The Reception

In the Gardens Restaurant, cherry wood tables were draped with white tablecloths and topped with mirrored tiles and votive candles. While there were gorgeous garden scene frescoes covering the walls, many guests opted for the real thing and went outside into the fresh flower gardens to mingle and enjoy the views. LB, who had decided to play DJ before the wedding, had mixed all the music and downloaded it onto his laptop, which he hooked up to the restaurant's speakers. Fresh summery foods such as coconut pineapple chicken and tomatoes stuffed with salmon mousse were served buffet style; a four-tiered amaretto wedding cake and a chocolate fudge torte topped with white chocolate-dipped strawberries satisfied every sweet tooth. The food looked wonderful, but we were both too excited to eat, says Shyra, so we shared a plate.