Caitlin and Lenny are self-described foodies, and the famous San Francisco restaurant Foreign Cinema has always been one of their favorites, even more so because it is walkable distance from their home in Noe Valley.
“After hearing from a friend that they host weddings, we had our hearts set on it,” Lenny told me. “We did our due diligence and looked at other venues, but the thought of getting married right in our backyard, with the kitchen and wait staff we had grown to know over the years, far outweighed any other spot.”
Foreign Cinema is a favorite of ours as well. We hold our annual Chrisman Studios dinner there every January. The restaurant has an indoor and outdoor space, and like its name suggests, foreign films are projected on a big white wall outside.
Caitlin and Lenny held their ceremony in the garden outside, and came indoors for the dinner and party. “We love the rustic farm tables, the romantic light, the dramatic and intimate garden for our ceremony, the absolutely amazing fried chicken,” Lenny said. “We also love that we knew the space so intimately before getting married there. When we go back for dinner, its so cool to relive that day.”
One of Lenny’s favorite memories from the day (he’s not so sure it is also one of Caitlin’s favorite memories) was during the ceremony, where they incorporated some customs from Lenny’s Jewish heritage. Caitlin and Lenny wanted to stomp on the glass together, as a sign of equality, rather than the groom breaking it alone, which is the more traditional custom. The first time, the glass slipped out from under their feet. “I was so embarrassed and knew we’d never hear the end of it from family and friends,” Lenny said. “So, then on the second try… BOOM. I broke Caitlin’s toe. She screamed, [luckily] kissed me, and then danced like a champion all night, in heels. That’s my wife!”