Martis Valley Wedding

Look at how pretty an intimate Martis Valley Wedding turns out! This location is also suitable for rehearsal dinners and after glow brunches for up to 75 guests.

If there was a vote, this would probably win "Best Place to Watch the Sunset at Northstar" because the sun sets right behind the mountain range splashing color on the valley below- gorgeous!

P.S. If you haven't viewed the comments below, you might have missed Emily Main's invitation to view fabulous shots from Angela and David's wedding on her blog. Enjoy!

More Wedding Images!

Are you tired of REAL Northstar Weddings yet? I did not think so...and today we have a special treat! In addition to the fantastic images of last Saturday's wedding at the Overlook, I snagged a photo of a beautiful head table at the Ritz Carlton, designed by A Bud and Beyond. Enjoy!

I especially like this guest book. It's like that other tree we saw this past winter but instead of ink thumbprints, you write your name on a self adhesive leaf. Cute and less mess!

Table number ideas for outdoor weddings

Light breezes at Tahoe outdoor weddings could mean fallen table number stands. While I love the pine cone idea with a paper number tucked in between the scales for a natural, earthy look, Inspired by This inspired me today too. Check it out, flat table numbers from assorted new and vintage exterior home address numbers!

Angela + David 07.23.10

So, these are just my amateur shots, but I couldn't wait for the professional photographer's to share with you- their wedding design was just so great! Enjoy, and congratulations to the happy couple!

Models Needed!

Girls, guess what? Northstar will host the photo shoot for the next issue of Real Weddings Magazine! We are talking about the COVER and a 14 page fashion editorial! The only thing missing are the models, and that could be you! What could be more appropriate than a REAL Northstar Bride on the cover? Apply here by August 15th! Good luck ladies!

Lauri + Joe

Congratulations to Lauri and Joe, married at Northstar on 07.03.10! And thank you to Ciprian Photography for these awesome photographs!

Chalkboard place cards / mats - so fun!

Look what I came across on Polka Dot Bride this morning! These chalkboard place cards that double as place mats would jive well with Tahoe Weddings, don't ya think? I also love how each table has two seats open for the bride and groom to join each table for different courses during dinner. What a unique way to interact with all of your guests!

Ship Tips | Weddingbee

Good advice for all you destination brides! Ship Tips Weddingbee

Scott Corridan Weddings at Northstar Resort

NEW!

The Scott Corridan Experience for Northstar at Tahoe!

You may now kick the bride- heeheehee

What are you doing this Sunday night? I just couldn't help myself from sharing this with you- I say make it a GIRLS NIGHT! Grab your bridesmaids and a bottle of chardonnay for movie night. Just be sure they promise not to do this to you!

Got a Groom's Gift?

Check it out!

My Wedding Library is giving away a foursome of golf at Red Hawk near Reno! Just share your best engagement story on Facebook and let the "liking" begin. Fun!

Real Overlook Wedding

Congratulations to Colin and Kathy! Focus Photography took some bee-utiful shots! Check them out here.

Overlook Map

Guess what our graphics department did for Overlook Weddings, they made a map! So simple, but oh so useful. Stuff them in welcome bags, link from your wedding website, or both!

Farrah Rale jewelry discounts for Northstar brides!

Have you found the perfect wedding jewelry yet? Farrah Rale in the Village at Northstar can help! In fact, I had them make all my pieces custom for my wedding (password is cplusb) there because I needed a splash of yellow to match my headpiece (password is cplusb). I could have even made them myself, but being a busy bride, I opted to simply select all the beads, gems, and chains, then they put the earrings, necklace, and bracelet together for me. I loved it so much, I had them make similar pieces for my bridesmaids gifts that they also wore at the wedding!

Look in the upper left hand corner under "useful links" for a special offer from the shop!

European Umbrellas on Deck

2010 brides- it finally stopped snowing! Summer is here and we are getting so close to your wedding day- yay!

What's new at the Overlook since you last came up? European Umbrellas, that's what! These are really nice and will provide more shade than the market umbrellas alone (you can still have up to six umbrellas too). I love how our Banquets department set the lounge furniture around them to hide the base and create a cool space for the cocktail hour. Or if you are dining al fresco with the dance floor and cocktail hour in the tent, these will provide much better coverage for your guests. Plus, they match the tent and there are THREE of them up there! By the way, I hope you like flowers because there are plenty hanging and ground pots at the Overlook and it looks fabulous!

