Heather and Christian
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.
The Fashions
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.
The Bride's Bouquet
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!'"
The Boutonniere
A sprig of lily of the valley and a faux gold leaf gave Christian's lapels a special touch.
The Bride's Ride
Heather arrived in her own modern-day carriage: a vintage Rolls Royce.
The Venue
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.
Welcome Wreath
Heather, a one-time florist, opted for all white blossoms.
Ceremony Markers
Peonies, variegated bush ivy, and double tulips sprouted from stone urns.
The Ceremony
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."
Sounds of Celebration
Guests rang wedding bells, placed on each chair, during the newlyweds' recessional.
Family Affair
A square of Heather's mother's (left) wedding dress was sewn inside the bride's gown.
The Reception
Buttery yellow linens and crisp white flowers created a soft, inviting atmosphere.
Arrangements
Lemons gave cloud-like clusters of white freesias and hydrangeas a sunny pop.
Escort Cards
Paper leaves inscribed with guests' names were tied to an array of different flower stems.
The Bar
Hand-drawn signs from calligrapher E. Danae called out the signature cocktails: Dirty martinis (Christian's pick) and Bellinis (Heather's favorite).
Menu Cards
Stately flourishes reflected the mansion's Beaux-Arts architecture.
The Cake
A German toy--a nod to Christian's heritage--topped a lemon cake filled and iced with vanilla buttercream.
The Band
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.
Sources
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