Well we just might have saved the best wedding for last. Although with so many different styles and design approaches, it would be next to impossible to choose a winner from today’s Real Wedding extravaganza. Photographed by Lauri Levenfeld of the beloved Zoom Photography in San Francisco, this wedding is TOTAL romance. And the flowers, TOTAL gorgeousness. And the bride, TOTAL beauty. All in all, it’s beyond.
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Kristine wanted a classic and vintage look on her wedding day so selecting the perfect dress that represented her style was very important. So, when she found the Monique Lhuillier, lace bodice and bustled organza skirt, she knew it was the look she had been searching for. The veil was just as important as the dress, it was cathedral length, edged in lace, and framed the bride’s face. She completed her vintage inspired look by adding some personal touches, her seamstress adorned the dress with a flower brocade where a beautifully hand crafted broach was carefully placed and she framed her face with borrowed vintage diamond chandelier earrings.
Kristine had always envisioned getting married outside, with the sun glowing in a serene setting. Beaulieu Gardens captured this intimate environment and picturesque scene. Creating an inviting and warm ambiance and allowing their guests to relax and enjoy Napa Valley’s offerings was a main focus when planning their wedding with Napa Valley based wedding planner and florist, Kathy Higgins and Kathy Hoffman. The ceremony was romantic and the flowers were lush, especially the canopy that was created for the couple to get married under. The couple’s love for music had them request a few special songs for the ceremony, including Stairway To Heaven by Led Zeppelin.
Kristine wanted the reception to really come to life with vibrant colors and beautiful décor. As much as Kristine and Spencer love traditional elegance, they wanted lots of color in the flowers and linens and also wanted to be unique. Selecting square and rectangular tables transformed the dining room into a more welcoming space, allowing guests to dine in a more social style. The dining area was covered by a sycamore arbor, where guests dined on a delicious four-course meal paired with elegant wines to reflect the couple’s style. Kristine selected warm colors for the flowers and had specific flowers she wanted incorporated, including peonies and a wide variety of orchids. The flowers were stunning, with changing shapes and styles on every table. The couple’s passion for food and wine, led them to a very creative caterer, Paul LeDuc. They had fun with cocktail hour, having a specialty cocktail created and innovative hors d’oeuvres.
To enhance the party atmosphere the couple knew they wanted a lounge, where guests could mingle and relax after dancing to the fun 80’s inspired band. White sofas were brought in with vibrant tangerine pillows to welcome guests. Lighting was a key element to the evening, the pool was lined with candlelight and colored lanterns hung around the entire dance floor. The couple’s passion for photography led them to search for the perfect photographer to capture and document their special day. Since, Kristine and Spencer like a more artistic approach to photography they wanted their wedding captured in a more photojournalism style. They felt fortunate to find the talented Lauri Levenfeld who captures the true beauty of film and knows how to tell a story with her camera. Her documentary style blended with the couple’s style and the beauty of the day. They left their party in true vintage style, in a white, 1962 Rolls Royce. It added an elegant touch and made for gorgeous photos under the moonlight.
Wedding Planner: Kathy Higgins / Florist: Kathy Hoffman / Photographer: Zoom Photography / Videographer: Razor Byrne / Invitations: Flair Necessities / Caterer: Paula LeDuc / Cake: Perfect Endings / Linens, Chairs and Table Décor: Classic Party Rentals / Wedding Location: Beaulieu Garden-Rutherford, California / Wedding Dress-Monique Lhuillier / Bridesmaid Dress-Badgley Mischka / Groom’s Tuxedo-Armani Collezioni / Groomsmen Tuxedo-Calvin Klein / Hair and Make-up Artist-Steven Bushek and Jesse Nemer