Martis Valley Grille brides: the deck got a makeover and it looks great! We removed the fixed umbrella stands so that your tables can be arranged anyhow you want now. It also was resurfaced and painted a neutral stone gray. Next up- new flowers for the perimeter planter boxes!

Snowy Overlook Wedding!

photo courtesy of Ciprian Photography

Congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Lu- our very first Overlook Wedding of the season! And yes, it is still snowing here- unbelievable! But have no fear, summer is here, and right around the corner. Looks like we are going straight from winter to summer and skipping spring all together. Nothin but sun starting Saturday! Keep up on the latest predictions at the Tahoe Weather Discussion.

New Guest Book Idea!

Last weekend there was an adorable wedding at Baxter's and I fell in love with this simple guestbook:


Get, it? "Leaf" your thumbprint? Now they will have a unique piece of art after they have this framed!

Plus, check out these fun favors doubling as place cards via vintage soda bottles. The spontaneous part is that they planned their wedding in two weeks! Congratulations Kristy and Jeff, I hope you have a beautiful life together!

There's a New Rental in Town

Crux Events, a local company, recently partnered with celebrity wedding planner Scott Corridan to assist them with adding to their stock. And wow, did they add a boatload of great new inventory! Their new brochure is filled with many new and unique pieces to create a Sierra / Tahoe environment, and lots of gorgeous linens that we haven't seen in this area before. Cool factor: for those of you not having your ceremony on the lawn, they have bocce, croquet, horseshoes and badminton for your cocktail hour - how fun!

Apparently, there is more to come: chuppahs, garden structures, sofrehs, garden gates, ceremony seating, cake tables and stands, and specialty spiritual and religious objects. Thanks Crux, keep it coming!

Sabrina and Conor - Published!

Their Northstar wedding was recently published in Real Weddings Magazine, check it out!

Also, FYI, the Overlook tent went up today, so the Pavilion is really starting to take shape for Wedding Season!

Rehearsal Dinners or After Glow Brunch

I know your main focus has been on planning the wedding (as well it should!), but have you given thought to a rehearsal dinner and / or after glow / farewell brunch yet? Obviously, the lake has plenty of great options, and we can provide Northstar shuttles for a fee.

But if you want to stick closer to home, you can host intimate affairs in Northstar restaurants, or throw a larger event (20 or more people) in one of our catered spaces.

We just rolled out a new rehearsal menu with special pricing for Northstar Weddings. Take a look at the upper left corner of your screen under "Useful Links". Or if you prefer a more formal affair, check out Baxter's new menu also listed under "Useful Links". They can provide private dining indoors or out for up to 85 guests. Please contact me if you would like more information.

Happy Planning!

Tahoe Favors

In an effort to personalize your wedding further, consider localizing your favors to Lake Tahoe or Northstar.

Tahoe Trivia tins are a creative and somewhat vintage gift packaged in silver tins. Each tin features fifty playing cards with interesting questions, answers, and fun facts about the people, events, and history of the Lake Tahoe area. Tahoe Trivia tins can also be custom made as a wedding favor or perhaps as a nice surprise in your welcome gift bags for guests. Available trivia tins include: Truckee Trivia, Lake Tahoe Trivia, and Tahoe Ski Trivia. Custom wedding trivia tins start at $10.00 per tin with a minimum order of 100 of more. For more information, email them at tahoetrivia@yahoo.com or visit or web site .

There are also many cute options for winter weddings at Beau Coup. Check out the gold pine trees that can double as place card holders.

Another option is to consider your venue when contemplating favors. For example, we have a Logo Company that can make customized glassware, candles, clothing, blankets, and more with not only your names and the wedding date, but the Northstar Resort logo as well. See the flier below for discounts.

Make it personal and guests will truly have a memorable souvenir from your wedding weekend!

The Circle of Love and it's VIP Transportation

A wedding ring symbolizes eternity and something that can not be broken. Wedding rings are given as a token of unending love for each other. But what vessel will you choose to carry these all too important pieces of jewelry on your wedding day?

Sure, you can get a fluffy little white pillow with a silk bow, but what about this custom pillow from K Studio? Choose the bride and groom that look like yourselves, add a ribbon in your wedding color scheme, and voila! You have a trendy, custom pillow not only for your wedding day but for your wedding bed too!

