If you have a love for all things French or an affinity for a good glass of bubbly then you will adore this gem to bits. It’s French countryside by way of Sonoma captured in such a pretty way by Jose Villa. With layered neutrals, hand-crafted signage and wildly elegant flowers and garland designed by Flower Wild and planned by Rosemary Events this talented bunch has made some serious magic.
From Rosemary Hattenbach of Rosemary Events … Marilyn & Spencer came to me in search of the perfect intimate, European style setting for a French inspired wedding. We found it in a charming Sonoma villa on a beautiful 75 acre Sonoma Ranch and designed a wedding for them celebrating all their favorite things – all things French.
Their hilltop ceremony was at a lookout at the top of the ranch with views of the surrounding countryside. Marilyn arrived in a vintage Rolls Royce. Kate Holt from Flowerwild added the finishing touches to the already gorgeous setting with loosely grouped herbs tied with silk ribbon streamers on the aisle. Garlands of Pittosborum lined the path. Framing the couple on either side of the stage were large baskets spilling with clematis, bridal veil, spirea, garden roses and other various blooms.
Afterwards, the couple led a procession down the hill to the home where the reception was held. On arrival guests sipped champagne and enjoyed a selection of artisan cheeses and charcuterie while listening to the sounds of Ever Music Jazz ensemble. The delicious French inspired meal was prepared by Ramekins, Sonoma and featured many of Marilyn & Spencer’s favorites.
Guests dined on a beautiful stone patio set beneath towering redwoods where they were seated at long wood tables. The area was lit with stringer lights and tons of candlelight. Gorgeous white florals and caramel roses were set on a burlap runner that was laid over a layer of very loosely woven cheesecloth on the wood tables for a softer more feminine feel.
At each place setting ceramic coupe chargers were graced with a white & taupe grain sack striped napkin from La Tavola Linen. Atop the napkin was a “taupe on white letterpressed” menu and a singular bloom of garden rose. At each guests’ seat was a hand calligraphed place card in the form of a mini butcher paper scroll that wrapped around the stem of the wine glass.
A French wine riddling rack from Chateau Sonoma was filled with floral and little butcher paper cones for guests to drop well wishes for bride and groom
When guests came back into the house for dancing, the room was a glow with amazing candelabras. A beautiful dessert station & wedding cake by Sweet on Cake offered a sweet finish to the meal. Marilyn even arranged a surprise Guittard Hot Chocolate station for Spencer so he could indulge in his favorite after dinner treat. The couple kicked off the dancing with “Let it be Me” by Ray La Montagne and didn’t stop dancing until the bitter end. It was a gorgeous evening.
Photography: Jose Villa Photography | Cinematography: oel Serrato Films | Event Planning: Rosemary Events | Cake: Sweet on Cake | Invitations: Bella Figura | Bride's Shoes: Valentino | Rings: Tiffany & Co. | Catering: Ramekins Sonoma | Hair And Makeup: TEAM Hair and Makeup | Calligraphy: Neither Snow | Lighting: Twilight Design | Grooms Attire: Dolce And Gabbana | Officiant: Dan Melligan | Transportation: Pure Luxury | Wedding Venue: Anderson Ranch | Bride's Dress: Vera Wang | Bride's Jewlery: Haute Bride | Day Of Papers: Tiny Pine Press | Event Design And Flowers: Kate Holt Creative | French Wine Rack: Chateau Sonoma | Music: DJ Goyo | Music: Ever Music Group | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Rentals: Wine Country Party | Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Specialty Car (59 Rolls Royce): San Francisco Limousine