A Formal Ballroom Wedding in a Historic Mansion in San Francisco, California

Heather and Christian

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Lisa Lefkowitz

After connecting through the personals section of the humor website The Onion, Heather and Christian met up in San Francisco in 2005. Before the end of the first date, Christian asked for a second, and Heather felt the connection as well. "I liked how genuine he was. He was very honest with the fact that he liked me," she says.

Following Christian's romantic beach proposal four years later, the couple tied the knot at a San Francisco mansion that combined stately style with whimsical charm.

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The Fashions

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Lisa Lefkowitz

Christian sported a bespoke Giorgio Armani Black Label tuxedo. "He tried on more options than I did!" says Heather, who wore a strapless Oscar de la Renta gown.

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The Bride's Bouquet

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Lisa Lefkowitz

Heather carried a giant cluster of white sweetpeas tied with a 1940s ribbon. "I couldn't stop smelling them," she says. "One of my guests said, 'I've never seen a bride enjoy her flowers more!'"

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The Boutonniere

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Lisa Lefkowitz

A sprig of lily of the valley and a faux gold leaf gave Christian's lapels a special touch.

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The Bride's Ride

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Lisa Lefkowitz

Heather arrived in her own modern-day carriage: a vintage Rolls Royce.

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The Venue

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Lisa Lefkowitz

Whimsical touches balanced the couple's grand 150-person fete at a mansion overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. The mansion's courtyard was the setting for both the vows and the cocktail hour.

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Welcome Wreath

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Lisa Lefkowitz

Heather, a one-time florist, opted for all white blossoms.

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Ceremony Markers

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Lisa Lefkowitz

Peonies, variegated bush ivy, and double tulips sprouted from stone urns.

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The Ceremony

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Lisa Lefkowitz

Before handing his daughter over to Christian, Heather's father offered the groom this advice: "As long as you're going in the same direction together as a team, you're unstoppable."

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Sounds of Celebration

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Lisa Lefkowitz

Guests rang wedding bells, placed on each chair, during the newlyweds' recessional.

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Family Affair

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Lisa Lefkowitz

A square of Heather's mother's (left) wedding dress was sewn inside the bride's gown.

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The Reception

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Lisa Lefkowitz

Buttery yellow linens and crisp white flowers created a soft, inviting atmosphere.

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Arrangements

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Lisa Lefkowitz

Lemons gave cloud-like clusters of white freesias and hydrangeas a sunny pop.

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Escort Cards

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Lisa Lefkowitz

Paper leaves inscribed with guests' names were tied to an array of different flower stems.

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The Bar

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Lisa Lefkowitz

Hand-drawn signs from calligrapher E. Danae called out the signature cocktails: Dirty martinis (Christian's pick) and Bellinis (Heather's favorite).

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Menu Cards

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Lisa Lefkowitz

Stately flourishes reflected the mansion's Beaux-Arts architecture.

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The Cake

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Lisa Lefkowitz

A German toy--a nod to Christian's heritage--topped a lemon cake filled and iced with vanilla buttercream.

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The Band

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Lisa Lefkowitz

Hank Maninger, lead singer of the swing band Stompy Jones, crooned away at the couple's reception. "They were the first group I saw live and danced to as an undergrad," says Heather. "They were memorable to me, and I kept running into them over the years." As a nod to their wedding locale, the couple chose the song "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" for their first dance.

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Sources

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Lisa Lefkowitz

Location: James Leary Flood Mansion

Flowers: Sharla Flock Designs

Photography: Lisa Lefkowitz

Stationery: Lab Partners for Hello! Lucky

Menu: Wedding Paper Divas

Calligraphy: E. Danae Calligraphy

Cake: Cake Coquette

Catering: Knight's Catering

Cake Topper: Ruby Lane

Music: ceremony, Synchronicity; reception, Stompy Jones

Lighting: Got Light?

Hair and Makeup: Sherrie Long

Bride's Gown, Shoes, and Veil: Oscar de la Renta

Bride's Jewelry: Bony Levy

Bridesmaid Dresses: Coren Moore from Bella Bridesmaid

Groom's Attire: Armani Black Label Bespoke tuxedo, Thomas Pink shirt and cuff links

Valet: Soiree Valet

Transportation: Classic Cable Car; limousines, Nationwide Limousine Services

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