Christie and TJ, who met while they were both students at Sonoma State University, began planning their wedding after a surprise proposal at McCovey Cove—the unofficial name of the San Francisco neighborhood beyond the right field wall at AT&T Park. At a Giants game, TJ arranged for their families to be hiding nearby in the parking lot, waiting to celebrate with the newly engaged couple. Later, they continued the engagement celebration with friends waiting for them in the city.
Christie and TJ chose the picturesque Catta Verdera Country Club as the site for their ceremony and reception. Working with Debra Michelle Hiebert of Tres Fabu Event Planning and Design, the couple wanted to create a memorable event for their friends and families—something, in Christie’s words, “non-traditional, fun, and different.” They began with their favorite colors: yellow and green. Christie is also a champagne aficionado, so this was integrated as a secondary theme in the event’s decor and drink selections. They selected beautiful invitations by Philosophia Custom Invitation Design.
To kick off the event, the couple hosted a barbecue for their friends and family on the night before the wedding. The next day, Christie’s bridesmaids each received a green clutch and earrings as a gift from the bride. TJ gifted each of his groomsmen with Ray Ban sunglasses.
The outdoor ceremony was held in a wooded grove, with yellow flowers lining the aisle. Music was provided by The Sacramento Quartet.Christie, with flawless makeup and hairstyling by All Dolled Up Hair and Makeup, was stunning in a strapless gown by La Sposa. TJ wore Vera Wang as the couple exchanged vows beneath a simple pergola amidst the towering trees. This is a moment the bride recalls as one of her favorite memories of the day, looking back fondly on “standing with him at the ceremony—just holding hands and smiling and looking at him.” A dove release by White Bird Ceremonial Dove Releases concluded the ceremony.
At the reception, place settings and floral arrangements reflected the lemon-yellow and lime-green colors the couple chose. Above the head table, Floral Artistry created a suspended display of inverted yellow tulips. From them dangled clear glass balls, calling to mind the bubbles in a champagne glass. The couple’s peanut-butter filled cake, from Divine Desserts, featured a yellow-to-white ombré effect with simple green floral accents. A graffiti wall by Tracey Paxon of Inspired Fun offered guests a fun activity to share as they enjoyed TJ’s favorite beer (Lagunitas) and Christie’s favorite champagne (MUMM Cuvee). Into the night, the partygoers danced to the sounds of Hip Service Band.
The couple finished off their celebration with a brunch the next morning and, a few weeks later, a honeymoon in Aruba. Looking back on the event, Christie says they enjoyed every moment of their special day.
Vendors:
Photographer: Catherine Hall, Catherine Hall Studios | Coordinator: Debra Michelle Hiebert, Tres Fabu Event Planning and Design | Ceremony & Reception Venue: Catta Verdera Country Club | Dress Designer: La Sposa | Groom’s Wardrobe Designer: Vera Wang | Bridesmaids Dresses: Bari Jay | Hair & Makeup: All Dolled Up Hair and Make Up | Invitations: Robyn Steward, Philosophia Custom Invitations & Graphic Design | Officiant: Dan Malloy | Florist: Shelley McArdle, Floral Artistry | Caterer: Catta Verdera Country Club | Cake Designer: Divine Desserts by Aguirre | Rentals: Mimi & Company Linens | Ceremony Music: Sacramento Quartet | Reception Music: Steve Bloom, Hip Service Band | Wedding Cinematography: Phill Sheffield, Phillip Alan Films | Lighting: Extreme Productions Entertainment LLC | Transportation: Thunder Valley Shuttle Service | Dove Release: White Bird Ceremonial Dove Releases | Graffiti Wall: Tracey Paxon, Inspired Fun
