I’ve got a gorgeous little wedding for you today, straight outta Cali and shot by the fabulous Sylvie Gil. But first let me ask: have I ever shared that I love hydrangeas? Because I do. I grew up with them in my backyard and danced around them, half-naked, as a baby. My baby friends were doing it too, so it’s not like I was some weird baby or something. (Because I wasn’t.) But the hydrangeas in this wedding bring me back to those nude baby dancing days, which of course were AWESOME… and then you throw in a pinch of the succulent love going on below and BAM! I’m in heaven. And don’t even get me started on the deconstructed cuppie-cake situation… (P.S. – you can check out every last detail right here!) — xoxo, Alison of The Knotty Bride
Check out all the gorgeous inspiration in the gallery.
A few words from Kathy Higgins, the genius behind the day…
Laura and Hunter chose comfort over too much formality for their wedding in keeping with the chic ‘cottage’ style of Solage Calistoga. Polly Harrington of Valley Flora was able to tuck flowers amongst rustic succulents, for Laura’s desired look, BUT in mint julep cups for a touch of elegance. Laura’s desired bits of blue were reflected in gorgeous French La Tavola linens for the garden cocktails and silky blue runners on the dining tables in the modern Solstice barn. Natural lanterns, lots of candlelight, a mini cutting cake and cupcakes from Laurie Lucov added to a casual and fun atmosphere. Hip Service, a dynamite band chosen by the groom, kept everyone on the dance floor for hours. I don’t think the moms missed one dance! The menu was truly comfort food . . . three mouth-watering stations with the rib station reflecting Hunter’s southern background.
Laura and Hunter were an absolute joy work with. So easy, wanting their guests and themselves to just have a relaxing, fun weekend. Which they did! It was 104 degrees that day and EVERYONE was dripping. Laura and Hunter were so incredibly ‘cool’ in spite of the weather. It made for a fabulous night, though, once the sun went down.
What was on the menu:
Pepper Crusted Beef Tenderloin with Horse Radish Crème Fraiche
Macaroni and Cheese
Caesar Salad with Sour Dough Croutons Coca-Cola Cured Pork Spare Ribs
Creamy Coleslaw
Cornbread with butter, jams, and local honey
Dungeness Crab Cakes with Creole Remoulade
Heirloom Tomato Salad with Goat Cheese Bocconcini
Orzo Salad with Summer Squash, Pickled Red Onion, and Fresh Herbs, Artisan Breads
Dress: She found a designer dress at a shop that sells ‘seconds’. Great find.
Printed Materials: She worked with a friend for all her printed materials. Beautiful letterpress in blues & ivories.
Budget hint: Laura and Hunter signed up for a one year membership to Solage Calistoga and save a bundle on accommodations, food and wine. AND what fun coming back for another year to enjoy wine country and Solage.
Thank you, Laura and Hunter, for sharing your Big Day with us! It’s truly inspiring, and we wish you all the love and happiness in the world!
xoxo, Alison of The Knotty Bride
Photography by Sylvie Gil / Coordinator: Kathy Higgins / Venue: Solage Calistoga / Band: Hip Service/Steve Bloom / Cake & cupcakes: Laurie Lucov Wedding Cakes / Catering: Solage/Lindsey Relyea / Celebrant: Rev. Charles Grande / Ceremony & cocktail music: Friends of the bridge / Florals: Valley Flora, Polly Harrington / Hair: David Ingham / Linens: La Tavola / Makeup: Artists Untied/S.F. / Rehearsal dinner: Franciscan Winery/ Andrea Putoff / Rehearsal dinner catering: Elaine Bell/Caspian / Specialty Chairs & Lounge Furniture: Wine Country Party