Sierrastyle Weddings - 77

ReAl WeDDINgS Brandy & James Rose May 5, 2007 By Bill romanelli • Photography by Justin Buettner Photography F or a girl who bucked the stereotype and simply never planned on getting married, Brandy managed to put together a very special day. What was most rewarding was how they planned it all themselves, and created a day that was as special and “just for them” as they could have ever wanted. For starters the couple chose to have their wedding and reception aboard the Delta King in Old Sacramento. Those chose it partly for the location—it was fairly central for everyone invited, but what they really chose it for was the history. A true Mississippi River Boat, the Delta King has had its share of owners, starting in the days when it was used to transport soldiers up and down the river and later when it was converted to a floating restaurant. It eventually wound up in San Francisco Bay, quite literally, after one of its owners had it sunk in the face of a lawsuit. The ship stayed at the bottom of the bay for 10 years before it was raised, restored and brought to its new home in Sacramento. “We just thought it was so cool that the boat had been through so much and is now such a beautiful part of Old Sacramento,” James says. Next, they weren’t married by a priest, pastor or reverend, but by one of their closest friends who was ordained as a minister specifically so he could marry them. “After being walked down the aisle by my two brothers, one on either side, and then being married by our friend is something I’ll never forget,” Brandy says. “Standing there looking into my husband’s eyes, to see the joy in his face—that was just the most special moment of the whole ceremony for me,” she says. For James, the day was complete when his aunt (who lives out of state and could not travel) got treated to her own special wedding ceremony over the phone, and when he saw his 99-year-old grandfather enjoying himself at the reception with a big smile matched by a big cigar. Of course, doing everything their way also meant sticking to a budget. What Brandy learned in that process is a good lesson for anyone planning their own wedding. “Definitely hit all the bridal shows and find vendors that you like and will give you a good deal,” she says. “Most of them offer some kind of special discount if you book at the show. We found one of the best cake guys around, John Shelton, and a great photographer too.” Brandy’s other advice, ironically, is to not let yourself get bogged down with too much advice. “you have to really make sure you do it your way. Don’t let people especially family, boss you into doing it the way they wish they had; you’ll just make yourself sick.” Brandy says. “We did it our way, we were happy, the guests were happy, and the whole day was perfect.” O O JONAThAN & KARA’S BRANDy & JAMeS’S WeDDINg ReSOuRCeS Ceremony and Reception Site Delta King Photographer Justin Buettner Photography 916-220-0159, jb-photography.net See ad on page 144 Bridal Attire Bridal etc. Cake Shelton’s Wedding Cake Design DJ/Entertainment Complete Music, greg Suggs Chair Covers elegant Chair Covers sierrastyle.com Summer/Fall 2008 Sierrastyle Weddings 77

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Sierrastyle Weddings

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