I also LOVE the idea of ring bowls that you can keep as an ornament or a piece of wall art after the wedding. Check out all the styles, sizes, and shapes at Paloma’s Nest.

My personal favorite (because it’s what I did at my wedding of course) is the teddy bear ring bear(er). So, I asked my stepson, the ring bearer, to select his favorite teddy bear that he loved the most. We tied the ring on in a bow around his neck that we also used on the bouquets and he walked down the aisle with him. Sooooo cute!

Tip of the day: If you have any concerns at all about who / what is transporting the rings, use fake ones for the ring bearer and let the maid of honor and best man hold the real ones for exchange during the ceremony.

Lodging and Resort Info for Guests

Our technology gals are soooooo smart! Look what they built for one of our upcoming Weddings! And, they would be happy to create a page like that for you too. Please email me if you would like one, and send me a couple of the two of you to make it more personal. Please allow up to 10 days to process your request. Thanks!

What's new?

Hello! So I can't believe it is still snowing up here (it's not really sticking though). Still, on with summer wedding plans! Check out what our logo company is offering:


Also, (this is so fun,) feel free to walk around your wedding venue and explore the Village on a virtual tour. Enjoy!

Wedding planning help for you!

I hope that most of you have had the chance to meet with your Northstar event planner by now! Therefore, I though now might be a good time to review their role in your Wedding. They are considered Venue / Site Coordinators. They handle the details of the ceremony and reception as it pertains to Northstar. They will also be at the wedding and usually stay to ensure the dinner goes off smoothly before leaving the remainder of the event in the capable hands of our Banquet Manager. They can give you their opinions of vendors they have worked with, but do not, for example, help you with table assignments, budgets or invitation selections. Get the gist?

Many of our brides require a little more assistance and there are different levels of wedding planners for them to choose from. Our coordinators can work together with outside wedding planners to make sure everything at your wedding is just right! The different types are:

•Event producer or full planner: For couples who want a wedding planner that will help them through the entire process. You should look for an event planning service or wedding consultant that can produce the entire wedding until the wedding is complete.

•Partial planner: For couples that has already completed some of their planning. If you are finding yourself bogged down with only two months until the wedding, consider a partial planner who can take over and finish up last minute details.

•Week of or day of planner: For couples who may want extra help coordinating the events on the big day. While your Northstar planner is doing some of this, they are mainly overseeing Northstar's responsibility to the execution of the event, not pinning boutonnieres on all the groomsmen. You should look for a planner that is willing to meet with you a couple times before the wedding so he/she understands your vision and needs for the day.

Local examples of full, partial, or week of /day of planners are Scott Corridan, Stephanie Anderson, Shannon Morse and Shawna Lee West, who specializes in day of wedding planning.

Movie Nights Location Change

Hi everyone! I just got word that all movies will not be on the roller rink this year and instead have been moved over to the gondola building. Just wanted to let you know ASAP in case you were planning a roller skating / movie night as part of your wedding weekend. Also, the schedule is posted on the website now. Ana, you got your wish!

What did you think of the Wedding Faire?

Brides and grooms- I hope you got a lot accomplished at the Wedding Faire last weekend! Would you please tell me what you think by taking this quick (less than one minute, I promise) anonymous survey? Thanks bunches!

P.S. Looks like Angela and David had tons of fun on the post wedding faire poker run, visiting village retailers with wedding services!

Sneak Peek!

Drum roll please...! Our new menu is finally here! While many of you will be tasting it tomorrow, I still thought you might enjoy an exclusive preview (click on link to the left). Try not to drool on yourself while paging through it!

No Wedding Complaints!

Guys, you really don't want to hear any of these common Wedding Complaints about your wedding! Keep in mind that we should not run out of food, nor provide lousy service so you don't have to worry about those two! Still, consider no waiting for buffet line fixes in our new Stationed menu with yummy choices like:

Action Stations:
Carving Station
Risotto Station
Pasta Station
Asian Noodle Station

Displayed Stations:
Antipasta Station
Soup and Salad Station
Potato Station
Breads and Spreads Station

Or our new Family Style menu:

Served on platters at table, options like:
Traditional Caesar Salad
Chef’s Choice Seasonal Salad
Antipasto Platter with Salami, Marinated Vegetables, Olives, and Crostini Crackers
Grilled Bavette Steak with Mushroom Ragout
Baked Filet of Petrale Sole Stuffed with Dungeness Crab with Lemon Garlic Crème Sauce
Seasonal Vegetables and Parsley Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
Rigatoni with Roasted Garlic and Broccolini
Chicken with Artichokes and Wild Mushrooms

Are you hungry yet? Well wait until Saturday and you will get to sample some of these tasty dishes at the Wedding Faire! We will also have the new menu there with buffet and plated options too. See ya soon!

