f. Duncan Reyes Events by Design bio picture
  • ABOUT DUNCAN

    His successful career all began as a Corporate Event Planner until his tenure as Catering Manager for luxury hotels such as The Portman Hotel and The Pan Pacific Hotel San Francisco, The Fairmont Hotel San Francisco & Chicago, General Manager and Director of Events at The Julia Morgan Ballroom at the Merchants Exchange Building, and at the historic Westin St. Francis Hotel San Francisco as their Catering Manager for Weddings and Social Events.

    His impressive accolades have given him credentials to recognize him as an Independent Food Editor, Restaurant Critic and a Contributing Writer for San Francisco, Chicago and New York media publications. Spanning over 30 years in Wedding, Corporate and Social Event Planning, his passion has taken him to new career heights that led him to create F. Duncan Reyes Events By Design and is renowned as the Event Industry’s most Premiere Wedding and Event Planner Extraordinnaire. In January 2009, he was honored by the San Francisco Business Times as one of the Top 100 New Businesses for 2009 and as published in their “Book of Lists 2009”. Duncan is a member of the National Association of Catered Events both for the San Francisco and Silicon Valley Chapters, and was voted in April 2010 as NACE’S “Member of the Year”. And just recently in January 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014, was recognized by WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards for Wedding Planning. Committed to creating special events that are as distinctive as his clientele, he creates and executes flawless affairs with sophistication and panache yet with a personable approach that represent your own unique style, exceeding expectations for the planning and design experience. The myriad of Weddings, Corporate and Social Events accommodate all requests large and small with a touch of class. With years of experience conceptualizing ideas, themes and budgets for all events, his capabilities and resources are endless in an effort to create memories that will last a lifetime.

    . . . . Hundreds of Dreams . . . Thousands of Details . . . Millions of Memories

    Contact F. Duncan Reyes Events by Design

40 Years of never-ending love and devotion, Cynthia and Boots Dinglasan exchanged their vows, witnessed by a loving circle of their families and friends at the Green Valley Country Club in Fairfield, California. One of the best parts of my job is being able to witness fantastic life moments through my Clients. It sure makes me feel pretty blessed to be able to do this. They are so sweet together, unmatched and they speak love to each other without saying anything. I absolutely love how they love! They are the kind of couple who always brings a smile to your face when you think of them. The kind of people who hugs everyone repeatedly. And like them, their friends and families were just as charming, beautiful and gracious. Humble, heartwarming, enthusiastic, fun and loving, these are all the key elements to a wonderful marriage. And for Cynthia and Boots, they embody all of them. It was a spectacular day filled with romance, magic and love . . . lots of it! Flawless and fabulous, just like them.

Congratulations once again to both of you . . . here’s to a Honeymoon that will last forever!

My extraordinary Wedding Vendors that made this Wedding even more amazing were:

Wedding Planning and Event Design: Duncan Reyes with Alex Barranco – F. Duncan Reyes Events By Design

Photography: Dennis Dizon Garcia – Studio Dizon

Cinematography: David Ethridge – AVR Films

Cake: Gabrielle Feuersinger – Cake Coquette

Catering and Venue: Marc Green, Olivia Brown and Kaitlyn Scott – Green Valley Country Club

Catering (Belichon – Rolled Roasted Pork Belly): Ima’s Kusina

Catering (Philippine Desserts): Red Ribbon Bakeshop

Entertainment (DJ): DJ Mark Haggerty and Sue Doyle – Denon & Doyle

Entertainment (String Quartet): Georgina Petheo – Bay Area All Strings & Brass

Floral Design: Crispy Luppino – Natalini Flowers by Crispy

Group Dance Choreography: Benjie Hisoler with Roselle Crandall and Julie Vergara

Hair & Make-Up: Jira Thevawongsakal – Jira Couture Salon

Hotel Accommodations: Teri lee – Homewood Suites by Hilton and Staybridge Suites Fairfield Napa Valley Area

Lighting Design: Cecil David Lossy – Magical Lighting

Printing & Stationeries: Jacques Oskanian and Munnie Tran – Hyegraph

Rentals: Irving Gonzales – Abbey Party Rents; Tanya Lopez – BBJ La Tavola; Kira Vollans – Bright Event Rentals

