Since childhood, there was never a doubt in Amanda's mind where her wedding would be celebrated. The venue was the family ranch located in the Fremont hills, about one hour south of San Francisco. When Amanda and her fiancé Bill talked about getting married, they were living in Oregon. Neither bride or groom nor their parents had much time to plan such a large event. "I am not very good with details," Amanda told me.

I went online and found Vera Schmidt of Magnificent Moments on the BRO website. With Vera's help and expertise, and that of the event professionals she recommended, the wedding turned out to be the "incredible, nifty and very warm family celebration" Amanda had imagined for so long.

How many fond memories where connected to this ranch! The long childhood summers, with chores alternating with games and picnics. One of the children's favorite activities was piling into their grandfather's Model T Ford, begging for a ride. When Grandpa had time he did not mind taking the boisterous kids for yet another tour around the ranch. Today, the vintage car sparkled as her Amanda's father drove her up the hill to the ceremony site. Two large pedestals with flaming bouquets of red and pinks flowers framed the site overlooking the oak-patched, golden California hills.
Two guitar players entertained the guests, playing three different versions of the "Canon in D".

Amanda's uncle, born and raised in Patagonia, had promised to prepare an authentic Argentinean barbecue for her wedding. He first arrived in the US as a member of the Argentinean ski team for the winter Olympics in Squaw Valley, where he fell in love with her aunt. Now, running a South American import/export business, he provided two lambs, a few chickens and the wine from Argentina.

At the time Vera arrived to oversee the setup of the wedding, two corderos (lambs) were already angling the hot coal fire while her uncle prepared the chimichurri sauce. As in a traditional Argentinean Asado Griollo style, the corderos were split open, spread apart and tied to a metal spit that was driven into the ground. The chimichurri sauce was comparable to Mexican salsa and, as in that country, each Argentinean family prepares their very own recipe.

Neil and Trina of Stone Stem & Leaf turned Amanda's favorite colors into a stunning decoration which fitted the ranch's rustic atmosphere. The reception took place on the lawn behind the farmhouse. The tables had the same terra cotta colored tablecloths as the cushions on the walnut chivari chairs. Dark brown containers, filled with red, pink, and orange roses, in addition to bright green leaves made for a joyful decoration.

The large, bright orange and yellow Chinese lanterns, offset by dark green manzanita tress, were lit as the evening progressed.

"We ate, drank, and danced. I never saw my father dancing. This night, to the tunes of "Satisfaction," he whirled me around on the dance floor; it was unbelievable," the bride told me. There were toasts and laughter and later that evening Amanda's uncle performed a Spanish song. The wedding cake consisted of stacked chocolate cupcakes.

On Sunday, after a sumptuous brunch on the ranch, Amanda and Bill left for their honeymoon in Mendocino.

Event professionals who helped turn this wedding into the warm, beautiful, and comfortable affair were:
Magnificent Moments
Schumann's Four Seasons Catering
Margaret's French Pastries
Hunt Littlefield - Stone Stem & Leaf
Eli of Eli Photography