When I first heard emerald green was named Pantone’s “it” color of the year, I immediately began brainstorming what a wedding wrapped around this hue would look like. Rich, elegant, and of course, completely gorgeous. But it wasn’t until this wedding hit my desk that I could fully visualize how pretty it could be. I’m talking off-the-charts-pretty. And you know what? You’re gonna heart it too. Ingrid of Myrtle and Marjoram has an entire gallery to gush over waiting right here.
From the Bride…Joe and I have very demanding careers and we lead very hectic lives in New York City. For our wedding we wanted the complete opposite–an intimate serene wedding surrounded by nature–enter Annadel Estate Winery in Sonoma Valley, California. The lovely private winery features a beautiful historic barn and the old stone wall ruins of the original winery that stood there from the 1800s. The “little farm” as the owner affectionately calls it is also a flower farm. The choice was a no-brainer.
My color palette was frankly inspired by my beautiful cousin and maid of honor. She’s a natural red head and looks particularly beautiful in green. Once I decided that was the color of her gown everything else fell into place….beautiful white roses from Annadel, cafe au lait dahlias, green succulents and yellow teddy bear sunflowers.
My dad passed away in 2005 and it was very important that I honor him in little ways without making my mom too sad. I had his favorite tie made into “ring pouches” that my 18 month old nephew “carried” (at least figuratively), I placed my dad’s picture in a locket in my bouquet and up on the barrel alter, and all of my ceremony music was by the Beatles–his favorite group of all time.
The wedding day itself was gorgeous–70 degrees in early October–with the sun shining, the smell of roses, and grapes bursting on the vines. Surrounded by 20 of our closest family and friends– who had traveled from as far as Spain to attend-we exchanged vows and the only “honking” we heard was from a flock of geese that flew over the ruins during the ceremony. The cocktail hour was in the oak grove next to the ruins. The sunlight through the branches, the breeze, my groom’s hand in mine…swoon. My guests are still raving about the wonderful Annadel wine and the local cheese…so much so that I literally ordered it for several guests as Christmas presents!
We had the most amazing vendors who I wish could follow us through life decorating, planning, cooking, lighting and photographing everything. As one of my friends put it “the whole day was enchanting.” I think my daddy was smiling down on us that day.
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Photography: Ingrid Nelson of Myrtle and Marjoram | Venue: Annadel Estate Winery | Floral Design: Atelier Joya | Event Planner: Alison Events | Catering: Jessica Lasky Fine Catering | Wedding Cake: Perfect Endings | Cheeses: Cowgirl Creamery in Sonoma | Acoustic Guitar + DJ: Spencer Sutherland Entertainment | Lighting: ReFRACtion | Linens: La Tavola | Furniture: Classic Party Rentals + Wine Country Party Rentals | Invitations: StacyHuntDesigns | Paper Goods: Beacon Lane | Block Letters for Child Guests: HudsonBlockCo | Wedding Dress: Lazaro | Groom’s suit: Calvin Klein | Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bride’s Purse + Earrings: BHLDN | Bracelet: Left Bank Jewelry | Bride’s Head Piece: Twigs and Honey | Maid of Honor’s Dress: Jesus de Pozo | Hair + Makeup: It’s a Date at the Powder Room, Rachel Gardea