Friday, February 3, 2012

Skippy Says: Where It All Began, Part III (Skippy Gets Married)

Read our big announcement about a little package we're expecting here, where it all began, part I here, and part II here!

After the ceremony, everyone headed to the reception which was held at The City Club. Having the ceremony and reception at two different locations was honestly a bit of a pain, but I was so in love with both the ceremony site (the Shakespeare Garden in Golden Gate Park) and the reception site (The City Club) that I couldn't help myself. 

When you're planning a wedding, you'll hear lots of people tell you to pick what's important to you, and then to pick things you could spend less money on or do without. You know, because of that silly budget thing most of us have to work within. Well, one of the things that was most important to me was flowers. I love flowers (and even worked at a flower shop for a while!) so there was no compromising on those. I went with orchids draped around branches placed in a vase submerged with hydrangeas and more orchids, all finished off with some tea light candles. Purty. 


My mama (in the middle holding the mic) gave the sweetest toast. She talked about a video Ryan's dad took of us shortly before the wedding where Ryan is trying to teach me to ride a bike and I'm wailing "Ryan, come back, don't let me go, I want you by me." She told us she hopes we feel this way about each other our whole lives. Thanks mamula.


That's my BFF/maid of honor giving her toast. She wrote an incredibly sweet and silly poem where she explained to the room how she and I are soulmates. Sorry Ryan. But in all fairness I did warn him that was the case, so he entered the marriage knowing that. She also introduced the guests to a Russian wedding tradition in which all the guests scream "gorka," meaning bitter, and then the newlyweds have to kiss to get the bitter taste out of their mouth. Good times.


Ryan and I encouraged the guests to scream "gorka" loudly. We won't put on a show for free you know.


That's my best friend Marina giving her toast. You could definitely tell this girl is getting her PhD in comparative literature. Her toast was incredibly heartfelt, and I had a hard time keeping it together for most of it. I was kind of ready to kill her at one point though, when she decided it was a good idea to tell all our guests about that time I thought I had butt cancer. No, not when I was little, I don't even have that excuse. Like, a few years before the wedding. But then again, I just told the whole internet about it, so I guess I shouldn't be too mad.


This was our reaction during that little part of her speech.


All I gotta say about this is that if you're getting married in the Bay Area, Carolyn Wong is your woman for the cake. For realz, just trust me on this.


It got two thumbs up for me, at least after I finally got to taste it. When Ryan and I were cutting the cake to feed each other, he put the tiniest little piece on his fork for me. I shook my head no, I wanted a bigger piece, and refused to eat until he added more. Which he did, but it still wasn't enough. I decided to take matters into my own hands and remedied the problem by switching my fork with his, and then we were finally good to go. Don't judge. I like cake.


During Jewish weddings, the bride and groom get lifted and carried around in chairs. While Ryan got some big, strong men lifting him, I had some puny lifters. See that expression on my face? That's fear for my life.


We spent the rest of the night gettin' down:


No, really down:


The perfect end to a perfect day:

45 comments:

  1. Your wedding looks amazing - and you guys look like you had a blast! You looked gorgeous of course - thanks for sharing :)

    Annie
    The Other Side of Gray

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  2. You look so gorgeous and Ryan looks really handsome! And most importantly, you two look so happy! :) I love how Russian/Jewish people have so many wedding traditions, reminds me of how many we Indians have! :D

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  3. Oh, this series is perfection, Skippy! I love reading about your story and your wedding pictures are seriously perfect. So many smiles and laughter! I'm sure your child will have the happiest childhood. :)

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  4. so beautiful, and I love that picture at the end! also, congratulations on the baby!

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  5. The last picture is amazing! And that cake is beautiful, too :)

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  6. Dude, Marina's speech made me bawl like a baby (ok, maybe it was also that lovely champagne?). Prettiest wedding photos ever!

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  7. omg... I LOVE this, Inna! Your wedding was beautiful and the photos are amazing. I really love the photos of you dancing and that last one!

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  8. bestdressedinthenestFebruary 3, 2012 at 8:18 AM

    You really have the BEST wedding pix! I love how they're not all posed. You got great shots! My photographer was horrendous. But I digress. LOL :)

    http://bestdressedinthenest.tumblr.com/

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  9. Love these posts! You two look so over-the-moon happy!

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  10. Gorgeous wedding and couple! What a fun and happy day!

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  11. Following your blog
    following back:
    http://meuestiloe.blogspot.com/

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  12. That last photo is SO CUTE! Wish I had thought of taking one like that, so jealous!!! Looks like a magazine worthy reception with that gorgeous decor an food...gorgeous, really.

    <3 Cambria
    jupefashion.blogspot.com

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  13. That last picture is absolutely precious. It might be one of my favorite wedding pictures ever, actually.

    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
    Twitter: @GlamKitten88

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  14. LOVE the last picture, it's amazing! I totally agree with GlamKitten, it may be one of my favorites ever too!

