1. Real Weddings

A Traditional Italian Inspired Wedding at Holman Ranch in Carmel Valley, California

Brittany Gori (28 and in digital media sales) and Justin Forni (28 and a paramedic firefighter) met when they were just 16 years old. Brittany's best

Brittany Gori (28 and in digital media sales) and Justin Forni (28 and a paramedic firefighter) met when they were just 16 years old. Brittany's best friend had moved away and attended a different high school, where she was welcomed by Justin and his friends. Brittany took a trip to visit her and was then introduced to Justin. It wasn't until many years later at a birthday party for their now mutual friend that the two met again. They spent the entire party together dancing to "Time of My Life" on repeat, even practicing the infamous lift from Dirty Dancing. After the two had moved to San Francisco together, Brittany's sister planned a visit. As they walked to meet up with her for dinner, Justin surprised Brittany with a proposal outside the Palace of Fine Arts and an engagement party with all of their closest friends and family. Brittany and Justin held their wedding at Holman Ranch, a rustic venue with breathtaking scenery that had space for every part of their wedding from the rehearsal dinner to the reception. They were able to create a glamorous, old world atmosphere with cream tones and metal accents. Their color palette popped against the seasonally transitioning surroundings and tied in their simple white flowers. The dinner menu focused on traditional Italian plates of mushroom risotto and gnocchi with pesto alongside a variety of farm fresh vegetables. His and Hers drinks were served as guests mingled by the candy bar and the cigar booth before settling down to watch Brittany and Justin's surprise choreographed first dance. Every detail was reflective of both the bride and groom and made for a fun night with friends and family.

Diamond Weddings Bands
The bride wore a delicately beaded, strapless Mori Lee Gown. The light lace accents and flare finish were finished off with her veil and belt, both hand stitched by her mom! Her mom also designed and sewed her own entire wedding day outfit.
Brittany and Justin designed their entire wedding around a timeless, classic look so Justin wore a fitted black Hugo Boss Tuxedo. His groomsmen matched in equally classy black Jos A Banks tuxedos.
The bride wanted her bridesmaids to be able to express their individuality so she let them pick their dresses. She went with her sisters and Maid of Honor to choose a starting point and gave everyone a palette of light gold, blush and silver giving them free rein on length and embellishment design.
Umbrella Covered Ceremony Seating
Altar Overlooking Carmel Valley
White Flower Petal Recessional
Blush and Black Wedding Party
Newlyweds in the Vineyard
Brittany and Justin had a local San Francisco musician play during their cocktail hour. He focused on music by Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra before stepping aside to let the dj take over for the reception and dancing.
During cocktail hour, guests were treated to a variety of foods including fresh fruit and Italian dishes. If they weren't eating they could wander over to the photo booth for pictures or play a game of corn hole on the lawn.
Brittany and Justin focused on a traditional Italian menu of eggplant, salmon and beef for the entrees. They also served nocchi with pesto, squash with figs and brocollini, pasta bolognese, mushroom risotto, and shallot and sage foccacia bread for the sides.
The bride and groom offered a variety of wines as well as their own signature cocktails at the bar. Brittany offered a spicy variety drink of jalapeño cucumber vodka gimlets and Justin, traditional Manhattans.
Private Outdoor Reception
In October, Carmel Valley is golden all over as it's transitioning into the fall. The bride wanted to keep the decor romantic and clean so it wouldn't compete with the natural surroundings. All of centerpieces were a variety of seasonal white flowers with big green leafing detail.
Ivory and Green Centerpiece
The bride and groom had a traditional four-tier white wedding cake topped with seasonal white flowers. On the side, they had a candy bar filled with their favorite candies and pictures of them as children.
Barn Reception Dancing Area
The bride and groom began dating shortly after spending an entire night dancing to "Time of My Life" so the song was incorporated into their First Dance, right after Ben E King's "Stand By Me". As an additional surprise, they mimicked a majority of the songs choreography from the movie Dirty Dancing.