A Natural Backyard Wedding at Ladera Oaks Swim and Tennis Club in Portola Valley, California

Stephanie Alexander (29 and a recruiter) and Dan Lind (30 and an EMT) met in 2003 through mutual friends. After surviving a long distance relationship as they continued through college, they moved in together marking the 5 year mark in their relationship. After 10 years of dating, Dan organized a proposal with close friends and family at their favorite local restaurant. They covered the windows to a private room and when Stephanie opened the door, their parents, siblings, and young nieces and nephew were holding up letters that spelled "SAY YES". They chose to get married at Ladera Oaks Swim and Tennis Club because of the openness and flow of the surroundings which perfectly matched their upscale backyard wedding theme. To be comfortable outside for their wedding, they chose casual fashions for the wedding party. The bridesmaids wore light pink cocktail dresses while the groomsmen wore light tan suits with dark brown ties. The reception was full of personalized touches seen in the DIY centerpieces, burlap table runners, and table numbers each featuring a different picture of their bulldog, Louie, and the escort cards which were brown gift tags, tied with a pink, white, or burlap ribbon to indicate entree choice. Big Fun DJ kept the music throughout the reception while the newlyweds enjoyed their tiramisu filled wedding cake along with salted caramel filled brownies, small apple pies, and chocolate covered strawberries. "As a treat towards the end of the night, we had warm pretzels and mustards for guests to enjoy," says Stephanie.