In the Moment: Eating

When we began our recaps, I asked everyone what they'd like to see and hear. Cat, one of our friends who got married a couple of months before us, requested that we share what went surprisingly right. Today I share a few more things that went surprisingly right:

1. The food was delicious.
2. Everyone was able to eat something, no one went away hungry.
3. We had enough for everyone with voracious appetites to go back for seconds and to try both main entrees.
4. The bride and groom got to eat - not just a small plate, but seconds as well.

Chef Mike of Cafe du Nord was fantastic to work with. Where we had contacted other caterers and they'd been unwilling to remove dairy (butter) from sauces and sautes, Chef Mike had no problem. He also prepared a Vegan Lasagna, added at the last minute when we got a final count for our Vegan friends. My first "What We Did" post counting down our final week as an engaged couple highlighted our food plans and even now I'm amazed at our wedding dinner. So without further ado, here are the photos of our food. I'm really sorry that Smell-O-Vision hasn't been invented yet because the food not only looked great and tasted phenomenal, it smelled wonderful.

Cross Rib Beef Roast with Cabernet Black Pepper Jus

Roasted Chicken Breast with Lemon Caper Sauce

Roasted Chicken Breast with Lemon Caper Sauce

High Summer Squashes Sauteed with Herbs and Garlic

Gourmet Mixed Green Salad with Roasted Pecans and a Balsamic Vinaigrette

Iris and Cherie share a laugh, photographed by Vanessa Naylon

The Buffet Line, photographed by Jessica Palopoli

From right to left: Nifer and Colin, photographed by Vanessa Naylon

J demonstrates "San Frasocializing," photographed by Vanessa Naylon

Our usher and official Tweeter, Roland, models his gift - a vintage Trav-L-Bar,
personally stocked by Bri, photographed by Vanessa Naylon

Cianna and Nelz wait for their table to be called to dinner, photographed by Vanessa Naylon

When we continue next week, we'll be toasting! (And I'll reveal why we were absent from this recap and why when we return I'm wearing a cocktail dress.) Our story so far:

• The girls came over to our place to get ready.
• I shared my dress with the girls for a real first look.
• We bungled our first look.
• Highlighted my dress and how it almost didn't happen.
• We enjoyed some down time.
• cubes and I took our turn in the spotlight for our portraits.
• The bridespeople get herded for photos.
• Socks captured!
• The groomspeople get herded for photos.
• The wedding party struck a pose.
• I get veiled.
• The best man and Diva of Honor signed our marriage license.
• In turn, our witnesses, cubes and I, and our rabbi signed our ketubah.
• Family congratulated us while we waited for ceremony time.
• Then the chuppah was readied.
• The Rabbi and the chuppah proceeded down the aisle.
• Our grandmothers, cubes' attendants, and cubes walked down the aisle.
• The girls went next, and then it was my turn and I walked down the aisle with my parents.
• Once we were both at the chuppah, it was time to get married!
• We each stepped on a glass.
• We kissed.
• We receive our first standing ovation.
• We toasted with our wedding party.
• Our guests sipped signature drinks and nibbled passed appetizers.
• We crashed our own reception.
• Our wedding party was introduced.
• We returned to a another standing ovation.

Credits: All photographs unless noted otherwise were taken by Jessica Palopoli or Vanessa Naylon. Bride's dress: Vintage I.Magnin, reconstructed by Miss Velvet Cream. Bride's and Girls' makeup by Guille of The Lobby Salon. Bride's and Girls' hair styled by Catherine Walters. Bride's hair color and cut by John Skinner and Louise Frost of CODE Salon, respectively. Groom's hair by Cindy Lopez of Azure Salon. Groom's suit: Vintage Gucci from Sui Generis, reconstructed by Miss Velvet Cream. Girls' dresses: Adrianna Papell from Nordstrom and Macy*s. Girls' necklaces: GemKitty. Boys' ties: Express. Boys' shirts: Proper Cloth. Catering by Cafe du Nord.

In the Moment: Walking In to a Standing Ovation

And then it was our turn to enter the reception. (In case you're curious where my purse went to, as we were about to go in, I realized I was carrying a purse and looked to Brittani. She quietly placed it at our table so that I could walk in hands free.)

Unlike the processional, we were able to stand at the door - open - and watch our wedding party saunter across the floor. Like so many elements of the day this wasn't really planned - other than the wedding party would be announced. It was great to be able to let events unfold. I didn't realize how many little things I'd overlooked. Brittani and her assistant were able to keep things flowing and make the day we dreamed about a reality.

As our names were announced a roar of applause rises up. Photograph by Vanessa Naylon.

cubes and I step out together with our right feet. This was totally not planned.

Photograph by Vanessa Naylon.

We'd end by joining our wedding party on the stage. Again unplanned. For some strange reason the impulse to have us all join hands and take a bow struck me. And that's what we did, we linked hands, raised our hands and bowed. We were a little uneven but the smiles on our faces more than made up for the improvisation. 

