Today I want to share with you a second part of our wedding – the ceremony and cocktail hour.
The ceremony space – we got married on the steps, you can see that right inside there are chairs for dinner – so our ceremony and dinner reception were at the same place. I know that it isn’t always possible for people to have both ceremony and reception at the same location – but it does make things a lot easier!
I learned what a Chivari chair was when I first started wedding planning – and probably heard the term at least a thousand times after that.
Originally we were supposed to have candles and petals – but at the last minute the venue banned open flames so that was a no no.
My mom and dad are divorced but are on friendly terms. They both were very involved in raising me and I wanted them both to walk me down the aisle! My mom is very proper and always wants everybody to be dressed nicely. Her dress I thought was beautiful and was Oscar de la Renta. She exacted a promise from my dad (who loves sloppy dressing) that he’d buy a nice suit for the wedding. She didn’t find out until dinner was well underway that he bought his suit for $65 at a night market in Taiwan.
Some seared scallops – we had four different kinds of appetizers passed but I can’t find the photos for the others. I only ate very little – had nerves and plus was worried about busting the outside zipper of dress.
LOVE Pimm’s! I wish they served it more places in the US.
I also love champagne so we bought a LOT of bottles – way more than we did of wine or anything else. And we still almost ran out. So my advice to brides: buy a lot of champagne!
My mom and I have the same Tiffany six prong ring!
Goofing around with my dad. I don’t know if it’s politically correct to say this but he constantly gets told that he looks like Hirohito. Especially in Japan – people ask him on the street to take photos with them.
all photos courtesy of the fabulous Jose Villa
One of the most important things I wanted from my wedding day was a photo of me with my mom and dad. I’m not one of those children of divorce who always wishes their parents would get back together – I truly like my step parents and know my mom and dad are happiest this way. But both my parents mean so much to me – even though they are as different as night and day. My life started with me next to them – and for the next 18 years they raised me in their homes. My wedding day started with them walking me down the aisle, and it ended when they each gave a hug goodbye. It’s a rare thing to have a photograph that tells so much – and that means the world to me.
112 Comments
Clochet
October 14, 2011 at 12:12 pmI love everything, every single detail is just perfect, beautiful and so cute..And that pic with your mom and dad coulnd't be more sweet.
xo, Clochet.
http://www.clochet.com
Stephanie Shepherd
October 14, 2011 at 12:15 pmYou are a beautiful bride Katherine! I love (LOVE!) looking at wedding details – yours was really pretty!
Mai
October 14, 2011 at 12:23 pmKatherine,
Again you were such a beautiful bride. I love everything about your wedding, love, love your bridal bouquet! ahh just perfection.
Make Mommy Chic
October 14, 2011 at 12:23 pmKatherine, thanks for sharing more special moments from your wedding day with us. your dad reminds me of my dad- he too, is a sloppy dresser but loves posing for the camera (in his hawaiian shirts). That's sweet that you mentioned your relationship with your parents – they must be so proud of you. You couldn't have chosen a more perfect wedding venue too 🙂
Shannon
October 14, 2011 at 12:25 pmYou look absolutely gorgeous, beautiful dress, perfect hair and makeup!
Style Journey
October 14, 2011 at 12:36 pmWhat lovely photos on your special day! It's great that both of your parents were there to celebrate the occasion. You all look really happy!
PetiteLittleGirl
October 14, 2011 at 12:37 pmThanks for sharing your special day with us, Katherine! I love each and every photo in this post. Many of my friends are children of divorce and they do not wish their parents would get back together, either. As long as they're happy, that's all that matters.
vanda
October 14, 2011 at 12:37 pmI think your weading was perfection in every single details!!!!You ARE a perfectionist as a person(without to know you, I KNOW!), and we can tell that ecerything had your touch!
