Sunday, Ryan went to Tahoe for his bachelor party that was going to last a couple days. The guys went to tour the Sierra Nevada Brewery and went to casinos in Reno. There was a wicked snowstorm that made Donnor Pass difficult to traverse. The vehicle was stopped on the side of the road for more than several hours. They finally made it to a fancy Tahoe condo that was a gift from one of the ushers, Cameron.
Monday, I was preparing for a week of company. I am certain I took a bath in attempt to relax and "pause" in the moment.
Tuesday, Bethany arrived in the morning. After picking her up we had a lovely lunch and were able to connect up before quickly picking up hair dye and then off to gather Amber, Fiona, and baby Tallulah at the airport that evening. It was the first time I meet my new niece, whom at that point was 2 months old. Bethany dyed my "accident blonde" hair back to something tamed and natural that night. We were so tired and delirious. Bethany and Amber were both rock stars and such AMAZING support- I was beginning to feel a little bride crazy.
Wednesday, after Bethany cut my hair in the morning. Bethany, Amber, Fiona, Tallulah and I went to San Francisco to go on the Alcatraz tour. Ryan was being dropped off from his Bachelor party and had not left the Reno casino until 3 am that same morning. Mom and Dad Kersting were arriving from the airport. Claire was meeting us as well. After some quick parking and a little running we all made it. The tour was fantastic. We left knowing a bit more of the history. It was so surreal for all of us to be there. After the tour, Claire headed out. The rest of us walked Fisherman's Wharf and went to Boudin's for sourdough soup bowls. Fiona had a corn dog at one of the stands. That evening, Ryan and I went on a date. We walked to a little French resturant in San Anselmo and had wine and dessert, starred at each other a bit and took in the day.
Thursday, Amber, Bethany, and I went to take care of girl things in the East bay, while Ryan went to pick up Mom Schlimgen and Maggie from the airport. Mom and Dad Kersting made omlettes and danish puffs, and organized our boxes of wedding hoopla while watching Fi and T. The plan was to take the ferry into the city that evening but we decided against that. Instead, we walked the town of San Anselmo, stopping into the small shops, and ate as a group at The Orchid (which has sadly has since closed it's doors- these folks made roses out of your straw wrapper and served thee best coconut thai soup I have ever indulged in). Megan, Emily, and Victor meet up at the airport and rode together to San Anselmo. Veta, Ray, Sophie and Amelia were due to arrive late that evening. Our families and the bridal party that did not have prior arrangements were all staying at the Shaw Guest House. A massive and beautiful victorian home on the grounds of the San Francisco Theological Seminary.
Friday, we had the morning to set up the reception area, which was taking place in Alexander Hall. We couldn't find the floor plan, and the lights we not getting strung. Jolene and Cory arrived to help set-up. The rehearsal was at 12. It was excellent to see everyone, SO surreal, so rushed. I was overwhelmed. Ryan, Ben, and Lucas took charge for the rehearsal. Proceeding the rehearsal we went to Muir Beach for a sunset bonfire, smores, conversation, and quiet. All guests were invited. Ryan and I were surprised by Jeff as he allowed us to ride back from the beach in a top-down convertable for a starry, romantic ride. That evening the girls got together and made me cry, as we sat in a room ate tasty desserts and spoke of lovely exciting things... wedding things.
After the romantic ride back from the beach, Ryan and I determined that we would not see each other until the wedding ceremony tomorrow. It was a good decision for us. We wrapped our minds around the events. I slept in a room with my sisters, and I had a hard time drifting to sleep. I was SO excited.
October 27, 2012: Highlights
The weather was stunning. 80 degrees, slight breeze. The leaves were changing and vibrant.
Our ceremony site venue was castle-like. The chapel we exchanged traditional vows in had stained glass. The victorian house that family stayed in was used for the cocktail hour; popcorn, buffolo vodka, and hot cider. A hall with one side that was all-windows was used for the reception; we danced, and ate, laughed and hugger. Dad, Mom, Amber, Emily, Victor, and Cameron gave toasts to warmly advise, celebrate, and welcome us into this new role. We all wept.
My worlds collided. Our worlds collided.
We know incredibly beautiful and generous people.
We got married, on this day.
...a happy tear rolls down my cheek now.
(stop back for more pictures soon)
Ryan dropped off amazing treats at the hotel prior. We had fresh berries, ginger, and aged champagne just to name a few. We were up until 5 a.m. talking about the amazing day we were a part of.
The next morning, we returned to have breakfast at the Shaw Guest House and headed to Napa for some wine tasting with family and friends. Ryan and I left for our honeymoon after a wine tour. We went to California's Ireland. And we would recommend the area to all...
"Travel just an hour north from San Francisco and it’s like you’ve gone overseas – there at the end of the picturesque, winding road through such quaint towns as San Anselmo, you come to a preserved part of the California coastline that looks like it came right out of a commercial for Irish Spring.
But this is not Ireland. This is the Point Reyes Seashore, an awe-inspiring landscape that brings together the land and the sea in a concoction sure to stimulate the senses. Broad, sweeping, rolling hills of green work their way to the craggy cliffs that signal the beginning of the Pacific Ocean. Best of all, this area is relatively untouched by man. Take a hike on one of the 125 miles of trails and, with few exceptions, you’re sure not to be bothered by hordes of tourists.
