sasha + kevin’s wedding at viansa

Our couple:

Sasha, a Bay Area native had just moved from California to Boston for school. She quickly got a job as a hostess at Citizen Public House and Oyster Bar near Fenway Park in Boston. Kevin, just happened to be the chef. They struck up a friendship and it was Kevin’s sweet gestures of sending Sasha home with toffee bread pudding at the end of her shift that left a lasting impression.

Keving proposed at a beautiful vineyard in Connecticut that held special memories for his family. Kevin made sure that Sasha’s mom was in town for the surprise. Knowing how important this moment was, he hired a photographer to capture the proposal. After the proposal they went to another vineyard where several family members and close friends ere waiting to celebrate. 

The setting:

Viansa Winery located on a hilltop with 270 degree views of the Sonoma Valley. Sasha is so close to her family and her Russian heritage that it was a no-brainer that she wanted to come back to California for their wedding. Luckily for Kevin, a former chef and culinary aficionado, a wine country wedding suited him and his palate just fine. The Napa and Sonoma Valley regions, while obviously known for exquisite wines, are also known for their top notch farm to table cuisine. While there is a huge population of visitors that come to drink through wine country, just as many come to eat through it as well.

mood board:

color palette:

Terracotta, Persimmon, Flax, and shades of White

Final Result:

Guests arrived by shuttle and were greeted in the courtyard with Lavender Lemonade and chilled Cucumber and local Citrus Water. As they made their way to the Upper Terrace for the ceremony you could hear instrumental pop songs gently playing in the background with a sweet surprise, Kevin with his groomsmen greeting their guests. Sasha was escorted down the aisle by her brother as her dad watched from the front because he was their officiant! It must have meant so much to them to have her dad officiate their wedding and he nailed it! 

When the ceremony concluded catering had chilled high noons ready for the entire wedding party down in the cellar. And then it was time to party! Guests were escorted to the Vista Terrace and enjoyed tray-passed Mini Thai Popcorn Chicken Waffle, Beef Carpaccio, Extra Thin Crostini, Chilled Watermelon Cube, Mixed Mushroom Truffle Arancini, White Gazpacho Shooter along with his and her cocktails provided by Elaine Bell Catering. If you haven’t had the chance to try the wines at Viansa, you must! Sasha and Kevin served the Viansa Sauvignon Blanc, Viansa Pinot Noir, Viansa CA Brut throughout their reception. 

During cocktail hour Emily and the amazing team at Soulflower Design Studio re-purposed the beautiful ceremony florals into the reception space. The PTBW was focussed on the finishing touches, ensuring place settings were symmetrical, candles were lit, lighting was set, background music was on, and every tiny detail was in place. The reaction Sasha and Kevin had as they saw their reception space for the very first time was perfection. Sasha was so heavily involved in her planning and to see how happy she was with the final result meant so much to everyone who worked so hard. With their seal of approval we invited guests in for dinner. 

Their dinner menu consisted of Mache Salad with Red Hawk Cheese, Grilled Asian Pears, Blackberries, Verjus Dressing, Toasted Hazelnuts, Brioche followed by guests choice of Cabernet Braised Short Rib with Fresh Corn Polenta, Fontina Cheese, Red Wine Reduction, Broccoli Romanesco, Citrus Gremolata or Seared Striped Bass Fillet with Sauteed Garlic Spinach, Scallion Spiked Whipped Potatoes, Tomato Basil Vinaigrette, Fresh Herb, Micro Green Salad. And for the vegetarians a delicious Bellwether Farms Ricotta Ravioli with Golden Saffron Pasta, Sautee of Shallots, Garlic, Santa Maria Asparagus Tips, Italian Parsley, EVOO, and Carmody Cheese. Are you hungry yet?!

The Ben Mallare Band was exceptional from start to finish and included a surprise Russian playlist. After the Charochka (which is a Russian tradition of bringing a tray of drinks to the newlyweds, parents of the bride, parents of the groom) a few special toasts, and dance sets it was time for dessert. Their petite cake was perfect for cutting but we quickly stored it that way for them to enjoy later. In true Kevin fashion and his passion for the culinary world they served Mini Russian Blueberry Sour Cream Tartlets, Mini Espresso Crème Brulee, Mini Peach Tart, and had a Marvelous Mini Doughnut Machine on-site. 

Sasha surprised Kevin with an on-site cigar roller and of course the branding made its way to the cigars as well. And just in case dinner and dessert didn’t completely satisfy their guests the late night snacks sure did. Utilizing Viana’s brick oven they had Wood-fired Margherita and Italian Sausage Pizzas along with Mini Cheese Burgers & Mini Pomme Frites EBC Animal Style.

The evening was perfectly balanced with traditions and fun that guests of all ages really enjoyed. Sasha and Kevin pulled off an amazing celebration…with our help of course. The day was captured beautifully by Corinna Rose Photography and cinema was provided by Shutter and Sound.

Planning + Design: Plan to be Wowed // Getting Ready Venue: Bungalows 313 // Venue: Viansa // Band: Ben Mallare Band // Beauty: Bella Bridal NV + Beauty by Louks // Bridal Salon: The White Dress by the Shore // Cake: Flour + Bloom Cakes // Caterer: Elaine Bell Catering // Cigar Roller: Oye Productions // Floral Design: Soulflower Floral Design Studio // Gown: Kate McDonald // Lighting: Twilight Design // Photography: Corinna Rose Photography // Linens: Napa Valley Linens // Rentals: Encore Events Rentals // Stationary: On Three Designs // Transportation: Gateway Global SF // Videography: Shutter and Sound