Lauren and Conor
It wasn't until 13 years after Lauren and Conor met as sixth-graders, when both had finished college and returned to the Bay area, that their friendship turned romantic. Conor proposed on a vacation in 2010, and the two waited a while to get married, choosing a date when their favorite wedding band was available. After deciding on Annadel Estate Winery in the Sonoma Valley, they planned an outdoor celebration filled with delicious food, lush tabletops, and plenty of dancing.
Lauren, who paired her Rivini gown with her mother's vintage pearls, and her groom, in Canali, were all smiles with their attendants pre-ceremony.
Garden Fresh Bouquets
Bridesmaids toted roses from the winery's garden.
Big Day 'Do
Lauren "unveiled" after the ceremony, showing off two perfectly placed freesia blossoms.
Family Affair
Lauren's sister (here with her family) served as a bridesmaid, while her 3-year-old niece took on flower-girl duties.
Mobile Charm
The bride's 3-year-old niece pulled a flower-and-fruit-filled wagon down the aisle. When she finally reached the altar, everyone cheered.
The Vows
Canopies shaded the 130 guests, while a picturesque oak had the couple covered.
Cocktail Hour
While a bluegrass band played, waiters passed hors d'oeuvres, including crab cakes with herb aioli.
Handmade Signs
Lauren and her dad made "L" and "C" initials using stakes from an old fence.
Seating Display
Wire letters were nailed to repurposed wooden gate doors. "We assigned tables, but let people sit in any seat they wanted," says Lauren.
The Setting
Guests dined alfresco at rustic farm tables under sun-shielding umbrellas. The dinner scene included a mix of seating, alternating long, wooden farm tables with linen-covered spaces for four, and canopies shielded guests from the California sun.
Trailing Tabletops
Overflowing urns of English roses and trailing blackberry and clematis vines helped set the scene, and persimmons anchored napkins and menus to chargers.
On the Menu
A single persimmon sat atop each menu. The meal was served family-style, with passed platters of roasted pork loin, fresh shell-bean gratins, plates of roasted peppers of all types, and "bowls of herbaceous salsa verde to slather all over everything," says Lauren. "It was everything I love—people sitting around big tables with wine and food laughing and talking."
Bottoms Up!
Guests were able to grab a cold one while a bluegrass duo provided a live soundtrack.
Photo Op
A 1977 Harley-Davidson provided a prime spot for pics (and kisses).
Well Wishes
Celebrants were encouraged to jot down notes for the newlyweds on a framed poster that announced their good news.
Burlap Favors
To thank their guests, Lauren hand-stitched hearts onto mini burlap sacks and filled them with pistachios.
Sources
Photography: Sylvie Gil Photography
Location: Annadel Estate Winery
Event Planning and Design: Rebecca Reátegui Weddings & Special Events
Catering and Desserts: Paula LeDuc Fine Catering
Flowers: Max Gill Design
Music: The Elan Trio (ceremony); The Saddle Cats Duo (cocktail hour); Pride & Joy (reception)
Stationery: Janel Claire Design
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Ceremony Sound: Aaron Long Music (707-303-6462)
Veil: Toni Federici
Hair and Makeup: It's a Date at the Powder Room
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bill Levkoff
Groomsmen Suits: Kenneth Cole
Photo Booth: San Francisco Photo Booth
Wagon and Wood: Farmyard Darlings