The Pre-Wedding Celebration -- Friday Night

The ocean-side property was transformed into a festive, bright Indian Market Place. When the guests arrived by shuttle bus, they were greeted with a feast for all the senses. The grounds were enveloped with the sweet aroma of Jasmine incense. Middle Eastern music acoustically transported the guests to another place and time. Delicious Indian cuisine delighted the guests' pallet. The seaside evening breeze embraced the skin and the bright linens, flowers and sparkling Pacific Ocean provided visual indulgence.

On the Badminton Court, guests enjoyed the stunning view while they sipped their Indian Beer. Whimsical Indian press-on bindis, bangles and party favors were a hit with the guests. A Henna Artist adorns our bride as well as the guests with traditional Indian body art.

In Indian Tradition, the Groom is "presented" to the Bride's family after being brought in on elaborately decorated Elephants. Since there were no elephants in Laguna Beach, we brought in the next best thing: decorated Harleys. Rick arrived with the Bride's twin brothers in style.

After the grand entrance, the Bride's mother gave a flower garland to the Groom as a symbol of acceptance.

The costumed guests were invited to the dining area that was shrouded with billowing Indian fabric. The guests choose to sit on overstuffed floor pillows nestled up to low tables, or at a traditional table with chivari chairs.

An authentic Indian buffet dinner was served complete with Nan, Tandoori Chicken and refreshing Mango ice cream.

It was a perfect prenuptial celebration that put everyone in the mood for the next day.

 

The Wedding Day

On Saturday, after a brisk swim in the Ocean, Georgia got ready for her ceremony at the estate home in Laguna Beach where all of her maids met that morning. They were whisked away, in good spirits, by a white stretch limousine.

The historic Mission San Juan Capistrano was the ideal location for Rick and Georgia's Saturday morning wedding ceremony. The old-world Spanish influenced Basilica reflected the couple's affinity for world history, culture and travel. The guests received handsome purple-adorned ceremony programs that outlined the sublime music selections and wedding party attendants.

 

The guests enjoyed a leisurely afternoon in Laguna Beach, then arrived back to the estate later that evening for the black-tie affair.

As the guests arrived, handsome attendants tray-passed Apple Martinis. Rick and Georgia, who traded in her veil for a feather headdress, greeted each of their guests who then wandered the candle-studded paths on the property.

When it came time to serve dinner the guests each received table assignment cards that were affixed to a music-CD bearing Bride's personal artwork.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The dining area (a tennis court that was carpeted and tented) was aglow with mini twinkle lights and soft Chinese rice-paper lanterns. Regal purple linens and fruitwood Chivari chairs provided a striking visual presence. The tables were set with simple white china plates and angular glassware. The guest's individual place-card and menu was tucked into the neatly folded napkin.

There were two different centerpieces. One was an arrangement with white flowers and greens with fresh orange slices in the vase. The other was a miniature coy-pond with real gold fish.

The ultra-gourmet five-course meal was served "Cadillac Style" with eight attendants serving each person at the table at the same time. Fantastic!

The Wedding Cake was baked by the Bride and decorated by the Bride's Mails using Grandma's favorite Spice Cake recipe.

After dinner and cake the Bride and Groom heard touching and funny toasts and speeches. Then all the guests danced the night away with a 10-piece band. Gourmet Coffee Drinks from the Cappuccino Cart was available until the end of the festivities. What a celebration!

The most important element of the weekend was the genuine smiles, laughter and even a few sentimental tears shared by Rick and Georgia's beloved guests.