“Party like a rock star and enjoy every. single. moment.” Best advice ever. Though it doesn’t surprise me, as it came from perhaps the coolest bride ever. The bride who, with the help of Alicia K Designs, planned a Sonoma Winery that somehow feels totally different than anything I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen a lot. It was rustic and chic, yes, but with a foreign something that I can only relate to goosebumps embodied. Please click here for the gallery, because Kate Webber Photography has loaded it with magic.
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Andy and I met at a concert in San Francisco… yes, people still meet in the most unexpected ways! I knew right away I had found someone extremely special. A little over 2 years later, Andy asked me to marry him on top of the Rockefeller Building in New York the night before my birthday, and before we knew it our wedding planning was in full effect! Andy is a Chicago transplant, while I am a San Francisco bay native.
Throughout our relationship we took several trips to Sonoma for wine tasting, and we decided that a wedding in wine country would not only be meaningful to us, but a nice treat for all of our Windy City relatives. We met with a few different planners, but Alicia impressed us the most. She took us to a few venues, but as soon as we stepped out on Boot Hill above Kunde Windery, we were smitten. The hairs stood up on my arms and I looked at Andy and we just knew we had to have our wedding there.
I expressed a desire for an overall design that was rustic but had modern touches, and we let Alicia know we were not afraid to go a bit “out of the box.” One of the ideas we came up with was working feathers into our flowers, which Alicia executed beautifully. Another touch I loved in the design was our antler chandelier over the dance floor. It was rustic but also totally unique. For favors, Alicia came up with the idea of a Coffee Bean Bar. My nickname is Bean so it couldn’t have been more perfect! We used Blue Bottle Coffee, a renowned coffee spot in San Francisco, for the beans. Alicia found these perfect little take away bags and the set up was amazing.
Andy and I also talked extensively about serving our guests gourmet pizza for dinner, and Park Avenue Catering did an excellent job of working with us on this. We served the meal family style, and it was relaxed and fun, just what we wanted. I was also able to actually enjoy my meal because it was so easy and quick to eat. How many brides can say that? Kate Webber and her team did an outstanding job capturing our event on camera. Kate has a way of showcasing the environment around you in a way that makes every picture magical.
Andy and I wanted what I would imagine every Groom and Bride want – a night that would leave them and their guests begging to do it all over again. Our wedding was absolutely just that. I feel so lucky to have celebrated our love in such a big, beautiful way. If I could offer any advice, it would be not to sweat the small stuff. Party like a rockstar and enjoy every. single. moment.
Photography: Kate Webber Photography / Coordination & Design: Alicia K Designs / Florist: Rhonda Stoffel of Alicia K Designs / Bride’s Dress: Martina Liana from Haute Bride / Bride’s Shoes: Miu Miu / Grooms Suit: Burberry from Nordstrom / Bridesmaid Dresses: Handmade by the ladies at Eel and Ermine / Groomsmen’s Outfits: Express / Catering: Park Avenue Catering / Dessert Table: Narineh Mardirosian, Sweet + Crafty / Videographer: Weddings on Film / Lighting: Illusions Lighting / Ceremony & reception venue: Kunde Family Estates Winery / Ceremony Music: Artists in Music Rudolfi / Reception Music: Patrick Maier Band / Rentals: Hartmann Studios / Photobooth: Wine Country Photo Booth / Hair & Makeup: Get Concealed / Rings: Jewelry Exchange Co.