Sarah and Sanford

 

 

 

 Swiss dot, white peonies, and a Sperry tent pitched in the yard is my personal version of heaven–after all, what's not to adore? There's certainly something to be said for the breathtaking simplicity of this celebration, because it's love that truly makes a wedding.

Sarah and Sanford were married at the bride's mother's home, a 300 year old property where she's cultivated an idyllic garden, a grove of fruit trees, hives of honeybees, and flocks of geese, goats and chickens. Sarah wore Christos' dreamy "Maribel" gown, and her bridesmaids wore navy J.Crew dresses in cotton cady that mimicked the pleated bust detail of the bride's gown. The groom chose a tan suit and navy polka dot tie, making sure to stand out amongst his navy-clad groomsmen. After a backyard ceremony, guests played lawn games and sought shade under the tent erected around an old apple tree where Sanford had carved the happy couple's initials. The bride's mother made the jars of jelly and honey given as favors, baked the dogwood-dotted and chocolate heart wedding cakes, and arranged all the centerpieces and bouquets, with her daughter by her side. And at the end of the night, as guests lingered beneath hundred year old trees lit by swinging votive candles, the newlyweds found themselves sharing a kiss under the stars.

Images by Grazier Photography, first spotted on Style Me Pretty. 

Folded

Colorful shoes can be stylish, playful, or jaw dropping, but who's to say that white peep toes can't be glamorous, too? These Christian Louboutin crepe-de-chine slingbacks with their origami bows are equal parts demure and divine, don't you think? 

Photo by Max Wanger.

XOXO

I'm a creature of habit, especially when I'm not feeling my best; I shuffled around with a sniffle all last week, so I took advantage of the weekend to enjoy my favorite routines–flipping through gorgeous new magazines, painting my nails with crimson lacquer (I was feeling crummy enough to sit still and let them dry for once) and curling up with my sweetheart. 

We cooked up some breakfast for supper on Friday night and feel asleep after a giggle-filled screening of Crazy, Stupid, Love–we don't have a TV, so we're always finding out about new movies months after the excitement has worn off! Musical commitments have been stealing John away from me on Saturdays, so I put on his favorite striped pajamas (we call them his "night suits") and devoured the first issues of Wayfare and Munaluchi magazines, plus Utterly Engaged's most recent gem of an issue, which had me dreaming of a chic celebration and a fabulous honeymoon. After my polish (Estee Lauder in Pure Red) dried, I put on my favorite rubber gloves to clean out my makeup case–it might not be glamorous, but there's nothing like a fresh start to each morning! John got home late that afternoon, prompting me to finally put some pants on to run errands and grab an early supper. Since we've been passing this little bug back and forth, we decided to skip cocktails out in favor of documentaries (180º South and Capturing the Friedmans) and St. George absinthe in bed.

John was up at dawn doing handstands against the bedroom door (thanks, darling), so our Sunday morning started off fairly early. I practiced my sun salutations while John cooked up a vegetarian homage to the Skip Scramble–any Arrested Development fans reading?–and after breakfast, we sat down at the kitchen table to get to work. My mister worked on his arrangements of Les six guitar works while I devoured the latest issue of Martha Stewart Weddings and lazed around in the tub, then finally retired the box of tissues to the linen closet. After a shopping expedition to Andronico's for provisions (namely wine, cheese and bread), we had a quiet Sunday supper of parmesan-crusted cutlets and a big green salad, paired with small glasses of rosé and strawberries with hand-whipped cream (so I feel like I've earned it). It was a sweet end to a wonderful weekend.

Tell me–what were you up to this weekend? Enjoy a delicious meal, check items off your to-do list, or just curl up in peace and quiet?

Photo by W. Scott Chester.

Applejack Rabbit

I've said it before, but the best way to fake a season in San Francisco is with food and drink; this apple brandy cocktail employs maple syrup as its sweetener, making it the ideal winter libation! 

Applejack Rabbit 

2 oz apple brandy 

1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 oz maple syrup

Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice; shake for no more than 10 seconds, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

Notes: I love fruit brandies, and this cocktail is truly sublime (I also adore a dash of pear brandy topped with Champagne). There are some wonderful artisanal brandies being made in the US, my personal favorite being Clear Creek; pick up a bottle of their heavenly Eau de Vie de Pomme, or find something that's being made in your neck of the woods for true local flavor–cheers!

Photo by Romulo Yanes for Gourmet.

Midas Touch

I work in the tech industry, and it's easy to get excited about the next creative startup. You sign up for "the new pinterest" or a darling social correspondence app, then promptly forget about your account–something I'm guilty of with Paperless Post. But then, a few weeks ago, when I was planning our office's One in a Million celebration (to fête over one million active daily users), I decided to send invitations by email–and stumbled on so many stunning designs that I thought, "Why haven't I been using this thing all along?"

The boozy invitation was almost as much of a hit as the actual bubbly, which our CEOs promptly sprayed each other with; now I can't wait to find another excuse to send out "letterpressed" party invitations!

Do you use Paperless Post, or have another site to share that I simply won't be able to live without?

Kate and Frank

 

 

 

Speechless? I know. Say what you will about mason jars, barns and burlap, but this couple combined rustic sensibility with grand details and the result is nothing short of stunning!

Kate and Frank chose the Old Mission Santa Ines for their traditional ceremony, then set off with their wedding coordinators at Joy de Vivre to find the perfect barn for the reception. They fell in love with the Coquelicot Winery and their gorgeous barn, and everything fell into place from there. 

 The bride wore a Watters lace gown, accented with a stunning crystal sash, glittering Jimmy Choo sandals and pearls. Bridesmaids wore long champagne gowns from David's Bridal, and everyone carried bouquets of garden roses, peonies, dusty miller and lambs ear wrapped in burlap by Florette Flower Designs. Frank and his groomsmen wore classic tuxedos and twine wrapped boutonnieres.

After the ceremony, guests headed to the lawn at Coquelicot Winery for cocktails, and were serenaded by Mariachi Los Toros, a mariachi band the groom's mother had discovered. They lead the group to the barn, where guests were amazed by each gorgeous detail. Understated kraft invitations by Lazaro Letterpress introduced the couple's skeleton key motif, which was repeated on menus, escort and place cards. Lush floral arrangements in distressed wooden containers and candles in blue mason jars decorated the long farm tables, covered in natural linen cloths and napkins from La Tavola Linen, and crystal chandeliers, hanging masons filled with votives and soft hanging lights by LBPS Events warmed the barn. After a meal by Lorraine Lim Catering, guests enjoyed a buttercream confection by Decadence Cake, vanilla saltwater taffy and an outdoor s'mores station. The newlyweds left in a dreamy blue Studebaker supplied by Classic Motoring Car Rentals, captured by photographer Mark Brooke and videographer Lola Video.

Thank you, Mark, for letting me shares your gorgeous images and this stunning celebration!