The Mendocino Hotel was home for the weekend to all of Jason and Wendy’s closest friends and family, their rehearsal dinner was a beach barbecue on Friday night planned by Mendocino Weddings that included local caterer Karina’s catering, and the amazing band Kevin & the coconuts played the steel drums where Wendy surprised Jason with a song she had learned. It was so fun!)

On Saturday guests were picked up by a trolley, and transported to the Cypress grove where they were greeted with a glass of sparkling wine, handed a “YAY” flag, and listened to Mambo This while waiting for the anticipated celebration to begin. Once the Wendy arrived she surprised her guy Jason with the song “Halo” which was sang by a local singer Sally Wells. As the ceremony was taking place, local artist John Hewitt hand painted the scene with water colors for the couple to take home as a remembrance of their special day. Details in the ceremony were plenty. There was a rose ceremony presented to their mothers, the couple’s rings were passed to each guest for a blessing, their mothers wrapped the couple with colorful, beautiful beads, a reading of love was spoken, and under each 117 chairs lay a river rock brought from the couple’s property where each guest was invited to come up for a blessing and placed the rocks around the couple, forming a love circle. Once the ceremony was complete the guests returned to the circle, picked up their rock and through it over the cliff with a loud cheer. Once the guests had arrived back to the Mendocino Hotel they enjoyed yummy cocktails and appetizers in the main lobby before being seated in the dining room on 3 large godfather style tables where they enjoyed a meal prepared by Mendocino Hotel. Some fun games were played, speeches were spoken, the cake was cut (with a large machete!) and then everyone moved into the garden room that was transformed into a 1940s speakeasy setting. Some guests were even dressed in period clothing!

Wendy had a friend perform a joyous belly dance before the bride and groom swayed to their first dance and to everyone’s surprise ( even mine!) the bridal party pulled off an amazing choreographed dance piece that was sooooo fun! Check it out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rRyKKzHPTQ

Ahhh… the party was fun.

Pablo had his photo booth set up in the corner and at 10:30pm we surprised everyone with 3 beautiful cigarette girls passing treats and cigar shaped savory foods, as well as opened up the hot fudge sundae bar which was a hit too.

So here is the synopsis of Jason and Wendy’s awesome wedding day. Thank you for sharing!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wg6sCjoYVJo

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Saturday August 28, 2010

Ceremony: Cypress Grove

Reception: Mendocino Hotel

Transportation: Mendocino Trolley

Bride and Groom: Red Burks Hudson

Ceremony music: Mambo this

Beyoncé “Halo” was sung by local Sally Wells as the bride walked

John Hewitt local Artist painted the ceremony as it was happening

Scharffenberger was served at the ceremony

Photographer: Cassandra Young

Food: Mendocino Hotel

Cake: Sharon Garner

Floral: Mendocino Floral Design

Hair: Kali from unforgettable

Make up: Mendocino Beauty

DJ: Aykut events from SF

Videographer: James Burkart SF

Photo Booth:  Pablo Abuliak

Lighting and Draping: Matt Rowland Events

Super sweet words from the bride and groom:

“Being a couple with very high standards for all of our personally-planned social events, my husband-to-be and I had quite the elaborate vision for our Big Day. Given that Mendocino is several hours away from where we live, we knew we had a tricky process ahead of us. Quickly coming to the conclusion that it would be impossible to accomplish this vision by ourselves, we looked very carefully for a seasoned wedding coordinator who could make our dream day a reality. After briefly considering a few coordinators outside of Mendocino, we found Sonya at Mendocino Weddings…perhaps it wasn’t so much that we casually “found” her as much as, while inquiring for wedding services, everyone in and around Mendocino and many former out-of-area clients and vendors she’d worked with just raved about the work of Mendocino Weddings. As soon as we met Sonya, we knew – this was definitely our Wedding Coordinator. Throughout the planning process, Sonya was consistently in touch with us, keeping us up-to-date on the planning progress, carefully taking note of our ideas & even building on our vision with inspiration she shared. It seems like every week we left a conversation with Sonya saying- “We love it!”. Her local connections and thorough knowledge of the area made planning not only a breeze, but a fun & exciting experience that Jason & I got to enjoy together. How Sonya & Mendocino Weddings kept so many details together from such a detail-oriented, yet somewhat disorganized pair we were, is beyond me- but that’s exactly what they did. On the day of our wedding, Mendocino Weddings completely brought our wedding vision to life. I’m partially convinced that Sonya has a twin because this amazing woman was everywhere! She successfully went to every effort to make sure everything was in place and that we were blissfully happy. It made me giggle to find that, although I knew what we we’d asked for in our day, I found myself constantly gasping in delight seeing just how impeccably our vision had become a reality. Jason & I had the most incredible day filled completely with love & celebration with absolutely not a care in the world regarding how the details of the day unfolded; we knew it was in the best hands. All Jason & I had to do was focus on one another and share our joy with those we dearly love – it truly can’t get any better than that. Many thanks, Sonya & Mendocino Weddings!”
Wendy & Jason Osburn

