Wedding reception dessert bars

More and more, couples are offering their guests more than just a cake at their wedding reception, and the choices they offer always look so yummy! Two couples whose weddings I recently photographed went this route. Julie and Rajan offered their guests a unique treat -- cake pops by Sweet Lauren Cakes. And Gina and Matt laid out a table full of cupcakes by Sift Cupcake & Dessert Bar for guests to enjoy (and as you can see, one little guest really loved them)! I hope these pictures can inspire your own dessert bars!

dessert bar for wedding
dessert bar for wedding

Intimate weekday wedding at the Swedenborgian and Hotel Vitale

I just love weekday weddings (I got married on a weekday myself). Small and intimate, Julie and Rajan's wedding was perfectly coordinated by Amy Nichols of Amy Nichols Special Events and set in two lovely San Francisco locations. I've always wanted to shoot at the intimate and original Swedenborgian Church of North America -- founded in 1817 at a religious convention based on the writings of Emanuel Swedenborg --and was not disappointed. Warm and intimate with a roaring fire, gorgeous window light and candles, the ceremony was simple and lovely. Then on to sweeping views of the Bay Bridge, Ferry Building and downtown San Francisco at one of the gorgeous terraces at the Hotel Vitale. The early evening cocktail reception was fabulous and as twilight set and the city lights came on, it was simply magical. I loved the added Indian touches to honor Rajan's heritage, too. They had an Indian swing -- a beautiful hand-carved bench for guests to enjoy -- and a talented Henna artist who applied henna for the guests. A few of the ladies, including the bride and Rajan's daughter, even changed into Saris for later in the evening. Congratulations, Julie and Rajan!

Hotel Vitale wedding 1
Hotel Vitale wedding 1
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Hotel Vitale wedding 2
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Hotel Vitale wedding 3
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Hotel Vitale wedding 4
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Hotel Vitale wedding 5
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Hotel Vitale wedding 6
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Hotel Vitale wedding 7
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Hotel Vitale wedding 8
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Hotel Vitale wedding 9
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Hotel Vitale wedding 10
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Hotel Vitale wedding 11
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Hotel Vitale wedding 12
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Hotel Vitale wedding 13
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Hotel Vitale wedding 14
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Hotel Vitale wedding 19

Vendors involved in Julie and Rajan's wedding included:

Ceremony location: Swedenborgian Church of North America

Reception location: Hotel Vitale

Coordinator: Amy Nichols Special Events

Flowers: Floramor Studios

Henna: Renda of Henna Garden

Cake pops: Sweet Lauren Cakes

Cupcakes: Kara's Cupcakes

Michele and Ron's rehearsal dinner at Merryvale Vineyards

The staff appropriately played the theme music from "The Godfather" when the doors opened to reveal the spectacular barrel room that was the setting for Michele and Ron's rehearsal dinner at Merryvale Vineyards in St. Helena. Spectacular with the candelabras and king's table, the New York crowd was dazzled by wine country at it's best! Catered by neighboring restaurant Tra Vigne, these destination wedding guests were in for a great treat. Michele did a tremendous job "branding" her wedding (it's what she does for a living). I thought the welcome bags were gorgeous, complete with their own new family "crest" and even a little post mark bearing their initials. Not a detail was missed. Check back later for Michelle and Ron's wedding images!

Merryvale Vineyards rehearsal dinner 1
Merryvale Vineyards rehearsal dinner 1
Merryvale Vineyards rehearsal dinner 2
Merryvale Vineyards rehearsal dinner 2
Merryvale Vineyards rehearsal dinner 3
Merryvale Vineyards rehearsal dinner 3
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Merryvale Vineyards rehearsal dinner 4
Merryvale Vineyards rehearsal dinner 5
Merryvale Vineyards rehearsal dinner 5

An act of service

Acts of service in weddings are wonderful. A hand-written thank you note or a donation to charity in lieu of favors are heartfelt gestures that can mean so much to guests. One of my favorite wedding-related acts of service happened at Nhi and Daniel's Whidbey Island wedding -- the couple handmade pizza for their guests to enjoy. If you missed their intimate celebration, you can see it in this blog post. For now, I'll leave you with a few pizza pictures that are sure to make your mouths water!

Julie-Mikos-Photography-reception-pizza
Julie-Mikos-Photography-reception-pizza
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W10119650733

Featured: Birgitt and Stephen's wedding on Elizabeth Anne Designs

Birgitt and Stephen's wedding focused on fine food and wine and creating what they called a “rustic, Californian aesthetic” through beautiful blooms. Elizabeth Anne Designs, too, took notice of this couple's gorgeous decor and published Birgitt and Stephen's wedding on their blog! Please check out Elizabeth Anne Designs' feature, and for even more photos from this beautiful wedding, check out my blog post.

Wedding on Elizabeth Anne Designs
Wedding on Elizabeth Anne Designs

Vendors involved in Birgitt and Stephen's wedding included:

Location: Headlands Center for the Arts

Caterer: Katie Powers Catering

Florist: IXIA Flowers

Bridal dress: COAN Couture

Bridal Shoes: Alfani from Macy’s

Monte Verde Inn wedding

This couple (who asked their names be withheld) exchanged vows in a beautiful, simple ceremony on Whidbey Island this spring. This month, they hosted a Korean tea ceremony and traditional reception for their family and friends in northern California. Both services were held at the Monte Verde Inn, a gorgeous property in the Sierra foothills owned by a husband and wife team who tackle all aspects of a wedding and reception themselves. For this wedding, the owners provided planning services, catering and the cake -- quite the incredible team! I hope you enjoy these photos, and in case you missed this couple's Whidbey Island ceremony, check out this blog post.

Monte Verde Inn wedding 1
Monte Verde Inn wedding 1
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Monte Verde Inn wedding 2
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Monte Verde Inn wedding 3
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Monte Verde Inn wedding 4
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Monte Verde Inn wedding 5
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Monte Verde Inn wedding 6
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Monte Verde Inn wedding 7
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Monte Verde Inn wedding 8
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Monte Verde Inn wedding 9
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Monte Verde Inn wedding 10
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Monte Verde Inn wedding 11
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Monte Verde Inn wedding 12
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Monte Verde Inn wedding 17