20 First Dance Songs You'll LOVE (from a Wedding Planner)

Continuing in theme of our LOVE blogs in February, today I’d like to share 20 of my favorite ‘first song’ picks that I’ve heard (and adore!) as a long time wedding planner…

Play each song below!

*give them a little time to load*

What are you waiting for? Save these 20 first DANCE songs to your Pinterest BOARD !

Dana & Scott - A Romantic Boho Wedding at Spanish Hills Club

Dana and Scott’s romantic boho wedding at the Spanish Hills Club was nothing short of an absolute DREAM ! Jamison Events had the honor of working with this couple for full wedding planning, which means they got a custom moodboard and other useful resources to build their wedding from top to bottom.

Their vibe was overall a gorgeous romantic, fall aesthetic with pampas grass and greenery. Dana and Scott had such a unique color palette as well with terracotta, rust, grey, white and greens! I absolutely loved it; check out pictures from ceremony and reception below.

As you can tell from these BEAUTIFUL photos, Dana and Scott hired one of my favorite photographers; Nicole Henshaw, who always nails the romantic boho vibe in her editing style & coloring.

The wedding day was overall such a fun production, especially since the couple were both genuinely kind human beings, mellow, and a joy to work with!

See a wedding vendor you might want to inquire for your wedding? Here’s a list of all the awesome vendors that put together D + S’s big day!

Venue @spanishhillsspecialevents
Planner @jamisonevents
Associate Planner @coordinationbycasanova
Photographer @nicolehenshawphoto
Video @mr.lokiproductions
DJ @bouquetsound
Hair and Makeup @fairytalehairandmakeup
Florist @b_besame
Cake @sweetartbakeshop

Top 10 Things I Love About Being a Wedding Planner

Are YOU the same as me? If you love wedding planning, or felt a desire/call to this industry, let me tell you a quick few things I LOVE💓 about it!

1. I get to know amazing Couples and their love story. We start out as strangers and become forever friends! 

2. I get to be creative on a daily basis. Working to not only bring my Couples vision to life but continue to create new styles and innovate for my business too.

3. I get to see my actual ideas come together. 

4. I love that I get to make my own hours (although I probably work way more than I’d like to admit).

5. I get to work from home during the week! (including making fun reels with myself & my social media team)

Check out these fun wedding advice reels I make from home!

6. I work in an upbeat and celebration industry. 

7. I get to work with amazing vendors and venues. People who inspire, support and encourage me. 

8. I get work with an amazing team.

9. I love to organize ideas and plans. I spend hours on a timeline and watching it come together the day of is really fulfilling.

10. Lastly, I genuinely love weddings. All different types of weddings and I love attending, being apart of and have fun at every one!

Check out these Behind-the-Scenes vs. How it Actually Ended Up!

MORE RESOURCES:

If you’re more interested in my wedding planning story, here’s my about page!

Or if you’re looking for1v1 advice, send me an email or social media DM.

Jake & Katelyn - A Breathtaking Wedding in Rancho Vista Dedios

Watch this beautiful wedding unfold in the Santa Rosa Valley. Jake and Katelyn were married at this newer venue, Rancho Vista Dios, which is on a mountain overlooking the valley and also filled with beautiful twisting trees that will ensure beautiful wedding photos.

Cred: Michael Anthony Photography

See this gorgeous ceremony view at this home venue below! The homeowner of this venue handmade the door that lead to the Ceremony processional, creating a rustic and traditional scene.

Their wedding colors were blue, gold, and burnt orange with natural brown tones from the trees and wooden signage. See the aisle décor, welcome table, reception area, cake table, etc. + Check out their fun bridal party!

Overall, Jake and Katelyn had a relaxed, romantic design that embraced the fall season. Don’t miss their choice of catering: The Habit Burger Grill! The reception + dinner was such a hit !!

Congratulations Jake & Katelyn! Here are all the vendors involved in this gorgeous wedding:

Venue #ranchovistadedios
Planning @jamisonevents
Food Truck @habitburgergrill
Bar @nationalbartendingto
Video @austinhatchervisuals
Photo @michaelanthonyphotography
DJ @bouquetsound @jasonwesley_
Flowers @staceyspetalsandstems
Rentals @partypleasers
Restrooms @luxflush
Production Assistants-
@coordinationbycasanova
@bffjencreations

Private Moments to Add in Your Wedding Timeline

You’re going to wish you learned these sooner when you find out how awesome these PRIVATE moments are and you’ll want to add in your wedding timeline right away!

In conversations with some of my couples, they ask me how to enjoy one another on the actual day of the wedding, and my secret is incorporating private moments into your timeline. And I’m not just talking about first looks, but there’s even more specific events you can add!

