It was Miranda’s sense of humor and her confidence that Kari noticed first. The first time they spoke on the phone after meeting online, when Miranda showed that she wasn’t afraid to tease a new friend, Kari decided she’d like for them to be girlfriends and do fun things together.
Kari wasn’t like anyone else Miranda had ever met. Extremely deep, thoughtful and smart. Miranda loved the way that Kari made think about things differently from the first time they met. And those beautiful eyes just drew her in ever closer.
Miranda’s 30th birthday was approaching, and she had decided that the gift she really wanted more than anything was to marry Kari. Kari had planned a day of fun with their friends, but little did she know that Miranda was really orchestrating the whole day so that they would eventually end up walking through Sacramento’s Fabulous 40’s neighborhood to admire the festive Christmas lights.
As they strolled along that evening, admiring one beautiful display after another and just enjoying being together, Kari gave Miranda the ideal opportunity, saying “I can’t wait to marry you.” “Are you sure?” was Miranda’s answer, as she dropped to one knee and offered Kari the ring she had been guarding with her life. “She said yes and it was perfect!” Miranda recalls.
Miranda and Kari brought a wedding planner on board immediately and arrangements for a beautiful rustic garden wedding got underway. The focus would be on great food, lots of music and dancing, and an unforgettable time for their friends. Hues of natural whites, champagne, soft pinks combined with lots of dark green foliage created a relaxed but elegant scene, with Italian Ruscus and silver dollar eucalyptus adorning the tables. It all came together beautifully and the couple were really pleased, and recommend that others consider the services of a wedding planner. Miranda says, “That was the best money we spent on our wedding. She took all of the stress away so we could focus on being present during our special day.”
Another great hire, according to the couple, was photographer Bethany Petrik. “Her photos were absolutely amazing, and she captured every moment of that night in a way that we’ll never forget.” says Miranda.
For the ceremony, Miranda chose a beautiful, strapless ivory a-line style dress with lace. Kari also wore an a-line design, in non-traditional off-white colors with undertones of pink, and lots of tulle. Ranunculus and peonies made up beautiful bridal bouquets.
In a touching gesture, Miranda’s brother Sean carried a lit candle in memory of their dad as he walked her down the aisle to a waiting Kari. The candle, placed in a lantern hanging on the arbor made just for the wedding, brought a special presence to the scene as the couple exchanged the vows they had written.
Then it was time for photos, cocktails and partying! Guests enjoyed the open bar as Kari and Miranda posed for their first photos as newlyweds. Then the reception got underway with a feast of tri-tip and roast chicken, with local roasted vegetables and potatoes, salad and a gigantic and beautiful charcuterie platter. Kari’s best man Jun gave an extremely heartfelt and beautiful speech about how in the end love wins, and Miranda’s maid of honor, Kristen, and bridesmaid, Jillian, gave a unique twist on their speech, rapping to the tune of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’s theme song. “The photos our photographer captured of our jaws on the ground said it all!” says Miranda.
Dinner wrapped up with a beautiful lemon raspberry sweetheart cake covered in flowers and fresh raspberries. Guests also enjoyed individual cheesecakes, fruit tarts, chocolate mousse, and lemon bars. Then it was time to burn those calories on the dance floor! Kari wowed the crowd with an epic wardrobe change, getting into a tuxedo with a boutonniere and some power heels to dance the night away. The crowd was ready to party, and, Miranda reports, “The DJ mixed for our eclectic taste perfectly. Our guests danced all night! Kari’s maid of honor, Rose, gets a special shout-out for shutting the place down!’
[PHOTOS] Bethany Petrik Photography
[INVITES] Minted
[PLANNER/FLORALS] Events by Wise [DECOR] Celebrations [CATERING/DESSERT] The Hidden Table [GOWN] David’s Bridal [MENSWEAR] Nordstrom [HAIR/MAKEUP] Lisa Rhyne [DJ] Santosh Kumar