What to say about your mother???She is a BEAUTY, and you look like 2 drops of water(as we say in Greek!!!). Thanks for sharing the photos with us!!!!
breakingrumours
October 14, 2011 at 12:42 pmthe photos of you and your parents together are lovely 🙂
Cindy
October 14, 2011 at 1:21 pmThis was such a beautiful and sweet post 🙂 You mum looks so graceful and elegant and your dad looks dashing in his $65 suit! haha. Love the last photo especially and can I say the venue you chose is absolutely gorgeous! Slightly in love with those windows and pillars and that balcony!
kittenmasks
October 14, 2011 at 1:25 pmI really, really, really love that you had both your parents walk you down the aisle. I think moms get overlooked in the traditional patriarchal wedding ceremony, and it makes me so sad how they don't get to share in that moment. (Also, just seeing the dad going down the aisle to "hand" over the daughter just resembles too much of a transaction rather than a mutual agreement of two adults agreeing to share their lives together.)
Coffee Cream and the Caffeine
October 14, 2011 at 1:26 pmOMG your wedding looks GORGEOUS ! Dreaming about white wedding and seeing yours just like made my dreams visualized, you look pretty dear !!
http://www.coffeecreamandthecaffeine.blogspot.com
couturecoco
October 14, 2011 at 1:36 pmThe venue is just beautiful and your dress is as amazing as it promised to be!
Oh I had to fight back tears reading your words about your parents. They look adorable and so very stylish – you have great genes from each! You're blessed and they must be incredibly proud of you not just on one of the most important days so far but how well you love them both. *sniff* I always cry at weddings……*SNIFF*
s.singh
October 14, 2011 at 1:49 pmThank you for sharing your beautiful day with all of us! You look amazing! Your parents are adorable and I love the story about your dad's suit. Congrats again!
Lindsay @ A Walk in the Closet
October 14, 2011 at 1:52 pmYou look beautiful!!
My parents are also divorced (actually, it happened just before my wedding) and are completely different, too. I completely understand what you mean about it not begin a wish that they're together again, but just that you are ALL together as a family at your wedding.
Teresa
October 14, 2011 at 1:56 pmi almost cried! such a lovely place to get married, you look so happy and beautiful!!!
those look like yummie scallops! 🙂
xx
teresa
http://www.trend-ish.com
jelita78
October 14, 2011 at 2:00 pmit's not just the pictures Kat, but the words are genuinely beautiful.
i'm touched by every single thing u wrote there about your parents.
and i bet they would be too, if they happen to find your blog.
thanks for sharing.
LC
October 14, 2011 at 2:08 pmyour wedding is so beautiful! and your dad is ADORABLE. it`s the same thing my dad would do..but $65 would be way too much to him! haha.
Alejandra
October 14, 2011 at 2:20 pmWhat lovely photos! Thank you for sharing them. I loved your mom's dress–gorgeous! And our wedding sets are nearly identical, too! Except I wanted yellow gold as I've always loved it.
Baby Shopaholic
October 14, 2011 at 2:26 pmJust Beautiful!!! You look gorge! Lovely wedding!
Michelle
October 14, 2011 at 3:00 pmthank you for this beautiful post, k. your wedding was so elegant and classic – simply beautiful. your narrative about your parents is incredibly touching – the photos with you and both of them are moving. ♥
Katrina
October 14, 2011 at 3:32 pmFor $65.00 your dad is a genius, the suit looks 10 times that price! Your mom is so pretty and your wedding looks timeless and chic.
kat @ paper doll theory
October 14, 2011 at 3:32 pmhow gorgeous and perfect does this day look. amazing job! i have seen first hand how hard it is to plan a wedding 🙂 lovely! and you look stunning btw
xoxo kat
http://www.paperdolltheory.com
amy b.s.
October 14, 2011 at 3:39 pmso beautiful!
skippysays
October 14, 2011 at 3:43 pmOh Katherine- you look so incredibly beautiful and happy. Love seeing these wedding recap posts from you- I smiled the whole way through. LOL at the chivari chairs (same went for me) and I also had both my parents walk me down the aisle 🙂
http://www.saysskippy.blogspot.com
The Blonde @ Stylish3
October 14, 2011 at 3:50 pmBeautiful! You look radiant, and your mom looks very elegant too. I love your smile in the last picture!
I tried Pimm's for the first time recently… it was mixed with lemonade and it was pretty good!
bagfashionista
October 14, 2011 at 3:50 pmi think that's fantastic that your parents managed to put differences aside and concentrated on making sure that you were brought up knowing both parents well. being someone who's just been divorced, I'm trying my best to be that way, but it can be difficult (depends on the circumstances, I suppose)
you look gorgeous. Congratulations!
