Karin & Mike had a beautiful day celebrating each other … after so many years together and then COVID reschedules, I’m sure they sighed and exclaimed in the words of Etta James ‘At Last!’ when their day finally came together!
from the photographer: “Karin and Mike have been together for over a decade but felt everything was so perfect just the way it was- their kids were best of friends, basically siblings- so they didn’t feel rushed to host a wedding. Then, some 15 years into the relationship Karin decided it was finally time and proceed to book a venue and hire their vendors for the very special Fall 2020 wedding, but their date got disrupted by the pandemic. They rescheduled and downsized wedding to the historical Ackerman Heritage House, an 1889 Victorian mansion situated just a few blocks off of downtown Napa’s Main Street that “marries the luxury of architecture design, food and wine.” The groom both got ready at the R Inn, located on the same block as the Heritage house. The bride got ready upstairs in the bridal suite, where the stained glass windows and oak hardwood floors proved to be a perfect match for the bride’s classic dress and gorgeous belle Bella shoes. Karin picked the perfect season as the weather was nice enough for guests to wear their garden summer dresses and the roses were in full bloom leading to the entrance of the heritage house. Although formally a wedding, the event felt like a garden party for old friends to unite after a rough year of enduring covid lockdowns.”
Tell us a funny story relating to your wedding day or relationship!
Probably one of the most memorable stories is when Michael brought me to a shooting range on our first date. I had never shot a gun or been to a shooting range. He spent a great deal of time and patience teaching me proper protocol, safety and how to aim the gun and on the first couple of tries shot multiple bulls eye’s. He ended up taking the target and framing it as artwork!
Describe a hurdle you had to overcome in your relationship or during your wedding planning.
Like so many others, a hurdle for us was COVID, and postponing the wedding day 3 months before our original date and rescheduling, rebooking everybody. It wasn’t impossible, thanks to many of those we worked with. We figured there was nothing wrong postponing for 1 more year. When the second variant was announced we almost had to postpone again.
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
Yes, both families were involved in our intimate wedding. Karin’s son gave her away and her daughter was her Maid of Honor. Mike’s father was his best man and his brother was his groomsman. All four of these special individual gave beautiful speaches that created lots of joy, laughter and tears. We had an intimate celebration with a formal sit down dinner for a very small close group of family and friends.
What part of your wedding day was/is most important to you?
The most important part was being surrounded by our close family and friends who were their to celebrate the day with us. We wrote our own vows which we both kept private until we read them to one another during the ceremony.
What is your favorite thing about each other?
That we support one another’s beliefs, have the utmost respect for one another, add a lot of laughs to our relationship and continue to learn from each other. We both aim to give back to others in many ways whether its mentoring or supporting somebody in need.
Photographer: Cheri Tran Snaps
Venue: Ackerman Heritage House
Floral Designer: LV Flowers
Dress Boutique: Bliss Bridal and Black Tie
Dress Designer: Watters
Cake Designer: Sweetie Pies
Makeup Artist: Michelle Jordan
Hair Stylist: Susana Lopez
Mens Formalwear: Bliss Bridal and Black Tie
Stationery: Zola
Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab
Shoes : Bella Belle
Seamstress: Christina Vanni Bridal
Officiant: Christopher deLellis, Guidance and Grace Celebrant Services
Engagement ring: Design Jewelers
Getting ready: R Inn
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
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