1. Real Weddings

Janna & John: A Red Wedding in Fresno, CA

Janna and John first met while working at a YMCA in San Diego, where John was Janna’s supervisor. They dated on and off for four years, until Janna sp

Janna and John first met while working at a YMCA in San Diego, where John was Janna’s supervisor. They dated on and off for four years, until Janna spent the summer abroad in England while John was still in San Diego. Both were wondering where their relationship was going, but when John arrived to spend Janna’s last week abroad with her, they knew it was meant to be. The Bride Janna Linscheid, 26, registered dietitian The Groom John Dreisbach, 33, YMCA fitness/membership director The Date October 15 Though John knew from that trip onward that he wanted to marry Janna, he waited to propose until after she had graduated. One night, he filled their living room with candles, photos of them together, and irises (her favorite flower), and he popped the question.

Centerpieces of square glass vases filled with seasonal fruit -- including limes, pomegranates, and crab apples -- were finished off with red and orange blooms. Votive candles surrounded the centerpieces, adding to the warm atmosphere.
Shortly after they were engaged, the couple decided on Janna’s parents’ place, a 40-acre vineyard overlooking the San Joaquin River that was perfect for the outdoor celebration. Janna’s parents started preparing right away, building a redwood deck that was the ceremony site and later the dance floor, and planting flowers in the wedding colors all over the yard.
A floral garland marked the bride and groom’s seats at the reception.
Janna and John cut a three-tier white cake with apricot and buttercream filling. It was covered with fondant and adorned with fresh flowers.
Janna and John celebrated with their guests beneath a tent set up near the deck. Tall wrought-iron garden lights, adorned with flowers and ribbon, lit the tent, while the Chinese lanterns on the deck illuminated the dance floor.
The deck where the ceremony took place sat amid gardens overlooking the San Joaquin River. Two red Chinese lanterns hung at the entrance, and a carpet of red rose petals marked the way up to the deck.
Janna wore a two-piece white satin gown by Essense of Australia. The bodice was embellished with eyelet lace, satin ribbon, and crystal beading, while the skirt was a very slim A-line.
Guests sat at tables adorned with burgundy linens and iridescent gold and orange overlays. Beaded napkin rings held the burgundy organza napkins, and the places were set with gold chargers.
“After seeing the movie Monsoon Wedding, we loved the colorful, flower-laden style of an Indian wedding,” Janna explains. She and John chose an Indian-inspired theme for their nuptials, with red, orange, burgundy, and gold hues. The bride and maid of honor had their hands painted in traditional Indian mehndi henna designs, which matched the designs on the ceremony programs.
Janna and John wed on a redwood deck at the bride’s parents’ home. John chose the ceremony readings, which were two poems: “Love’s Paradox,” by Max Ehrmann, and “True Love,” by James Russell Lowell.
Janna had just one attendant, her maid of honor, who wore a strapless claret-colored satin Vera Wang dress with a black grosgrain ribbon at the waist.