1. A Private Dinner

What is a private dinner? Not many couples do this, but I have seen this private moment included in celebrity/influencer couple weddings like Bailey and Asa Howard (from influencers, Brooklyn & Bailey). Essentially, you just eat in another room alone together at the beginning of the reception so guests aren’t bugging you!

Photo Cred: @brooklynandbailey

2. A First Touch/Prayer/Look

You already know about first looks, but have you thought of maybe doing a first touch or prayer? If you want to save that special moment for walking down the aisle, maybe a first touch/prayer is for you! This moment will help steal you away from the wedding party who are not allowed in the area for this moment.

Photo Cred: Judy and Gavin Photography

3. Five Minute Alone Time (typically right before the Grand Entrance or right after the Ceremony)

If your wedding planner is Jamison Events, we always schedule a private 5 minute time for the Couple with absolutely no one there! It’s usually a make out session, but is super important to ensure the day doesn't go by so fast (slows the day down) and that they remember the day is about them. Read your personal vows to each other prior to the Ceremony, after the first look

Photo Cred: Melbourne Wedding Photographer

4. Sneak off for sunset photos

Imagine just the two of you wrapped up in the colors of that last bit of sun on your wedding day. That’s just a moment you can’t miss. ONLY take your photographer (and videographer if you have one), with you so that you can take romantic photos and have some time to process the excitement of being married!!!

Photo Cred: Max Tepper Photography

5. Give each other gifts

This gift doesn’t have to be expensive, per say, just a little something. Even if it’s just a card or sweet message to your significant other, they will appreciate it. Plan it out too so that not just one person awkwardly gets something and put this on your wedding timeline prior to the Ceremony. And if you add a personal note, it’s more intimate that you don’t read out loud.

Photo Cred: Wedding Nature Photography

6. Take a few photos of your new spouse during the Reception

Although brides and grooms often forget about their phones on their wedding day, it’s totally acceptable (and fun!) to pull them out during the reception or on your way to the reception. Snap a quick photo of your spouse, a selfie together, and a picture of your rings for the first time. Then, text them to your spouse at that time. POV of your new spouse! - include a personal text to make them smile (or blush)!

Photo Cred: The KNOT

Don’t forget to share this blog with your engaged friends or soon-to-be engaged friends so that they can steal these tips too!

+ follow us on instagram @jamisonevents for continued wedding fun & advice there!

Heather & Nick - A Traditional Spanish Hills Wedding with a Touch of Modern

These two were one of my favorite couples; they were patient, sweet and kind humans. Their family was a sure reflection of them the day of their wedding as well.

The location of their wedding was at the beautiful Spanish Hills Country Club (in Camarillo, California). The accommodations are great and the venue style is a nice blend of the garden, outdoor-wedding feel for the ceremony, and an elegant indoor ballroom for the reception.

Heather and Nick had their wedding on a Friday and for some reason that day of the week for weddings always feels a little more chill and easy going. Their style was more traditional with a modern touch. There was sort of a black and white tie feel, but they also chose a wonderful accent color; blue. It was weaved within the bridesmaid dresses, groomsmen ties, invitations, and the bright blue skies that day!

These two lovebirds didn’t see each other before the ceremony (so no first looks!) because they wanted that extra special first moment together as bride, Heather came down the aisle to groom, Nick.

For the ceremony, the couple opted to hire Thor officiant, who did an amazing job. It was super important to them that we had a nice flow of events during the night, so I ensured toasts started as soon as possible and made sure they didn’t feel like there was too much down time.

In fact, all the vendors that day were pretty great at making this happen, with special mention to Anokiart Photography and Floral Designs by Roni. This florist, I’ve worked with for over 20 years, but this was sadly the very last wedding Roni did in California before moving out of state. Jamison Events is wishing her an amazing future in her new hometown!

Vendors:

Venue: @spanishhillsspecialevents

Coordination: @jamisonevents

Photo: @anokiart_photography

Flowers: @floral_designs_by_roni

Beauty: @fairytalehairandmakeup

DJ: @djsotaentertainment

Cinematographer: @brettmunozweddings

Officiant: @wedding_officiant

Associate Coordinator: @coordinationbycasanova

Wedding Trends for 2022

What should you expect for 2022 weddings? If you’re someone who loves all the latest trends OR wants to be completely unique from anything mainstream, this blog is for you to check out!

+ pin all of these photos from our 2022 Wedding Trends Board!

Baby’s breath literally everywhere

2 piece bridesmaid dresses and wedding dresses

Simple, modern gowns

 Smaller, extravagant parties

Flash photography & 35mm film photos

Bright + bold colors

Champagne towers

More destinations

Pearls, Pearls, Pearls

Whimsical vibes

Sunset Ceremonies (with pictures taken prior to Ceremony

Sub Zero Ice Cream

What is liquid nitrogen ice cream? Rapidly rising back into popularity, SubZero Nitrogen Ice Cream Catering creates the best ice cream made with LN2 (liquid nitrogen).

