Joey and Jeff
Joey Wieczorek and Jeff Davidson were acquaintances in high school but traveled in very different crowds. They ended up at the same college (she for medicine and he for law) and it was there, in the school's library, that Jeff asked her out. Three years later, the Chicago-based pair (she's now an emergency-medicine resident; he's a lawyer) invited 200 friends and family to their September 4, 2011, nuptials in California's wine country.
The Invitation
The couple saw a hand-stitched save-the-date on a blog and used it as inspiration for their invitations and day-of stationery.
The Location
"When my mom and I visited Durham Ranch she said, 'I think we just found the place you're going to get married,'" Joey recalls. The St. Helena, California, property, a former cattle ranch, boasts picturesque white fencing, olive groves, and a poolside barn. It was the perfect setting for their late-summer big day.
The Bouquets
The bridesmaids carried bouquets of garden roses, dusty miller, hydrangeas, and gardenias. Lavender was added to to the mix in Joey's, for a subtle pop of color.
Portraits
Before the ceremony, photographer Sasha Gulish captured the couple under a beautiful tree.
The Fashions
Joey wore a Monique Lhuillier gown accessorized with Guiseppe Zanotti shoes, Jill Alberts earrings, and her mother's veil. Jeff chose a Phineas Cole Paul Stuart suit and J.Crew bow tie.
The bridesmaids donned Amsale gowns from Bella Bridesmaid, and the groomsmen sported matching J.Crew bowties.
Pre-Ceremony Libations
Upon arrival, guests were greeted with lavender-garnished glasses of fresh-squeezed lemonade.
The Programs
Joey's cousin, Helen, stitched together the programs, and her mom, Marla, rubber-stamped them. "They had so much fun doing it, and have created a small business called The Detailed Event," says the bride. The crafty duo also worked magic on the ring pillow, menu cards, and favor bags.
The Ring Pillow
Marla and Helen constructed this rustic tuft out of burlap and stitched it up with contrasting thread.
A Walk to Remember
Old milk bottles filled with flowers were placed along the aisle.
The Ceremony
The bride and groom exchanged vows under a huppah of birch branches and passionflower vines.
The Eloquence String Quartet played the theme song from "Out of Africa" and Adele's "Can You Feel My Love" as the bridal party went down the aisle. When Joey entered, on the arms of her parents, they struck up "Falling Slowly" from the movie "Once."
Great Grandpas
Jeff's grandfather, Lee Warren, and Joey's, Edmond Wieczorek, enjoying cocktail hour.
Cocktail Hour Fare
Miniature paper-thin wonton cones filled with ahi tuna tartare, wasabi cream, and wasabi tobiko caviar were one of the appetizers passed around.
Cocktail Hour Fare
Organic chicken with lemon and avocado creme fraiche in a crisp rice-paper cup was another hors d'oeuvre favorite.
Cocktail Hour Fare
Sweet corn beggars' purses with poblano chiles were tied with chives.
Beautiful Blooms
A large arrangement of Queen Anne's lace, dusty miller, and succulents anchored the bar.
Cocktail Hour Decor
Bistro chairs surrounded small tables that were decorated with burlap-covered vases filled with dusty miller and roses.
All in the Family
Jeff's twin niece and nephew enjoy time with his mother, Martha Davidson. Maddie served as flower girl and wore an US Angels dress. Max made a dapper ring bearer in a Crewcuts seersucker suit and MossTies bowtie.
Escort Cards
Calligraphed tags, displayed in shutters, served as escort cards.
The Place Settings
On top of each napkin was a rubber-stamped linen bag filled with one of the couple's favorite sweets: chocolate-covered cherries.
The Centerpieces
White hydrangeas, dusty miller, blue succulents, and David Austin garden roses were placed on a double runner of lace and burlap.
The Lighting
Vintage birdcage fixtures from Artefact Design and Salvage were whitewashed by Got Light and refashioned into chandeliers for the reception.
Dinner
Paula LeDuc Fine Catering created a menu featuring lobster bisque, tender greens with oven-cured tomatoes, beef tenderloin, and brown butter-bronzed halibut with a saute of Coachella corn, wild mushrooms, pea leaves, and small rosti potatoes. Jemrose Vineyards wines complemented the meal.
First Dance
"Home," a song by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, was chosen for the newlyweds' first dance.
Dancing
Later in the evening, the bride and her father, Dennis, danced to Kool and the Gang's "Joanna," -- the song they danced to when Joey was a child. Halfway through, Jeff and his mother, Martha, joined in.
The Favors
Guests received Garrett popcorn -- the couple is from Chicago, after all -- and boxes of Dan's Minocqua Fudge (the groom's family has a summer home in the Wisconsin town where it's made) as parting gifts.
The Cake
Amber McKenney at Sweet on Cake created a hand-rolled fondant-ruffle-covered cake with three flavored tiers: red velvet, chocolate truffle, and banana.
Sources
Photography: Weddings by Sasha Gulish
Videography: Video Basico
Catering: Paula LeDuc Fine Catering
Cake: Sweet On Cake
Hair: Paul Rehder of Paul Rehder Salon, 312-943-7404
Makeup: Nicole Jacob
Engagement Ring and Bride's Wedding Band: Christopher Duquet
Groom's Wedding Band: Marshall Pierce & Co.
Officiant: Rabbi Jonathan Jaffe of Temple Emanu-El
Entertainment: Eloquence String Quartet (ceremony); Keith Johnson All Stars (reception)
Floral and Event Design: Atelier Joya
Venue: Durham Ranch
Wedding Planner: Shannon Leahy Events
Stationer: Invitation Creations, Inc.