Marilyn and Spencer
These Contra Costa, California, natives met in 2002, when both worked at a women's clothing store. Marilyn, who's in retail sales, thought Spencer "was a horrible employee, but the nicest man I'd ever met." Although she kept urging her manager to let him go, when Spencer asked her to dinner, Marilyn accepted, and soon found herself vacationing with his family in France.
About seven years later, Spencer gave her a Tiffany & Co. diamond, and to celebrate their long, winding road to matrimony, they planned a French-country-style affair for 70 guests at a wine estate.
Stone Cold Beauty
Spencer and Marilyn were snapped in the front of Anderson Ranch's immaculately renovated two-story barn, fashioned from Sonoma fieldstone and old-growth redwood. The groom, in Dolce & Gabbana, held hands with his bride, who wore a Vera Wang gown.
Shoots That Score
Marilyn's bouquet of loose sweet pea, clematis, and other garden-picked tendrils were wrapped in knotted hemp trim and overlayed with French lace streamers. Most of the flowers were sourced locally from the Sonoma area.
Bountiful Bundle
The maid of honor's bouquet was a lush bundle of Fair Bianca roses, one heirloom caramel-toned rose, sweet peas, and spirea.
Vows with a View
The 5 P.M. hilltop ceremony offered lovely light and spectacular views of the countryside.
Meaningful Connection
Small scrolls of butcher paper printed with each guest's name linked the glasses set out for red and white wine.
Seats of Honor
Garlands of pittosborum and bay leaves were draped around the couple's chairs.
Stunning Centerpieces
Centerpieces of clematis vine, popcorn viburnum, garden roses, and hawthorne and olive greens were arranged in cement vessels.
Dining in Nature
Guests ate at long wooden tables on a stone patio beneath towering redwood trees. Dinner was followed by a rockin' dance party as Champagne—and Spencer's favorite hot chocolate—flowed.
Beautiful Blooms
Ombré wood vessels holding solo heirloom roses adorned the guest-book table.
Tasty Tiers
Buttercream frosting covered three different layers of wedding cake crafted by Sweet on Cake: strawberries and cream with lemon curd, caramel-toffee fudge, and red velvet.
Vintage Appeal
Guests sent wishes on notes that they slipped into a French wine riddling rack provided by French antique store Chateau Sonoma.
Classy Getaway
Vintage car buff Spencer rented a 1959 Silver Cloud Rolls-Royce as their getaway transport.
Sources
Photography: Jose Villa
Location: Anderson Ranch Event
Planning: Rosemary Hattenbach of Rosemary Events
Event Design and Flowers: Kate Holt of Flower Wild
Catering: Ramekins Culinary School
Officiant: Dan Melligan
Stationery: Bella Figura
Calligraphy: Neither Snow
Music: Ever Music Group; DJ Goyo
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Hair and Makeup: Mar R. of Team Hair & Makeup
Cinematography: Joel Serrato Films
Rentals: La Tavola Fine Linen
Wine: Country Party
Bride's accessories: Haute Bride earrings and bracelet; Valentino shoes
Transportation: Nationwide Limousine Service
Lighting: Twilight Design
There's More!
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