Sofia and Eric's Backyard Bash

Sofia and Eric's weekend wedding festivities kicked off with a rehearsal and lively family dinner at Sofia's parents' house on Friday evening. The Middle-Eastern inspired eatery Sofra catered delicious platters of food enjoyed by the many members of all ages from both the bride and groom's families.

The sunny, crisp October wedding day began with Sofia getting her hair and makeup done by Danielle Keefe. Preparations were fully underway with many smiling family members abuzz in Sofia's parents' spacious backyard, transformed into a rustic setting with a large tent fitted with cascading lights. The ceremony location was set adjacent to the tent on a grassy section of the yard facing the wooded area of the property. Buckets of blue and green hydrangea plants wrapped in burlap dotted the aisle and rustic baggies filled with petals were imprinted with the day's program. Eric's father's nursery, Ornamental Plantings, provided the tree hydrangeas and plant hydrangeas. Ilex Designs created romantic and whimsical floral arrangements of greens and pinks adorning each table, all surrounding a majestic central tree decorated with string lights in the center of the tent.

Come wedding time, guests took their seats and the several young flower girls and groomsmen lined up to take their places for the processional. A true family affair, Sofia's uncle and cousin played the ceremony music on their keyboard and instruments. Each member off the wedding party walked down the aisle, followed by a gorgeous Sofia in a flowing white lace dress embellished with silk, ribbon, and sparkles. A beaming Eric met his beautiful bride at the end of the aisle where they were both greeted by the officiant - Sofia's brother, Jorge. He recited a creative and personalized wedding ceremony reflective of Sofia and Eric's warm personalities and deep intellect. He wove in anecdotes of their years long courtship, drawing both laughter and tears from the transfixed crowd. Sofia and Eric recited their vows and sealed the deal with a kiss, drawing a rapturous applause from the audience. Photographer Joyelle West snapped away, capturing candid photos of the blissful newlywed couple. 

​Guests flowed into the tent and outdoors on the back patio for the reception. Mini succulents labeled with each guest's name served as the place cards, echoing the natural theme of the day. Small clipboards with wedding-themed coloring books and crayons kept the young children busy at the kids' table. 

As dusk fell, the string lights in the tent and on the trees illuminated the space. Season to Taste Catering provided drinks and appetizers as the live band, Hudson Band by Night Shift Entertainment, took their places and began playing hits and rhythm and blues from the stage. Guests enjoyed their dinner as family members toasted the new couple. Sofia's father George translated her mother's toasts into Spanish for the benefit of the Spanish-speaking guests. Eric's parents also toasted the couple in a sentimental, funny speech. 

​Guess rejoined the dance floor for hours of dancing under the starlit tent. A sweet surprise - apple, blueberry, pear, and rhubarb tarts from the acclaimed Clear Flour Bakery - kept their energy going into the night. After much dancing, the guests prepared for a sparkler send off, turning the driveway into a glowing setting of sparkles and smiles encircling Sofia and Eric. The cake, an impressive tiered carrot cake baked by Sofia's mom using her famous family recipe, was cut and then quickly devoured. The evening did not end there - the energetic crowd took to the dance floor for many more hours - with a special delivery of Pino's Pizza at midnight.

With an celebration concluded with cake, tarts, pizza, sparklers, live music, good friends and family, Sofia and Eric's life as newlyweds is off to a delicious and fun start! We wish them all the continued goodness for a lifetime of wedded bliss.