From the moment I read that this gorgeous Healdsburg Country Gardens wedding was inspired by the bride’s love of birds AND her pet cockatoo, Humphrey, I was a goner. Yep, it just might be the sweetest thing I.have.ever.heard and I am LOVING the way A Bride’s Best Friend weaved the theme throughout the entire affair. From the gorgeous paper products by Chick Invitations to the bird cages scattered throughout the space to the uber-adorable bride and groom, “lovebirds” most definitely ruled the day. Kate Harrison Photography was on hand to capture every charming detail and the gallery is literally overflowing with pretty. Join me there for more!
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From Elle of A Bride’s Best Friend… When I first met Kurt and Erika, they described a casually elegant celebration in the wine country that would showcase their love of the outdoors, tasty food and good wine. They picked their wedding date specifically to coincide with pre-harvest in August when the grapes hang full on the vine and the days are long.
Erika’s love of birds was our starting point for our design. She’s always had birds at home, and currently has a pet cockatoo, Humphrey. Humphrey is yellow and grey, and we used him as the color inspiration for our design. The aviaries nestled within Healdsburg Country Gardens were perfect for Erika and Kurt. We continued the lovebird theme by encasing some of the centerpieces in bird cages, adorning our escort card table with bird sculptures and creating a backdrop for their cake with a yellow songbird linen. A thoughtful, handmade gift of yellow fabric birds from the groom’s sister-in-law sat beside the cake, while another handmade ornament made of hand-typed paper and fabric sewn together sat atop the cake. The paper heart reads: “Erika loves Kurt, Kurt loves Erika.” We also wove special words into the celebration by choosing meaningful quotes and having them written on fabric streamers that framed the canopied entry way to the ceremony. With the help of Claire from Poppystone, we sourced fabrics in different yellow and grey patterns. Instead of numbers, each table had a different fabric pattern tied to the bird cage, and used to back our escort cards. Once guests found their tables, they searched for their names, handwritten on glassine bags that encased their wedding favor: French macaroons from nearby acclaimed Bouchon Bakery.
Guests were welcomed with glasses of refreshing raspberry pomegranate lemonade, and after exchanging vows on the Vineyard Bluff, Kurt and Erika’s guests ate a family-style meal at long tables before heading into the 100 year old Barn for dancing. At the end of the night, the bride and groom were picked up in a restored 1970 Chevy Chevelle convertible and shuttled to their after-party in town.
Wedding Photography: Kate Harrison Photography / Wedding Planning + Design: Elisheva Basseri of A Bride’s Best Friend / Flowers: Claire Sanz of Poppystone Designs / Caterer: Elaine Bell / Invitation Design + Printing: Robyn Platoni of Chick Invitations / Wedding Venue: Healdsburg Country Gardens / Getting Ready Location: The Hotel Healdsburg / Ceremony & Cocktail Music: The Ed Neff & Friends Band / Rentals: La Tavola Linens + Classic Party Rentals + Wine Country Linens / Cake: Patisserie Angelica / Transportation: Wine Country Hot Rod Tours / DJ: Sir Edgar / Favors: French Macaroons from Bouchon / Wedding Gown: Judd Waddell via Marina Morrison / Bridesmaids Dresses: Amsale / Cake Topper + Birds: Melanie Dunn