Today we have something REALLY special. Jennifer and Darrell’s wedding was over the top gorgeous, and so ridiculously detailed and well thought out, it will bowl you over. The pretty-factor should come as no surprise, given Jennifer’s food industry background and the couple’s true love of entertaining. Additionally, as a special treat, they are also sharing the photos of their casual picnic event, and holiday cookie baking party in the Cavallo Point Cooking School. Lovely floral design by Kate’s Blossoms, photography by Kelly Puleio, and in the spirit of treating you, dear readers, here is a description of the day, in the beautiful bride’s own words:
It was a complete surprise when my boyfriend, Darrell Rodriguez, brought me to Cavallo Point on December 30, 2012. We had visited the Lodge a couple of times for drinks and brunch. It had been a dream of mine to stay at the resort. As we pulled up to the lodge that beautiful day, my only hope was to sip champagne, enjoy the view and toast the new year with the love of my life.
As New Years fast approached, Darrell told me to dress up. We were heading to Murray circle for dinner and then to the water front to watch the fire works at the stroke of midnight. Dinner was a beautiful seven course meal with wines paired with each course. At 11:45, Darrell asked me to walk to the water front. I gently requested that we drive. Thinking of saving my beautiful high heels from the “long” walk in the dark. The car was quickly brought from valet. We pulled up just as the fireworks began.
Darrell proposed, in the car, as the fire works began, and not exactly as planned! A water side proposal was much more romantic than the one inside the car, he said. But I was surprised and thrilled nonetheless. New Year’s Day, as we enjoyed breakfast on the restaurant patio, we began to discuss where we wanted to get married. Coming back to Cavallo point, exactly one year to the day to mimic the proposal seemed like the most amazing of options.
By March, we were booked. It would be a small wedding for forty special family and friends. An event centered around food, wine and the fireworks of New Year’s Eve. It was the fireworks that provided the theme for the wedding. The sparks of the fireworks. The sparks we felt when we met. The sparks that would fly when we got married. “Come See Sparks Fly”. And so it began.
We lived in a home of similar style to the lodge. All of the planning, flowers, colors and theme centered around honoring the integrity of the property. We entertain all of the time. Serving multiple coursed dinners paired with wine. That part was easy. The first piece was to ensure that everyone saved the date and booked a room. It was New Year’s Eve after all. We didn’t want to risk anyone making other plans. The Save the Date notices went out by May. A simple menu card. With a matchbook saying ” Save the Date-December 31, 2013-Come See Sparks Fly” It was threaded with three silver sparklers. All hand written, including the fireworks on the top.
