Strike up the band! I've just joined Fanfare. Fanfare is a group of wedding professionals who offer a refreshing counterpoint to the mass produced bridal shows. There is only one vendor in each category and they produce intimate gatherings where bridal clients can meet them up close and personal.
Another big plus with Fanfare is they only present at the area's top venues. Our most recent gathering was at the spectacular Kohl Mansion in Burlingame. Our gracious hostesses were Terri Baldocchi and Dianne Devin who do a fine job managing this great facility.
Fanfare lived up to it's name with a jubilant welcoming of attendees at the front of the mansion by the horns of the Brassworks Music featuring Gabriel's Trumpets.
Another amazing thing about Fanfare is the food. Often these types of showcases offer only nibbles and beverages but not at Fanfare where everyone is treated to a full dinner by one of the area's best known caterers, La Bocca Fina. Pictured here is La Bocca Fina owner, Teri Menchini, who paused briefly to allow me a quick photo of her. Teri's food was amazing and no one left the Kohl that night hungry.
Adding to the festive atmosphere were the flowers of Plan Decor. Owner, Karen Baba, is pictured here with one of her many stunning arrangements. Karen also made all of the bouquets for our fashion show. This show was the debut of one of our newest Friends of Fanare featuring the attire of The Unique Bride with its brand new owner, Tosca Clark.
Then the real fun began with some impromptu dance lessons by Cynthia Glinka, Dance Instructor to the Stars. Cynthia's high energy and great sense of humor made her a really fun co-host as we are pictured together her with our roaving microphones.
And the only way to top all of this was with some serious sugar. Fanfare's representative in the sweets department is Maralyn Tabatsky, of Have Your Cake. So the perfect wind down for the evening was tasting some of Maralyn's delicacies. The Kohl Mansion has an amazing room for displaying your wedding cake as shown here with a pair of Maralyn's cakes we enjoyed.
Here's just few of the Fanfare core group who posed for my little point and shoot:
Diane Tatro of Travel Quest Honeymoons (on the left with the Aloha spirit) and Megan Woods of Enhanced Lighting on the right.
Teresa Halton (our team photographer on the right) with Terri Baldochhi of the Kohl Mansion.
Anna Maria Mendieta of Premiere Harp Songs posed here with her instrument of choice. Rounding out the core group who are regular Fanfare members are Rev. Ed Holt, Hyegraph Invitations & Calligraphy, Classic Party Rentals and Thomas Hughes Video Productions.
Fanfare keeps each event fresh with "Friends of Fanfare" who bring their unique products and services in for a limited basis. At the Kohl we were treated to a brand new company called Well Rehearsed. Kathy Goodman is shown below at her table where all the buzz was about her unique new service specializing in rehearsal dinners.
Among our other Friends of Fanfare who joined us for the excitement at the Kohl show were Il Fornaio Restaurant, M.A.C. Cosmetics at Burlingame, Ambassadors Rolls-Royce Limousine Service, Doubletree Hotel SFO, and Dermalounge.
The bottom line is the core group of Fanfare all have longstanding reputations while the Friends of Fanfare bring in something new with each showcase. The result keeps the entire effort fresh and exciting. Look for our next event on November 2 at the Ralston Hall Mansion in Belmont. For details just visit Fanfare Weddings.com.
