A Formal, Romantic Garden Wedding in California

April 25, 2012

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Gabrielle and Chris

Gia Canali Photography

You could say the Internet brought Gabrielle Rose and Chris Chang together -- after all, they were online while both living in San Francisco -- but the couple credit fate. A year and a half after meeting, the now Chicago-based pair tied the knot at Meadowood Resort in California's Napa Valley, paying homage to the state where their love first took root.

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The Fashions

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Chris looked dapper in an Ermenegildo Zegna suit and Charvet shirt and pocket square, but it was Gabrielle's stunning Vera Wang gown, with its full skirt and layers of organza, that stole the day.

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The Boutonniere

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Lily of the valley, lamb's ear leaves, and lavender and rosemary sprigs adorned the groom's lapel.

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The Bouquet

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The bride carried garden roses in shades of cream and dusty pink, along with lily of the valley, sweet peas, and lamb’s ear.

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The Bridal Party

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Instead of bridesmaids and groomsmen, the couple's families walked down the aisle.

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The Bridal Party

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William, Gabrielle's 1-year-old nephew, sported a bow tie that matched the gown of his grandmother, who made his neckwear.

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Puppy Love

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Lola, the pair's beloved Chihuahua, acted as the ring bearer, and wore a crocheted outfit made by Gabrielle's mother, Regina.

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The Programs

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Letterpressed booklets tied with delicate raw-silk ribbons were distributed by the bride’s young niece and nephew.

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The Ceremony Site

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An altar constructed of hanging white sweet peas and birch-wood poles was amid the towering trees of the Meadowood's picturesque grounds. It looked like "an oasis in the middle of Wine Country," Chris says.

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The Ceremony Site

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Wildflowers punctuated the tall pampas grass behind the altar.

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The Ceremony Decor

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Olive-leaf garlands and satin ribbons adorned the back row of chairs.

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The Young Attendants

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All three flower girls carried baskets of garden roses and jasmine vine.

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The Ceremony

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The bride's and groom's parents stood at the altar for the start of the ceremony. Then, Dr. Judith Caldwell led the service, which included the exchange of personalized vows. Chris recited "Sonnet 89" by Pablo Neruda and Gabrielle read the poem "Love" by Roy Croft. At the end of the service, the groom's young niece sang the blessing "Long Time Sun" by Snatum Kaur.

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The Weather

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Paper parasols kept guests shaded and cool during the service.

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Portraits

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Photographer Gia Canali captured the couple before and after the ceremony. Their beloved pup made it into more than a few of the newlyweds' photos.

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The Guest Book

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Hopes, prayers, and well-wishes for the couple were written on cedar wood tags and hung on the branches of an olive tree.

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The Signature Drink

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Guests sipped white peach sangria during cocktail hour and noshed on hors d'oeuvres like black-eyed pea and shrimp fritters (a classic Brazilian dish) with Korean-inspired kimchi aioli and "his" and "hers" tacos. The bites nodded to Gabrielle's Brazilian roots and Chris's Korean heritage.

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The Escort Cards

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To incorporate the natural beauty and spiritual connotation of natural crystals into the wedding, small stones were wrapped in copper wire and affixed to tags made by the couple's wedding planner and designer, Amy Kaneko, and stationer, Bella Figura.

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The Escort Cards

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The seating assignments were displayed on a bed of moss resting under manzanita branches hung with "mica fairies" and crystals that reflected the afternoon light.

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The Centerpieces

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Lush arrangements of garden roses, ranunculus, sweet peas, snowberry bush, and astilbe decorated every tabletop.

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The Centerpieces

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Other bunches featuring jasmine, hydrangea, garden roses, and sweet peas were also scattered around.

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The Table Names

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Each table was assigned a different gemstone, and a framed sign and specimen explained the meaning of each. Amethyst, which signifies pure and true emotional love, marked the bride and groom’s table. Others, like this one with citrine (which promotes success and abundance), nodded at protection, wisdom, inner peace, harmony, and imagination.

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The Menu

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The dinner buffet, which celebrated California's seasonal cuisine, included slow-roasted organic salmon, beef tenderloin, orange and beet salad, heirloom tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, and grilled artichokes. While the couple's 100 friends and family dined, a strolling violinist serenaded them with soft music.

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The First Dance

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After dinner, guests moved to the Vintner's Room for Gabrielle and Chris' first dance to Death Cab for Cutie's "Follow You into the Dark." An oversize chandelier of white flowers and jasmine vines hung overhead as they twirled on the floor.

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The Cake

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Each layer of their three-tier confection by Perfect Endings boasted a different flavor: red velvet, vanilla bean pound cake with raspberry, and Chantilly sponge cake with white chocolate filling. It was surrounded by other sweets, including mini strawberry shortcakes and chocolate mignardises.

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Memorable Moments

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"Chris and I will always remember the incredibly moving and oftentimes hilarious toasts given by our family members," Gabrielle says. "They were a perfect reflection of the love and appreciation we feel toward them all."

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Sources

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Photography: Gia Canali Photography

Location and Catering: Meadowood

Event Planning, Design, and Stationery: Amy Kaneko Events

Flowers: Cherries Flowers

Cake: Perfect Endings

Music: Dave Kim Music

Rentals: Hartmann Studios

Videography: LoveSpun Films

Lighting: Got Light

Linens: La Tavola Linen

Wedding Bands: Becca Strauss from Manika Jewelry; custom design from Malcolm Betts

Engagement Ring: Designed by the groom, from Lester Lampert

Hair and Makeup: Sarah Hyde

On-Site Dressing and Pressing: SewHeidi Wedding De-Tailer (707-479-0790)

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