In April, we had the opportunity to travel to Visalia, California, for the wedding of my husband’s cousin’s daughter, Nicole. My husband officiated the ceremony, so, of course, our whole family had to attend! We weren’t about to let him go alone! Long day of travel to Fresno (about 7 hours in total in the air) and none of us slept on the plane!
Enjoyed some time in Visalia prior to the wedding day during which my daughters kept reminding me that I was there to enjoy the wedding day and not go into “coordinator mode”! I must say, I did pretty well! It was fun being a guest!
Rehearsal, which was very nicely led by Chelsea of From Ring to Reception!
The venue was beautiful with a stream running through the property, and they had a gorgeous day! Around 80 degrees at ceremony time, which was so enjoyed by us Marylanders who were still experiencing very chilly weather! The Barn at Westwood, Tulare is just outside of Visalia and was a perfect setting for the wedding. The ceremony took place in the midst of an alfalfa field! So green and lush, and not yet grown too tall! They had a lovely gazebo that was raised up a step so all 180 guests could see Nicole & Joseph exchange their wedding vows.
Joseph escorted in his mother and Nicole’s mother.
Bride Nicole escorted down the aisle by her father!
(PS: I chose not to take pictures during the ceremony, so I could focus on just that!)
After the ceremony, we enjoyed a lovely cocktail hour of stationary apps and some passed hors d’eouvres (which included HUGE shrimp!) under the open sky and shade of beautiful trees. The barn on the property was the location for the bar, the cake pop display (LOVE, representing Philadelphia, where Nicole & Joseph met – the city of Brotherly Love), the DJ and dancing.
Take a look at this amazing bread display! LOVED it, and since we didn’t want to mess it up, we didn’t end up eating much of it!
Catering by The Vintage Press
The head table for the wedding party had this beautiful floral runner that complimented the farm table so nicely. And, the floral spray on the gazebo was lovely!
Florals by Laurel Crown Design
Dinner was served (we 3 girls had chosen the steak and my husband, the fish) out under the open sky, with café lighting strung among the trees. The meal was delicious! Soon after they cut their small cake, fireworks exploded off to one side of the property. It was beautiful! I haven’t had a wedding incorporate fireworks – it added such a nice, festive touch! Later in the evening, one side of the barn was opened to reveal a food truck with various types of different quesadillas! And, the evening ended with a sparkler send-off!
That’s me and my husband!
The rest of our weekend trip to California included a day trip on Sunday to Hollywood! Another beautiful California day and such fun looking around – even visited a classmate with whom I graduated from high school and whom I hadn’t seen in over 30 years!
My Family!
Then on Monday, some rains and much cooler temps came, and we had to fly home. We did a quick trip into the Sequoia National Forest, but with weather conditions in the higher elevations of the Park (ie., snow!) and some road construction delays, we didn’t have enough time to go too far into the Park and still be sure we could catch our flight. Will save that for next time . . . . .
Best wishes to Nicole & Joseph!!
