...so let's look at food!

lobster bake in massachucetts

Even though we already have our caterer finalized, it's still fun to look at more food. Check out this great slideshow from the nytimes of wedding food from around the world.



cracker men with idazibel cheeze in madrid

The accompanying article is actually pretty interesting. It discusses the trend of seemingly causal weddings, including those at home, which actualy cost as much or more than a traditional formal affair (particularly in L.A.).

I haven't really found that to be the case so far in planning our own backyard wedding, which, while not necessarily born out of a financial need, will likely be cheaper than the wedding in Stern Grove we were originally planning.


freshly sliced jambon from madrid

But it is kind of annoying to think that our pre-existing homemade aesthetic is a trend, co-opted by the wealthy in an effort to not appear ostentatious.

The bottom line is that our friends and family will know that isn't who we are...that we aren't some trend-hopping folks making cobblers and grilling in an effort not to appear wealthy (which we decidely are not).


persian kabobs on an 8 foot grill

(if there was a Moby Dick's House of Kabob out here, we would DEFINITELY be doing this)



fava bean puree with burrata crostinis

hitting the wall

I am completely hitting the wall when it comes to invitation ideas. We went with a video save the date (to be posted soon!) so I never really put in the time to create a visual aesthetic for the invites. the inspiration board is helping some, but not as much as I'd like. I love doing things myself, but it is starting to feel like a lot of pressure. And I look at all the great pro invites on other blogs and realize that even though I have my own cool skills, I doubt I'd be able to create invites like those. argh. Anyone other DIY brides feel like that?

I feel silly even complaining, because in the Big Picture, something like this doesn't matter. I do enjoy the act of making things, but I feel like I'm getting down to the wire (with an October wedding) to be creating and sending out invites.

well this was a grumpy post! Sorry about all that! But sometimes it is nice to have some grumpy reality thrown in with all the beautiful flowers, fancy shoes, and pretty pictures. or maybe not...

so cute it's sick

what a great invite design! From the folks at see saw designs. These guys resemble some of the little characters I draw. I love that it is this cute funny little illustration, but so restrained and well-done that it looks, well, fancy enough for a wedding. love it.

um, yum

We have a caterer! Living in San Francisco, we had a lot of options, not only for caterers with delicious food, but those who also focus on local, organic, and seasonal foods. yeah, I know the whole local food thing can get kind of annoying to some, but it is important to us, and so the majority of our budget is going towards what I know will be fabulous food prepared by our caterer Christian Noto of jersey tomatoes.


We had our tasting on my birthday. we left stuffed but very excited.


mini grilled cheese with spicy tomato soup shooters (um, yes.)


We are going for an extended cocktail party vibe, with appetizer stations and small plates. Christian will be a'grilling on a 6 foot charcoal grill in our backyard.


pulled pork crostini with aioli, wilted spinach, and parmesean



seasonal bibb salad with cherries and strawberries

My parents have been preparing the relatives for some "non-traditional" wedding fare.


grilled salmon, with purslane (an edible succulent!!!!)



meyer lemon tart with dirty girl strawberries and creme fraiche

These aren't necessarily the dishes we'll have at the wedding, but a sampling of what he can churn out. (But the grilled cheese will very likely make an appearance on the big day.)

Christian has been great to work with so far. When I called to tell him we had chosen him, he said "Your wedding is going to be epic."

My kind of caterer.