September 13 – A perfect day for a wedding in the wine country. It’s warm, but not too hot. Two tall oak trees that stand in the foreground of the ceremony site filter the bright sunlight, making it a photographer’s dream spot for taking bridal pictures. All the details are in place according to the wedding time line. 
Final Touches The caterer has arrived, the florist has tied off the aisle with ribbon, and the cake decorator has finished her final touches to the cake. This is not a typical wine country wedding. Amerika and Ruben selected Beltane Ranch in Glen Ellen, California in Sonoma County, for their wedding and reception. Not only is the ranch a warm and accommodating venue, but it has an interesting historical background spanning over 100 years (i.e. see another blog coming soon).
Honoring Their Heritage The couple decided to have a ceremony and reception that would honor each other’s heritage. Amerika elected to Jump the Broom, an African tradition that is said to symbolize creating a new life together, while sweeping away their former single lives.
Ruben chose to have Trio Nuevo Amanecer play romantic songs and melodies of Mexico for the ceremony and cocktail hour. What a wonderful blend of honoring each others heritage! The decor included draped tables of espresso and sage colored linens that were accented with wine country flowers provided by Lisa Brown:who captured the simple elegance that Amerika and Ruben wanted. 
Understanding that they did not want a traditional wedding cake, the couple tasted several cupcakes, before deciding on a “Couple’s Cake” [shown close by] and cupcakes that were created by Kelly Tang of San Francisco.
As the guests were seated and the bridal party took their places before the start of the ceremony, I quickly glanced at Ruben. He’s wiping his eye. I’m not sure if there is something in his eye or he’s wiping away tears of joy. I’ve planned many weddings, but I’ve never seen a groom in tears! 
The Moment Has Arrived All is ready: photographer, Monica Michelle scurries to capture each moment of this special occasion, carefully paying close attention to every little detail. As the bridesmaids walked down the aisle to the tune of Solamente Una Vez, Amerika readies herself to take her walk down the rose pedaled aisle, happily to be joined by Ruben. She is all smiles! Yes, finally, this is their day!
Following a simple ceremony, joyful family and friends congratulated the newlyweds. The rustic atmosphere was just the place for listening and dancing to the south of the borders sounds of Mexico.
After the photos, the newlyweds sweep away their old single lives according to African tradition by jumping the broom and join each other in a new life together as Mr. and Mrs. Ruben Sanchez.
Amerika and Ruben Sanchez
Jumping the Broom:: Sweeping away their old lives and welcoming a new journey together
A Tender Moment
Guests danced the Electric Slide and Kicked their heels to the Cuban Shuffle 
This was the happiest day of their life
Congratulations Amerika and Ruben!