Once in a while, you come across someone that has an infectious smile … the one you envy … a smile that is always showing and full of joy.  If they smile at you, there’s no chance that you can’t help but smile back.  If you catch them smiling at each other, there’s no doubt in your heart that they are head over heels in love.  Nancy is one of those people, and David definitely brings it out in her.  And how can you not – he’s tall, dark and handsome and she’s got beautiful brown eyes that mesmerize.  It’s no wonder these two are perfect for each other.  And after more than a decade together, and graced with 2 beautiful children, DJ and Madison, their big day finally arrived with a glorious Wedding held at Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, followed by a stunningly gorgeous Reception at the historic Julia Morgan Ballroom at The Merchants Exchange.  It was a Wedding fit for royalty in all its magical splendor.

Through the eyes of their masterful photographer, Dennis Dizon Garcia with Studio Dizon, you can’t help but reminisce that memorable day through the incredible images he froze in time.  And to my superb “Wedding Dream Team” . . . you are all exceptional beyond words – talents unmatched like no other!

Finally, to my amazing couple, Nancy and David . . . sometimes it is hard to believe that somewhere there is someone waiting for you, but now you both know how inevitable it is and how beautiful fate could be.  May you carry all the colors of love, luck, care, hope and happiness that is in store for both of you, with a blissful life ahead.  Here’s to a Honeymoon that will continue to last forever!

Wedding Planning and Event Design: Duncan Reyes with Alex Barranco – F. Duncan Reyes Events By Design

Photography: Dennis Dizon Garcia – Studio Dizon

Cinematography: David Ethridge – AVR Films

Audio- Visual and Lighting: Walter Ryon – JMB Productions

Cake: Gabrielle Feuersinger – Cake Coquette

Catering, Production and Venue: Michael Angel Partida – Merchants Exchange Productions

Church: Mimi Ruiz – Cathedral of St. Mary the Assumption

DJ: Orlando Bermudez aka DJ Lando with Ramon Gonzalez – Lando Uno

Floral Designer: Crispy Luppino – Natalini Flowers by Crispy

Hair and Make-Up: Mireya Mata

Hotel Accommodations: Elaine Rothenhaus – The Omni San Francisco Hotel

Photobooth: Jeffrey Reyes – Now Ya Ngo

Rentals: Irving Gonzalez – Abbey Party Rents

Desi Estevez – Bright Event Rentals 

Saxophone Player: Justin Ward – Justin Ward Music

Transportation (Busses): Marcos Peña – Bauers IT

Transportation (Rolls Royce): Jed Quittaneh – Nationwide Limousine

Tuxedo: The Black Tux

Wedding Gown: Galia Lahav – Kinsley James Couture Bridal

One of the best parts of my job is being able to witness fantastic life moments through my clients, Mona & Dave.  It sure makes me feel pretty blessed to be able to do this! They are so sweet together, unmatched and they speak love to each other without saying anything. I absolutely love how they love.  They are the kind of couple who always brings a smile to your face when you think of them.  The kind of people who hugs everyone repeatedly.  And like them, their friends & families were just as charming, beautiful and gracious.

Humble, heartwarming, enthusiastic, fun and loving – these are all the key elements to a wonderful marriage.  And for Mona & Dave, they embody all of them.  It was a spectacular evening filled with romance, magic and love … lots of it. Flawless and fabulous, just like them!

Thanks to my “Wedding Dream Team” for helping me create the Wedding of their Dreams!

Wedding Planning and Event Design: Duncan Reyes and NeNe Nemenzo – F. Duncan Reyes Events By Design

Photography: Clane Gessel, Chloe Cahill and Suxiao Yang – Clane Gessel Photography

Catering and Hotel Accommodations: Jennifer Rowe and Kristy Liang-Barraza – The Fairmont San Francisco

