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

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

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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.

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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.

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The Bride's Bouquet

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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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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

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

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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.

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Welcome Wreath

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

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Ceremony Markers

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

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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."

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Sounds of Celebration

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

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Family Affair

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

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Arrangements

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

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Escort Cards

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

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The Cake

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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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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

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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