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  15. EverythingprettygirlsFebruary 3, 2012 at 1:43 PM

    Oh my gosh, I'm insanely obsessed with your centerpieces!! Will there be a part three? I am loving these!

    xo everything-pretty.com

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  16. Thanks so much for your comment. :)

    I love these pictures so much! Everything looks gorgeous!
    I'm your newest follower!

    --Amanda
    http://anthropomorphity.blogspot.com/

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  17. Really enjoyed this feature. :) Great story about the cake - swapping forks is the way to go! :)

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  18. That looks like so much fun! The flowers are gorgeous. And the cake! So beautiful! And I think I need to hear more about this butt cancer story...

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  19. You look stunning in these photos! I especially love the last one. I agree with Two Birds - you might have to dedicate a post to that butt cancer story ;)

    xo,
    Hannah
    www.chillairandperfume.blogspot.com

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  20. you guys seem like THE people to be friends with!

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  21. Oh, thanks for sharing! It's so fun to remember your special day. You two look so happy together. Can't wait to see your pregnancy journey. You two seem like you will be great parents!

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  22. This was the sweetest post. It sounds like you had a magical wedding day. You look stunning and so happy! And your wedding decorations - flowers and cake are perfect.

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  23. Aww your wedding looks like it was beautiful and a ton of fun too! You looked incredible. I'm really loving the last picture in this post.

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  24. All the details are so gorgeous Inna!! I love the last photo!! And your mama is so pretty just like you!!

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  25. lovely wedding! the flower arrangements with the tea light candles are sooo cute! looks like you had an amazing time! you are a gorgeous bride.

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  26. aww weddings are always so beautiful..
    i hope that is me one day :)
    x
    http://simplymsnana.blogspot.com/

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  27. beautiful photos!!! looooooove them!!!!

    http://karolasway.blogspot.com/

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  28. Inna, you had a beautiful wedding and a reception as well! It looks like everyone had a fantastic time and I am so glad you shared these photos with us! I especially love LOVE the very last photo of you and Ryan! Now I understand why the photographer should be the best you can afford! These photos will last you a lifetime, and you certainly picked a fantastic one.

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  29. You guys look adorable ! The entire wedding looks amazing!

    http://www.sunkissed-style-file.blogspot.com

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  30. Maria-citylaundry.blogspot.comFebruary 4, 2012 at 10:54 AM

    looks like a wonderful time! <3 the wedding looks lovely and you do too. i'm lovin that cake decor !
    xx

    www.citylaundry.blogspot.com

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  31. ALL of your photos are GREAT! Congrats too!

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  32. congrats!!!

    It lookslike a fairytale!! <3

    http://thewild-swans.blogspot.com

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  33. awe, how beautiful and fun! i love the first shot also :-)

    come say hello-
    www.stylemailbox.blogspot.com

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  34. Totally love this!!! All your wedding photos are so beautiful!! And I loved the flowers you picked!! :)

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  35. Just like u said at the end- everything sounds so perfect!!!! The toasts, the pics, the dance, the cake- I hope u took few pieces more.:) Btw my favorite part is "butt cancer"!:Dlol
    p.s. I have just started to follow u...;)
    kisses

    Jelena
    glamfabchameleon.blogspot.com

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  36. What a beautiful series of posts! Congratulations on your wonderful news :)

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  37. Gorgeous Inna... I'm dying here. :) This is the most beautiful series of posts I've ever read! Your wedding was breathtaking, you looked gorgeous and so happy... and I'm so happy that you are expecting! If you ever need to chat about anything I'm around! My first was a biiiig surprise. I never thought I would be trying to long on the second but it's taking quite a while... At least you've given me a little hope. How long were you trying if you don't mind me asking? God love your mom and the advice she gave you :)

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  38. I can't even remember if I commented yet or not, but your wedding looks absolutely beautiful! You look so elated and pretty! Not to mention you and Ryan seem so smitten with each other :) Congrats Inna! I hope pregnancy is going well!

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  39. That last two posts were awesome! I have never seen photos or read about a jewish wedding. So amazing and different. I would love to attend one. Your dress and your brides maids dresses were so cool and pretty. I love that last photo so very much. It's wondrous.

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  40. I love your dress and the centerpeices and the cake. What a beautiful looking wedding!

    thequeenofwanderlust.blogspot.com

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  41. I loved this post! You were such a gorgeous bride and your wedding was beautiful! I love, love your floral arrangements too - so beautiful and unique.

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  42. Loved reading all the posts about your wedding! It looks so great! You're looking beautiful and so is everything else! Congratulations!
    PS: I love cake too and can totally imagine myself doing the same on my wedding day!
    xx
    http://junebiswas.blogspot.com/

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  43. Aw, thanks for sharing your story and pics! You look soooo beautiful here! I think the one where you're giving the thumbs up is fantastic!

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  44. Your wedding looks gorgeous! I cannot wait to go back and read the other parts :) Congratulations!

    xo Jennifer

    http://seekingstyleblog.wordpress.com

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