Alex and Rikki, celebrate and exchange nuptials at the iconic Madonna Inn!

I enter the day, on the third floor of the amazing Madonna Inn Hotel, and I walk into the Austrian Suite…a site I’ve seen many times before. There, Rikki, our bride, is providing a makeup tutorial. Her captive audience includes a friend and two nieces (ages: 2 and 5). I’m intrigued.

On the other end of the suite: two of Rikki’s crew are finishing knitting a sweater for Alex (our groom). They explain that while knitting is normally therapeutic, knitting with a timeline is quite the opposite effect. I do think the day was designed/intended to be as carefree as possible…but, as is often the case, the universe does not approve of an uneventful wedding day. It wants brevity. And as we know all to well, what the universe wants…

Wedding Day

The Madonna Inn holds a special significance for them…well, for Rikki and her grandmother, who loved the Madonna Inn. And this wedding truly felt like Rikki’s grandma was there, in style, celebrating. Alex and Rikki, a vintage couple, have been together for about 10 years. They met at Community College and now live in Berkeley.

The original plan was to elope with their 3 dogs. But as often is the case, things don’t go according to plan. In the end, I can’t imagine the day going more smoothly, however. It was beautiful and attended by a lovely crew (but not their whole crew…).

Congratulations newlyweds! Your Madonna Inn Wedding was beautiful & memorable!