Marissa & Casey: A weekend-Long Wedding in Sebastopol, CA
Marissa and Casey celebrated their wedding in Sebastopol, CA over the course of a weekend. Saturday included the wedding ceremony at their home in Sebastopol and continued the party on Sunday with a wedding reception at Woodfour Brewing Company in Sebastopol’s Barlow! I love an intimate backyard wedding and this one was no exception. Marissa’s classic and elegant gown was made by BHLDN and bridal hair and makeup was provided by The Cutting Edge Salon in Sebastopol. Casey’s amazing, green suit was tailored by Indochino. Vibrant floral design was provided by
This couple chose to do a first look before their wedding ceremony. If you’re not superstitious, I think it’s an awesome opportunity to not only revel in the sight of your partner and share some happy tears before walking down the aisle, but also knock out all those family photos and portraits before the ceremony. Family portraits can be one of the more chaotic part of any wedding (hello, think herding kittens) but it’s way easier before the wedding ceremony as everyone is gathering together as opposed to afterwards when everyone is riding high off that ceremony bliss hugging each other and wandering off looking for cocktail hour. Tom Duarte played classical guitar music as the couple walked down the aisle and they sealed the deal with a kiss and the Jewish tradition of breaking the glass. A hint of rain gave the wedding ceremony a misty glow but, mostly provided my favorite, overcast skies for our portraits as well as some lovely clouds. An exceptional dinner, delicious local wines and decadent desserts were provided by Sonoma Wine Shop & La Bodega Kitchen and wedding day one closed with the married couple leading everyone in a super cute, campfire-style singalong.
Day two of their Sebastopol wedding picked up in the evening at Woodfour Brewing Company. Originally the wedding had been planned for a single location but I’m so glad they split in into a two day affair. So often the wedding day is over in a flash and to be able to continue into a 2nd day provides you so much more time to celebrate with friends and family as well as wear a 2nd outfit, LOL. Also, Sunday was so beautiful and we were able to take even more sunset photos using the Barlow in Sebastopol as a fun, urban backdrop. I also framed the couple with some plants out front of California Sister who had provided the exquisite floral arrangements for their wedding ceremony the day before. I absolutely loved Marissa’s cute bridal jumpsuit provided by Jenny Yoo. One thing I haven’t seen before, the couple hosted a trivia game including facts about themselves which guests loved, screaming excitedly and jumping around over correct answers and the winners received some sweet gifts from Sebastopol’s Bee Kind. I was also super excited for my first time experiencing the Jewish Wedding tradition of the hora. The couple was lifted on chairs as everyone danced and made for some awesome party pics, everyone knows how much I love dancefloor pics so this was obviously one of my highlights. Party music was provided by Heart of Gold DJ’s who kept the mood going until the couple was ready to scamper away in a glow stick send off and the hardcore party-goers capped off the night at a local dive—the best way to end a fabulous weekend if you ask me :)
Aside from being an all-out incredible weekend with a couple and family that I truly felt I bonded with, another memorable takeaway was my amazing experience working with their wedding planner Jen and Sydney of Piper & Sloan Weddings. They were an absolute joy to work with, so organized and friendly. We laughed over our vendor meals together and her kind and attentive demeanor put everyone at ease. When choosing a vendor for a wedding, an outstanding portfolio goes a long way, but finding one with a lovely personality to follow it up is what makes your wedding day a wonderful experience