Entertainment: DJ Jason Mitchell and DJ James “JJ” Smith – Last Wave Productions

Floral Design: Orna Maymon – Ornamento

Hair and Make-Up: Danielle Gamache

Patio Heaters: John Hayes – Patio Heaters R Us

Persian Desserts and Pastries: Kandoo Patisserie & Cafe

Persian Wedding Rice (Shirin Polo): Maykadeh Persian Cuisine

Printing and Stationeries: Jacques Oskanian and Munnie Tran – Hyegraph

Rentals: Noelle Pashby – Bright Event Rentals

Videography: Justin Ferrar and Georgina Szabo – Weddings On Film

Wedding Cake: Kelly Zubal – Inticing Creations

Wedding Gown: Galia Lahav at Kinsley James

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DAVID MERKOW + JORDAN SCHER

Photos by Clane Gessel with Clane Gessel Photography

Wedding Highlights Videography by David Ethridge of AVR Films

https://mediazilla.com/cnwbgbaG2?autoplay=1

WHEN THEY MET

This couple met in Chicago back in 2010. The groom was a professional golfer at the time and the bride was pursuing medical school. On May 5, 2010, David’s 25th birthday, he convinced Jordan to meet with him on a first “official” date. Although Jordan paid the tab (David always has to point out ‘it was his birthday!’, it was very clearly love at first sight and their relationship blossomed despite career changes, long distance, and attending different medical schools.

THE PROPOSAL

Jordan’s golden birthday was February 27, 2014. David had been planning to propose since October and had ample time to create the perfect engagement. On February 28, 2014, he had arranged for his family from Wisconsin and Baltimore, and her family from the San Francisco Bay Area, to fly out to Chicago where they were living together at the time to celebrate the proposal with them. David proposed by giving Jordan three gifts the day after her birthday – claiming that some gifts were “delayed by the mail.”  The first, a pillowcase with the phrase “Mr.” embroidered on the front, followed by “Mrs.” and then the ring in multiple boxes that Jordan had to unwrap. The ring itself was symbolic – David designed it to sit atop the letter “M,” the first initial of his last name. After the proposal David told Jordan that there were more surprises- family had flown in to celebrate. We all spent the weekend together at some of the couple’s favorite Chicago eateries.

View More: http://emiliajane.pass.us/jordan-david

MAZEL TOV, MR. & MRS. DAVID & JORDAN MERKOW!

WITH GRATITUDE

“My husband and I are both medical students across the country, so planning a wedding several time zones away was going to be challenging. Additionally, I am a self-described personality type “AAA” so I knew I wanted to be as involved as I could in the wedding planning process but also have someone on my team that I could entrust with all other details when my wedding could not be prioritized. As a thorough individual, I wanted to do my due diligence in researching a wedding planner who would protect my vision, understand my neuroses, and be flexible with a demanding schedule. In the end I made a spreadsheet of 46 wedding planners – spoke to most of them over the phone and eventually landed on Duncan Reyes. Duncan was truly the brains behind our entire wedding- not to mention a complete genius when it comes to knowing who’s who in the Bay Area wedding scene. In the end Duncan did so much more than plan our wedding; he introduced us to vendors that I never would have found, answered thousands of e-mails (responding to all of them with lightning speed!), and kept meticulous records of budgets, payments, and meetings. To those of you weighing whether or not to have a wedding planner – it was an absolute must for us and really allowed us to enjoy the wedding planning process and most importantly our wedding day. Duncan Reyes truly has our highest recommendation and is a pleasure to work with. He coordinated our wedding, dealt with crazy nuances (and personalities), and handled all stress and anxiety with poise and grace. Several weeks have gone by and we are still getting endless compliments on our wedding and wedding weekend. Duncan absolutely knows how to make YOUR special vision come to life in the most vibrant and fabulous form. Most importantly, my husband and I were beyond floored our wedding day and would not have changed a thing.” – Jordan Scher Merkow

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THE “DREAM TEAM”

“It was crucial to have vendors that I trusted and could be myself with. The wedding planning and photography were two areas that I really cared about – and I am thrilled that throughout the planning and the wedding I really feel like both the photographer and planner are true friends. On the actual wedding it was great to see the dance floor packed and people inhale their appetizers and dinner – so clearly a major applause must go to the entertainment (strings, band and DJ) along with the catering team. What left me the most speechless were our florals, they are absolutely breathtaking and completely magical. David is most excited about seeing our wedding video, and we have loved getting to know our videographer Dave Etheridge throughout the past year as well. We’ve been so lucky with our vendors!” — Jordan Scher Merkow

