This recap is mostly for Laura, since she is [back] in South America, and was therefore unable to join us in celebrating.
The new Mr. and Mrs.!
Not that there’s much to report from the morning leading up to the wedding…but I do feel like I should back up a bit. For Laura’s sake.
The hippie household was in a scramble situation leading up to the main event.
Marie went out Saturday night and was in too hung over of a state to get to my parents house until just before we left.
My dad and I got a late start to the day too though, and didn’t get home from the gym until 2 pm. At which point I realized I had 45 minutes to shower, eat, do my hair and makeup (and steal accessories from my mom’s closet). My hair alone takes 45 minutes. More importantly, figuring out what I want to eat takes a full hour! [I’m indecisive]
I’ll cut to the chase…we left around 3 pm…not terribly off schedule (for a 4 o’clock ceremony start). And we were STILL 20 minutes early. Does that sound about right Laura?
The wedding was at Casa Real at Ruby Hill winery in Livermore. The California wine country is undeniably scenic. So we had a photo session in the parking lot.
Take 1. No mom, put your hand down.
Take 2. No dad, put your hand down.
Take 3. No parents, open your eyes.
Take 4. Yes, there you go.
In their defense (ish), it was really sunny and bright out. Soon enough more people started trickling in…
I had to remind Alene to “pop it” in this photo, so clearly she’s out of practice since my wedding.
Oh, and the shoes I’m wearing (BCBGeneration) give me an extra 4.5 inches. So if I look like I’m on stilts, it’s because I am.
Here come the bride…
Her mom walked her down the aisle. So cute. FYI, her mom is (basically) my second mom.
The ceremony was nice…we were all sweating our a$$es off in the sun though. Nor Cal is hit or miss this time of year – last weekend it was raining, this weekend it was hot, hot, heat. I guess it’s best to fall on the warm side of the spectrum.
Once they were announced man and wife it was time to mingle hunt down the bar.
Hey hey heyyyy.
For appetizers, they had fruit & cheese, meatballs, and a bread & cheese dip. I stuck with what I could.
My second trip to the bar was different. Even though I wanted another sparkling wine, the bartender had different plans. So he made me what he thought I’d enjoy more.
It was some sort of champagne peach schnapps shirley temple sunrise. And for the record, I didn’t really like the concoction. I let him serve me, but if I’m going to have FODMAPS, they’re going to be yummy ones. Not syrupy fructose masking a beverage I already like plain.
I waited a bit and then went back for another. I don’t really care if he thought I was a booze hound or not, I really like champagne!
They were presented and had their first dance…and then it was time to eat.
So I was actually a really bad vegan and went into this wedding completely unprepared. I even remember selecting my dinner option knowing full well it was not vegan friendly. The choices were: short ribs, chicken, or 3 cheese pasta. Not one cheese, not two cheese, THREE cheese. For someone who is lactose intolerant, that means trips to the bathroom to the third power (and Marie can confirm that).
Luckily someone else thought ahead of time for me. Bless your soul Katherine.
However, I’m happy to report that I didn’t even end up eating it because of the wonderfully accommodating staff at Ruby Hill. No begging, no pleading…I simply asked if there was a way to prepare the pasta to make it dairy free. The waiter told me the pasta was definitely loaded down in dairy, but told me they would take care of me. And that was that. So easy!
According to Colleen Patrick-Goudreau vegans shouldn’t apologize for living a cruelty free lifestyle. [Like when you go to a steak house and say sorry for requiring an off the menu item]
While I agree that opting to nix animals from one’s diet doesn’t demand justification, I also don’t think we shouldn’t show our appreciation when others are understanding and go out of their way to meet our needs. I made sure to thank the waiter.
My starter salad was the same as the rest of the guests. Minus the cheese. The shaved Granny Smith apples on top and candied nuts were a nice touch. Simple but tasty.
And for my main dish, they brought me a cous cous dish with marinated veggies (mushrooms, greens, bell peppers, sun dried tomatoes, etc.). It was slightly acidic, but I was a happy camper. I’m pretty sure Alene and Marie wanted my dish. Isn’t that how it always goes?
And then it was dancing time.
The women dominated the dance floor, but my dad was a good photog and captured us gettin’ down.