Google + Weddings = LOVE

Who doesn't love Google and I know you love Weddings if you are reading this so what could be better than the marriage of the two? Check it out: docs.google.com/wedding. It's pretty amazing...



I can't wait to see you at the Wedding Faire this weekend!

Fall Overlook Wedding

Thank you to Carmen Salazar for sending more images from Donald and Meghan's September Wedding on the Overlook for us to drool over! See that cute pup below? He was a shelter dog, who doubled as a table number / name. And, in lieu of favors for their guests, the bride and groom told the dog's story on the back of the card and donated money instead. How sweet!

Summer 2010 Event Line Up (So Far...)

My sweet hubby sent this over to me (not because that's like me or anything, hee-hee) but to make me laugh. So, I'd thought I'd share a giggle with you all:

(click to view larger in new screen)

Ok now, with a smile on our faces, back to Wedding Planning!!!

Do you know what is going on around the Resort over your Wedding weekend at Northstar? Find your date below for more info:

May

20 – 24 Sunchaser Challenge

29 – 31 Memorial Day Sidewalk Sale

29 Wine Walk

June

11, 12 Tahoe Star Tours – Mars Meets its Rival

13 LUNA Chix Road Bike Maintenance Clinic

13 Northstar Downhill Mountain Bike Race - #1

16-19 Tour de Nez presented by Northstar at Tahoe™

18, 19 Tahoe Star Tours – Saturn’s Moon

24 – 27 Pro Gravity Tour (Tentative)

24 – 27 Big Wheels Little Balls
Fundraising event benefiting the Active Force Foundation