Wedding Planning & Event Design  |  Duncan Reyes along with his Wedding Associates Halina Brown, Heather Vaughan and Tam Garner – F. Duncan Reyes Events By Design

Bridesmaids’ Dresses  |  Monique Lhuillier

Cake  |  Gabrielle Feuersinger – Cake Coquette

Cake Pops  |  Lauren Martin – Sweet Lauren Cakes

Catering  |  Jane Hammond, Ceanna Stephens, Naomi Ages – Jane Hammond Events

Choreography  |  Cynthia Glinka

Shriver Chair Rentals  |  Beverly Yip – Especially Yours Chair Covers & Rentals

Entertainment (12-Piece Band)  |  Dick Bright – Dick Bright & His Orchestra

Entertainment (DJ)  |  Jason Mitchell – Gatsby Entertainment

Entertainment (String Quartet)  |  Su Buchignani – Golden Gate String Quartet

Floral Design  |  Jeeryn Dang – Tanjeeryn Designs

Hair & Make-Up  |  Sherrie Long

Honeymoon Travel Agency  |  Amy Tam – Planet Hoppers

Hotel Accommodations (Wedding)  |  Stephanie Otter – The Fairmont San Francisco

Hotel Accommodations (Honeymoon)  |  The Resort at Pedregal

Jewelry (Engagement & Wedding)  |  Douglas Jeweler

Jewelry (Bride’s)  |  Family Heirlooms

Ketubah  |  Alexandra Mink

Lighting Design & Drapery  |  Michael Kuhlmann – Got Light?

Men’s Grooming Services  |  Julie Moore

Officiant  |  Carolyn Sorensen Balling (Aunt of the Bride)

Photography  |  Clane Gessel, Alex Lexson, Danielle Barnum and Marie Normandin – Clane Gessel Photography

Post-Wedding Brunch  |  Stephanie Otter – The Fairmont San Francisco

Specialty Linens & Napkins  |  Diana Cardenas – Napa Valley Linens

Tablescape Rentals & Specialty Linens  |  Mindy Roark-Aldridge and Nicole D’Andrea – Classic Party Rentals San Francisco

Transportation (For the Welcome Reception)  |  Jennifer Jaciw and Aisha Best – Lone Star Transportation

Transportation (For the Wedding Party & Families)  |  Jeff Thorpe – Classic Cable Car Charters

Transportation (For the Bride & Groom)  |  Carl Payne – Carl Payne Rolls Royces

Tuxedo Rentals & Sales  |  Michael Davenport – Black Tie Tuxedos

Tuxedo (Groom’s)  |  Hugo Boss

Venue (Rehearsal Dinner)  |  Casey Hunt – Waterbar

Venue (Wedding Ceremony, Cocktail Reception and Dinner/Dance)  |  Jim Bruels and Diane Lo – The Bently Reserve

Videography  |  David Ethridge, Jim Snow, Phil Sheffield and Noah Clark – AVR Films

Wedding Invitations  |  Paper on Pine

Wedding “Day Of” Stationeries  |  Mercurio Brothers Printing

Wedding Gown Design & Veil  |  Mark Zunino

Wedding Shoes (Bride)  |  Manolo Blanik

Wedding Website  |  Riley and Grey

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To Jordan & David,

So many paths to choose from — yet a moment here, a different turn there, and you may never have met to experience a love so right!  Isn’t it amazing the way life works?  Here’s wishing each new day finds your hearts closer, your lives fuller, your love deeper.  May your love bloom brighter and your companionship grow sweeter with each passing year.  To a beautiful life together!” 

MARC AARON GOULD AND REBECCA BLAIRE HORTON

MAZEL TOV to the new “Mr. & Mrs. Marc & Rebecca Gould” who tied the knot in the Imperial Floor of the historic Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco.

One of the best parts of my job is being able to witness fantastic life moments through my clients, Marc Gould and Rebecca Horton.  It sure makes me feel pretty blessed to be able to do this!  They are so sweet together, unmatched and they speak love to each other without saying anything.  I absolutely love how they love.  They are the kind of couple who always brings a smile to your face when you think of them.  The kind of people who hugs everyone repeatedly.  The fact that they have been together for over 13 years since grade school is a testimony in itself of their love and devotion for each other.  And like them, their friends & families were just as charming, beautiful and gracious.

