The Big Day

We are officially hitched! Photo (c) Jen Philips

I hope you all didn't think I was holding out on you but this past month has been an incredibly intense, emotional whirlwind as I went from a Ms. to a Mrs. As anyone out there who has gone through it can probably attest to the days and weeks leading up the event, you pour whole heart and soul into one day that reflects you and your future husband as a couple so that all of your friends and family can come together to celebrate your two-ness now become a one-ness. What we imagined and hoped for as being a fun and festive celebration of our two lives in the city we now call home, San Francisco, was more fun and love filled than we ever could have imagined and the whole wedding weekend was just completely fabulous. As much of an intense and emotional ride as this past year has been (and all of the money we spent on the wedding), now on the other side I can totally say, yep it was worth it. And, believe it or not, my new husband (still weird to say) totally agrees with me.

So if you'll divulge with me for a moment or two, I'd love to share with you some highlights of our wedding weekend. Seriously photo heavy post ahead!





It all started, as these things often do, with a wedding rehearsal. Our family set up is a ridiculous mish mash of steps and old flames as modern families so often are so believe me when I say that forming a lineup was no small task and practicing was very necessary!

Our line up. Doesn't everyone look excited (and confused)!

We did it!

We eventually figured it all out though with the help of my much needed and super helpful (and highly recommended for any Bay Area brides) day of coordinator Katrina from Love Blooms Wedding and Event Design.

Then we were off to our Rehearsal Dinner, which sadly I don't have any pictures of (yet! I hope someone took some out there) but it was at the fabulous and delicious Hyde Street Bistro. It's a tiny and super yummy French bistro.

Ok, now it's the time you've all been waiting for: the wedding day!

The day started out with me, my two beautiful bridesmaids, and my lovely mother all getting ready at the Hotel Kabuki.

(c) Jen Philips

Our wedding was at 5pm at the beautiful and historic San Francisco Film Centre in the Presidio.

Seriously, how classically San Francisco is this?! (c) Jen Philips

Then came the big moment. It was so wonderful to see all of our family sitting around and looking at us, but seriously, I only had eyes for Rob.

The kiss. (c) Jen Philips

Now we could party! It was time for some cocktails (homemade by us!) and delicious food provided by James Standfield Catering!

Party time! (c) Jen Philips

The runaway hit of the night was definitely our photobooth, which also served as my guestbook. I would love to share some of the photos we got from the inside of that but I think our guests would kill me! The below will have to do. Believe me when I say everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, got in the booth at some point in the night and the photos were well worth the cost of the booth. Especially since everyone gets to bring home a strip (or as many as they like!). Thanks to Photo-Matica for the most awesome photobooth!

Photobooth fun! (c) Jen Philips

The interior of the room had been set to my exact specifications and I loved every bit of it.

Reception space at San Francisco Film Centre. (c) Jen Philips

After the cocktail hour it was time for people to move inside for speeches (which were lovely!) and dinner which was yummy! Then it was time for the first dance, which was to 'That's Where It's At' by Sam Cooke. I was so nervous that we would just sway awkwardly but as soon as the music started, I so didn't care. I was just happy to have a quiet moment with my new husband! 

First dance! (c) Jen Philips

Then we cut the cake (which was only for us). Everyone else got delicious cupcakes from Kara's Cupcakes and/or homemade cat cookies to honor our beloved pet cat!

Nope, we didn't smash it in each other's face! (c) Jen Philips

And then basically everyone just boogied and drank the night away! 

Dance party! (c) Jen Philips

Everyone keeps saying how much fun they had and I know Rob and I had an absolute blast. Honestly, there are so many more details about this day that I didn't even touch on that helped to make it our own but maybe it's best that they stay private. Everyone says your wedding day is one of the best days of your life and I can honestly say it is my favorite. day. ever!

If there are any Bay Area brides who need advice on the vendors I mentioned above or others, as there were MANY others that I used, I'd be happy to give you advice.

So on that note, I promise I'll be back soon with some book reviews (of which I have many to write) and some photos of our fabulous honeymoon as well.