Dining by Design 2008

We were priviledged to have the opportunity to attend the Dining by Design event organized by the Design Industrieds Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) in the San Francisco Design Center. Each year DIFFA organizes a series of Dining by Design events held in major cities to benefit hundreds of AIDS service organizations nationwide. Each design team is to create a dining space/environment for ten people. Here are some favorites.

Art Meets Geometry--Origami

It is amazing what a piece of paper could be given life to become a three dimensional creation--and origami artists have mastered this art form. I came across this postcard in Japantown, which led me to visit the origami exhibit at the National Japanese American Historical Society located at 1684 Post Street. One of my favorites is the "Peace Sphere" by artistLinda Mihara. The sphere is formed by connected origami cranes, all of which folded from one piece of paper with strategic cuts to leave the negative space between the cranes. An additional origami exhibit is held concurrently at the San Francisco Public Library Main Branch at 100 Larkin Street. The last day for both exhibits is December 31, 2008.

Real Wedding-Berkeley Faculty Club

Cake: Montclair Bakery

DJ: Sound in Motion

Flowers: Grandiflora

Makeup: Studio Abasi

Petits Fours: Dragonfly Cakes

Photographer: Ed Pingol Photography

Venue: Berkeley Faculty Club

* The bride's friends and family created series of green centerpieces using ornamental grass and succulents. Each long table was finished with candles and black river rocks. With some care and love, the succulents and grass will be sustainable for years of enjoyment.

Bridesmaid Dresses Under $100--& She Would Love to Wear Again

There are amazing marked downs on J Crew Dresses that may be used as bridesmaid dresses. Your friends will love you for picking out a dress that they could enjoy again on different occasions. Here are a few of our favorite for under $100.

Real Wedding-Cambell Hall and Garden

Jill and Antonio's wedding was a celebration of union that reflected her Jewish lineage and his Mexican heritage. Shades of red, burgundy, tangerine, and copper were incorporated in the botanical choices, and showed up wonderfully against the linen color, and highlighted by cobalt blue water goblets chosen by the couple. The white carnation pomanders were accented with daisies, and hung from the top of the chuppah. Jill's tangerine calla lily bouquet was finished with berry collar and leaf-wrapped handle. For the bridesmaids' bouquets, we added some chili peppers, a staple of Mexican culinary tradition, for a flair of whimsy.

Arne Quinze's Cityscape--Brussels, Belgium

Discovering Arne Quinze's Cityscape in Brussels at 6 o'clock in the morning was a pleasant surprise after the long transatlantic flight. We were on the way to look for the hotel we had reserved, but made the wrong turn after getting off from the Metro at Place Louise station. The structure was beyond impressive, seeing it was like a wake up call, a dramatic greeting. The photos were taken before we left Brussels, during mid day amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. More of Arne Quinze's work can be found on www.arnequinze.tv, which includes a recent publication of "Cityscape", showcasing the making of wood sculptures similar to the one in Brussels.

Real Wedding-Hacienda de las Flores

Caterer: Miraglia Catering
Flowers: Grandiflora
Music (classical guitar): Mori Achen
Photography: SJ Kim Photography
Venue: Hacienda de las Flores, Moraga