Andrew & Moaya
Wedding Date: April 29, 2012
Glen Allen, CA
Number of Guests: 21
Wedding Cost: $4,000
Wedding Ceremony Location: Beltane Ranch, Glen Ellen, CA
Wedding Reception Location: Starks Steakhouse, Santa Rosa, CA
We’ve been engaged for a year and half and hadn’t made any plans about what we wanted to do for a wedding. My (Andrea’s) parents were going to be out visiting from New York and so we decided to just put something together. We just started a new bakery and wedding cake business, Crisp Bake Shop, on April 1st so it was kind of a crazy plan, but we are thrilled we did it. In fact, if it had been planned further in advance, I don’t think we would have enjoyed it as much. The spontaneity added a lot to the occasion.
What are some of the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?
The biggest challenge was making sure we had something to wear. Andrea has been working in the wedding industry for a number of years, so I was able to ask for help from friends and colleagues and everyone jumped right in to help us with all the details.
Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?
Not really, although we started off thinking it would just be 10-12 people given the time frame we were giving people. We got to a point where we had to say no to a few people. If we had a slightly larger wedding, there are definitely additional guests that we would have wanted to include. It was so amazing that some people were able to rearrange their schedules to be there. Andrea’s sister flew in from New York, some friends drove from Arizona and the locals all worked it out to be there.
Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?
We were a little saddened that a few close family members couldn’t make it, but I think we actually wanted to make sure they understand that we felt bad for planning something that quickly. We couldn’t blame anyone for not getting here with 7 days notice.
What were the highlights of the ceremony?
Having Moaya’s cousin Laurie, a judge, marry us. She did an amazing job. It was a beautiful ceremony, but it was also funny and casual.
What were the highlights of the reception?
We are both chefs so our reception was just a great dinner party. We had excellent food, amazing wines (provided by our own cellar, plus some real gems provided by our friends from Groth Vineyards) and delicious desserts and wedding cake (provided by Crisp!)
What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?
Well, for us, it was being able to plan it so quickly. No stress.
What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?
Just do it! We wouldn’t change a thing. It was a perfect day.
Vendors:
Photography: Megan Clouse
Venue: Beltane Ranch
Officiant: Justice Laurie D. Zelon (Moaya’s cousin)
Florals: Spiral Hand
Makeup: Glowing Bridal
Hair: Stella Stevens
Cake: Crisp Bake Shop
Reception: Stark Restaurant
