BBSF SPRG/SMMR 2011 : Page 73
of Christmas lights that read Marry Me? “It was so special that his family was a part of it,” remembers Jennifer. She said yes. As alumni of Santa Clara, Jennifer and Josh had special access to the university’s church, Mission Santa Clara de Asis. “I’m Catholic, so a church was important to me,” says Jennifer. “Santa Clara has an amazing church, but only stafl and alumni are allowed to be married there, so it was very special to us.” Jennifer’s uncle, the head of a church choir in Manteca, performed during the ceremony, altering lyrics to include stories about the couple. After a lovely ceremony, friends and family headed to the Kohl Mansion in Burlingame for the reception. Te formal reception was rich with classic, feminine touches. “I’ve always loved pink, and I’m crazy about peonies,” says Jennifer. “I got married in May to make sure we could include peonies.” But although the decor was feminine, Jennifer didn’t want to overwhelm her new groom. “I didn’t want him to feel like he was at my wedding.” Details like a palette including green and plum, architectural touches, and a punchy cocktail dubbed the Tipsy Texan did the trick. After a lavish cocktail party in the courtyard, guests sat down for an elegant dinner in the main room of the estate. Tables were set with gilded china; lush arrangements of peonies, roses, and hydrangeas; and towering silver vase centerpieces dripping with crystals. Handmade chocolate tru es adorned with the couple’s monogram crowned each plate. And just before dinner, Josh’s 15-year-old sister sang Martina McBride’s “I Just Call You Mine” for the newlyweds. After dinner, the bride and groom cut into the cake—a towering, four-tiered show stealer wrapped in white chocolate and silk bows with crystal brooches. Across the ballroom, guests found a special treat: a festive candy table with hot-pink rock candies, chocolate-dipped pretzels, gumballs, jellybeans, and chocolates—some of which were handmade by Jennifer’s mother. Once the DJ started spinning, guests danced the night away. But the party really got started when Jennifer’s bridesmaid hit the oor with a choreographed dance to Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies.” Jennifer smiles at the memory. “Tey choreographed a dance at my 16th birthday and have done it for every major event since.” Since the wedding, Jennifer and Josh have moved to Dallas and are together in Texas. Both die-hard sports fans, they spend Sundays hosting parties and cheering on their teams with family and friends. “And during that World Series,” she smiles, “we were serious rivals.” Venue: Mission Santa Clara de Asis; Kohl Mansion Event Planning: Margaret Poza, L’Eventique Floral Design: Paige Benjamin, Passiflora Designs Catering: James Standfield Catering Cake: The Cake Maker Photography: Geoff White Photographers Lighting: Elle Events DJ and Band: Elle Events Invitations: An Open Invitation Dress: Melissa Sweet Makeup: Sarah Hyde Above from left: The Kohl Mansion provided a dramatic background; tables were dressed with gilded china and pink peonies. Clockwise from bottom right: The decor included a candy table and escort cards; Mission Santa Clara de Asis housed the Catholic ceremony; Kohl mansion was home to the ceremony; a vintage car escorted the couple. Across the lake on the shore stood the Hankinson family holding a sign of Christmas lights that read Marry Me? S p r i ng / Su mme r 2 0 1 1 73
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