Two Outstanding Wedding Shows this Sunday

Here we are last March, just about to create an elegant background for dining and dancing at a wonderful party in Hollister. Actually, this event celebrated a birthday, but it could easily have been a company banquet or a wedding reception. Left to right, Steve Apple, me, Gary Milliken, and Andy Norblin. Thanks to Kim Staskus for the great picture.

Speaking of weddings, Valentine’s Day is approaching. Are you (or will you be) planning a wedding? Or helping friends plan theirs? You’re in luck! The South Bay hosts two extraordinary events this Sunday. Be sure to attend one. Better yet, arrange with a friend to catch both!

"The Bridal Extravaganza" and “The Wedding University” will offer two complimentary approaches to solving one of life’s big challenges — planning your wedding.

“The Bridal Extravaganza”, at the San Jose Fairmont, is Silicon Valley’s premier wedding showcase. Since the 1980s, it consistently reigns over a host of newer shows produced by local hotels, wineries, restaurants, and country clubs. Featuring a broad selection of over a hundred of the area’s top wedding professionals, it’s always well-organized, well-promoted, and well-attended. Brides- and grooms-to-be strolling through this elegant “trade show” can literally plan their entire wedding in one day, meeting and speaking with coordinators, caterers, photographers, entertainers, decorators, florists — everyone they’d otherwise have to spend weeks hunting for. They’ll even find casual “fashion shows” of wedding gowns and formalwear.

The show is produced by Sharon Sacks, a respected authority on wedding shows and past president of Bridal Show Producers International. You’ll find a list of participants and complete information for registering at bestbridalshow.com.

Also aiming at brides- and grooms-to-be, and inspired by the intensive educational seminars produced by many professional associations, “The Wedding University” offers “An Afternoon of Elegance and Education”. Attendees will experience a comprehensive program of informative presentations, panel discussions, demonstrations, displays, and informal fashion shows. Attendees will learn from the best — outstanding local professionals who will offer “How To” training, as well as their advice, insights, and tips for planning everything from decor, food, invitations, and flowers to photography & videography and music & entertainment.

New this year, “The Wedding University” is hosted by The Four Seasons, in East Palo Alto, and is coordinated by Jubilee Lau (Jubilee Lau Events) and Jean Marks (Jean Marks Weddings). You’ll find a seminar schedule, a list of participants, and complete registration information here. The show is extremely well publicized and will be well-attended.

Each show will begin at 11am this Sunday, February 8, and I’ll be participating in “The Bridal Extravaganza”. It’s a shame we can’t be in both places at once, but you should choose one, have a friend attend the other, and pool all your information afterward.

On February 14, we’ll be creating a romantic mood for Valentine’s Day dinner at the Toll House, in Los Gatos, and on March 1st we’re entertaining in the “Wedding Fair and Open House” at the Crowne Plaza Cabana, in Palo Alto. You’ll find details on MagnoliaJazz.com.

By the way, will you be celebrating a significant event soon? Throw a party and include us. Friends planning a party? Please recommend us. Today I’m talking with people planning soirees for Valentine’s Day and St Patrick’s Day. If you’ll have a party on one of these days, or on any day in between, now’s a good time to plan the details, including the music. Have a question? We’ll have the answer.

Call us at 408-245-9120. You’ll love what we do. We’re easy to work with, so let our experience help your celebration. Please visit MagnoliaJazz.com for details, and I hope to see you soon.

What do you think about all this? I’d love your opinions and comments.