July 28, 2006
Alisha and I met Natalie, the wedding coordinator, at the Flower Mart on Thursday morning to pick up the flowers for the wedding.
I miss the SF Flower Mart. Matthew and I used to go a couple times a month when we lived in SOMA.
You can find common flowers and plants, like sunflowers,
and gerbera daisies.
Buckets of roses
Fancy sunflowers
Hydrangeas
You can also find more exotic flowers, like these funky purple artichokes.
I'd classify these plants in the exotic category too!
A few hours later, we all arrived at the estate in Sonoma, where the wedding and reception would be held. The girls hung out in the master bedroom for a couple of goodies from the bride.
Laura did some last-minute repairs to Nikki's earrings for the wedding.
Alisha and I model our necklaces and earrings.
Posing with the bride.
In the kitchen, the food prep begins.
Todd's aunt cuts potatoes.
The estate was huge. Here's the deck off the kitchen, dining room and large living room.
Beautiful swimming pool
This yard would be the reception area.
Tree swing
Alisha catches up with Bill, one of Todd's groomsmen.
We set up the lovely bamboo folding chairs for the ceremony.
Cheddi takes a dip.
Tennis court
One of the living rooms, with an eclectic art collection.
Hanging out in the kitchen.
Keeping the flowers cool in the pantry area.
The large living room is filled with more art, and a piano.
View of the other half of this huge room.
Master bedroom - Nikki and Todd's bridal suite.
Nikki's wedding dress!
Marc and Cheddi get to work on the pork for the rehearsal dinner.
The parents get acquainted in the kitchen.
Bob, Maciej, Ashe and Natalie near the pool.
Nik plays with cousin Tina's adorable daughter, Mia, who will be the flower girl.
Father of the groom, Bernie, chats with Maciej.
Ashley's dad, Bob, who will officiate the wedding, chats with Nikki's mom and aunt, who traveled from Alaska.
Me and Alisha
Gathering for the rehearsal.
Todd and his groomsmen.
OK, how are we walking in???
Mia got stage fright and held up traffic, so Mark and I gave her a lift down the aisle.
Here comes the bride!
"And you'll say this, then I'll say this..."
Deep discussion of the ceremony.
Ashe and Maciej chat with the Jong's.
Dan fires up the grill.
Nik, Maciej and Ashe.
Nik with the moms and aunts - both hers and Todd's.
Todd and Laura.
Auntie Jessica with her nephew, Andrew (daddy Dan is another of Todd's groomsmen).
Marc, Alisha, Maciej and Ashe.
Todd expertly works the grill, amidst the smoke.
The master chef at work. Bobby Flay, eat your heart out!
Yum - salmon on cedar planks, pork loin wrapped in prociutto, and shrimp.
Beer makes good smoke.
Abdul (before he transformed to Rumdul) finds a new use for audio cords.
Todd's aunt entertains the crowd.
Come and get it! Check out that tasty pork!
And shrimp.
And pasta salad.
And salmon.
And potatoes with onions and apples. What a feast!
Waiting for the dinner bell, out on the deck.
Dinner is served.
Nikki with her dad, Gary, and stepmom, Gail.
The crowd gathers in the large living room for a couple of speeches.
The bride and groom thank everyone for being there.
Cheers!
The dad's bond and Bernie delivers a touching speech, leaving the entire room in tears.
Nikki, her mom, Todd's dad, and Nikki's dad.
Abdul, a.k.a. "Rumdul", tells everyone he will be teaching Tae Bo in the morning.
The party continues.
The tallest and shortest members of the party - Cheddi and me! Even heels couldn't help me here!
Creepy artwork in the hallway.
Old Chinese man on a water buffalo. Yah.
Sisters Jen and Jessica enjoy a late night dip in the pool.
Ashe says the pool is a little chilly.
Partying in the hot tub.