Black, White, and Sky Blue all over: A Wedding to Remember

Stacie Link and Jeff Hogan, both 28, incorporated a long list of details into their black, white and sky-blue-themed wedding. From giant centerpieces and a photo booth to specialty coffee drinks and a late-night snack, the Cardiff-by-the-Sea couple went all out for their wedding at The Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine this year.

SURPRISE! Last December, Stacie thought she was going on a work- related trip to Phoenix, Ariz., with Jeff, who is the CEO of Onshore Sales and Marketing. Last minute, Jeff told Stacie, a sixth-grade teacher, that he had a surprise for her -- not a business trip, but a vacation in San Francisco. When they arrived, a car was waiting for them at the airport. As Jeff planned it, the driver took the couple to the Ritz Carlton on Nob Hill, where they indulged in a nine-course, wine-paired dinner. Following dinner, the couple took a limo ride to a lookout point with views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Right there, Jeff popped the question.

INVITATIONS DICTATED THE THEME: Some women dream about their weddings long before they are even engaged. This was not the case for Stacie. "I didn't know what colors I wanted," Stacie said. "All I wanted was for my guests to have a good time." Roxi Link, Stacie's mother who also happens to be a wedding planner, helped guide her daughter and took her to pick out invitations. Stacie spotted a black, white and sky-blue invitation she liked. From that came the entire theme.

TALL AND SQUARE: Stacie and Jeff reserved the Hyatt Regency La Jolla at Aventine for the wedding and then went to work to flush out the black, white and sky-blue theme. They chose to incorporate square tables, white linens, silver chargers and blue table runners. Sky-blue place cards with black writing sat on white satin boards, and white rose and lily centerpieces stood at an impressive 10 feet tall. Amber uplighting warmed the room.

THE WEDDING: About 180 of the 220 invited guests attended the wedding. The couple were married in the courtyard of the hotel by Stacie's father, who is a judge. "One of the cutest things was that my father turned to me and asked, 'Stacie, are you ready to take on the responsibility of becoming a wife?' I turned around and said, 'Yes, Daddy,'" Stacie said.

EATING FRENZY: There was no shortage of food at the reception. The hotel's sushi restaurant, Cafe Japengo, set up a sushi bar during the cocktail hour. Then, a plated dinner that featured filet mignon and a Chilean seabass pairing, potatoes and asparagus was served. Following dinner, guests noshed on creme brulee, wedding cake, treats dipped into the chocolate fountain and specialty coffees from an espresso cart. Later in the night, tray-passed miniature toasted cheese sandwiches and shots of steaming hot tomato soup were served to the guests who were still on the dance floor.

THE LOUNGE, THE LUGE: Roxi surprised Stacie and Jeff by setting up a lounge in one corner of the ballroom. Guests were invited to cozy up on the comfy furniture inside the lounge, and watch the couple's video montage, which was on a loop throughout the reception. A martini ice luge, which was illuminated by blue lights, was set up near the lounge.

PHOTO BOOTH: In lieu of table favors, Stacie and Jeff opted to have a photo booth set up at the reception. Guests were invited to sit or stand inside the booth and having "prom-like" photos taken. The photos were printed on the spot, and put into frames that read "Stacie and Jeff's Wedding."

BRUNCH THE NEXT DAY: Stacie's aunt and uncle hosted a brunch the following morning. About 50 guests attended the midday catered affair, which boasted an omelet bar. Following the meal, family members and the wedding party wished the newlyweds off on their Tahitian honeymoon.

If you would like to talk about the planning and outcome of your wedding, please contact Roxi Link at roxi@thepartylink.net.