Ranunculus, peonies and wildflowers in Mason jars at the tables

Happy Wednesday, loves.

As much as I already like today I wish I could rewind and go back to Friday night just before the start of the weekend festivities.  My brother married a lady we all love and their day was simply spectacular in that sun-dappled and love-filled California way.  My sister-in-law, Jenn, and wedding stylist Re Jin Lee (of Bailey Doesn’t Bark*) concocted one of the most beautiful events I’ve seen.  The natural setting alone enchanted us with its old oak trees and hanging moss.  Jenn and Re Jin Lee created a look that was rustic but clean, echoing the leafy green surrounds with dark wood and natural fabrics punctuated by lots of white, soft pink and unexpected pops of turquoise and sunshine yellow.

Here are some details for you.

Mason jar lanterns swaying in the Spanish Moss

Guest book table

The guest book and card catch were displayed alongside a black and white photo of the couple, a rustic wooden ledge, hydrangeas and wildflowers in antique jars and a vintage turquoise pitcher full of yellow pom poms.

Close-up of turquoise pitcher

Escort Cards

The escort cards were little Kraft paper flags planted in moss beds.

Cheese plate on a rustic tree stand

Waiters passed bruschetta and devils on horseback during cocktail hour and we nibbled off of this beautiful rustic buffet of charcuterie, cheese and fruit.  Mixing the occasional stump in in among traditional white platters keeps the look clean and elegant.

Cheese and charcuterie

Mixed platters showcase plump grapes and blackberries served with ribbons of cured meats.

Friends put together a dessert buffet that included traditional Korean sweets, classic European pastries as well as old-fashioned American layer cakes (I had lemon coconut!).  All were plated on friends’ cake plates, 3-tiered serving dishes and in tall apothecary jars and clustered together so the table resembled a cake shop or Wayne Thiebaud’s work.  I couldn’t take my eyes off it.  Later, during dessert, waiters scooped rich gelato and sorbet so that both my brother’s (Italian) and his wife’s (Korean) heritages were represented.

Long tables with burlap runners

You know we love a burlap runner.  The huge, dark farm tables looked beautiful out on the grass and marked off a perfect square for dancing.  Each mason jar had a different mix of ranunculus, peonies and wildflowers.

Hydrangea Centerpiece

A simple bouquet of fluffy hydrangeas centered each table.

Menu and place setting

All the plates and napkins were white and the runners and menus were the same natural color for a cohesive, elegant look.

Each setting had a yellow pom which may have been my favorite touch.

The “feast” was served family style and included caprese and mixed green salads, followed by Parmesan risotto and a handmade pappardelle green with fresh herbs, then fillet of beef and roast salmon served with grilled zucchini and asparagus from the Lago Giuseppe garden.

I enjoyed the food so much I forgot to take pictures. Sorry!

The view from my seat.  Fairyland.

Lastly, the cake.  What do you think?  It’s larger than the inspiration shot but we wanted enough to go around.  It was too dark to photograph when we cut it so I don’t have an inside shot of this particular cake.

But here’s a slice from an earlier run-through.  All that’s missing is another inch-thick layer of vanilla buttercream all around.  The cake is Rose Levy Berenbaum’s Buttermilk country cake and the layers are a framboise mascarpone custard alternating with vanilla buttercream and fresh strawberries.  It’s not too sweet and both the cake and buttercream are light and tender with soft vanilla flavor.  Combined with the custard and fresh strawberries, the best I can liken it to is an airy berry shortcake with extra-decadent whipped cream.

Congratulations and much love to the beautiful couple!!

xoxosl

* You know what’s funny?  Lydia and I have both featured Bailey Doesn’t Bark on A & O (here and here), but we had no idea that the artist behind the brand is one of my sister-in-law’s dearest friends!  I thought Jenn had found Re Jin Lee here and she thought we highlighted her friend’s work in part because they are friends.  Nope, we just love Bailey Doesn’t Bark. xo