It’s an easy 4-step process that is fun to watch, but also mess-free ice cream experience at any event. And you can get SubZero to cater YOUR event too. If you want a simple and delicious way for your event to be the star of the show, you can’t go wrong with the Subzero Nitrogen Ice Cream Bar!

When you cater SubZero at your event, here’s what you get:

• Creamy, Fresh, Decadent Ice Cream

• 5 yummy flavors and toppings of ice cream, made fresh on site for any upcoming event

• And a fun ice cream bar show with custom created flavors to choose from!

Check out the Menu!

Email for event inquiries subzeroicecreamcatering@gmail.com

5 Proposal Ideas You Can Use

Planning a Proposal?

Did you know about Jamison Events helps coordinate proposals? For the couple looking for an extra special and stress free experience, Jamison Events will create a custom plan just for you!

Chances are, you’re pretty nervous to propose to your significant other, so…

Here’s some tips to help ease your nerves

• One thing we see Couples do is try to go over the top for the proposal. While the element of surprise is essential with proposals, this will not only create stress but more nerves. Instead of trying to be over the top, aim for something meaningful you both will never forget! 

• Have a plan and stick to it. Organizing the day/experience ahead of time will ensure a smoother experience than just trying to make it happen. 

• Be you and go with the flow. Your significant other may already be speculating the engagement or they could be completely shocked, but no matter what, your day will be incredible!

photo: Chelsea Reece

Here are 5 ideas for your big proposal + we can help

1. Recreate your first date: We love this simple, yet romantic moment. Enjoy dinner together, then surprise them with a perfectly planned spot that’s decorated for the two of you. This is when you pop the question! 

2. A Perfect Picnic: Plan a catered or intimate picnic on the beach, garden or park. This romantic day can be filled with a pretty table setup, champagne and soft live music. 

3. Go wine tasting: Surprise your SO with a fun day tasting wine. On your second stop (reminder not to be too tipsy!) arrange to have a winery spot set-up just for the two of you! 

4. Incorporate LIVE music: IF you’ve seen the Bachelor/Bachelorette, you know those dates with live musicians playing in the background? Just like that! Hiring a local live band, or even a up-and-coming artist is the perfect way to serenade your significant other into saying YES!

5. Organize a rooftop proposal: If you’re lucky enough find a rooftop (or have a friend that you know with a rooftop) location with a killer view, and dress up the space with florals, a neon sign, or other details. Go up to the rooftop tp catch a view of the sunset and then get down on one knee. This idea is romantic, intimate, and budget friendly!

Cred: Unknown/Pinterest

What Not to Forget!

• Background music will help set the mood.

• Beautiful views or arranged florals help create ambiance.

• Hire someone to capture the moment. Whether it’s a hidden photographer or a videographer that “happens” to be there, hiring a professional will ensure you’ll have the absolute most beautiful photos of that moment. 

Cred: @thistleandplume

 We want to wish you good luck on your proposal and hopefully a congratulations on your engagement! AND if now you’re onto wedding planning, you can look into hiring Jamison Events.

Sarah and Harry's Romantic Fall Wedding - Los Robles Greens

For a family-centered wedding in the peaceful outdoors, enjoy this beautiful November wedding with subtle white pumpkin and burgundy details for Sarah and Harry!

This wedding was traditional Jewish, with a large wedding party, lots of guests, and beautiful colors. The men wore blue suits and the ladies wore burgundy dresses. To keep the colors soft and romantic, many of the colors shared similar shades of burgundy and minimal decor.

For this wedding I had the opportunity to work with one of my favorite florists, Village Florist. She did all of the bouquets, centerpieces, ceremony altar arrangements, and added florals to the cake.

I loved seeing all of the beautiful Jewish traditions, like for the Ketubah signing, they had a beautiful and private lounge area away from the arriving guests, which made a perfect spot for that tradition. 

Occasionally a Jewish wedding will require a Kosher meal offered. For this wedding, we only needed one meal. That meal was brought in by Herzog Winery and we serve fully Kosher utensils with the meal to ensure all needs are met.

Overall, the couple was celebrated their wedding with a warm, welcoming embrace from all of their family and it turned out to be such a great night! A huge thank you to all of the vendors involved:

Venue @eventslrg

Photo @campbellfamilyphotography

Florist @villageflorist

DJ @djsotaentertainment

Desserts @kupcake_kitchen

Beauty @mobileradiance

Production Assistant @coordinationbycasanova