Rehearsal Dinner

photography Jose Villa

When the groom is known among his friends for epic party-throwing skills, a tame and traditional rehearsal dinner just won’t do. And since Whitney and Zach love a good theme party, the two thought outside the box and decide to host a toga party (costume required) the night before their wedding. Taking inspiration from ancient Roman “bacchanalia” festivals, we found the perfect secluded venue nestled in the redwoods.

Guests entered the party through a natural arch between two trees, into a clearing where they were greeted with a pomegranate cocktail called The Persephone. There they found their personalized laurel crown, with their table number for dinner. They then progressed to cocktail hour on a wooded bridge deep in the trees, to the ethereal sounds of harp music.

The magical mood continued at dinner, where Mindy Rice Design adorned
 wooden dinner 
tables with olive and bay-leaf garlands. Napkins were 
dyed a mossy green 
with plant extracts, and tied with laurel.  The pewter goblets and sheepskin-lined benches added to the authentic mood of the evening.