I am seriously in love with this next couple who seemingly have it all-beauty, elegance and a playful sense of humor. Timeless black, white + purple details paired with lush greenery at the Kohl Mansion made for a jaw-dropping event with personal touches that will still be relevant in 25 years. Lisa Wiseman Weddings captured the vibe of the day perfectly-these photos are dripping with love, joy and happiness. Be sure to check out the rest of the images from this California stunner-you won't be disappointed!
Burlingame Wedding at Kohl Mansion by Lisa Wiseman Weddings
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From the Bride... We decided not to have a theme but, instead, to try to incorporate a number of different styles that we loved. The summer after we first started dating, we were fortunate to be able to spend five weeks traveling around Spain. While we were there we fell in love with the sound of the Flamenco guitar and decided that would be the perfect accompaniment for our ceremony and cocktail hour. We chose a color scheme of purple, white, black and gray with the intention of creating a timeless and romantic look that wouldn’t feel dated when we looked back in twenty years. I also love everything French and chose the china based on a sort of rustic French style. Because the wedding was in California, I wanted to give our guests a taste of Californian cuisine that was focused on fresh, seasonal produce and healthy, simple dishes. The venue felt like the mansion in the game “Clue.” We tried to make use of all of the different rooms, setting up various stations from the photo booth to the cigar and scotch tasting bar. This provided some of our older guests a quiet space to talk where they weren’t screaming over loud music, and our younger guests had a space where they could tear up the dance floor. We also loved that the venue offered both outdoor and indoor spaces. The rose garden really sold me on the place.
It’s difficult to single out one favorite moment from such a memorable day. If I had to choose, I would say that a moment I’ll remember forever is seeing my groom for the first time at the Ketubah table. My nerves were instantly calmed when I finally saw him through a sea of guests, who were singing to welcome me to the ceremony. Seeing him tear up as I approached the table was a reminder of the gravity of the commitment that we were about to make and the utter bliss and sweetness of the moment. One of the reasons that I love Judaism is because of the rituals and traditions. During the ceremony, we were wrapped in the tallis (prayer shawl) that was given to my husband at his Bar Mitzvah. As we approached the Chuppah, we circled each other seven times, a Jewish tradition that has different interpretations. For us, it represents the idea that we will encompass and protect each other. In general, it was a magical evening that went by too fast. Gabe and I will definitely be the type of couple to renew our vows in a few years. We want to relive the party!
It’s easy to get caught up in wanting the day to be “perfect” and this can mean feeling pressure to spend more money than you anticipated. We found it helpful before we began planning to figure out what was important to us and where we wanted to devote more of our budget. That way, when we were faced with pressures to spend more on elements we deemed less important, it was easier to say no. There are plenty of places to save money that really won’t affect the overall experience of the day. We purchased the alcohol separately, rather than through the caterer, which was budget friendly. Plus, any unopened bottles could be returned for a refund after the event. Because both my husband and I are pescetarians, we decided not to serve beef. This was both budget and environmentally friendly. Practice saying no — it’s a fabulous word. That way when you’re confronted with opinionated family members or guests who beg you to bring their boyfriend who they’ve only been dating a week, you’ll be prepared. Also, he day goes fast. It’s important to try and savor every moment. Oh, and wear comfortable shoes!
Wedding Photography: Lisa Wiseman Weddings / Wedding Venue: Kohl Mansion in Burlingame, California / Wedding Planning: Brittani Waldman of Dream a Little Dream Events / Floral Design: Nancy Liu Chin / Wedding Invitations: Paper Ideas / Wedding Dress: Unknown (Flower Details + Tulle Shoulder Strap Added) / Bride's Shoes: Kate Spade / Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale