Malissa and Brian’s Wedding at the Kenwood Inn and Spa in Sonoma, CA
I first met Brian when I was shooting his friend George’s wedding in the Republic of Georgia a few years ago. From then we stayed in touch and when I heard he was engaged I couldn’t imagine NOT shooting his wedding. I have to say I am in LOVE with the Kenwood Inn and Spa. What a ridiculously fun weekend I just spent there! Malissa and Brian had an AMAZING weekend planned out for all of their guests filled with gourmet food and wine, spa relaxation, pool parties and of course the wedding and more partying late into the night! All of the guests took over the entire Inn all weekend long and every morning we had a full Service Bloody Mary Bar and a Gourmet Breakfast and everyone wore their Spa robes. Each room is it’s own villa suite with Italian Linens and the most comfortable bed I have EVER slept in! I have to say that I felt like one of the family from the second I got there. Everyone was so warm and inviting and the intimate vibe of the wedding had everyone leaving as best friends by the end of the weekend. Here are my favorite moments from the wedding:
1. The Roaring 20’s-themed Rehearsal Dinner where everyone came in full costume. The photo booth area and props became the HUGE hit of the night, where guests were literally stampeding over me to get to take their photo LOL
2. The French band, Rue Manouche, playing Gypsy Jazz during the cocktail hour, really set the mood back in time.
3. The Bloody Mary’s and Breakfast presentation every morning. Not only was the food to die for, but the presentation was equally as impressive!
4. The custom shirts that the bridal party rocked all day the morning of the wedding… cute!
5. The Pool Party that lasted till 30 minutes before Malissa and Brian walked down the aisle. I am STILL amazed everyone pulled it together so fast! (I bet the Kenwood Inn never had a Vegas Style pool party before:)
6. The black diamond wedding bands, Sonoma and South Africa-themed cufflinks, and funky colored socks and Ascott Ties for the groomsmen were all special touches
7. The super emotional ceremony…Brian was crying the entire time!
8. The long family style tables set with white flowers, long candles, silver and crystal nestled in a garden setting…so spectacular! It was hard to imagine the pool party had been there just a couple of hours earlier!
9. Brian and his obsession with sabering every champagne bottle he saw and even the wedding cake!
10. The ridiculous dancing and partying…I found myself at one point with a cigar in my mouth, camera in one hand and fine whisky in the other LOL
11. And finally, last but not least George (my groom from Georgia) skyping in a toast to the bride and groom over late night flatbread pizzas….His wife Dina is super pregnant so they couldn’t be there. It was SO great seeing him again!