A weekend away and a world apart might be a good way to summarize a getaway to the Pointe Reyes Seashore, a startling contrast with the metropolitan area that is so close to the south. Just about an hour’s drive from the San Francisco Bay, we found the Point Reyes Seashore Lodge. While not actually on the seashore – there are no lodgings on this part of the coast – this comfortable country inn is located very close to the action. The Seashore area’s Bear Valley Visitor Center is just a two-minute drive from the lodge, and the town of Point Reyes is only a little bit farther.
Even without the seashore nearby, the Point Reyes Seashore Lodge is an enchanting retreat of its own with its unique architecture – kind of a cross between a Cape Cod mansion and a modern hunting lodge – and its peaceful grounds. The lodge is located in the tiny town of Olema, where Sir Francis Drake meets Coastal Highway 1. There are a couple of restaurants in town and not much else, but our suite at the lodge offered a warm fire, plenty of reading materials and a gorgeous view from our balcony overlooking the lawns, walkways and streams that are all part of the inn’s two-acre backyard.
After settling in, we took one look at the sunny weather and decided it was time to quickly make our way out to the far reaches of the Point Reyes Seashore – about a 45-minute drive from the inn – where we wanted to visit the famed Point Reyes Lighthouse.
It sometimes can be foggy out here but, during our visit, we enjoyed clear views all the way out to the Seashore as we drove along the “Irish” countryside, making our way ever closer to the spectacular cliffs leading to the sea.
At the end of the road was the lighthouse, an easy -- if slightly uphill -- 15-minute walk from where vehicles are parked. The lighthouse is way out on a cliff and, just beyond, there are miles and miles of open sea. For more information on Point Reyes Seashore Lodge, phone (415) 663-9000 or visit www.pointreyesseashore.com"
After the romantic ride back from the beach, Ryan and I determined that we would not see each other until the wedding ceremony tomorrow. It was a good decision for us. We wrapped our minds around the events. I slept in a room with my sisters, and I had a hard time drifting to sleep. I was SO excited.
October 27, 2012: Highlights
The weather was stunning. 80 degrees, slight breeze. The leaves were changing and vibrant.
Our ceremony site venue was castle-like. The chapel we exchanged traditional vows in had stained glass. The victorian house that family stayed in was used for the cocktail hour; popcorn, buffolo vodka, and hot cider. A hall with one side that was all-windows was used for the reception; we danced, and ate, laughed and hugger. Dad, Mom, Amber, Emily, Victor, and Cameron gave toasts to warmly advise, celebrate, and welcome us into this new role. We all wept.
My worlds collided. Our worlds collided.
We know incredibly beautiful and generous people.
We got married, on this day.
...a happy tear rolls down my cheek now.
(stop back for more pictures soon)
Ryan dropped off amazing treats at the hotel prior. We had fresh berries, ginger, and aged champagne just to name a few. We were up until 5 a.m. talking about the amazing day we were a part of.
The next morning, we returned to have breakfast at the Shaw Guest House and headed to Napa for some wine tasting with family and friends. Ryan and I left for our honeymoon after a wine tour. We went to California's Ireland. And we would recommend the area to all...
"Travel just an hour north from San Francisco and it’s like you’ve gone overseas – there at the end of the picturesque, winding road through such quaint towns as San Anselmo, you come to a preserved part of the California coastline that looks like it came right out of a commercial for Irish Spring.
But this is not Ireland. This is the Point Reyes Seashore, an awe-inspiring landscape that brings together the land and the sea in a concoction sure to stimulate the senses. Broad, sweeping, rolling hills of green work their way to the craggy cliffs that signal the beginning of the Pacific Ocean. Best of all, this area is relatively untouched by man. Take a hike on one of the 125 miles of trails and, with few exceptions, you’re sure not to be bothered by hordes of tourists.
A weekend away and a world apart might be a good way to summarize a getaway to the Pointe Reyes Seashore, a startling contrast with the metropolitan area that is so close to the south. Just about an hour’s drive from the San Francisco Bay, we found the Point Reyes Seashore Lodge. While not actually on the seashore – there are no lodgings on this part of the coast – this comfortable country inn is located very close to the action. The Seashore area’s Bear Valley Visitor Center is just a two-minute drive from the lodge, and the town of Point Reyes is only a little bit farther.
Even without the seashore nearby, the Point Reyes Seashore Lodge is an enchanting retreat of its own with its unique architecture – kind of a cross between a Cape Cod mansion and a modern hunting lodge – and its peaceful grounds. The lodge is located in the tiny town of Olema, where Sir Francis Drake meets Coastal Highway 1. There are a couple of restaurants in town and not much else, but our suite at the lodge offered a warm fire, plenty of reading materials and a gorgeous view from our balcony overlooking the lawns, walkways and streams that are all part of the inn’s two-acre backyard.
After settling in, we took one look at the sunny weather and decided it was time to quickly make our way out to the far reaches of the Point Reyes Seashore – about a 45-minute drive from the inn – where we wanted to visit the famed Point Reyes Lighthouse.
It sometimes can be foggy out here but, during our visit, we enjoyed clear views all the way out to the Seashore as we drove along the “Irish” countryside, making our way ever closer to the spectacular cliffs leading to the sea.
At the end of the road was the lighthouse, an easy -- if slightly uphill -- 15-minute walk from where vehicles are parked. The lighthouse is way out on a cliff and, just beyond, there are miles and miles of open sea. For more information on Point Reyes Seashore Lodge, phone (415) 663-9000 or visit www.pointreyesseashore.com"
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