CHAPTER TWO:
SATURDAY, APRIL 17, 2009
WEDDING DAY
Saturday was another glorious day; absolutely perfect for a wedding. Steve and I headed to Dew Point around noon. (Dew Point is the name of the residence John & Koren had rented and was where Koren and her bridesmaids were getting ready).
We found everyone relaxed and happy, enjoying glasses of mimosas and painting one another’s nails.
Perched atop the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the views from the house were spectacular.
We took advantage of the scenery and the textures while photographing some of the “details”.
- Flowers for the bridal party’s hair.
John dressed early at the house, then met his groomsmen at Acacia Corner.
Upon their arrival, make-up Artist, Rela Martine, of Criterion Agency, and Jenny Cho, of The Wall Group set up their stations, and began to work. Both women are highly acclaimed in their respective fields and have accrued impressive resumes of notable clientele and projects over the span of their careers.
Marley, Koren’s sister, and maid of honor, presented Koren with exquisite heirloom diamond jewelry pieces she had borrowed for Koren to wear for the wedding. The collection included chandelier earrings, a bracelet and a pin.
When it was Koren’s turn to have her hair done, Jenny masterfully created a soft, graceful up-do for her.
Beautiful!
Koren moved on to Rela’s chair where Rela expertly applied her make-up.
As Rela worked, Koren asked her nieces, Farrah and Rosie Volpintesta, to help her hand out the gifts she had brought for her bridesmaids.
Everyone seemed delighted and touched by their gifts. They were glasses; each set a little different from the others.
Steven Davis and Beau Flynn brought the ladies tacos for lunch, and presented Koren with a guest book they had handmade themselves.
- Steven Davis and Beau Flynn
The ladies dressed.
Koren’s gown was stunning and fit her like a glove.
- Koren with Flower Girls Farrah & Rosie Volpintesta and Luisa Bertolli.
- Koren and her sister, Marley.
- Koren and her mother, Carol
- The Bridal Party
The ladies headed to Acacia Corner about 3:30.
The bridal party sequestered themselves in the house as guests started to arrive.
Meanwhile John presented his groomsmen with sunglasses.
- John presents Peter Johnston with sunglasses.
Steve took the men out to the meadow for a few pictures prior to the ceremony.
The “santuary” in the meadow at Acacia Corner.
The prelude music began.
Once the guests found their seats, the ceremony began.
Koren’s Mother, Carol, was escorted to her seat.
Minister Jimmy Bartz, led the procession of groomsmen to the altar. (Tom & Paul Bertolli, Peter Johnston, Kevin Lake, Jeff Lancaster, and Scott Rosenberg).
John, flanked by his sisters Marie Young, Susan and Jeanne Bertolli, and JoAnne Wilson entered next.
Then each bridesmaid made their way down the aisle;
followed by the flower girls.
- Farrah Volpintesta
- Luisa Bertolli and Rosie Volpintesta
There was a precious moment, when Luisa got side-tracked and started handing out petals to some of the guests in the back row. With a little prodding, she quickly regained her focus, and headed back down the aisle.
Anthony Bertolli, the ring bearer, brought up the rear.
- Anthony Bertolli
Once at the alter, the wedding party anxiously awaited Koren’s appearance.
Koren and her father, Christopher emerged and made their way down the aisle to the song,”Isn’t She Lovely”, by Stevie Wonder.
- Koren’s father, Christopher, escorts her down the aisle.
John was duly impressed at the site of his beautiful bride.
Koren’s sister, Marley, gave a reading.
Then Erin and Samantha sang….
….much to the appreciation of the crowd.
There were poems and readings.
Then John & Koren recited their wedding vows…..
…and exchanged rings.
Reverend Bartz gave the final blessing…..
….and pronounced the two husband and wife.
John kissed his bride……
…to the applause of the crowd.
Guests blew bubbles and Monarch butterflies were released as the couple walked down the aisle.
There were celebratory kisses….
…and high fives!
- Jimmy Bartz with the newlyweds
After the ceremony, Steve and I photographed the wedding party.
Next, we photographed various family groupings.
Meanwhile, guests enjoyed beverages and hors d’oeuvres, while being serenaded by Thad Keyes, and various guest artists.
Koren’s mother took to the stage and performed “In my Life”, by George Harrison, as a tribute to her daughter.
- John, Koren, and her Dad listed as Koren’s Mom, Carol sings.
Then Koren sang a special song for John….
…much to John’s appreciation….
….as well as many of the guests.
Steve and I gently prodded the newlyweds away from their adoring guests for a few signature shots.
Guests were summoned to the beautifully decorated reception tent.
Various friends and family made endearing toasts to the couple before and after dinner.
Koren and John thanked their guests for joining in on their celebration.
Later, Koren’s family performed a song that was a fun spoof on the couple’s courtship.
Then the dancing began.
John and Koren took to the floor for their first dance as husband and wife. In our experience, the first dances are usually set to a slow rhythm songs. Not so at this wedding!
Koren then danced with her father,
And John danced with his eldest sister,
Then John stepped out with Carol, and Koren danced with Tom.
Once the first dances were completed, the guests took to the floor.
Even the catering staff was dancing!
The dancing was briefly interrupted by an impassioned, animated rap song specially written for the couple.
A bit later, the crowd was requested to step outside of the tent. Much to everyone’s surprise, fire dancers appeared to entertain the crowd.
Very impressive!
A bit later, John and Koren cut one of their many cakes.
The dancing continued on into the night.
They even got Pastor Jimmy out there, albeit a bit reluctantly and reserved.
They danced and they danced ’til they could dance no more.
The festivities came to a happy ending….
…and a beautiful beginning to John and Koren’s new life together as husband and wife.
Steve and I feel honored and blessed to have been a part of their incredible celebration. We wish them all the best for a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life together.
To view all the pictures from this weekend wedding celebration, click on this link: http://www.pictage.com/641112
Posted by jeanegadd 
Posted by jeanegadd 
Posted by jeanegadd 
