Cliff House: Gracious, Personal Service and A Dazzling View Tuesday, Jul 10 2007

by Susan Hanshaw
San Francisco Wedding Officiant

As a wedding officiant, I arrive on the scene at least half an hour before the ceremony is scheduled to begin. That means that I get a pretty good peek at what is going on behind the scenes as the event is being prepared to unfold. This past weekend I officiated the wedding vows for a couple whose ceremony took place at San Francisco’s landmark, the Cliff House. While the majesty of the ocean setting is enough to take your breath away, its impressiveness is matched by the banquet and private events teams. They get a five-star rating for warm, welcoming gracious hospitality. I witnessed some rather daring pre-ceremony requests by various members of the wedding party that were received with nothing less than a warm smile as the goods were delivered. I was impressed.

Equally impressive is the 26,000 sq ft. remodel-design and renovation completed in 2004. The magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean are emphasized in the restored 1909 structure as well as in the new wing addition. Architect C.David Robinson used “natural materials-concrete, copper, slate and glass-to blend the new building into the scenic coastline.”

“The 26,000 sq. ft. restoration brings back both the character and the dignity of the historic Cliff House,” says Robinson. “In addition, the renovation adds three outdoor observation decks with stunning southern, northern and western views. A passenger elevator from the sidewalk to the Cliff Terrace and all observation decks affords full accessibility for disabled persons.”

It is easy to see why the Cliff House is such a popular destination for weddings. It blends history, timeless beauty of the Pacific Ocean and coastlines, modern architecture, and impeccable personal service into one special package! For more detailed information contact Virginia Casey Special Events Manager at 415 666.4027.

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The Best Man: An Invaluable Asset to Any Wedding! Friday, Jun 29 2007

Contributor: Dean Guadagni

Weddings are often the most intricate and well planned affair that a couple will ever coordinate in their life together. It is a day of remembrance, sharing, and celebration of a new beginning. The planning of such an affair takes careful consideration and an understanding of each person’s role in producing an event to be remembered for a lifetime.

One of the most under appreciated yet important roles to the success of a wedding event is that of the Best Man. Many tasks and rituals are performed by the Best Man; because of the nature of these rituals and tasks, the first step is to choose the correct Man for the job.

The following critical factors should be considered when the groom is making his Best Man selection:

History of Friendship: How long have you known your potential Best Man? Has he been a solid friend throughout your life or a good portion of it? Has your Best Man been the guy you would call first in an emergency?

Past Behavior: Is your Best Man a responsible person? Does he show a dedication as a friend? Does he have manners, character, and an understanding of etiquette?

Intuition: Do you have a “gut feeling” that your choice of a Best Man is the best choice based on your intuition?

Keep in mind that many grooms wish to honor their fathers with the Best Man role. Although this is a kind and generous gesture, it is often best to allow your father to enjoy the wedding with your family.

Choosing between brothers can often bring unwanted hurt feelings. If one brother is not a clear cut favorite friend over any other, then it is best served if you choose a best friend to be the Best Man. Your brothers will feel equal importance as your groomsmen; they will support your choice more readily.

The tasks and rituals performed by a Best Man vary depending upon many factors. The following is a list of some these very important tasks and rituals you may wish to review with your Best Man:

Planning of the Bachelor Party: The Best Man is the event planner of the Bachelor Party. More importantly, it is the Best Man’s responsibilities to safeguard the groom and make sure that the festivities do not get out of hand.

Rehearsal Dinner: Make reservations, deliver deposits, follow up calls to wedding party members.

Confirm Travel Plans: Confirmation of honeymoon reservations, flight plans, special touches for the couple like limousine services, champagne, or flowers.

Moral Support: be supportive to the nervous groom, make sure plans are being followed, groomsmen are on time, arrangements are being executed properly.

Rings: Hold and safeguard the rings!

Documents: make sure the groom has the wedding license, travel documents, and any other paperwork needed prior to the wedding.

Toast: Make the traditional heartfelt and important toast to the bride and groom during the kick off to the reception. This can set the tone for the festivities to unfold.

Follow these ideas, tasks, and rituals and you will be on your way to planning an event to remember for a lifetime!

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