Our Wedding // The Reception

our reception / a thousand threads
In true California form, the week leading up to our wedding was gorgeous.  Sunny, low 80s, just right for an outdoor wedding.

Then we arrived, and immediately things went south.  Rain, fog, cold, you name it… the weather was bad.  My biggest fear was that we’d come to this gorgeous place high up in the mountains to get married, and on the day of the wedding the fog would be so thick that we wouldn’t be able to see each other, let alone the view.  By the time Saturday came, I didn’t even mind if we had to move things inside, but I was done with that fog.

Of course, we were lucky…

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Of course, the sun was the only thing that changed, so we did have to move things around. Originally, our dinner tables were to be set under cafe lights with our little pink cupcake trailer in the background — adorable for pictures, not so adorable for our guests.

We compromised by moving the tables up to the deck and making sure we had plenty of heaters. Then we set the band up inside, along with the guest book and dessert table, and lit a huge fire to keep everyone warm.

After the ceremony, guests rushed in for passed appetizers and drinks.  By that time everyone’s hands had nearly frozen off, so it was perfect.

Mark and I came in for a minute to warm up by the fire, then ventured back outside for a few pictures.  While we were away, our guests kept themselves busy snapping shots with a Polaroid Instax we left for the guest book. We set up a backdrop and left some silly props and the whole thing was a huge hit — so much so that even after the guest book was full our friends continued to snap some of the cutest shots of the night.

(Later I promise I’ll scan.)

By the time we came back, the awesome O Street Food Truck already had everyone raving over their tasty hors d’oeurves, and dinner was just as amazing as I remember. Bahn mi, mac & cheese, tomato soup, french fries with creamy sriracha dipping sauce… pretty much my idea of perfection.

After dinner we all moved inside. The fire was blazing and the band played well into the night. Mark and I danced our first dance to “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” the classic sung by everyone from Elvis to Bob (my personal favorite) to Ingrid Michaelson… all good. Even UB40. And just perfect for us.  We chose the song after Mark adorably emailed Ingrid Michaelson’s version to me out of the blue, just to say he loved me and he liked it. It made him think of us. Since I’m a sap and nothing gets to me like music does, I thought it was the sweetest thing I’d ever heard.

The evening was everything I could have asked for and more. And even though we had to move things inside, I think that cozy fire on our cold November night made the whole evening that much better.  I honestly can’t imagine it any other way.

Next up: The Party

Photographer: Steve Steinhardt / Venue: Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse / Videographer: The Cana Family / Day of Coordinator: Cori Lassahn, Avante Events / Cakes + Cupcakes: Enjoy Cupcakes / Catering: O Street Food Truck / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / Lighting + Heating: Discount Party Rental / Calligraphy: Mara of Neither Snow / Hair+ Makeup: Mar with TEAM Hair and Makeup / Band: Moonsville Collective / Floral: DIY | Growlers: Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. / Dress: Ivy & Aster / Shoes: Kate Spade / Headpiece: Twigs & Honey / Groom’s Suit: Brooklyn Tailors / Bridal Party: J. Crew / Patterned Ties: David Arms by Otis James / Striped Tie: Forage / Officiant: Jono Shaffer / Invitations: Matthew Novak

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