SassyUptownChic
October 14, 2011 at 3:56 pmyour wedding was spectacular! so classy!!! i love your parents. your mom's dress and nail color was divine. your dress was gorgeous! and your dad is super funny (love the pic of the two of you). those are great memories you'll have forever. thanks for sharing your pics and have a wonderful weekend. 🙂
http://sassyuptownchic.blogspot.com/
Lindsay
October 14, 2011 at 3:57 pmEverything is so beautiful! I, too, know the difficulties of divorced parents, although mine are not quite amicable. I'm glad you were able to both have them walk you down. I always planned on doing the same if I was having an actual ceremony.
Betsy C.
October 14, 2011 at 4:06 pmThanks for sharing such a personal and intimate moment of your life with us. You mom exudes such elegance and grace while your dad can hardly hide his joy and excitement for your big day! They do seem night and day but I'm sure you got the best of both worlds. I had to laugh about the $65 night market suit because I always wonder who buys suits in nightmarkets when I go back to Taiwan. ^_^ He still looks dashing, regardless. You have a great attitude, and I do really admire that about you and your relationship with your folks.
C'est La Viii
October 14, 2011 at 4:17 pmAw this is so sweet! Love everything about it! Your mom is super cute. I LOVE your dress!! Who makes it??? So curious! 🙂
http://www.cestlaviii.blogspot.com
natasha {schue love}
October 14, 2011 at 4:50 pmWhat a stunning setting! You looked so chic and beautiful! And I love that you and your mom have the same rings…how special! 🙂
Holly
October 14, 2011 at 5:01 pmall the pictures are amazing and you look beautiful!! your dress is to die for!!! thanks for sharing! sounds like it was a memorable and meaningful day. are we going to see more? =P
janettaylor
October 14, 2011 at 5:20 pmThanks for sharing it. Totally gorgeous and U look so beautiful!
Wendy's Lookbook
October 14, 2011 at 5:31 pmKat, you look magnificent! I love your thoughts and perspective on your parent's happiness. That just shows how selfless you are. Thank you so much for sharing love!
Grace - Stripes and Sequins
October 14, 2011 at 5:36 pmWow – these shots are amazing. It looks like an amazing day, and you were a beautiful bride! Love.
Jo
October 14, 2011 at 6:05 pmThe pictures are amazing, I can see what a beautiful wedding you had. Thanx for sharing with us intimate details about your family. Your parents sound so sweet and it's great that they're on cordial terms. Your words about your parents touched me a lot.
PS: I love how goofy your serious-looking dad can be and yes I think my dad would buy a suit like how your dad did too.
Larie
October 14, 2011 at 6:35 pmWhat beautiful photos 🙂 Everyone looks so happy!
Wynne Prasetyo
October 14, 2011 at 6:45 pmawww the wedding looks magical and you most definitely looked so pretty. 🙂 i wish you happiness abundantly.
JOIN MY GIVEAWAY!
Cindii
October 14, 2011 at 7:02 pmLovely photo. You look gorgeous in that dress!
Steph
October 14, 2011 at 7:13 pmyou're such a pretty bride =D
the dress looks amazing on you~ and the photos of you and your parents are beautiful =]
your last little paragraph made me tear a little =] so sweet~
Plami
October 14, 2011 at 7:19 pmYou're so beautiful! Your wedding was magical!
XoXo
Plami
http://www.fashionthrill.com/
Veronica of Best of Palm Beach Consignment
October 14, 2011 at 7:27 pmAw I loved your venue and reading about your relationship with your divorced parents. I have a similar relationship. Love how you decided to split up the wedding posts, can't wait for the next.
Chocolate, Cookies & Candies
October 14, 2011 at 7:37 pmWhat a touching anecdote about your parents. It's heartwarming to read about the wonderful relationship you have with parents despite their divorce. The entire wedding looks so beautiful including the bride!
Chocolate, Cookies & Candies
October 14, 2011 at 7:37 pmWhat a touching anecdote about your parents. It's heartwarming to read about the wonderful relationship you have with parents despite their divorce. The entire wedding looks so beautiful including the bride!