If you're just joining, here's our story so far:

• The girls came over to our place to get ready.
• I shared my dress with the girls for a real first look.
• We bungled our first look.
• Highlighted my dress and how it almost didn't happen.
• We enjoyed some down time.
• cubes and I took our turn in the spotlight for our portraits.
• The bridespeople get herded for photos.
• Socks captured!
• The groomspeople get herded for photos.
• The wedding party struck a pose.
• I get veiled.
• The best man and Diva of Honor signed our marriage license.
• In turn, our witnesses, cubes and I, and our rabbi signed our ketubah.
• Family congratulated us while we waited for ceremony time.
• Then the chuppah was readied.
• The Rabbi and the chuppah proceeded down the aisle.
• Our grandmothers, cubes' attendants, and cubes walked down the aisle.
• The girls went next, and then it was my turn and I walked down the aisle with my parents.
• Once we were both at the chuppah, it was time to get married!
• We each stepped on a glass.
• We kissed.
• We receive our first standing ovation.
• We toasted with our wedding party.
• Our guests sipped signature drinks and nibbled passed appetizers.
• We crashed our own reception.
• Our wedding party was introduced.

Credits: All photographs unless noted otherwise were taken by Jessica Palopoli. Bride's dress: Vintage I.Magnin, reconstructed by Miss Velvet Cream. Bride's and Girls' makeup by Guille of The Lobby Salon. Bride's and Girls' hair styled by Catherine Walters. Bride's hair color and cut by John Skinner and Louise Frost of CODE Salon, respectively. Groom's hair by Cindy Lopez of Azure Salon. Groom's suit: Vintage Gucci from Sui Generis, reconstructed by Miss Velvet Cream. Girls' dresses: Adrianna Papell from Nordstrom and Macy*s. Girls' necklaces: GemKitty. Boys' ties: Express. Boys' shirts: Proper Cloth.

In the Moment: Announcing our Wedding Party

Groomsman Steve Gonzales and Bridesman Brian Herbek lead off.

You might have been wondering what hijinx we were up to in the last recap. Last June our dear friends - and members of our wedding party - Ames and Steve, Bri and Helen were married. Bri suggested and cubes and I immediately agreed that we switch up the couples. I forget exactly how they were announced, but all took it in stride and played to the crowd.

Groomsmaid Helen Herbek and Diva of Honor Ames Abascal dance across the floor as they're announced. Photograph by Vanessa Naylon.

Best man Todd Silverstein and Bridesmaid Monica Fine

Later this morning, cubes and I will walk into Freja Hall to a standing ovation. If you're just joining, here's our story so far:

• The girls came over to our place to get ready.
• I shared my dress with the girls for a real first look.
• We bungled our first look.
• Highlighted my dress and how it almost didn't happen.
• We enjoyed some down time.
• cubes and I took our turn in the spotlight for our portraits.
• The bridespeople get herded for photos.
• Socks captured!
• The groomspeople get herded for photos.
• The wedding party struck a pose.
• I get veiled.
• The best man and Diva of Honor signed our marriage license.
• In turn, our witnesses, cubes and I, and our rabbi signed our ketubah.
• Family congratulated us while we waited for ceremony time.
• Then the chuppah was readied.
• The Rabbi and the chuppah proceeded down the aisle.
• Our grandmothers, cubes' attendants, and cubes walked down the aisle.
• The girls went next, and then it was my turn and I walked down the aisle with my parents.
• Once we were both at the chuppah, it was time to get married!
• We each stepped on a glass.
• We kissed.
• We receive our first standing ovation.
• We toasted with our wedding party.
• Our guests sipped signature drinks and nibbled passed appetizers.
• We crashed our own reception.

Credits: All photographs unless noted otherwise were taken by Jessica Palopoli. Bride's dress: Vintage I.Magnin, reconstructed by Miss Velvet Cream. Bride's and Girls' makeup by Guille of The Lobby Salon. Bride's and Girls' hair styled by Catherine Walters. Bride's hair color and cut by John Skinner and Louise Frost of CODE Salon, respectively. Groom's hair by Cindy Lopez of Azure Salon. Groom's suit: Vintage Gucci from Sui Generis, reconstructed by Miss Velvet Cream. Girls' dresses: Adrianna Papell from Nordstrom and Macy*s. Girls' necklaces: GemKitty. Boys' ties: Express. Boys' shirts: Proper Cloth.

In the Moment: Crashing Our Reception

With our unplanned downtime earlier in the day, cubes and I found ourselves wanting to go mix with our guests. Our wedding party had joined the guests after our toast.

We gobbled up two helpings of appetizers (Brittani regularly checked in on us, appearing as if by magic when we thought of something) and then headed upstairs. We never made it to the front hall, becoming the choke point between the dinner hall and the cocktail hour. The staff of the Swedish American Hall were incredibly patient and skilled as they transferred food between the upstairs kitchen and the buffet table, never spilling anything. (We were standing right in front the stairs.)

We'd included a seating chart in our programs to ease the flow of traffic between the rooms and make it easy for guests to locate their table and seats. There was only one hiccup. Kevin's table was full. We tried to figure out what could have happened.