26 Wine Walk

27 LUNA Chix Mountain Bike Maintenance Clinic

30 Tahoe Star Tours – War & Love Meet in the Sky

July

2 Tahoe Star Tours – War & Love Meet in the Sky

4 Independence Day

7 Tahoe Star Tours – Hercules on High

8 Northstar Thursday Night XC Mountain Bike Race Series – Race #1

9, 10 Tahoe Star Tours – Hercules on High

10 Beerfest & Bluegrass Festival

14 Tahoe Star Tours – Crescent Moon on the Rise

15 Northstar Thursday Night XC Mountain Bike Race Series – Race #2

16, 17 Tahoe Star Tours – Crescent Moon on the Rise

22 Northstar Thursday Night XC Mountain Bike Race Series –Race #3
LUNA Chix maintenance clinic

23 Northstar Super D Mountain Bike Race – Race #1

24 Northstar Dual Slalom Mountain Bike Race – Race #1

25 Northstar Downhill Mountain Bike Race - Race #2

28 Tahoe Star Tours – Dark Sky Wonders

29 Northstar Thursday Night XC Mountain Bike Race Series – Race #4

29, 30 Western States Police & Fire Games

30, 31 Tahoe Star Tours – Dark Sky Wonders

31 Wine Walk

31 Music Festival - Artist TBD

August

5 Lake Tahoe Music Festival - Natalie Cole

5 Northstar Thursday Night XC Mountain Bike Race Series – Race #5

7 Lake Tahoe Music Festival - Michael McDonald

8 Northstar Downhill Mountain Bike Race - Race #3

11 Tahoe Star Tours – The Milky Way

12 Cross-Country Bike Series – Race #6
LUNA Chix maintenance clinic

13, 14 Tahoe Star Tours – The Milky Way

19 Northstar Thursday Night XC Mountain Bike Race Series – Race #7

26 Northstar Thursday Night XC Mountain Bike Race Series – Race #8

27 Northstar Super D Mountain Bike Race – Race #2

28 Northstar Dual Slalom Mountain Bike Race– Race #2

28 Wine Walk

29 Northstar Downhill Mountain Bike Race – Race #4

September

1 Tahoe Star Tours – Jupiter

3, 4 Tahoe Star Tours - Jupiter

4 – 6 Northstar Arts & Crafts Festival

8 Tahoe Star Tours – Tribute to Carl Sagan

10 Tahoe Star Tours – Tribute to Carl Sagan

10 Northstar Super D Mountain Bike Race – Race #3

10-12 Autumn Food & Wine Festival

11 Northstar Dual Slalom Mountain Bike Race – Race #3

12 Northstar Downhill Mountain Bike Race - Race #5

18 Big Blue Adventure Race

October

2, 3 Race for Tara 4

15 – 17 Collegiate Mountain Bike National Championships

Weekly Events

TBD Movie Nights
Movies begin at dusk – about 15 minutes after sun sets

TBD Live Music

***Events Schedule Subject to Change***

The official calendar should be published online by late April. There will probably be more things added by then and the movie calendar will be on there too. That way you will know if Groundhog Day is playing for your fiance the night before the Wedding or not (hi Ana)!

Invitations, Etiquette, and Addresses, Oh My!

Hi guys and gals! It's probably about time you think about ordering your invitations...Remember, because your stationary order can take eight - twelve weeks to complete, plan on ordering at least four months out. That means you June brides need to get crackin! Also, The Knot has a great FAQ etiquette guide regarding invitations for you to check out.

So, here is a few of the addresses that you might need not only for your invitations, but also throughout your Wedding planning processes for Northstar:

Village Address:
100 Northstar Drive, Truckee, CA 96161

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 129, Truckee, CA 96160

Shipping Address:
50 Trimont Lane, Truckee, CA 96161

P.S. Are you coming to the Wedding Faire on April 10th? Be sure to RSVP to your event planner!

Hot Date for Overlook

While many of you are looking forward to a HOT DATE with your fiance on Valentine's Day, you or someone you know may be looking for a HOT DATE for a Wedding Venue. Overlook Saturdays have been sold out for months, but we just had a cancellation for the PRIME date of Saturday, June 26th! Please email me if interested.

Ring of Love at Spirits in Stone

So, Spirits in Stone (located in the Village at Northstar) is having a Valentine's Day sale, featuring this beautiful sculpture at an even more attractive price. While this would make a great gift for your sweety on the 14th, the first thing I thought of was: What a unique CAKE TOPPER!

It is a handcrafted piece described as:

"In Shona society, family bonding stands as the foundation for the entire culture. It is the sacred unit and all laws governing Shona society serve to protect these vulnerable bonds. The arms and bodies are carved with a continuous flow of rhythm to signify the unbroken bonds of their souls. This couple, locked in eternal embrace, offers constant reminder that love abounds in all places of the world."

For more information, visit Spirits in Stone online. The lovely sales ladies think this particular piece might be a little heavy without extra support in the cake or it can be placed next to the cake. They also have smaller pieces without the ring called Emerging Lovers that would be just right too.

Remember to make it personal, that's the key to a truly memorable Wedding!

Brett's Recipe for a Northstar Wedding Weekend

Happy New Year! 2010- the year of your Wedding! Woo hoo! So, I thought what better way to celebrate than to share my favorite recipes with you for an action packed, guest pleasing, fun-filled Wedding weekend in Tahoe:

Start with welcome bags for our front desk to hand out as guests check in

Add two hours of cocktails at Baxter's to welcome guests and listen to live jazz on the weekends

Top with an outdoor movie and set aside

In a new bowl, measure in jewelry creation or candle making with the girls

Knead in one scoop of gelato or sorbetto

Next, blend in hair, makeup, and nails at the Ritz Carlton Spa

Put it all together and dance the night away at your Wedding!

The next day, relive all the memories with friends and family by topping with an after glow brunch at Martis Valley Grille or TC's Pub

Try the Low Fat Version:

Start with a handful of Wedding weekend itineraries, mailed to your guests

Combine with three hours of pizza and roller skate party at the cabanas

Add a dash of s'mores and allow to rest for eight hours

Next, combine scenic lift rides with hiking or geocaching on the mountain (also feel free to substitute with mountain biking)

Shake in a 9 hole golf tournament and follow with lunch

Top with massage and mani / pedi (bring your own hair stylist and make up artist with you) and spin off to your Wedding

Post-Wedding, add three hours of pool time and tennis, BBQ and serve before guests head home

Don't forget to watch those calories- gotta fit into that Wedding dress!