Shelton's Cakes and Bella Bloom Flowers

Jonathan and Emmile were married this evening inside the beautiful Vizcaya Pavilion in midtown Sacramento. They wisely chose to move their ceremony inside; it was 40 degrees at their 6:00 p.m. start time. (Whoa! Thank you for that wise decision!)

An intimate feeling was created by luminaries, which lined the aisle and stood on the floor behind the wedding party and bridal couple. The lights were dimmed, and twinkle lights and candelabras added to the ambiance.

The 20-minute ceremony was magical, and included the love story of Jonathan and Emmile, a reading by their sister-in-law (newly wed to the best man, Jonathan's brother), personal vows, and a lovely gift of roses to their mothers.

The ceremony concluded with the African American tradition of jumping the broom, using a walis (Filipino broom) to combine their two cultures. As they symbolically left the past and stepped into married life, the guests wished them well with an enthusiastic cry of "Jump!"

Their wedding cake was beautiful, created by Shelton's Wedding Cakes and dressed by Vicki and crew from Bella Bloom Flowers. Here are a couple of photos, taken by their delighted officiant (me!)

Congratulations to the newlyweds, Jonathan and Emmile Brack!

Blessings,
Rev. Jeri