I don’t have any pictures of the cupcake tower, but my dad seemed to enjoy them. He’s not one to pass on chocolate… 🙂
That cocktail sounds good to me – similar to a bellini! Beautiful wedding!
you look fabulous! especially since you apparently got ready in record time!
where the heck did you get your dress?! a girl at the wedding i was at over the weekend had the same one (i thinK?) and i was in LOVE with it !
looks like such a fun wedding! i am in the midst of planning mine for next june, a winery would be a gorgeous place to have it! you look so pretty!
I want to compliment you on yur wonderful upbeat, positive website in dealing with life and IBS. I’m probably about your Mom’s age and you are about the age of my daughter so we have that in common too. My IBS started to get really bad last May and I follow a Fodmaps diet, You are able to eat many more foods than my body can tolerate right now. I have some good days and some bad days. Lately I might be constipated for 2-3 days then have 4-5 trips to the bathroom in one day. I’m thinking I need to add some fiber to my diet but that’s a scary thought. Any suggestions would be welcomed.
Love the wedding pics.
Lisa
The things we girls can do in 45 minutes when pressed… you look absolutely gorgeous! Love your dress, and the 4 photo takes with your parents? Adorbs.
I’ve just recently started looking into the FODMAPS deal thanks to your blog, definitely some intriguing information there!
Glad you had an amazing time girl 😀
LOVE your blog! The wedding looks like it was really a good time. I agree with you about being appreciative of others going out of their way to help us vegans out, it isn’t something they have to do but many do it anyway and it is out of their kindness. I am new to your blog and I have really enjoyed reading it, also great recipes!
Yay for weddings, and double yay for accommodating venues! Your couscous does look delicious. I’ve yet to hit up any of the wineries up north; I need to plan a weekend of it.
Sounds like fun! I can’t stand fruity cocktails. I’m not much of an alcohol drinker as it is.
I agree with you. I think vegans shouldn’t apologize for our lifestyle choices in the least, but I do think we should be appreciative when someone goes out of their way to accomodate us!
What a good time! 😀 Loved your dress – it’s so classy, and such a stunning colour…really bold! 🙂 How awesome that the waiter and chefs were able to get you your very own special meal…that’s what I call fantastic service! 🙂 Loved reading this recap – I’ve never been to a wedding, not since I was like 15 or something…none of my friends are getting married yet, and at 26, with a 30 year old boyfriend, I feel like I should be going to HEAPS! 😛 At least I get to experience them vicariously through your blog, lol! 😉 xyx
thanks!! its from express. they had it in a purple/pink/maroon color too that i loved.
awww…so fun…you cant go wrong with golf courses, country clubs, or wineries! so scenic.
You ladies! and Pada Dieds, look absolutely stunning! LIKE LIKE LIKE!
You looked stunning! Love the shoes and the dress!! I am with you on the champagne – no need to mix it with anything – it is perfect on it’s own!
awesome pictures 🙂 that larabar pic reminds me of myself. every pocket or drawer i open i find a larabar… ya never know when you’ll need one! 🙂
What a gorgeous wedding. You look beautiful!
I couldn’t agree more with you on being appreciative when people go out of their way to accommodate my vegan lifestyle. I don’t like having to apologize for my eating habits, but I’m also never rude or demanding about it. And those cooking for me usually appreciate that and are even more willing to find something I CAN eat.
I SO love see the last name Cobb following Elise on your place card! Glad you are one of us!
Your shoes are hot city! Love the outfit…. and yes, I love champagne too. Looks like a kick a@# wedding – great that the staff were so accommodating to your dietary needs, that’s always nice. Love a good wedding boogie too, so much fun!
Elise!!! I think this is one of my favs and made me kinda homesick also! Thanks for all the deets – I was literally laughing out loud at the multiple photos of mom and dad. Not to mention the super early arrival…standard. Oh man, this was great- looks like it was fun and your meal looked deelish! Xo
P.S. Aliens dress is very vavavoom!
no comment 😉
we missed you laura!! it was lots of fun for sure. jenny’s wedding will be even better i think.
i have yet to be to a wedding shince i’ve become vegan. your situation gives me hope 🙂
sometimes candied nuts aren’t vegan because often butter is the binding agent…just a head up!
Oh wow! That was so nice of the staff to take care of you like that! And the main dish you ended up with looks pretty darn tasty! Just goes to show sometimes you never know until you ask!
You are rocking those shoes girl! I would totally break my neck!