The Tent Line
Archive for the 'Weddings' Category
Rustic Elegance – What is it exactly?
January 14th, 2009 Categories: Decor, Events, Products, Weddings
Recently, we have been asked by brides to create a rustic yet elegant setting. Here are some great examples of weddings that depict this design concept. We love the wood furniture as well as the idea of placing the wine bottles on dining tables for guests to help themselves.



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Project Wedding – Real Wedding of the Week
October 20th, 2008 Categories: Lighting, Photos, Weddings
Check us out on Project Wedding – we are featured in the “Real Wedding of the Week” for Shannon and Jay’s gorgeous Angel Island Wedding. Photos by Lisa Lefkowitz and wedding coordination by Grace Lee.
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A Midsummer Evening Wedding on the Russian River
August 12th, 2008 Categories: Decor, Lighting, Photos, Venues, Weddings
We thought we would share some photos from a wedding at Dawn Ranch this past weekend. This 15 acre guest ranch is a sweet little spot in Guerneville on the banks of the Russian River. Alison Hotchkiss and Kelsey Sheofsky of Alison Events planned a fun three days of events for the guests. Zephyr Tents provided the tenting, japanese lanterns, farm tables, benches, and Adirondack furniture. Alison put together a great team with decor by Loop Flowers, event lighting by Refraction and catering by Grapevine Catering.




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The Outdoor Wedding Dilemma: Under the Stars or Under a Canopy?
August 5th, 2008 Categories: Lighting, Products, Weddings
Often a couple wrestles with this question when planning an outdoor wedding on the west coast. Back east you haven’t really a choice, there’s no predicting the weather so you better take cover. However, in California it rarely rains in the summer. But what some folks forget is that once the sun goes down, no matter how hot a day it is, the evenings are cool.
If it’s cold, you’ll lose your guests. Lose your guests and there goes the party. Our answer to the dilemma – how about both?
Dine at long tables under a canopy of Italian Bistro lights connecting to a dance tent for boogieing and late-night lounging. Your guests will stick around ’til the wee hours in the comfort of a cozy tent. Just think of all the stories the next morning at brunch…
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Designer Kids Tent: A Great Solution for the Little Ones at the Wedding
August 3rd, 2008 Categories: Decor, Events, Weddings
Your guest list has grown to include nieces & nephews, cousins, friends’ kids, flower girls and the ring bearer. Now, what to do with those little people during your wedding reception? Rather than chance a meltdown or have them steal your thunder on the dance floor, why not provide them with their own celebration tent?
Zephyr tents can be outfitted with big comfy pillows, low tables, and colorful paper lanterns to create a fun and cozy atmosphere. Hire a few nannies from a reputable agency like Nannies of the Valley who come prepared with arts & crafts, games, stickers, balloons and more. Have your caterer design a kid-friendly menu and set-up their own special buffet. The parents of these pampered kids will LOVE you – they’ll actually get to enjoy the evening talking with adults instead of entertaining their kids.
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Featured Event: A Gorgeous Napa Valley Summer Wedding
July 15th, 2008 Categories: Decor, Events, Photos, Weddings
We are thrilled to share some photos from a recent wedding in Napa Valley. Wedding planner, Laurie Arons did an amazing job pulling all of the pieces together. Zephyr Tents, Kathleen Deery Design, Paula LeDuc Fine Catering and Impact Lighting proved to be a great team creating a magical setting for the bride and groom complete with carpet-covered custom round flooring, beautiful flowers, and dramatic light shades suspended from the tent ceiling. We are looking forward to seeing Meg Smith’s professional photos but in the meantime we’re enjoying these.