Loi
October 14, 2011 at 7:37 pmBest Wishes!!! You look so beautiful on your very special day!!! And I love the last photo!!!
http://www.laestetica.com.ph
Michelle
October 14, 2011 at 8:30 pmThxs for sharing such lovely photos with us Katherine. You look so pretty in your dress and the last photo with your mum and dad is definitely one to cherish.
swisscecilia
October 14, 2011 at 8:40 pmYou looked great without sunglasses 🙂 and lovely lovely lovely wedding pictures!!! I am so happy for you, feel the love already from these photos!!!!
newpetite
October 14, 2011 at 8:55 pmperfect wedding Katherine! Loved every little detail you might have obsessed about.. But after all it is your ONE DAY 🙂 Your mom's dress is so glamorous and so appropriate and who can say that your Dad's suit is $65!
la vie quotidienne
October 14, 2011 at 8:56 pmAbsolutely lovely! Great pics, you looks really preaty!
I like your blog, i follow you.
XOXO
La Vie Quotidienne
http://www.laviequo.com
Tangled In Texas
October 14, 2011 at 9:03 pmGorgeous! Just gorgeous!
You look beautiful and I love the pictures of you with your parents. You and your mom are so tiny! 🙂
P.S. I can't believe that your dad found that suit for such a steal!
Mademoiselle Poirot
October 14, 2011 at 9:21 pmThe venue, you, the pictures – wow, it's all so beautiful. The picture of you and your parents is lovely, you all look happy and I think it's great that they're getting along so well. Congratulations by the way… 😉 Love from London xo
Ginger
October 14, 2011 at 11:20 pmYou look stunning my dear!! Soo beautiful !! Amazing pictures ! I wish you all the best !!
Lamia
http://ginger-chocolateandhoney.blogspot.com/
Viv
October 14, 2011 at 11:36 pmThanks for sharing! Pictures are beautiful! Your parents are lovely and your mum's dress is gorgeous.
Anonymous
October 15, 2011 at 12:06 amThank you for sharing more stories and pictures. They are wonderful!
Ale e Elis
October 15, 2011 at 12:38 amSimply gorgeous!!!
The photos are amazing!!
brasileiroantenado.blogspot.com
Pretty in Pink
October 15, 2011 at 1:02 amsuch pretty pictures! you looked great!
makeupandpearls
October 15, 2011 at 1:04 amJust gorgeous! That last photo is beautiful.
Chelsea
October 15, 2011 at 1:35 amThe venue was absolutely gorgeous and I love all of these pictures!! Also, fantastic advice for the champagne. We actually had very few bottles left over, but the ones that were we kept and pop one open every anniversary to celebrate.
Katherine
October 15, 2011 at 1:58 amThank you so much everybody for all the amazing comments 🙂 I am so glad you liked the post <3 Feel free to email me questions about wedding stuff, I already got a few 🙂
urbanjunglefashion
October 15, 2011 at 2:09 amKatherine you look divine in your pictures! Ur dressed looked amazing and i enjoyed that picture of you and your dad! It was cute and funny!
Anna
October 15, 2011 at 2:23 amIt's lovely to hear some divorced parents are on good terms and both take involvement in raising the kids.
I know firsthand on how difficult in raising a kid by myself.
Well done to you and your parents.
RAW
October 15, 2011 at 2:52 amThese photos are beautiful, and I love the picture of you goofing around with your dad 🙂 Looks like the day was very elegant. Thanks for sharing!
Haus and Home
October 15, 2011 at 2:55 amLove these pictures and glad you shared! Your mom is so cute, I see where you get your good looks and style from!
soanthro
October 15, 2011 at 2:57 amAbsolutely stunning. So happy for you!!
just tututiny
October 15, 2011 at 4:40 amKat you probably heard this a million times already but I'll say it again – you were such a beautiful bride and I can't get over how gorgeous your dress is. The coolest thing is that you and your mom have matching rings – how awesome is that! The pictures are gorgeous, thank you so much for sharing your special day with us.
http://justtututiny.blogspot.com/
Thu
audrinajulia
October 15, 2011 at 6:23 amI adore your wedding photo memories. All the article most especially the last caption makes me teary eyed. I'm so happy to hear it that way. I think and as you spoke your parents really raise you well.
