A couple very mindful of their cultural and religious traditions – AND of family tradition! They got married in exactly the same spot where the bride’s parents had tied the knot, 35 years prior. Only difference: this time the weather was much better!
The “spot” was Thomas Fogarty Winery, an elegant event venue perched on a ridge high above Silicon Valley, with endless views to the San Francisco skyline, and surrounded by producing vineyards – the wines from these vineyards were, of course, served at the celebration!
But I am getting ahead of myself…
After a year of planning with my company, A Day Like No Other, the big day had finally arrived.
After hair and makeup styling at her parents’ home, Sarah was driven to Fogarty Winery where she would dress up and present herself to her future husband officially for the first time – a “First Look.”
The quintessential mother-daughter moment with the mother preparing her daughter for getting married.
Florist Janelle Jacky-Litt of Green Petal Designs provided Sarah with her bridal bouquet…
… in elegant white-on-white, textured and with a feminine softness – and there she is in all her finery!
Groom Justin, meanwhile, was also getting ready for the big moment, supported by his brother and the other groomsmen.
Immediately after their First Look on a balcony overlooking the vineyards and the valley, Sarah and Justin read their personal vows to each other – a very tender and unforgettable moment for both of them.
While both were taking lots and lots of photos with photographer extraordinaire Gavin Farrington and his assistant Paula, all the other vendor teams were hard at work with preparations.
The ceremony area was set up with chairs, a chuppah and lavish floral decor (by Green Petal Designs),
Immediately preceding the wedding ceremony, the couple signed their ketubah.
My assistant Quan and I set up the elegant WELCOME sign that the artistically gifted bride had created herself, along with all other wedding stationery; and there were a myriad of other details to take care of…
The team of Culinary Eye Catering set the tables in the open Pavilion, DJ .Zhaldee of Entourage Events was setting up sound systems, Rabbi Debbie Pine arrived for the ceremony, and violinist Joyce Lee got settled to accompany this ceremony with classical tunes.
Guests arrived via shuttle buses (from Corinthian Ground Transportation), and soon we were ready for the long-anticipated, big moment. Here comes the bride!
After a traditional (but light-hearted!) Jewish ceremony…
… Sarah and Justin broke a glass, also per tradition …
… and were declared “husband and wife.”
Just married!! And soooo happy…
Next? More photos, of course – and cocktails and hors d’oeuvres (by Culinary Eye Catering) …
… for the guests who were asked to write their well-wishes and messages for the newlyweds on vintage travel postcards, to be gathered into a keepsake album.
“Travel” was a big theme at this wedding as this is the couple’s shared passion – they got engaged in Kenya, for starters! And that’s why tables were named after some of their favorite destinations, “Nairobi” rubbing shoulders with “San Francisco…” and “Cancun” with “Tahoe!”
Sarah and Justin used the time not only for many more portraits…
… but also to rehearse their choreographed First Dance one more time.
Dinner time! Guests found their assigned tables on a mirrored seating chart…
Dinner was set up in the open Pavilion…
The table settings were elegant…
… and the food (by Culinary Eye Catering) incredible.
The couple opened dinner with their Grand Entrance and…
… subsequent First Dance…
… and after dinner, it was only dessert …
… and more dancing!
Of course, the newlyweds had their traditional Jewish Hora Dance during which they were hoisted high up above the dancing crowd in jubilation.
As a nod to their beloved cat Lorraine who sadly could not participate in the celebration, all guests got a custom “Lorraine” t-shirt as a present!
What a day, and what a night… Congratulations and a long, happy life together to Sarah and Justin!