Brooke and Robert are a couple that embodies the unique culture of North Cal. The love birds, who met from a chance encounter at a convenience store in SF, desired a wedding that was “casual, but stylish” with a twist on some of the traditional aspects. Their sweet ceremony took place at the very quaint General Vallejo’s Home, a historical house located just a short walk from Sonoma's town square. After the “I Dos”, the wedding party and guests marched down the street playing instruments as they followed behind the band. They were creating a symphony to announce the joyous harmony of Brooke and Robert’s union. The parade would end at El Dorado Kitchen, where the party would begin. The restaurant itself has a very rustic, yet chic atmosphere. To compliment the organic ambiance, each guest had their own personalized stamped wood coins at their seat; these will make memorable ornaments on their Christmas tree this year. We also enlisted the help of the talented Lidia of La Flueriste to design natural tablescapes of flowers, herbs, and vegetables. The Newly Weds wanted to approach their reception like a “big party” that “not only celebrates the fact that we are getting married, but also a celebration of all the people we love”. With half of their guests from Germany, they wanted to blend the family traditions and help with ice breakers at the dining tables. Each guest was given “fact” cards to match up with other guests at their table. It was really fun to watch everyone bond over dinner. Rather than a traditional guest book, Brooke and Robert decided to have 6 wine bottles labeled for each of their first 6 anniversaries of marriage. Guests were asked to impart words of wisdom or written love notes for the couple to read on each bottles respective anniversary. By the end of the night, it wasn’t hard to see why this couple had fallen in love. Through the laughter, blessed tears, and gleeful merging of families, it was apparent these two would be together for many years longer than their guest book elixir would last them.