Real Weddings Magazine - Issue #27-F20-DIGITAL - The Best Wedding Vendors in Sacramento, Tahoe and throughout Northern California are all here

eal weddings
Our vision was for an
intimate vineyard wedding with an
elegant yet casual vibe.
—Vicki
VICTORIA & DARRELL
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTINA CILIA PHOTOGRAPHY
Vicki and Darrell were engaged for 11 years before
marrying. The couple, who met 14 years ago, decided
it was finally time for I Do’s after the bride retired from
her job as an elementary school teacher. Vicki says busy
lives and growing families had kept them from getting
married sooner and explains, “Our engagement was
initially more of a commitment. Our long engagement
is proof of our commitment to family and faith in our
relationship. By the time we said, ‘I do’ we shared a deep
and inseparable love.”
They planned a fall vineyard-themed wedding for
their 50 guests at McConnell Estates Winery. The bride
says, “It’s a beautiful venue and provided just the right
atmosphere for our vineyard wedding.” During planning,
the couple enjoyed their wine tasting, “Their wines
are top-notch and it was fun to go for our wine tasting.”
When the big day finally arrived, the bride’s sons
walked her down the aisle and presented her to Darrell
to be married. “Our vision was for an intimate,
vineyard wedding with an elegant yet casual vibe that
highlighted the natural beauty of the venue,” she says.
The daytime event was shaded by a majestic oak tree.
Guests found additional shade under parasols provided
by the couple’s event planner. The couple wanted their
guests to feel relaxed, appreciated and comfortable so
they encouraged everyone to skip the fancy attire and
instead wear casual, summer clothes.
The ceremony was exactly what the couple envisioned.
Their planning goal was to communicate
and express love for each other, God and nature. “Our
wedding definitely reflected this, as we had our minister
and readers share scripture and we made up our own
vows,” says Vicki.
The day was filled with love, friends and family.
They hung a “Family Tree” sign on the big oak along
with wedding photos of their respective parents and
other family members. Both the bride’s and groom’s
parents have passed and the family tree, “made us feel
like they were there in spirit,” says Vicki.
At the end of the ceremony, the newlyweds jumped
the broom to honor their African American ancestors.
The groom’s family is from New Orleans so the couple
had a “Second Line” during the reception where guests
followed the couple waving white handkerchiefs while
a Zydeco song played. The second line symbolizes the
beginning of a new life together. “It was really fun for
all,” says Vicki.
During their reception Vicki and Darrell skipped the
garter toss and bouquet toss, instead including their
guests in a Soul Train line. The celebration featured lots
of music and dancing, including their most memorable
wedding moment of their first dance to “Here and
Now” by Luther Vandross.
Reflecting back on their big day, Vicki and Darrell
are grateful for each other and their time together. “This
was a second (and last!) marriage for both bride and
groom,” she says. “We broke with several traditions to
tailor it specifically for us.” OO —Kristen Castillo
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