Weddingbee Blog

Ashley and Chris were all about the love for their intimate wedding, which focused on celebrating the special occasion and including those closest to their hearts. Ashley’s mother and her close friends put together nearly every aspect for the reception, and all of that love, time and attention by their loved ones made their day absolutely unforgettable.

The Details:

1. Bride’s Name: Ashley
2. Groom’s Name: Chris
3. Venue(s): Chateau Felice
4. Wedding Date: September 20, 2008
5. Bridal Gown Designer: Augusta Jones
6. Florist: Florals were done by my mom and her two girlfriends
7. Photographer: April Smith Photography
8. Cake: Michele’s Corner Cakes
9. Wedding Coordinator: none
10: Bridesmaid Dresses: After Six
11. Honeymoon: Cancun (stayed at the Royal Cancun) and Playa del Carmen (stayed at the Royal Hideaway) arranged by travel agent April Schmitt of All About Honeymoons
12. Officiant: Anthony Martin
13. Catering Company: Park Avenue Catering
14. Solo Guitarist & DJ: Sutherland Entertainment
15. Transportation: Triple Diamond Limousine
16. Hair: La Coupe Sauvage
17. Makeup: Trisha O’Connor - now retired
18. Invitations: Phyllis of Sweet Paper Studio

The Story:

Chris and I were married at Chateau Felice’s private estate in Healdsburg, CA.

We had a small wedding of 41 guests. We really wanted to focus on what weddings are really about, the coming together of two people that really love each other and having those that are closest to us to share it with.

My mom told me that the husband of one of her girlfriends jokingly said, “Where are the jerks?” She asked, “What do you mean?” And he said, “Well, usually at weddings there is usually a jerk or two, but not here. Everyone is so nice and friendly, it’s just really is amazing.”

For the ceremony, my mom walked me down the aisle, which is fitting since it has always been me and my mom.

We really wanted everyone to be involved in our ceremony since each person we had asked to be there was special to us. To do this, we asked our parents to stand and pledge their support to strengthen our marriage by upholding us with their love, concern, counsel and prayers. To involve everyone there, we had a wedding blessing where our officiant asked all of the guests to offer their blessing to us and pledge their support and protect our relationship. Everyone said, “We do.”

We also had a family medallion ceremony. Chris has a 12-year-old daughter and we wanted to involve her. So, the officiant asked Mackenzie to join us. We then gave her a gold bracelet with a charm that had three overlapping circles, which symbolized our love and support. Chris was a little too teary to put the bracelet on her, so I did.

Also, my Aunt and my cousin (who was one of my bridesmaids) surprised us both by having a butterfly release. They released 4 butterflies, each representing someone very special to either Chris or myself. This was really meaningful to us.

Especially in my family, the butterfly has long symbolized my grandmother who passed from cancer. The butterfly has since come to also symbolize my grandfather and a dear family friend who I considered my “dad” who both also passed from cancer. I didn’t see it, but I was told that a couple of the butterflies landed on my veil and dress and just hung out there for a while.

My mom and I really tried to keep a shoestring budget for our wedding since Chris and I paid for everything ourselves.

We handwired every votive (the votives of which we scoured Dollar Stores and Big Lots!), I made my own save-the-dates, rehearsal invitations, and favor tags.

My mom sewed every table topper, made every centerpiece, hung every crystal (you have to love the $1 bins at Michaels!) and made every arrangement for the ceremony.

All the flowers were done by my mom and her two girlfriends (my mom went to the SF flower mart the day before).

All the drapery was made and put up by my mom and her girlfriends, all votives were hung by them, all lumianaries were cut and set up by them … you get the idea.

So, aside from the special things that happened in our ceremony, I think what made our wedding special was the love. We had so much love on that day.

Not just between Chris and I, but with our families and with our friends. You can see it and feel it in our pictures. Everyone worked so hard to put this wedding together.

From my mom and her girlfriends with their master creative minds and their abilities to execute everything to a T, to the bridesmaids wrapping ribbons around their bouquets before the ceremony.

Everyone came together to help and to celebrate our marriage and it made Chris and I feel so loved and so honored to have family and friends like we do. It honestly felt magical and the only regret I have is that the night had to end!

I think Ms. Lovebug’s fond farewell could not describe more perfectly the advice I too would give to brides:

“If it doesn’t involve love or laughter, what’s the point? Remember that when it comes to planning your wedding, if it doesn’t bring you joy, don’t buy it. If it isn’t a labor of love, don’t do it, because it’s all over so quickly! You’ll be amazed, and if all goes well, slightly heartbroken after your wedding - it’s really unfair, how precious little time you’re given to enjoy all that hard work and expense. So when the time comes, don’t hesitate for one second to be silly with your girlfriends… or to be selfish with your husband… because your love and laughter will be contagious, and they will define the day.”

To read more about Ashley’s journey to the aisle and inspirations for her wedding day, be sure to visit her Project Wedding Bio (kohler44)

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