My sincerest gratitude to an amazing group of talented wedding professionals who helped me create for them their dream wedding.  Because I am only as good as the People I work with.  BRAVO!!!

MY DREAM TEAM

Wedding Planning & Event Design  |  Duncan Reyes and Amanda Peralta – F. Duncan Reyes Events By Design

Photography  |  Clane Gessel and Linda Tran – Clane Gessel Photography

Cake  |  Susan Morgan – Elegant Cheesecakes

Catering, Hotel Accommodations, Ceremony and Reception Venues  |  Selma Santoyo – The Westin St. Francis

Chuppah  |  Carol Attia – Under The Chuppah

Choregoraphy (First Dance)  |  Cynthia Glinka – Dance With Glinka

Entertainment (Engagement Party)  |  Mike McCall – Montara Music

Entertainment (Ceremony Music & Sound, DJ & Lighting)  |  Jason Mitchell – Gatsby Entertainment

Entertainment (7-piece Band)  |  Green Light Band c/o Jason Mitchell – Gatsby Entertainment

Floral Design  |  Katharina Stuart – Katharina Stuart Floral Art and Design

Hair and Make-Up  |  Jira – Jira Couture Salon

Hotel Accommodations (Overflow)  |  Lauren Vojvoda – Sir Francis Drake Hotel

Officiant  |  Cantor Linda Hirschhorn

Printing & Stationeries  |  Jacques Oskanian and Munnie Tran – Hyegraph

Rentals (Specialty Linens)  |  Diana Cardenas – Napa Valley Linens

Tuxedo Rentals & Sales  |  Michael Davenport – Black Tie Tuxedos

Venue (Engagement Party)  |  Alexis Garhammer – Claremont Club and Spa – A Fairmont Hotel

Venue (Rehearsal Dinner)  |  Michelle Cheng – Le Colonial

Videography  |  Dakota Baylacq – Thomas Hughes Films

10525717_10203280276942161_8610174773378063698_nSTEF YBARRA & MATTHEW ARCHAMBAULT

It was a picture-perfect day, replete with sunny and blue skies, followed by a romantic sunset, then a full moon to end their magical evening.  Their celebration was full of love and great energy – what a wonderful way to start a fabulous new life together.

” It goes without saying, but THANK YOU again for everything pre/during/post-Wedding.  You truly were our Fearless Leader during the whole process and would not have been able to pull everything off without your guidance. ” — Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Archambault (Bride & Groom)

Wedding Planning & Event Design:  Duncan Reyes & Heather Vaughan, F. Duncan Reyes Events By Design

Photography:  Brian MacStay, Scott Mosher & Barbara Yasuhara, Brian MacStay Photography

Beverage Catering:  Amanda Krentz, BevMo (Santa Rosa)

Cake:  Andrea Koweek, Crisp Bake Shop

Catering:  Laura Dunn, The Girl & The Fig

Entertainment:  Ceremony String Trio – Prohibition Strings c/o Jason Mitchell, Gatsby Entertainment

Entertainment:  Ceremony Sound & Reception DJ:  Jason Mitchell, Gatsby Entertainment

Floral Design:  Jeeryn Dang, Tanjeeryn Designs

Hair & Make-Up:  DeeAnna Reese, It’s A Date In The Powder Room

Hotel Accommodations:  Judith Perkins, The Westin Verasa Napa

Lighting Design:  Stefania Contreras, Atmosphere Lighting

Officiant:  Gary Engnes (Friend of the Bride & Groom)

Printing & Stationeries:  Minted

Rentals:  Julia Wojciechowsky, Wine Country Party & Events

Transportation:  Christina Wall, Beau Wine Tours

Venue (Ceremony & Reception):  Brooke Clemens-Mrella, Gundlach Bundschu Winery

Venue (Parents’ Chef’s Table Dinner):  Judith Perkins, La Toque at The Westin Verasa Napa

Venue (Post-Wedding Brunch):  Judith Perkins, The Westin Verasa Napa

Venue (Welcome Reception):  Jonathan Wendorf, Torc

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