Wrapping up a day full of pretty is a wedding so very special, we had to save it for last. Set amongst California’s ever so lovely wine country, these next nuptials deliver all the understated elegance to make a wedding lover’s heart swoon. Equal parts rustic and chic, this wedding is chock-full of sweet little details that will only make you wish you’d been invited. The entire day was effortlessly executed by Downey Street Events and captured behind the lens of Edyta Szyszlo, with every last beautiful image waiting for you right here!
From Edyta Szyszlo Photography… Inspired by rolling hills blanketed in vines, the charm of the Sonoma town square, and the nostalgia of the groom’s wine country marriage proposal, Elaine Randlett and Michael Hayes decided to host their wedding ceremony and reception at B.R. Cohn Winery in Glen Ellen, California on July 28th, 2012. Shaded by an old oak tree in the center of the vineyard, ninety of the couple’s closest friends and family members (many of whom flew in from Brazil!) sipped basil scented lemonade while they waited for the ceremony to begin. Notes of Pachelbel’s Canon in D floated through the air as the bride entered. After literary readings from friends and family, the last being an excerpt from “Winnie the Pooh,” the Cal grads recited their own marriage vows. Wedding-goers sent the newlyweds down the aisle in a tunnel of bubbles to the tune of “All You Need is Love” by the Beatles, played by a string quartet, before they sped off in a convertible trailing a “Just Married” sign.
Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres poolside before taking their dinner seats. Tea-stained escort cards tied to vintage keys with ombré ribbon along with beautiful calligraphed place cards helped guests find their way to their tables. The bride’s vision for the dining area was a warm, intimate experience that exuded a feeling of elegant rusticity. Italian bistro lights strung across branches illuminated the olive grove where wooden queen’s tables and linen table runners set the stage for rose and hydrangea centerpieces nestled between glowing votive candles and wrought iron lanterns. The caterer and Elaine, owner of Mint Studios Pilates in San Francisco, collaborated on a menu that focused on fresh, healthy flavors.
The live band had guests dancing the night away on their Kara’s Cupcakes sugar high. To ensure comfort on the dance floor, ladies could find flip flops to substitute for heels in a vintage suit case. Off the dance floor, guests were encouraged to dress up in props for the photo booth pictures, and then insert notes of love and best wishes for the happy couple in a custom made guest book. The groom, an avid golfer, was surprised by the Groom’s cake, a giant red velvet (the groom’s all-time favorite!) golf ball dated 07-28-12, that was presented just after the traditional cutting of their 3-tiered cake decorated with blush and cream florals. Michael in his navy suit and Elaine in her ivory lace dress were all smiles as they made their way back to the the Fairmont Hotel, reminiscing about their favorite moments of the day.
Wedding Photography Edyta Szyszlo Photography / Venue: B.R. Cohn Winery in Glen Ellen, California / Floral Design: Tesoro Flowers / Wedding Coordination: Cassandra O’Gara of Downey Street Events / Wedding Catering: Elaine Bell Catering / Wedding Cake: Patisserie Angelica / Wedding Cupcakes: Kara’s Cupcakes / Wedding Stationery: Paper Source / Ceremony Music: Bellarosa String Quartet / Band: Keith Johnson All Stars / Vintage Rentals: One True Love Vintage Rentals / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / Bride’s Dress: Monique Lhuillier / Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Bride’s Necklace: Heirloom from Bride’s Mother-in-Law / Bride’s Earrings: Nardi via Nordstrom / Groom’s Suit: Hugo Boss / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew / Hair + Makeup: Meganne McCandess / Groomsmen’s Suits: Michael Kors