California Style Weddings Fall 2012

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Originally published in the Fall 2012 issue of California Style Weddings Magazine

When my friend Merryl, of Merryl Brown Events, asked me to cook a dinner for an intimate wedding in the Santa Ynez Valley, I was very flattered, but also completely taken aback and instantly nervous.  Weddings are a big deal; the most special and the most anticipated day for a couple – that’s a whole lot of pressure. While I love and cherish cooking for friends in my home, I don’t seek out catering engagements. But with more persuading from Merryl (damn, that woman is persistent), I gave in.

I was honored to be working with such amazing company—Merryl pulled together the crème de la crème of the event world. Photographer, flowers, pastry chef, jewelers (Yes, plural. There were lots of jewels.), musicians, tabletop masters, chocolatiers, gowns and the site. And of course, the couple was stunning as well. I hope you enjoy these beautiful images and get lost in a little gypsy caravan fantasy of your own.

Now I’ve seen firsthand that Elizabeth Messina has earned her amazing reputation.

The wedding took place at the beautiful Sunstone Winery.

This unique jewelry is from Samantha Goldstone at Adesso.

Kate at Flower Wild is the epitome of where flower design is going — real, organic and seasonal.

The gorgeous, heirloom china was from Small Masterpiece.

Here’s some of the food I made.

The exquisite chocolate was provided by Sweet Nuit Chocolates.

I adored the bride’s headpiece, by Myra Callan, and the pearls were from 33 Jewels.

Cheers to the happy couple!