Lost in Harlem: Emily and Dan Unite Superpowers

The outdoor ceremony featuring, Emily and Dan

Emily and I met 7 years ago, through a good friend Heather while I was living in SF and working in Mill Valley. Emily and Heather grew up side-by-side but unlike many childhood friends, they remained best friends through adulthood (I wish there was another word for adulthood, but it will have to do for now). They are amazing friends and compliment each other in too many ways to count. I am ridiculously lucky to know them both and have a blast with them every time I head back to the Bay Area for a visit.

Anyhow, I worked with Heather who I quickly discovered is hilarious and kind, who introduced me to Emily on a sunny day in San Quentin Village. Emily and I quickly took up cooking and working out together in the city. She’s one of those workout buddies that pumps you up at the right time and never gives up. I’ve told her multiple times that she should rent out her services to fellow gym members but she has yet to pursue this career move. Emily is funny, driven, energetic and inspiring. And, last weekend, she married her long-time boyfriend Dan, who makes her happier than the sun and moon put together.

In commemoration of Emily plus Dan wedding, I’ve narrowed down my list of favorite things about the day into a top 10 list:

Flower petals down the aisle

1 -Beauty: Everything about the wedding was drop-dead gorgeous, including things they had control over, such as the flower petals covering the entryway, and the well dressed greeters, to elements they couldn’t control like the sunny daytime weather, a warm California night and perfectly groomed vineyards. The reception included perfect views of the vineyards, awesome centerpieces, nameplates for special guests, beautiful food displays, and even gorgeous little party favors.

Beautiful program, tables and favor

2 -Descriptive programs: Some of the guests, myself included, had never attended a Jewish wedding before and needed some help understanding what was taking place during the ceremony. The programs, which had awesome graphics and were crafted to look like a fan, included full descriptions of what was going on in the ceremony and what it meant to the couple. It made the ceremony fun for everyone, and made me feel like I was a part of something special.

Skye and I enjoying the parasols

3- Details: Who thinks to give guests parasols and Arnold Palmers (iced tea and lemonade mix) when they enter a wedding ceremony? The parasol was not only cute but it kept the sun off me while we waited for the bride to walk down the aisle, and the Arnold Palmer kept me calm, cool and collected. After the reception kicked off and my feet got tired of dancing, there were baskets of sandals for all the ladies to take home. My green sandals will always bring a smile to my face.

The setting for the reception

4 -Focus on the reception: Emily knows how to throw a party, which isn’t news to anyone who knows her. But, I just loved that the first thing she said to me when I saw her 5-minutes after her final vows was, “this is going to be an awesome party.” She was truly focused on making sure her guests were having a good time, which became very obvious once the party got started.

The surrounding vineyards

5 -Activities: I’m pretty sure I became a bit too involved in the activities, and wounded some children and parents in the process of fighting my way to the front of the line or around the dance floor. That was a first for me, so I have to share some of my personal favorites:

6 -Hula Hoops on the dance floor (genius idea - ‘nuff said)

7 -Photo booth guest book: Through a Mac Book, lighting equipment, a printer and a leather-bound book one of the most creative and beautiful guest books was created. The photo program took 6 quick photos of the guests seated in front of the computer and printed them out a couple feet away. Then guests taped their photos into the book and wrote a note to the couple next to the photos. Fun, hilarious, and engaging. What more could you ask for?

Dinner and speeches under the
the Oak Tree

8 -Dining under the stars: The setting for the dinner, under a huge Oak tree strung with lights, was also stunning. But, what really made the dinner for me was the encouraged interaction between tablemates and other guests. I felt comfortable enough to mill around after dinner was served and met some amazing people. The amazing wine on the tables didn’t hurt either.

Me, Emily and Heather enjoying a post ceremony cocktail

9 -Personalized touches: You rarely attend a wedding where each guest knows both sides of the couple as well as we know Emily and Dan. Most guests in attendance knew both sides of the couple, including Emily and Dan’s likes and dislikes, their strengths and dreams and what their daily lives are like. Personal touches like a cupcake desert bar, and groomsmen in khakis matched their unique characteristics. The atmosphere matched their unique characteristics so perfectly it almost felt like we were in their backyard having a big shindig.

10 -Party buses: They may have been called complimentary transportation in the program but they turned into party buses by the end of the reception (en route to the after party). Good times all around.

Additional photos of the ceremony: