Weekend Wrap Up: Labor of Love | Celebrating Marriage this Labor Day Weekend

Happy Labor Day, Everyone!

Labor Day weekend has a special meaning to me as it was the weekend my husband and I got married 4 years ago.  We’ve also celebrated many of our other friends’ weddings too!  (4 or 5 to be exact.  Happy Anniversary, everyone 🙂 ) and this weekend was no exception.  We actually got married on September 3rd and the husband and I had a lovely dinner date in the city to Michael Mina’s, a restaurant I’ve heard much about & have always wanted to try.

Then, we headed out to Galt, Ca to the Hanford Ranch Winery to celebrate another one of our friends’ weddings and we were excited because it was our first outdoor wedding for both the Ceremony & Reception!

I’m excited to share all the photos of the wedding and our dinner with you!  ENJOY!

The Ceremony:

The Ceremony was beautiful, it was overlooking endless vineyards which reminded me of my childhood.  I grew up in the area and it was very fitting because my friend grew up not too far from here.

 

The Flower Girls…

 

The Ring Bearers…

 

The Bridal Party…

  

  

The Best Man and Maids of Honor…

The Sign Holders…

  

The Beautiful Bride and her Parents…

Some guests & friends of the wedding…

My husband and I…

The Reception:

The Reception Area was beautiful.  There were palm trees right in the middle of this quiet little piece of paradise in the vineyards.  The weather was perfect and I couldn’t imagine a better venue for this special occasion.

The emcees for the evening…

 

 The seating arrangements…

The “guest book” & gift table…

A table of photograph of the bride & grooms family that are no longer with us. (This was such an amazing idea!)             

The super fun photo booth had sooo many props and were very organized throughout the night!

 

Beer goggles, anyone?!

Wedding favors:  Chalkboard dipped wine glasses…

Floral centerpiece and their wedding program that doubled as a fan to beat the heat…

 

The First Dance to a live singer and one of our friends & the beautiful cake…

Traditional Filipino Dances & the kids performing “Tininkling”

Our 4 Year Anniversary Dinner at Michael Mina | SF

I had always heard about this restaurant because it is very “San Francisco.”  Michael Mina draws his inspiration from Japanese & French influences.  Plus, it’s good to get out and have a nice dinner once in a while!  My husband and I like exploring the restaurant scene whenever we get a chance and what better way than on our anniversary & grandma to watch Dahlia.

 

Review: Michael Mina | San Francisco | Chef Ron Siegel

Website:  MichaelMina.Net

Ambiance:  Traditional & Business Casual

Kid-Friendly:  Not really.  We didn’t see one kid in here because it is only a tasting menu for dinner.  Sorry Dahlia!  We pre-planned this dinner and had grandma come over to watch her.

Cuisine:  American (New) with Japanese & French Influences

Price: $$$$ for dinner

Rating:  5 out of 5

Service:  Exceptional

I gave Michael Mina a 5 mainly because I couldn’t complain about anything!  All of the dishes are wonderful especially because they come as a “trio” meaning you get to try the same ingredient made 3 different ways.  GENIUS!  Portion sizes were good and some stood out more than others, but overall, the food & quality were there along with the exceptional customer service.  I told my husband I’d go back tomorrow, but tomorrow is not a special occasion :(.  LOL.  Oh well!  Until next time, Michael Mina, I WILL BE BACK!

Our Dinner…

Anniversary Card they had waiting for us at our table and a complimentary trio for the amuse-bouche which was a hamachi tartare, salmon roe with cream,  and I forgot the last item 🙂

 

Cocktails we tried:  (Left to Right) Aztec Sun, Lunar Eclipse, Chestnut Bourbon, Pink Panther

Bar Menu:  http://www.michaelmina.net/pdf/menus/150805_MMSF_Bar_Menu.pdf

  

First Course (Left to Right):  Tolenas Farms Quail Trio & The Signature Ahi Tuna Tartare

MENU:  http://www.michaelmina.net/pdf/menus/150815_MMSF_Dinner.pdf

 

Second Course (Left to Right):  Butter-Poached Maine Lobster Trio & the Liberty Farms Duck & Foie Gras Trio

 

Third Course (Left to Right):  Dessert Trio (Pecan Bar with Dulce de Leche Ice Cream, Strawberry Cream with Honey Crisp and the Signature Beignet) & Complimentary Olive Oil Cake for our Anniversary

 

Fourth Course:  Espresso Caramel & Shortbread Cookies

Hope you all had a great long weekend and enjoy this upcoming short week!