So by now, you all have cozied up to Kathleen Deery’s inspiration behind her big day, taken a big long look at the gorgeous ceremony at Grace Cathedral and now it’s time to pore through the festivities that followed. It’s a collection of beautiful imagery by our dear, dear friend Jose Villa and details that my words can’t fully do justice too. Kathleen really wanted to reflect her and her hubby’s personalities and love and the result is all at once easy yet totally gussied up glamour. The details are crafted by Kathleen, planned by Laurie Arons Special Events and there is so much more right here! We’ll be back in a bit with the gorgeous film from Joel Serrato. Stay tuned!
From Kathleen… Butlers wearing dinner jackets and white gloves greeted guests by serving escort cards on silver trays. Then my guests were invited up the Dogwood-adorned grand staircase to the loggia. The alcoves were filled with furnishings culled from the Urban Parlour, specifically the Alfano Collection. I wanted people to perch on a chesterfield, have a sip of French 75 and take in the beauty of the museum. Guests enjoyed the incredible musical talent of Tim Hockenberry (Finalist on America’s Got Talent).
My crew of children paraded through the cocktail reception ringing silver bells welcoming guests into the dining room. My goal for the dining room décor was to delight the senses of my guests: the sounds from the orchestra got everyone’s toes tapping; the long dining tables created a sense of community for the evening; the aromas from abundant garden rose and peony centerpieces filled the room; golden glass candle votives cast a warm glow throughout; and the tailored table linens kept almost everyone’s elbows off the table.
When I first got engaged, one of the first people I called outside my family was long-time friend Paula Le Duc. Somehow, she knew what had transpired even before I told her. As you can imagine, I couldn’t wait to savor the delicious fare that she and her team put together for my guests and me. A masterpiece in and of itself, the oval cake featured seven tiers, each with it’s own flavor and putting it in the center of the room seemed only fitting. I gave total creative control to my dear friend Sam Godfrey to design and build the cake. The first time I saw it was after I was married.
I took a final, solitary stroll from above the cocktail reception before we departed. At the stroke of Mother’s Day, I took great delight in making sure all the moms in attendance went home with flowers.
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Photography: Jose Villa | Ceremony: Chapel of Grace at Grace Cathedral | Reception: Asian Art Museum San Francisco | Event & Floral Design: Kathleen Deery Design | Event Furnishings and Linens: Urban Parlour from Kathleen Deery Design | Planner: Laurie Arons Special Events | Caterering & Production: Paula LeDuc Fine Catering | Sterling Silver Flatware and China: Small Masterpiece | Wedding Cake: Perfect Endings | Wedding Dress: Jin Wang | Table top rentals, draping and dining chairs: Classic Party Rentals | Church Flowers: Dominique Pfahl of Floreal | Invitations and printed materials: Riana Alizio & PS Paper | Cocktail and Dinner Music: Tim Hockenberry | Dinner Orchestra: City Swing | Ceremony soloist (Kathleen’s close friend): Ana Dierkhising | Film maker: Joel Serrato | Lighting: Got Light? | Sound: Delicate Productions | Groom’s suit: Hickey Freeman | Childrens attire: Debi Cournale | Calligrapher: Tara Jones | Hair stylist: Koni Lindo | Makeup artist: Wallett Luberich | Valet Parking: Soiree Valet | Bridal Accommodation: St. Regis Hotel