Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Melanie & Jonathan's Evergreen Lodge Wedding

Ceremony: Camp Mather
Reception & Catering: Evergreen Lodge
Officiant: Rev. Autrey Nassar
Band: Danjuma
Cake & Desserts: Devon's Delactables

Melanie and Jonathan were married on June 28th near the Hetch Hetchy entrance of Yosemite National Park with a lakeside ceremony at Camp Mather and beautiful reception at The Evergreen Lodge. The Lodge, which was built east of Groveland in the 1920's, is a charming resort of rustic and modern cabins. A large group of friends and family traveled from all over California and beyond to enjoy the week and weekend at this fabulous destination. Despite the wildfire that was burning just a few miles away, everyone enjoyed hiking, swimming, etc. in the area.

We really enjoyed spending time with the couple, who have a strong love for the outdoors and each other. Their ceremony was peaceful and serene and included a beautiful song sung by Jonathan's family. The reception followed with an incredible dinner and awesome music by Danjuma, an Afro-Cuban band from Santa Cruz. The music was so fun that the dance floor was packed the entire night.


























Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Corina and Pedro's Wedding

Corina and Pedro were married on Pedro's family farm in Atwater, CA on June 21, 2008, the summer solstice. Their wedding was full of vibrant colors and family traditions. Pedro's family spent months preparing the farm for the 300-guest celebration. Gorgeous sunflowers were planted around the wedding lawn and lush green corn fields surrounded the property. Corina looked stunning in her dress and veil which were purchased in Mexico and accented with a vivid turquoise necklace and shawl. Pedro wore a traditional outfit for the ceremony, which included his sisters and friend performing a traditional Pre-Columbian drumming and dance ritual, which honored the traditions of Meso-American ancestors. The ritual was followed by Father's Mario's traditional ceremony and rites and readings given in both Spanish and English.























The hot weather and stormy skies did not put a damper on the celebration which included a traditional Mexican dinner and lots of dancing. The dance floor was very lively for the song called "la vivora de la mar" (the snake of the sea tradition). The bride and groom stood on chairs holding Corina's shawl as a bridge, while guests held hands and sprinted through the crowd and under the bridge. At the end, the men lifted Pedro and threw him into the air!