Home is where the heart is, so when it comes to weddings, I fully support making it a backyard affair. Especially when your backyard happens to be a slice of heaven in Saratoga. With its lush landscape, the bride’s family’s home was the perfect backdrop for these intimate I-do’s. Brought to us by the always lovely Lauri Levenfeld of Zoom Photography this September soirée is romance defined. So after you feast your eyes on the film from Razor Byrne Video Productions, check out the rest of this love-filled fête right here in the gallery.
Rachel & Garret from Razor Byrne Video Productions on Vimeo.
From the Bride… Garret and I went for a hike during Christmas vacation in the Saratoga hills while visiting family. When we got back to my parent’s house, hidden in the garden was a ring, a bouquet, and a carved rock with “marry me” inscribed on it. Garret got down on one knee and popped the question! I said yes, of course! When I ran inside to greet my family, Garret’s family was there. They had flown up from Los Angeles to celebrate with us too, which was such a wonderful surprise!
When choosing a wedding venue, I thought of the place that I loved the most and where I felt most comfortable. My parent’s home seemed like the perfect place! We had no real theme — we just wanted the vibe to be romantic and intimate, family-oriented and loving! We used soft creams, soft pink and black with the organic feel of succulents, vintage roses and hydrangeas in various low shaped vases and bottles plus burlap and linen runners in lieu of tablecloths, wooden farm tables and benches and metal Italian –style chairs.
One of the special ‘touches’ at our wedding was when my brother sang the seven blessings and all my nieces and nephews walked down the aisle … 11 total! Being surrounded by the people that meant the most to us was magical. Everything was beyond my wildest dreams. I cannot say enough about our vendors. Joanna Biondi of Café Primavera was beyond terrific. Food was hot and delicious, no lines at the stations and plenty to eat and drink all night. NO MISSES! Shawna Futagaki of Flower Divas was simply wonderful. She made every arrangement, ceremony flowers and Chuppah look like it was always there and they were exquisite. She worked so well with all of our vendors, often pitching in to assist others. Our coordinator, Stephanie Franco of SpotOn Events was just perfect and knew how to handle all of our different personalities – and keep us all so calm. Lauri Levenfeld, Zoom Photography, is a close friend of the family and once I saw her work, I was very happy. She tells a complete story and captured so much of us in the most unique ways!
We chose our cake based on what my husband, my father and I liked! My favorite bakery in Los Gatos, Icing On The Cake, made our three tiered cake – all different flavors: white cake with raspberry filling (my favorite), red velvet with cream cheese frosting (Garret’s favorite) and banana with cream cheese frosting (my dad’s favorite). I didn’t want a cake that was over the top. I wanted something simple, yet beautiful and elegant. I took elements of three separate cake designs and fused them together.
My favorite moment of the day was dancing with my dad and then dancing with my husband for the first time. Dancing in general was fun and watching everyone else dance their pants off made us both so happy. My brother Ari, sang our first dance, “You Send Me.” He also sang the last song of the evening, “Save the Last Dance for Me” with the band. Both were so touching and very memorable.
Right after the wedding we went to Maui and stayed at the Four Seasons for a few days to rest and relax. Next year, we plan to take a big trip to Southeast Asia or Europe for the real deal.
Photography: Zoom Photography / Second Photographer: Jessica Epstein / Event Coordinator: Stephanie Franco, SpotOn Events / Caterer: Café Primavera / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / Lighting + Sound for ceremony Enhanced Lighting and Sound / Stage-Band: Danny Thomas Rentals / Cake: Icing On The Cake / Challah: Mama’s Bakery, Los Gatos / Ice Cream sandwiches: Ruby Jewel / Program Booklets + Menus: Sugar Paper / Escort Cards + Table Numbers: Jane Pflughaupt, Fine Touch Calligraphy / Floral Design: Flower Divas / Dress: Bianca by Anna Maier Ulla Maija / Videography: Razor Byrne Video / Mobile Photo Studio: Work It! / Ceremony Music: Sara Styles / Band: Cheeseballs / Kippahs: Alef Bet, Nurit Sabadosh / Make-up + Hair: Irmina Loeffer / Hair: Haley Malouf, LA / Mani + Pedicures: Pam, La Mode / Shuttle Busses + Valet: Corinthian / Out of Towner bags: Choco dip cots Novacovich OrchardsGeorge 408-741-5144 / Out of Towner Wine: Testarossa Winery / Out of Towner Granola: San Franola Granola