The day began in the ever so encrusted dahlia gardens that were further embellished with many more flowers that were either hung on shepherd’s poles to line the ceremony’s aisle, small intricate vases that hung in the wind, and magnificently lining the wooden arbor. Guests were served Middle Eastern lemon juice and Veuve Clicquot before heading to the amazing Glendeven Inn where they were greeted with signature cocktails in the garden, fabulous appetizers, and local Sergei strung his guitar cascading Spanish melodies in the wind.The guests were invited for a spectacular meal in the courtyard that held hundreds of Moroccan lanterns strung throughout the trees and overhead. The dinner was prepared by Brian and Shennen Morris and their ever so kind and professional staff. Dancing topped off the night in the contemporary wine bar lightly lit in amber orange to set a hip, lounge feeling. Fun was had by all!!!

What a fun wedding for the amazing Mendocino Floral Design. Not often do you get to embellish the dahlia saturated gardens with so many more blooms. Great job!

Photos: Cassandra Young Photography
Food: Morris Catering
Floral: Mendocino Floral Design
Cake: Melinda Ellis cakes
DJ: Modern Music Sound
Ceremony music: Sergei Bassehes
Make up: Mendocino Beauty
Hair: Kali at unforgettable
Equipment: Wine Country Party
Lighting: Matt Rowland Events

Anya Emerson and Jonah Staw, recently featured in the New York Times’ wedding section, selected Mendocino Weddings to help plan their celebration and help create an unforgettable day.

Jonah, founder of LittleMissMatched, a company that made its fame by selling socks in threes, and Anya, an attorney for good causes, decided to tie the knot at their beautiful Rancho Navarro home, built by hand with their friends.

Mexican flare was a perfect fit for Anderson Valley with its local wineries and outstanding Mexican culture and cuisine. Guests were greeted with a wine tasting of select vintages from the region’s wineries – Esterlina, Husch, Navarro and Greenwood Ridge. Then Jonah and Anya led guests up a mountainside trail to the ceremony site. In a lovely gesture, close friends of Anya each handed her a single flower, which grew into a bridal bouquet wrapped with a ribbon when she reached the destination. The procession of guests peeled off in a Virginia Reel to take their seats, which Jonah coined “The Inverted Sock.”

The bride and groom stood under a chuppah, (signifying their new home together), with a view of the golden hills of Anderson Valley behind them, as a covey of little flower girl sprites strew flower petals along the aisle. After the traditional Jewish ritual of the Bide and groom breaking a glass with their foot (symbolizing that the marriage will last forever) the wedding procession walked back downhill to the romantic wedding reception set in an illuminated tent amidst the forest.

A Mexican feast prepared by Alicia’s Restaurant in Boonville included tortillas made on site, stuffed with spicy taco fillings of carne asada, local fish, al Pastor, carnitas and vegetables, dashed with salsas made from garden ingredients. Margaritas, traditional Mexican sodas and homemade sangria livened up the guests for dancing to the exuberant music of local band “Pura Vida.” Instead of typical floral arrangements, the tables were decorated with grasses from my home and a bright orange Clementine that added a dash of color at each place setting.

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.