One of my New Favorite Blogs

Check out our fabulous photographer's blog! Our wedding post is from Nov 11th :)
http://blog.yongstudio.com/

Among the many many things that went perfectly on our wedding day had to be the photographers. Actually, I should say, that things went so well with them even before the wedding! Yong & Bin are husband and wife - Bin assists Yong as he takes the photographs. They are a riot - total husband and wife! They just click though. If you look at Yong's website - his talent is amazing. Actually, it was his wedding picture postings of a wedding at our venue, Casa Real, that initially caught my eye! I have to tell you, there is almost nothing more soothing and reassuring about your wedding photographers than seeing what they can do at your future venue. From the moment we met them (my mommacita came with me), it felt right! Bin asks so many questions and I love love loved that about her! Things I didn't even think about but appreciated! They even started a wedding registry for us to add to our gifts! A few weeks before the wedding, I was supposed to meet them and had to bail a half hour before when my dad was sick. They were so supportive and understanding. They even came to my house to pick up the check when I spaced on sending it in on time and was too crazed to drive over there. They are simply awesome. And their professionalism on our wedding day didn't disappoint! I can't wait to see the wedding pics!


When they are ready, you can view them too - at http://yongstudio/showit/nikkiryan. I'll keep you posted!

Here are some pics of Yong & Bin in action:

Stories - The Ceremony

I'm going to post some blogs with random stories from the wedding...stories to share but mostly so that I can actually remember them in the time to come, LOL.

Ok! So to start off - I officially think (and I know I'm biased...) that we had probably one of the most fun weddings EVER! Even the ceremony was fun. If you know the two of us, you know that we're not exactly the ishy gooey gushy types. And for some reason, I was hell bent on not crying during the ceremony. I wanted so bad to be a happy bride! I managed to keep it together. We had our little jokes during the ceremony...from play punching Ryan when he remarked something to the effect of "I guess so" when asked if he was ready, to the "and Halleliuia" after I said the "Amen" in my vows. We had grandchildren jokes when Father Robert said he had been talking to our families in his homily. And after all was said and done, I was so excited that I raised my hand in the air and screamed "woohoo!" before we walked back down the aisle. It was so much fun and it was so us. I wouldn't have had it any other way!

The wedding itself was spectacular and fun as well! More on that later...

Some Wedding Day Pics!

Here is a sampling of some pics from the wedding...more to come!

Ryan walking down the aisle


Best Buddies since high school....
Mark, Lee & Jim

Nikki (and Denise walking away)

Amy, Erin & Christy

Awesome centerpieces

Christy did these awesome place cards!

Khalid, Ryan, Daren & Paul

Daren walking Denise down the aisle

Erin, Christy, Nikki & Amy

Married!

We did it!

We did it! Thank you to everyone for sharing with our special day!! It was soooo much fun, if I do say so myself! Some highlights: my gorgeous bridesmaids, Ryan's amazing groomsmen, both our wonderful, supportive, and color-coordinated families, my sister's place cards & pan can cards, my friend's amazing table signs, my five wonderful friends coming two hours early to help set up, the speeches, my new husband and Father Robert (and Enza!) fixing my train bustle about a gazillion times, my nonni telling three bachelors waiting for the garter toss - "You're too young, you're too old, and you're too hot" to play, all the out of towners for coming all that way (Philly, Washington, Oregon, Texas, Utah, New Mexico, Illinois!), the amazing staff at Casa Real, my obsession - blue orchids, and for everything else! And to everyone for coming out to party and have a great time!! Love to you all!

Keep Your Fingers Crossed

Keep your fingers crossed. I just looked at the weather and it's supposed to rain next Friday. Ugh! Albeit, our "Plan B" in the case of rain is pretty awesome and will work out well...but how will I take my sunset pictures in front of the grape vines in the rain? I know, small potatoes, especially in light of the last week (trust me. It's been a shitty week!). So, I am thankful for the Plan B. But still keep your fingers crossed for sunshine.

Beverage Options

Horray for Open Bar! Here is a sneak peek of your beverage options:

VODKA: Absolut, Skyy, Stolichnaya
GIN: Tanqueray, Bombay
RUM: Bacardi, Captain Morgan, Variety of Malibu Rums
SCOTCH: Johnny Walker Red Label and Black Label, Chivas Regal
WHISKEY: Jack Daniels, Jim Beam, Seagram’s VO, Seagram’s 7
TEQUILA: Jose Cuervo Gold, 1800
BRANDY: Korbel, Presidente
BEER: Draft beers to include four house selections
WINE & CHAMPAGNE: Ruby Hill Award Winning Wines
Poured Dinner Wine Service
Assorted Soft Drinks and Waters

So, by looking at this list - use the comments below to recommend our signature "wedding drink" :)

Arrival Time,Parking, and Post Ceremony Fun

Hi there!

Arrival Time: I thought I would let you know that with the ceremony starting at 3:30 pm, guest arrival time can begin at 2:45 pm. There is a huge entry room for mingling, with a door leading out to the courtyard. The ceremony itself will take place in the courtyard.

Parking: there are stipulations that at wineries, asphalt is not allowed within a certain distance from the vines. Since there are vines in front of Casa Real, the whole parking area is covered in pebbles, not asphalt. As a result, there will be arrangements for ladies in heels to be dropped off at the front of the venue, and then the men can go park the cars. Apparently the venue will be directing traffic in this manner :)

Post Ceremony: After we glide down the aisle and go to take many many formal pictures, you'll have some time before dinner. The reception room is directly inside, easily accessed by either the courtyard or the entry room. There will be bread and cheese available for munching. You can grab your placecards inside and then find your table! Oh! And help yourself to the OPEN BAR!

RSVP's are due soon!

Hello! :) Just a friendly reminder to some of you that our RSVP's are due on Monday, Oct 13. Hugs!