A Classic, Formal Wedding at Kohl Mansion in Burlingame, California

After meeting as undergrads at Stanford University in Northern California, Jayne Appel (27 and a WNBA player) and Christopher Marinelli (29 and a trader at Bank of America) dated for several years before marrying at their alma mater’s century-old Memorial Church. “We didn't even have to decorate the church—it is so beautiful inside,” Jayne says. After the formal ceremony, the 265 guests were shuttled to the nearby Kohl Mansion for the “black tie preferred” reception, where the couple’s elegant palette of black, white, blush and silver gleamed—even as rain began to fall. Guests enjoyed cocktails in special lounge areas inside the estate and found their seats on an eight-foot-tall, eight-foot-wide three-paneled sign designed by Brown Fox Calligraphy. Dining tables were arranged on the estate’s lawn under a spacious clear tent, which was bedecked with two six-foot chandeliers and plenty of glowing candles. Tables were topped with a mix of high and low vases filled with the same types of blossoms used in the bridesmaid bouquets: light pink ranunculus, black center anemones and peonies. Jayne and Christopher served delicious interpretations of their favorite Mexican foods throughout the evening. “My aunt made over 400 Mexican wedding cakes to serve as dessert cookies,” Jayne says. “We also had a churro cart with three different dipping sauces.” A live cover band kept the party going as guests took in desserts, cocktails and a cigar bar. “Take a few minutes as a couple to walk away from the party, and look back at it to see all the wonderful people who came to celebrate you both,” Jayne says. “Champagne and cupcakes help throughout the planning process as well!” —Carolyn Meers