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Top Five Locations for a Tented Wedding in the San Francisco Bay Area
July 14th, 2008 Categories: Events, Venues, Weddings
We’ve had the pleasure of working in so many beautiful locations. Many of these have been private homes but there are lots of great spots anyone can rent. In no particular order, here are the top five SF Bay Area (tent-friendly) wedding venues:
Angel Island
Angel Island is a one-of-a-kind location complete with an outstanding view of the San Francisco Bay. Guests arrive by ferry and are shuttled to a private area on the island. A recent wedding Zephyr Tents was an integral part of was featured in the summer 2008 issue of Martha Stewart Weddings magazine. Zephyr Tents provided the tent, dance floor, lighting and generator. It was a logistical challenge getting everything barged to the island and then trucked to the wedding site, but the end result was spectacular with the Golden Gate Bridge as the back drop and fireworks concluding the evening. With the right team to help plan ahead (wedding planner, Grace Lee and caterer, Living Room Events did a stellar job!), Angel Island is a dream venue.
Annadel Winery and Gardens
Lucky for new brides-to-be, this private estate just came back on the event rental market. Surrounded by old oaks, vineyards and roses, Paula LeDuc Fine Catering has the exclusive on this magical Sonoma Valley location. Charming ruins are a special setting for your ceremony and are later converted to a late night lounge. Guests dine on the lawn under a Zephyr canopy and enjoy the late evening hours when the light is just right in the valley of the moon.
Martin’s Beach
We love the beach and this venue is all about getting sand between your toes and dipping your feet in the ocean. Just south of Half Moon Bay, Martin’s Beach is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and comes with privacy, too. A barefoot ceremony in the sand with the soothing sound of ocean waves, what could be more romantic? Guests can stay at the nearby Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay.
River House
With my east coast roots, it’s hard not to love this private estate in Napa Valley located just off the historic Silverado Trail on the Napa River. The expansive lawns, gardens and vineyards set the stage for a picturesque event. Cocktail by the pool then dine and dance under a Zephyr tent while watching the sun drop behind the Redwoods and vineyard.
Highland Ranch
Located in Philo, just above the Anderson Valley, the secluded Highland Ranch allows you to relax and enjoy nature. The Anderson Valley is home to Anderson Valley Brewing Company , Scharffenberger Cellars, and Husch Vineyards to name of few of its many interests. Nestled in a forest of Douglas Fir and Redwoods, the ranch offers cozy cabins and a yurt for meditation, massage or yoga. There are lots of activities for guests to enjoy including swimming and a horse back riding program for all levels. When it comes to getting married at Highland Ranch the possibilities are endless. You can exchange vows by the lake, under a California Oak or in the apple orchard. Enjoy dinner catered by the Philo Apple Farm under a Zephyr tent set beneath a cluster of redwood trees. If weather permits, finish the evening dancing under the stars.
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The Importance of Lighting
June 20th, 2008 Categories: Decor, Events, Lighting, Products, Weddings
The importance of lighting is often overlooked when planning weddings and special events. The client has so many other decisions to make – decor, food, flowers, linens, tables… – that when it comes to a less-understood element such as lighting, they have run out of gas, not to mention money. But here is why you shouldn’t underestimate the importance of lighting.
Lighting is essential in setting the mood for your event. Whether the atmosphere wants to be romantic and natural or colorful and fun, the right lighting will enhance these intentions. A leaf pattern gobo achieves the effect of soft, romantic moonlight filtered through the trees and colored gels can bring any boring space to life.
Safety for your guests is also something to consider when planning your outdoor event. A site visit to the property at night will reveal how extensive and safe the existing outdoor lighting is for a large event. Most permanent landscape lighting provides enough guidance for just a few people to meander through the property. With a wedding or special event, the lighting needs to be adjusted accordingly – stairs, pathways to the restrooms and parking, and any changes to the landscape should all be high-lighted.

Many event sites have beautiful trees and structures that, when lit, add drama to the property at night. The details that make this site special to you should be given special attention. When up-lighting a home, focus on the unique details of the architecture and give them depth. When guests stroll the property, they’ll enjoy the character of the home and landscape. We love how dramatic a redwood tree looks lit up at night.
Lighting may just be the final element you need in creating that unforgettable setting. I’ve been witness to too many events where everything looks so beautiful during the day but the moment the sun goes down, the décor is lost in darkness. Bottom line – you’ve spent a lot of your time and money on choosing just the right flowers, food, decor, linens, and location – now light your event properly so your guests will enjoy those details.
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