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The Crowd: Newport wedding brings sweetness with beauty

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If there is veracity in the adage that “God is in the details,” then surely the grace of the almighty watched over the nuptials of Allyson Ramser and her beau, Alex Young.

Their exquisite summer wedding began with a sentimental family ceremony at Newport Beach’s St. James Anglican Church, officiated by the Rev. Richard Crocker. The traditional vows held a special meaning for the young couple inasmuch as the church has been a part of their family history for multiple generations.

Crocker, in his deep rich English accent, broke the ice of the formal vows by sharing a story about another young couple he married.

“The groom’s attendants decided to have a bit of fun and painted the letters H, E, L, and P on the soles of the groom’s shoes,” he said with a grin. “When the couple kneeled down to take their vows, the bottom of his shoes brought the congregation to laughter.”

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The humor was a precursor to a bit of life philosophy on facing the challenges in life and marriage, with a positive approach to everything that a couple will face in a long and loving relationship.

“We all need all the help we can get,” he said, adding that an important aspect of marriage is the support between a loving husband and wife at all times and in all circumstances.

The bride was radiant, exquisite in a gown by Enzoani as attendants and sisters Kimmy and Claire Ramser assisted, moving her flowing white veil aside for the groom to seal the wedding vows with a kiss, or actually two.

Parents Ann and Scott Ramser and Margie and Jim Young joined grandparents Phil and Trish Ramser, Pat Moon, Shirely Spencer and Betty Davies in holding back a sentimental tear as the bridal party made their way down the aisle to the applause and well-wishes of some 200 guests.

Outside the church, wedding planner Brooke Keegan arranged for a trolley to be at attention to transport the wedding party to a reception and dinner at the Shady Canyon Golf Club in Irvine. Family and friends arrived as white-gloved wait staff served icy margaritas and steak tartare under flowing market umbrellas on the club’s terrace that fronted the championship golf course.

The wedding dinner could have been in the Hamptons — or perhaps even somewhere in the south of France — as the party moved from the cocktail terrace to an outside grotto, which was beautifully designed in a tasteful summer fashion right out of the pages of a Martha Stewart magazine spread.

Long black tables were arranged in an exaggerated “V” formation and adorned with unusual blossoms carrying out the ivory and lavender theme of the summer wedding. Floral designer Holly Flora created a magical garden atmosphere that was a treat to the visual senses.

Shady Canyon catering prepared and served a superb multicourse dinner as the band N’Demand had guests dancing the night away.

Young revelers attending their close friends’ rite of passage, and enjoying every minute of the action, included Stephanie Trinen, Kelley English, Amanda Kilpatrick, Claire Amberson, Melissa Wheeler and Sabrina Chazen. Brothers Charlie Ramser and Daniel Young joined pals Pat Cary, A.J. Stahl, Aaron Scholl, Chris Houston, Ross Sinclair, Bryce Adams and Tyler Eck as the party moved from the outdoor grotto into the Shady Canyon clubhouse, which had been transformed into a midnight disco complete with grilled cheese sandwiches and hamburger sliders for the late-night party crowd.

The newlyweds Mr. and Mrs. Alex Young left the party for a honeymoon in the South Pacific before returning to Newport Beach to begin life together.

THE CROWD runs Thursdays and Saturdays. B.W. Cook is editor of the Bay Window, the official publication of the Balboa Bay Club in Newport Beach.

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