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]]> http://www.mendocinoweddings.com/wedding-cake/i-do-i-do-i-do/feed/ 0 http://www.mendocinoweddings.com/green-weddings/pure-seclusion/ http://www.mendocinoweddings.com/green-weddings/pure-seclusion/#comments Tue, 20 Apr 2010 02:30:40 +0000 Sonya http://www.mendocinoweddings.com/?p=665

Smells of wondrous cuisine, Scharffenberger Champagne, and  the essence of fragrant lilac’s,  topped off with one of the most stunning sunsets on the Mendocino coast. These were a few of the elements that set the mood for Brianna and Phil’s private dinner for two in the rustic cliff house this Saturday night.

This was the finale of their weekend Romantic getaway that the couple won during our March giveaway for choosing Mendocino as their wedding destination.

 We are so excited to offer this great package for small dinner parties, elopements, or just a great girl’s night out!

 

Congratulations to Brianna and Phil that will be married on July 10, 2010.

 

Cassandra Young Photography

Growing up here, I see the region as a jewelry box filled with sites that are pearls, emeralds and sapphires. The pearls are the wineries, historic churches and organic farmsteads tucked away in the forest or in the villages, opening to reveal their secret gardens, kitchens and private reception areas with all the professional amenities that make them long-time wedding and reception destinations for savvy couples. The emeralds are the lush gardens, redwood forests or lakes with tenting for a magical event that the sprites and fairies will grace. The sapphires are the private homes, inns, restaurants and outdoor locations with the blue Pacific in view. Champagne always seems bubblier when complimented by the sparkling ocean.

Here are the reasons I hear most often for why couples choose a destination wedding in Mendocino wine country.

1. Location: A destination wedding takes away all of the distractions of everyday life. This and a wedding planner who knows the region helps you focus on the important events of the day and enjoy the time being with your friends and family and each other.

2. Location: A destination wedding can save money. Yes, there are many ways to actually save money by having a destination wedding. You can get group rates for lodging, activities and even dining. Couples tell me “We can have our honeymoon in the same beautiful place as our wedding, finding our own little private hideaway for our time together alone.” Using natural surroundings as your backdrop also cuts costs and Mendocino has an abundance of natural beauty.

3. Location: A destination wedding is an opportunity to bring all your friends and family together. Another bride pointed out: “I love the idea of having my friends and family around me for a weekend or even a few days before or after the wedding day, making our celebration an opportunity for everyone to have a getaway together.” The North Coast offers a spectacular variety of activities where wedding parties can break out into groups and do together, depending on interest and physical prowess – horseback riding on the beach, kayaking in sea caves or up Big River, touring the botanical gardens, wine tasting, dining around, hiking, biking, and so much more.

Wherever couples fit on the eco spectrum, from eco-chic to card-carrying tree-huggers, our team presents a range of ideas that will respect and reflect their values.

From the invitation to the cake, Mendocino Weddings collaborates with vendors who are passionate about sustainable living—gourmet organic caterers, bakers who use free range eggs and organic flours and vendors who provide green wedding favors, elegant letterpress invitations on recycled materials, renowned locally grown flowers and more.