Orchard Avenue Events

Yes, I did it. After 18+ years of planning other couples’ weddings, I finally got the chance to plan my own! I am so honored that so many of your have reached out, wanting to see my wedding details! I am so happy to share these images with you in hopes it helps to inspire your own wedding design.

Let’s start with the ceremony and the venue. The ceremony is obviously a very important part of a wedding! Eric and I decided to marry out at Fox Hill at BR Cohn for a few different reasons. First off, it’s absolutely stunning. It’s not an area on property that is usually offered for weddings, but given the intimate nature of our wedding (we had 28 adults plus a dozen kids), we were small enough to make it work. Ironically, the very first time I visited Fox Hill was the morning after I met Eric. I was there for a friend’s baby shower (she was good friends with one of the Cohn sisters) and couldn’t believe how beautiful it was out there!! It was so peaceful, quiet and 360 views of the vineyards, but all while feeling cozy under the shade of the oak trees. I never could’ve imagined that 10 years later, I would marry the love of my life in that exact setting. The BR Cohn property is also adjacent to the hiking trails we hike often. We feel so close to that scenery and land, there really couldn’t have been a more perfect place to exchange our vows. Given how beautiful the scenery is, I didn’t want to over do it with over the top florals and too much décor. I really wanted the setting to speak for itsself. Julie Stevens really knocked the ball out of the park with my floral vision.

Next, off we went to the amphitheater at BR Cohn for our reception. Designing our dining table was one of my absolute favorite parts of the wedding planning. I used my childhood as a basis for almost everything you see on the table. I wanted to use driftwood farm tables to reflect the beach I grew up on. I used blue and white chinoiserie vases to honor my grandfather who was one of the first Americans to do business in China. I used tapered candles because they remind me of every special dinner I had growing up. These small details were a reflection of everything that has made me who I am today and the wonderful family who raised me.

While I love kids, I also wanted an adult dinner, so spent a lot of time trying to create spaces for the kids to feel welcome and for them to enjoy themselves too. During cocktail hour, I set up a game area with different board games, lawn games and arts and crafts. I also wanted their dining experience to be something unique, so I didn’t cut any corners when designing their dining table as well. And after their dinner, they headed up to the olive grove for an outdoor movie experience on a larger oversized screen. They cozied up in blankets and enjoyed the film, while the adults danced the night away.

And last but not least, we used the deck for both cocktail hour and dancing. With those vineyards views, it’s got to be one of the most spectacular settings in all of wine country!

To finish off a perfect day, we ate cake and danced off the amazing 4-course dinner served by Pascaline Fine Catering!

A HUGE thank you to the most amazing vendor team EVER! Thank you for all of your for you amazing support and efforts to make Eric’s and my wedding day absolutely PERFECT!

Venue: BR Cohn Winery
Coordinator: Sara Sugrue with Orchard Avenue Events
Catering & Cake: Pascaline Fine Catering
Photography: Jen Philips
Videography: Ken Sipes
Flowers: Julie Stevens Designs
DJ & Lighting: Nor Cal Pro Sound
Rentals: Encore Events Rentals
Linens: La Tavola
Officiant: Rev. Peadar Dalton with Your Ceremony Matters
Hair and Makeup: Bella Bridal
Seamstress: The Wedding DeTailor
Transportation: Pure Luxury and North Bay Limo
Host Hotel: Olea Hotel