CHAPTER ONE:
FRIDAY, APRIL 16, 2009
WEDDING REHEARSAL, AN AFTERNOON AT ACACIA CORNER, AND MUSIC UNDER THE STARS
Friday morning promised a glorious day. Steve and I, (of Steve Smith Weddings) arrived at Acacia Corner about a half hour before the rehearsal was scheduled (at 11:00 AM).
Attendants (i.e., family and friends assigned to the task) were on hand to direct us where to park our vehicles and to guide us to the walking path that would lead us to the meadow. We didn’t quite know what to expect, but once we got to the clearing, we were both quite impressed with the view before us.
- The pond at Acacia Corner
The rehearsal started right on time.
- Minister, Jimmy Bartz leads the procession.
- John tackles Koren after they are pronounced husband and wife at the rehearsal.
Shortly after the rehearsal was over, John’s family provided a lovely Tuscan-style buffet lunch.
Many of the elements were homemade by the various members of his family. John’s brother, Paul (Bertolli), a renowned chef, and the founder/curemaster of Fra’ Mani, provided an assortment of hand crafted organic meats.
- Koren’s Mom, Carol, surveys the lunch buffet.
John’s sister brought an ample supply of antipasto she had made using a treasured, old family recipe.
After lunch some of the guests enjoyed an assortment of games including ping pong, badminton, croquet, horseshoes, and lawn baseball.
Others migrated to the pond where some just relaxed,
some took the paddle boat out,
and some fished.
Tom (Bertolli) showed the other fisherman how it’s done, and caught one of his prize trout, which he carefully unhooked and released.
Meanwhile others, including the groom, went to work setting up for the evening’s festivities.
- Groomsman, Scott Rosenberg.
“Chef Paul” prepped for and put a monstrous pot of minestrone soup on to simmer.
- “Chef Paul Bertolli” making minestrone soup.
Steve and I had intended (and hoped) to take the wedding party down to Anchor Bay Beach for photographs, but wedding set-up logistics, and guest obligations were more pressing.
The next wave of guests began arriving around 3:00.
A bit later, the barbeque was fired up, and two varieties of sausages (provided once again by Fra’ Mani) were grilled for guests to enjoy.
- Paul Bertolli grills his handcrafted sausages.
As the sun went down, the bonfire was lit and everyone was summoned to the pit for “Music under the stars”.
The warmth of the fire helped take the chill away from the cool, no I think it’s safe to say COLD night air.
Various friends and family took turns singing and playing, and many of those in the audience joined in.
- Koren’s sister, Samantha, sang and played her ukelele.
Koren sang with her Dad, Christopher,
- Koren sings with her Dad Christopher.
and her sisters, Erin, Samantha and Marley.
- Erin, Koren, Samantha & Marley sang together.
- Koren sang a special song to John.
Koren also treated the crowd to conga rythyms.
Long sticks were passed around for toasting marshmallows, and graham crackers and chocolate bars were on hand for making s’mores.
It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.
To view all the pictures from this weekend wedding celebration, click on this link: http://www.pictage.com/641112
