Marian and Keith both joined the Internet dating Web site eHarmony to meet someone they each might find compatible. Never in their wildest dreams did they plan on finding the loves of their lives and just a few blocks away from each other. “I lived in San Francisco for about a year,” Marian says, “and I wanted to meet someone to explore the city with.” She says that Keith was the perfect person for the job. Described as adventurous and fun, Keith loves getting out and seeing the sights, and he was happy to find such a perfect companion in Marian. “On one of our early dates I got a flat tire on the way home,” Keith says. “Marian was not upset, just very supportive.”  

“Marian is a kind and caring person. I know she’ll be with me through thick and thin,” Keith says. “Keith has a great sense of humor,” Marian says. “He loves cooking for me.” After nearly three-and-a-half years of being together and a lot of discussion about marriage, Keith vowed to ask her to marry him in 2008. On December 31, on their way to a concert, the proposal had yet to happen, and Marian had pretty much written off the idea of getting a ring that year. However, Keith had other plans. Under a huge bright red Christmas tree, with an hour in the year to spare, he got down on one knee and proposed. “I wanted to surprise her,” he says. Marian happily accepted immediately. “I said yes right away,” she says.

Their happiness was mixed with concern and sorrow when Marian’s mother, Lindsay Torreblanca, was diagnosed with a very aggressive terminal cancer. It was important to Marian and Keith that Lindsay was able to celebrate their wedding and watch her daughter walk down the aisle. She was unable to travel to San Francisco, so they wed close to her parents’ home.

With the picturesque Scribner Bend Vineyards as a backdrop, their wedding and reception was perfect. Thousands of red rose petals lined the path to a delicate iron arch draped with red roses, which was striking against the bright blue sky. The couple, surrounded by their wedding party, along with friends and family, promised to spend the rest of their lives together. “We had the winery to ourselves,” Marian notes. “Everything was great,” Keith says.

The couple recognized both of their moms by presenting each with a red rose. “My mom was doing fine,” Marian recalls, “she danced and really enjoyed herself.”

They chose their first dance to be “I’ll Stand By You” by the Pretenders. With all the emotion of the ceremony, it was the perfect song to begin their wedded life. “Take me in, into your darkest hour—and I’ll never desert you—I’ll stand by you.” A lovely sentiment for a lovely couple. 

Ceremony Site: Scribner Bend Vineyards   Phone: 916-744-1803
Officiant: Rev. Jeri Murphy
Ceremony Music: Music a Due
Photographer: Andrea's Images Photography   Phone: 916-225-3395
Reception Site: Scribner Bend Vineyards   Phone: 916-744-1803
Hair: Deanna Marotto-Collins, Nina's Salon
Make-up: Bride's Sister Antonia Torreblanca
Bridal Attire: David's Bridal
Bridesmaid Attire: David's Bridal
Groom's Attire: Men's Wearhouse
Groomsmen Attire: Men's Wearhouse
Ringbearer Attire: Macy's
Bride's Jeweler: Engagement Ring: Blue Nile; Wedding Band: Shane Co.
Groom's Jeweler: Shane Co.
Invitations: Exclusively Weddings
Placecards: Michaels
Thank You Cards: Target
Flowers: Bella Bloom
Caterer: All Seasons All Reasons Fine Catering
Cake: Carina's Creations
DJ/Entertainment: Guitarist during cocktail hour: Eric Symons
Live Band: LatinRockIt (we went from Spanish flamenco guitar music to Latin rock music)
Favors: Winestoppers from Exclusively Weddings; handfans from Michaels
Lighting: Combination of Made in the Shade, Scribner Bend and LatinRockIt
Honeymoon Location: Big Island of Hawaii
Other Resource: Tent from Made in the Shade
First Dance Song: I'll Stand by You by The Pretenders

Any tips you'd give to brides and grooms planning their wedding:
After all the time spent preparing, make sure to take the time to enjoy your day.

Details about this couples cake:
Three tier: bottom cake was hazelnut praline. Middle cake was decadent chocolate cake with Belgium Mousse. Top cake was carrot cake with cream cheese frosting.

Details about this couples flowers:
Bouquets were red roses and peonies. Corsages were orchids. Fountain arrangements were gerbera daisies and red roses. Altar arrangement was red roses. Table centerpieces were red roses and daisies.


Anything else about your wedding?
From Keith: Our caterer, All Seasons All Reasons Fine Catering. One day before our scheduled tasting, I called them and asked if they could do anything Spanish influenced (to celebrate Marian's Spanish heritage). The caterer wasn't sure because the food for our tasting had already been purchased but would see what could be done. We were blown away by our tasting with an excellent sampling of Spanish influenced dishes like vegetarian paella, Spanish tortilla, Spanish olives, etc. The chef took our request as an enjoyable challenge. Our guests raved about the food; with some saying it was the best wedding food they'd ever had.

What would you have done differently if you had the chance?
I (groom) would have paid more attention to the request of the band to have some sort of shelter. It actually rained a bit on the wedding day (nothing too bad though...). I'm thankful the band was able to figure out a way to make it work.