Love your wedding dress and how beautiful of you.I also find it sweet that you and your mom have the same ring.:)
xoxoCat
October 15, 2011 at 6:30 amStunning photos!! Wow.
Kate L.
October 15, 2011 at 9:41 amYou look beautiful and sweet! Your mum is gorgeous!!
Fashion Cat
http://www.myfashioncat.com
Mindy♥
October 15, 2011 at 2:55 pmWow! Gorgeous photos! Your photo with your mom and dad walking you down the aisle is so precious! Thanks for sharing.
Miss Kwong
October 15, 2011 at 3:09 pmbit congradualtions, and u look divine!!!! very happy for u !!!
ur mom's dress is amazing too
Follow me on:
Miss Kwong – Art and Fashion
Rubiiee
October 15, 2011 at 5:27 pmGorgeous family and photos! Looks like a fabulous time. Congratulations. =]
Rogerio Rinaldi e Glorinha Rinaldi
October 15, 2011 at 6:15 pmWe love your look, and beautiful.
We love your blog, it's wonderful and we are following you.
We wish you a great weekend.
Many kisses Glorinha
We are the creators of the earring flower of life.
http://sbrincos.blogspot.com
Bella
October 15, 2011 at 6:52 pmStunning pictures! Such an amazing venue! Congratulations!
Bella xo
http://www.chicinvancity.com/
chicology
October 16, 2011 at 12:30 amYou look gorgeous, really.
Love your dress. Simple, chic and classic.
And the strong bond you have with your parents even though they are no longer together, is very touching….
Pippa
October 16, 2011 at 1:31 amThank you for your comment!
These are such gorgeous images, love your dress!
http://www.clashingtime.blogspot.com <3
Pippa
October 16, 2011 at 1:52 amHa! I'm not a smarty pants! I live in Cambridge, don't go there 🙂 But I love the phrase 'smarty pants'!
Following back 🙂
Arnold Teja
October 16, 2011 at 2:01 amLove your dress <3
Mary Ann
October 16, 2011 at 2:32 amMore gorgeous, thanks for sharing. Can't wait to see more!
JenlovesBal
October 16, 2011 at 3:30 amYou are a beautiful bride!
I just came back from a wedding today and love pics like these. 🙂
Kate L.
October 16, 2011 at 3:45 amHi Katherine, thanks for your comment on my blog. yea…the cafe is in Hermes:) it's nice to take a rest after shopping there!
Fashion Cat
http://www.myfashioncat.com
Finley
October 16, 2011 at 3:51 amWhat a gorgeous wedding. The picture of you and your parents is so sweet. Mine were divorced too, but also got along very well. My dad died less than a year after my wedding, so I am incredibly thankful that he was able to walk me down the aisle and that I have those pictures of us and the entire family together.
{mommy chic} design. style. kids. life.
Abbey Brandon
October 16, 2011 at 4:34 amThat is truly a touching post. Seriously, that gave me the chills! Thank you for sharing.
xo,
Abbey
http://abbeybrandon.blogspot.com/
Kristen
October 16, 2011 at 4:52 amOh! Beautiful! You are a lovely bride and the location looks delightful. I love your mom's dress!!
Vanessa
October 16, 2011 at 9:03 amThis was a beautiful post. I can tell you truly appreciate your parents — we need more people like that. =)
Lidiya
October 16, 2011 at 9:52 amYour wedding photos are absolutely gorgeous, I adore your dress and how blessed for you to have both parents present <3
http://cupcakesandtreacle.blogspot.com/
Lola
October 16, 2011 at 1:13 pmwhat a great blog with beautiful pictures 🙂 i really like it!
love, lola
Catherine @ Not Dressed As Lamb
October 16, 2011 at 1:52 pmThese photos are just beautiful and your dress is STUNNING – matches the venue. And how fabulous does your mum look too?!!
Catherine x
notdressedaslamb.com
Nike Orisamolu
October 16, 2011 at 2:30 pmWhat a lovely dress! Congrats.