Seconds after these pictures were snapped, Brittani was there and the problem was solved. We later learned that an entire table of guests hadn't come to the wedding so people had shuffled seats. The food didn't go to waste as other guests were able to help themselves to seconds and try both entrees.

Our DJ Dale quickly conferred with us as to how we wanted the wedding party to be announced. Of course there were shenanigans a foot. We wouldn't be us without some playfulness. We also updated the Father-Daughter song (I'd found out the night before which song my dad wanted us to dance to. I'll share how in a later post).

After we crashed our cocktail hour, updated the song for the Father-Daughter Dance, and resolved a seating mix up, it was time for our wedding party to be announced. If you're just joining, here's our story so far:

• The girls came over to our place to get ready.
• I shared my dress with the girls for a real first look.
• We bungled our first look.
• Highlighted my dress and how it almost didn't happen.
• We enjoyed some down time.
• cubes and I took our turn in the spotlight for our portraits.
• The bridespeople get herded for photos.
• Socks captured!
• The groomspeople get herded for photos.
• The wedding party struck a pose.
• I get veiled.
• The best man and Diva of Honor signed our marriage license.
• In turn, our witnesses, cubes and I, and our rabbi signed our ketubah.
• Family congratulated us while we waited for ceremony time.
• Then the chuppah was readied.
• The Rabbi and the chuppah proceeded down the aisle.
• Our grandmothers, cubes' attendants, and cubes walked down the aisle.
• The girls went next, and then it was my turn and I walked down the aisle with my parents.
• Once we were both at the chuppah, it was time to get married!
• We each stepped on a glass.
• We kissed.
• We receive our first standing ovation.
• We toasted with our wedding party.
• Our guests sipped signature drinks and nibbled passed appetizers.

Credits: All photographs were taken by Jessica Palopoli.

Finish Your Retro Look with Vintage Details

When you're planning a vintage affair, the details matter, starting with what you're wearing when the guests first see you and continuing to how you leave your reception.

cubes's reflection in the mirror of my overnight case.

After our wedding, cubes and I looked as if we'd just arrived from the past as we checked into the Hotel Triton. I was wearing a 1950s cocktail dress with vintage-inspired black Mary Jane pumps, holding my bouquet of antique hydrangeas with my box purse dangling from my wrist and clutching a train case in my other gloved hand.

While no one was observing our departure for our mini-moon, I still followed through with the vintage theme. I traded my train case for a set of three pieces: a hat case, an overnight case, and a small suitcase.

For my birthday, I chose to dress vintage. I decided on the 1950s with a gorgeous grey dress with full circle skirt, petticoat, black pumps, pink elbow length gloves, and pink purse.

Of course when cubes and I headed back to Yountville for our dinner at The French Laundry (an unexpected birthday present), I sported vintage accessories - the same pink purse I'd chosen for my birthday and the luggage from our mini-moon.

Purse by JR Florida was purchased from Klassy Klassics. Luggage was purchased from The Vintage Perspective's Post.

Until last week, I hadn't really accessorized with my pink purse. After the numerous compliments, I received it will definitely be making an appearance more often.

In the Moment: Sipping & Nibbling

While we enjoyed some quiet time together, our guests enjoyed our signature drink, wine, and beer.

Guests snap up Crostini with Goat Cheese and Artichoke Olive Relish.

We chose three passed appetizers from Cafe du Nord: Bruschetta with Vine Ripe Tomatoes, Garlic and Basil; Bruschetta with Winter Greens Braised in Olive Oil with Chile, Garlic and Lemon; and Crostini with Goat Cheese and Artichoke Olive Relish. (Brittani brought us two plates - six bites each!) All were a hit with the guests.

We lined three pedestals up down the center of the room and decorated them with Real Touch Silk Dahlias and
Mason Jars hand tied with ribbons and antique keys. 

Guests also took time to add their favorite recipes to our guest book. The book along with supplies - pens, glue, photo corners, and more - was set up in the front bay window.

After our cocktail hour, it's time for dinner, but that's a story for another recap. If you're just joining, here's our story so far:

• The girls came over to our place to get ready.
• I shared my dress with the girls for a real first look.
• We bungled our first look.
• Highlighted my dress and how it almost didn't happen.
• We enjoyed some down time.
• cubes and I took our turn in the spotlight for our portraits.
• The bridespeople get herded for photos.
• Socks captured!
• The groomspeople get herded for photos.
• The wedding party struck a pose.
• I get veiled.
• The best man and Diva of Honor signed our marriage license.
• In turn, our witnesses, cubes and I, and our rabbi signed our ketubah.
• Family congratulated us while we waited for ceremony time.
• Then the chuppah was readied.
• The Rabbi and the chuppah proceeded down the aisle.
• Our grandmothers, cubes' attendants, and cubes walked down the aisle.
• The girls went next, and then it was my turn and I walked down the aisle with my parents.
• Once we were both at the chuppah, it was time to get married!
• We each stepped on a glass.
• We kissed.
• We receive our first standing ovation.
• We toasted with our wedding party.

Credits: All photographs were taken by Jessica Palopoli and Vanessa Naylon.