and needs. However, let us be the first to tell you that invitations aren't the only wedding stationery you'll want to add to your planning list leading up to the wedding.

Below are some common stationery needs that should be at the forefront of your mind when speaking with your wedding planner on the topic of stationery:

💌 Engagement party invites
💌 Wedding party proposal cards
💌 Save-the-dates
💌 Shower invites
💌 Thank You cards
💌 Bachelor/Bachelorette party invites
💌 Response cards
💌 Enclosure cards
💌 Ceremony programs
💌 Menu cards
💌 Place cards / Es**rt cards
💌 Welcome sign
💌 Seating chart sign
💌 Bar signs
💌 Gift table signs

Are you planning to use all or some of these at your wedding?

Venue & Catering
Planner /
Videography
Photography
Florist
Bridal Boutique
HAMU
DJ
Cake
Stationary
Lighting
Digital Caricatures: Arty Party by JodiCarr
Ice Cream Bar Area Ice Cream
Le Macaron Bar .la.la

10/26/2021

Happy Anniversary to these two! Rebecca & Ben were married at the beautiful Mountain Winery in Saratoga, CA on this day in 2019.

Here in California, during the late summer / fall we have what are called Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS). When the winds are high, the humidity is low and the fire danger is through the roof, our local utility company shuts the power off as a preemptive safety measure.

This was the first year of PSPS outages. We did everything we could do to prep in advance; the vendor team had safety meetings, the venue practiced firing up the generators to quickly restore power, the DJ brought additional extensions cords, we had safety lighting on exterior pathways, extra flashlights, and more. We then crossed all our fingers and toes while praying to the wedding and weather gods the forecast would change.

Despite all our hoping, the forecast held true and a PSPS was implemented. We lost power during open dancing. The guests were largely undeterred and kept the dancing going by spontaneously group singing. The vendors jumped into action to restore power and keep the party going. All in all, our preparation measures were a success. Best of all Rebecca & Ben were troopers and knew they’d have a good story to tell one day.

It’s funny, looking back at the 2019 season through the lens of the past two years. I would gladly take the threat of PSPS outages over what we’ve been collectively been through. But, just as it did in 2019, I know in the end of this we will have some tales to tell.

In the meantime, vet and research those vendors! This couple booked the venues’ and Cora Bella’s preferred vendors. They had a top-notch team in place to take swift action on their behalf and keep the celebration going.

Planning /
Photography
Venue
Catering
Officiant
Floral
Hair
Make-up
Rentals
DJ
Bakery
Custom gown .cw

10/24/2021

When it comes to planning your dream wedding, you'll want a team of vendors backing you as you prepare to say, "I do."

You and your wedding planner will do the planning, and your vendor team will bring your vision to life. Because of this, you'll want to select only the best vendors that you feel can give you everything you want and need.

But where to begin? The very first person to ask is your Planner. They will help you define your priorities. Understanding what's most important in terms of your wedding day add-ons can help your Planner narrow down vendors by rooting out those that can't meet your needs. They will then refer you to trusted and proven vendors, who are in your price point.

Then, before meeting with the referred vendors: do some research. You can never be too prepared before walking into a vendor meeting. Pay close attention to reviews from past clients and a vendor's distinct style. Be sure to align yourself with vendors that match your desires.

And just when you think you're ready to sign on the dotted line with the first vendor you meet, always talk to at least two or three vendors to keep your options open.

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Venue 

Photography
Videography 

Florist 

Rentals
Bakery 

DJ & Photobooth
Officiant
Train 

Transportation
Hair & Make-up

10/21/2021

Thank you for following along on my 40th Birthday series, Cheers to 40 Years. Today is the last post in the series.

When guests arrived, they grabbed a glass of bubbly, smiled, and said, “oh this is very much Kristan, why am I not surprised?” And, with that I knew I had fulfilled my own brief. We had a lovely afternoon and I cherish the memories of my 40th. It was more meaningful and intimate than the big bash I thought I wanted. Looking back I wouldn't change a thing.

As featured on
Planning & design /
Venue, Decor and catering:
Photography
Flat lay photograpy
Florals
Rentals
Printed goods
Favor stickers

10/20/2021

We've reached the second to last post in the series Cheers to 40 Years.

Tap back four posts to catch all the details.

Our lovely hosts, Aldente Events, had curated boho décor items for their social bubble picnics, so it was up to me to put my unique spin on it. As you know by now, the overarching theme was “Cheers to 40 Years,” as I am known for my proclivity of finding a way to pair champagne with any cuisine or occasion. I then added in neutral-chic-glam touches through rentals, florals, custom printed goods and favors. Enjoy all the yummy details!

As featured on
Planning & design
Venue, Decor and catering:
Photography
Florals
Rentals
Printed goods
Favor stickers

10/20/2021

Birthday Month is quickly coming to a close and so I am excited to sneak in Part 4 in the series, Cheers to 40 Years.

For the beginning of the story, go back three posts!

One of my favorite moments in planing was partnering with my 15-year-old cousin, Daisy of Daisy May Co., for custom stickers to put on the hand sanitizer favors. They were gold foiled and read “Spread Cheer not Germs.” While I was not her first customer, I was her first custom order.

Her mom, April of Penny Ann Designs, handled the custom paper goods, so it was a quaint family affair.

As featured on
Planning & design /
Venue, Decor and catering:
Photography
Flat lay photograpy
Florals
Rentals
Printed goods
Favor stickers

10/06/2021

Good afternoon! Today I am share part 3 in the series, Cheers to 40 Years. For the beginning of the story, go back two posts!
..I got to planning an intimate, micro-distanced picnic, where I could have up to 12 of my dearest friends and family . After postponing nearly all my 2020 weddings, safety was my highest priority, which dovetailed nicely into guest comfort and experience.

I wanted my friends and family to have a few hours respite from the COVID world, and I knew that started with them feeling safe. We set-up hand washing and hand sanitizing stations. We sat households 6’ apart and wore masks when moving about the backyard. Each guest had their own picnic basket with a personalized wine glass.

As featured on
Planning & design
Venue, Decor and catering:
Photography
Florals
Rentals
Printed goods
Favor stickers

10/06/2021

As a wedding planner during lockdown, I wasn’t sure I wanted to dive into party planning mode when social bubbles opened-up a month or so before my 40th birthday. Most of my wedding couples had been postponed to 2021 and I was in one of the worst burnouts of my career. I could tell my creativity was suffering, and I needed time to rest, recover and collect myself.

I talked myself into doing a nice dinner at home with my husband Paul and putting a celebration off until I could do the big, fun bash I had originally envisioned. Once I gave myself permission to skip celebrating my 40th I felt a wave of relief wash over me, and with that I found renewed creative capacity emerging.

Stay tuned for more of this series: Cheers to 40 Years

As featured on
Planning & design
Venue, Decor and catering:
Photography
Florals
Rentals
Printed goods
Favor stickers

09/22/2021

Our latest blog post is up!

The Nestldown wedding venue in Los Gatos, CA is one of our favorite venues. Its magnificent ceremony site and unique vibe make it one of the best venues in the state.

09/13/2021

Surprises at weddings can be a huge hit or a big flop.

The best surprises are well thought-out, create an element of delight for all in attendance, and put the surprise-ee's personality, likes and surprise tolerance above the desires of the surprise-er.

This one was a huge hit! Sharon surprised Steve with this cute little gal during cocktail hour and she was the hit of the hour! Do you have any wedding day surprises in mind for your special day?

Design & Consulting /
Photography
Rentals
Catering