Mazel Tov!
That's what I gleefully shouted (as much as possible) at my very first Jewish wedding. Jess and Dan tied the knot on New Year's Eve on Walker Creek Ranch in Marshall, CA. Although the trip up to the ranch was quite an adventure and a bit stressful the day ended in a way that only Jess and Dan could create.
The evening began with the men and women separated as they did their own traditional activities with the bride and groom. For the men's side Dan had to read a passage and the other men had to try and distract him. According to Ray there were a lot of 80's songs being sung! For the women's side we were to whisper a wish into Jess's ear in hopes that it will go up to the heavens After that the men joined us and they read from another passage and had the marriage license signed.
The wedding continued in the barn (yes, barn) nearby. The inside of the barn was strung with lights and had a few lanterns here and there. Family members brought in the chuppa and the ceremony began. There was a lot of singing, crying (from Dan and a bit from Jess), and just a bunch of merriment.
Once the chuppa had ended we then proceeded to the dining hall for appetizers and dinner. I do have to say that this ain't no asian wedding! They immediately began dancing and only stopped for dinner before they continued again! It was the liveliest wedding reception I've ever been to. We dined on couscous, roasted veggies, and really good salmon. We ended the meal with baklava, chocolate fondue, and a spicy/cinnamon cake.
Since it was NY's Eve we opted to reserve a room there so we could be a part of the countdown. The ranch is really beautiful and peaceful. They had dorm-like rooms as well as more private rooms nearby. Ray and I chose to pay a bit more to have the private rooms, which was way better. We had actual beds (not bunk), towels, and just ourselves in the room.
Guests that were present were Marie, Winnie, Derek, and Stephanie. It was good to see Stephanie and to finally meet her son, Bento. He's so adorable! We had a lot of fun. On New Year's Day, Marie, Winnie, Derek, Ray, and I walked around the ranch a bit and had lunch at a little market off of Tomales Bay before going our separate ways.
The evening began with the men and women separated as they did their own traditional activities with the bride and groom. For the men's side Dan had to read a passage and the other men had to try and distract him. According to Ray there were a lot of 80's songs being sung! For the women's side we were to whisper a wish into Jess's ear in hopes that it will go up to the heavens After that the men joined us and they read from another passage and had the marriage license signed.
The wedding continued in the barn (yes, barn) nearby. The inside of the barn was strung with lights and had a few lanterns here and there. Family members brought in the chuppa and the ceremony began. There was a lot of singing, crying (from Dan and a bit from Jess), and just a bunch of merriment.
Once the chuppa had ended we then proceeded to the dining hall for appetizers and dinner. I do have to say that this ain't no asian wedding! They immediately began dancing and only stopped for dinner before they continued again! It was the liveliest wedding reception I've ever been to. We dined on couscous, roasted veggies, and really good salmon. We ended the meal with baklava, chocolate fondue, and a spicy/cinnamon cake.
Since it was NY's Eve we opted to reserve a room there so we could be a part of the countdown. The ranch is really beautiful and peaceful. They had dorm-like rooms as well as more private rooms nearby. Ray and I chose to pay a bit more to have the private rooms, which was way better. We had actual beds (not bunk), towels, and just ourselves in the room.
Guests that were present were Marie, Winnie, Derek, and Stephanie. It was good to see Stephanie and to finally meet her son, Bento. He's so adorable! We had a lot of fun. On New Year's Day, Marie, Winnie, Derek, Ray, and I walked around the ranch a bit and had lunch at a little market off of Tomales Bay before going our separate ways.
posted by dragonchica @ 7:18 PM
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