First meeting as high school students in 1993, becoming reacquainted in 1997, and eventually coupling for all time when their ships-in-the-night relationship finally culminated in a romantic engagement at sunset, Sarah and Chris were married in early October by their dear friend Susan Kimball.

With Chris’s unfailing support, Sarah planned the couple’s big day from start to finish to ensure that their “simple-yet-elegant” vision was realized. The couple’s biggest challenge—to find a local venue accessible to the outdoors with personality to enhance their own, which they classify as easygoing with a flair and fondness for the dramatic—was overcome when they happened upon The Citizen Hotel, an ideal locale that offered breathtaking views of the Sacramento Valley and the State Capitol as well as an exquisite, tented terrace that served as the reception site. Dreamily illuminated by a mass flickering of lighted candles, this airy canopy helped to create an aesthetically-rich atmosphere that was further enhanced by the event’s statement-making color palette of black, cream and gold, with red and orange accents.
Striking personal and interior details of Sarah and Chris’s relaxed but refined celebration included the bride’s La Sposa Fanal gown, accessories, dramatic make-up (hello red lips!), and a large, hand-tied bridal bouquet featuring burgundy celosia and dahlias, dark red chrysanthemums, dark burgundy calla lilies, chocolate cosmos and gold-toned ribbon and pins. Classically sophisticated centerpieces, exposed brick, a gorgeous chandelier, and red and orange roses, all of which were artistically captured in beautiful wedding imagery by Jodi Yorston, complemented Sarah’s stunning look, one that harkened the glamorous heyday of Old Hollywood.

These stunning visuals enhanced and encouraged an inspired and lively party at the reception, where guests savored dark chocolate wedding cake with raspberry Frappe and rich buttercream frosting, danced to music spun by Sarah’s childhood friend, DJ Will Becker, and were gifted with wedding favors—a magnet of the couple’s engagement photo.

Upon reflection of the most important day of their lives thus far, Sarah and Chris would not change a thing. It is a moment forever etched into their memories and those of their guests, all of whom knew they had witnessed something truly special and uniquely personal to the bride and groom and the love they share.

“Professing your love for each other is by far the best feeling in the world,” Sarah says. “Knowing that you are marrying your best friend and your soul mate is true joy. Chris and I have always been a very strong couple, but our wedding brought us even closer together. Our wedding radiated with warmth and love and was truly an evening to remember.”

Ceremony Site: The Citizen Hotel   Phone: 916-447-2700
Officiant: Susan Kimball, a friend
Ceremony Music: DJ Willieb Productions
Photographer: Jodi Yorston Photography   Phone: 916-747-7049
Reception Site: The Citizen Hotel   Phone: 916-447-2700
Hair: Kevin Michael Salon
Make-up: Michele Tsihlas, Kevin Michael Salon
Bridal Attire: Bella Donna Bridal Salon
Bridal Veil/Headpiece: Bridal Veil Fashions
Bridesmaid Attire: Each chose their own dress
Groom's Attire: Men's Wearhouse
Groomsmen Attire: Men's Wearhouse
Ringbearer Attire: Men's Wearhouse, Shoes: Vans
Bride's Jeweler: Guzzetta & Co.
Groom's Jeweler: Guzzetta & Co.
Invitations: My Gatsby
Flowers: Botanica Floral Designs   Phone: 916-673-8650
Caterer: The Citizen Hotel   Phone: 916-447-2700
Cake: River City Cake Company
DJ/Entertainment: DJ Willieb Productions
Favors: Magnets of our engagement photo by Jodi Yorston Photography   Phone: 916-747-7049
Honeymoon Location: San Diego
First Dance Song: Then by Brad Paisley
Father/Daughter Dance Song: I Loved Her First by Heartland
Mother/Son Dance Song: In My Life by The Beatles
Bouquet Toss Song: Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It) by Beyonce

Details about this couples cake:
Dark chocolate with raspberry frappe with rich buttercream frosting.

Details about this couples flowers:
Bride's bouquet: hand-tied style bouquet with burgundy celosia, dark red chrysanthemums, tulips, burgundy dahlias, dark burgundy calla lilies and chocolate cosmos. Ribbon in a gold tone with a French twist treatment.

Bridesmaids' bouquets: following the same style as the bridal bouquet, they were hand-tied style bouquets with burgundy dahlias, burnt orange chrysanthemums, burgundy celosia and other elements tied into the burgundy and orange color theme. A few orange calla lilies were also incorporated. Ribbon finished off the stems to match the deep burgundy color with gold pins placed on the stem wrap.


Anything else about your wedding?
Will Becker, our DJ, has been a great friend of mine since elementary school. He truly made our wedding unforgettable. He really listened to our requests, while incorporating his incredible style into our wedding. He is a true artist when it comes to music. I would recommend Will Becker for any musical event that I am a part of. Everyone still raves about how fun he was and how much fun they had on the dance floor...thank you Will!