Nike
thestylecircuit.com
Pop Champagne
October 16, 2011 at 3:47 pmyou look so beautiful and I love the pictures, the venue and your dress is stunning!! and so sweet with the picture of you and your parents 😀
M
October 16, 2011 at 6:16 pmBEAUTIFUL!!!!
Thanks for your comment and stopping by!
xx.M
http://www.bellesandrebelles.blogspot.com
annechovie
October 16, 2011 at 6:31 pmKatherine, you look absolutely beautiful and elegant. I love the setting for your wedding and noticed that your photographer is a good friend of my brother (who is also a wedding photographer).
Thanks so much for your visit and kind comment – hope you will come back often. Hope your week is terrific! xx
Becky
October 16, 2011 at 7:55 pmPerfection again!
Thanks so much for following my blog too x
Ivy
October 16, 2011 at 8:16 pmGorgeous wedding!
-Ivy
http://www.pocketfulofapples.blogspot.com
Natalie Koltunovskaya
October 16, 2011 at 8:18 pmSuch an amazing dress and a wonderful party!
mai
October 16, 2011 at 10:48 pmThe wedding venue looks absolutely gorgeous. I liked all the little details!
stylish with a budget
October 17, 2011 at 3:55 ambeautiful wedding!!
i like your make up…very natural and nice!!
ShinyPrettyThings
October 17, 2011 at 7:17 amthis is such a heartwarming post!!! esp that last photo, so lovely!!!
OMG i laughed out loud when i read that your dad got his suit at a night market in TW esp bc i've seen the suits that are sold there LOL
christine brightside
October 17, 2011 at 4:54 pmso much enjoyed these beautiful pictures! You are such a beautiful woman!
questforfashionsense.com
October 17, 2011 at 9:11 pmLOL @ your dad buying his suit from the Taiwan Night Market – that's awesome.
Claudia Lane
October 18, 2011 at 9:52 amYou look gorgeous, congrats Katherine, wish you a wonderful life together
Lovely to have found your blog
Claudia xo
Melina-Lajolie
October 18, 2011 at 9:53 amwhat a lovely wedding !! so beautiful 🙂
have a great day !!
kisses, melina
Jayme and Mendi
October 18, 2011 at 3:33 pmWhat a lovely wedding! You looked gorgeous and your dress…it was made for you! You look so happy!
Jayme & Mendi @ Her Late Night Cravings
Megan Joy
October 18, 2011 at 9:46 pmBest wishes!! Needless to say everything about this is perfect!
http://www.aussie-blue.com
@_MeganJoy
litlstrawberry
October 18, 2011 at 11:31 pmBest wishes!!!!!
You are gorgeous in your wedding dress!!!
xo Rachel
(not to mention I love all the birkins too.)
frifri63
October 19, 2011 at 11:28 amI am a huge fan of your blog (just really found it…) and thanks for sharing your wonderful day with us. Beautiful dress on a beautiful bride! Your parents look happy and I love your dad's suit.
All the best Kat
flower from you know where xx
Samantha
October 19, 2011 at 8:12 pmKatherine! Those are absolutely beautiful pictures!! You look breath taking!
And the picture with both of your parents is just lovely!
Tanya
October 20, 2011 at 9:58 pmWow it took me a loooooong time to scroll down to the comment form, so it looks like I'm not the only one who is REALLY enjoying your wedding posts. The photos are beautiful and you made a STUNNING bride! And how cute is that photo of you and your dad?? LOVE!
Chic 'n Cheap Living
October 21, 2011 at 1:26 amHow gorgeous are you my dear an looking at your parents it is easy to see where you get your style and sense of fun!
Thank you for sharing these pictures and this beautiful post!
Anonymous
May 31, 2012 at 12:26 pmHi Katherine,
I’m looking for wedding venues. Where is this? Its GORGEOUS!
Laura
May 31, 2012 at 12:26 pmHi Katherine,
I’m looking for wedding venues. Where is this? Its GORGEOUS!
Katherine
May 31, 2012 at 1:51 pmHi Laura! Thank you, it’s at Flood Mansion in San Francisco 🙂