Wedding Bells

August 20th & 21st, 2010

Having the opportunity to celebrate and be a part of the nuptials of two close friends is something that doesn’t come around all that often in life. In this particular case, the celebration took place here in this spectacular place that we call home, Santa Barbara. The entire weekend was planned to the finest of detail by my good friends, Mike and Jen.

The festivities began (unofficially) with casual gatherings as early as Monday, but the focus of what I’d like to talk about is the “official” events of the weekend. Starting with Friday afternoon’s rehearsal at the enchanting courtyards of the Santa Barbara Historical Museum (site of the upcoming nuptials) we were greeted with smiling faces and bubbling beverages to kick off a weekend of shared celebration. After a walk through of our responsibilities and itinerary we were off to The Wine Cask for the rehearsal dinner.

Upon our arrival the food began to circulate and the wine began to flow. And, oh did it flow. Servers boasting a bevy of tasty flat breads were upon us while bottles of wine greeted us heartily. One could easily feel the fervent and positive energy of this group and get lost in the overwhelming spirit of adoration for the wonderful couple for which we were all gathered. When it was time sit down for our meals there was a selection of equally enticing gems from the menu, but I happen to be prepared for these moments of tough choices in life. I began with the Braised Kurobuto Pork Belly, followed by a hearty portion of short ribs, and finished with the Farmer’s Market fresh Cherry Cobbler.

Wines:
Jean-Marc Brocard Chablis 1er Cru Quintessence de la Rive Droit du Serein 2007 ***
Domaine de Font-Sane Gigondas 2007 **+
Palmina Arneis 2009 ***
Palmina Malvasia Bianca 2009 ***
Brewer-Clifton Chardonnay Santa Rita Hills 2008 **+
Brewer-Clifton Chardonnay Mt. Carmel 2008 ***

After dinner, a small group of us convened at the best man’s suite for a night cap. Granted, this night cap included over 6 bottles of wine…But alas, it was a well selected and developed list of wines to properly commemorate the occasion. Despite a warning, one member of the group almost lost an eye in a slight mishap due to an extremely high level of atmospheric pressure, but luckily we all escaped without injury.

Wines:
Sorelle Bronca Prosecco (1.5L) N.V. ***
Vosne Romanee, Jean Grivot, 'Les Beux Monts' 1er 2006 ***
Chambolle-Musigny, Perrot-Minot, "Les Charmes" 2000 **
Vougeot, Fourrier, "Les Petits Vougeot" 2006 ***
Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon 2006

Saturday = The Big Day

After some quite time in the morning that consisted of a massive breakfast burrito, a trip to the pool, and finally some quality time on the balcony to enjoy the view and feel the warmth of the sun, it was time to get ready for the events of the day. Keeping our relaxed pace, we all got ready and after a quick glass of Champagne were off to start taking pictures.

The photo process was extremely low key and fitting of the groom’s laid back attitude. A lovely Grower Champagne from Diebolt-Vallois was with us every step of the way and certainly gave our band of misfit’s the fortitude necessary to complete our afternoon responsibilities.

The beautiful ceremony was situated in an intimate courtyard and directed towards a lilac draped trellis. Personal and to the point, the ceremony was fantastic, with Mike and Jen both doing their part to commence their lives together as husband and wife. Followed by a photo session for the family and entire wedding party, it was time to head to the adjacent courtyard and reception.

Wonderfully arranged, this space quickly has become one of my favorite spots in Santa Barbara and is certainly atop the list of best places to have a wedding reception in town. Rustic and elegant at the same time, how much more Santa Barbara can you get? Upon our lively introduction to the group came the big moment of the newly wed couple’s first dance.

Dinner began with a great family style dish of fresh Heirloom Tomatoes with Baby Arugula, Sweet Corn, and Shaved Parmigiano Reggiano. Next came a Grilled Tenderloin of Beef with pan Roasted Mushrooms and Fresh Thyme. As Contorni there were Green Beans and Red Onion Slivers with Marcona Almonds along with Crispy Parmesan Polenta with Kale Chips (delicious!).

Wines:

Diebolt-Vallois, Champagne, Blanc de Blanc NV ***+

Luxe, Domaine Ste Michelle, Washington 2004 **

Palmina Arneis 2009 ***

Palmina Pinot Grigio 2009 **+

Jaffurs Grenache 2007 **+

Antica, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2005

Though it was difficult to pull myself away and after an absolutely wonderful time-eating, drinking, dancing, and celebrating-it was time to head to the after party where a large group of us kept the party going until all hours of the night.

I could go into greater detail about the days leading up to the wedding and those that immediately followed, but I hope that this little peak into a very special weekend for two very important people in my life was both fun to read and warmed your heart… I know that it sure makes me appreciate life and the gifts that surrounds me, everyday.

Cheers!

 

0 Stars - No rating

1 Star (*) - Not of significant quality or interest

2 Stars (**) - A notable wine of legitimate interest

3 Stars (***) - Great wine that should be searched out

4 Stars (****) - Fantastic wine that should not be missed

5 Stars (*****) - An absolutely mind-bending wine - beg, borrow, or steal to get your hands on some of this amazing juice!

Disclaimer: This rating is based on my palate and at the given time when tasted and may differ from yours. Also, I may catch a bottle in a dumb phase or it just may not speak to me at that particular time.