By now you've checked out Dana and Erik's amazing wedding with all of the custom stationery and ephemera, designed by the groom himself. Well now, here's a little backstage pass to witness how the groom (and company) got groomed -- as told below, in Erik's own words. Photographer Thayer Allyson Gowdy was on hand to capture all the details.
I've always known that I wanted to spend the morning of my wedding with my best friends at an old barber shop, getting a straight razor shave. Since the wedding was in Carmel Valley, it seemed a rather overwhelming task to find a barber who still provided traditional grooming services. My research led to several dead ends. Feeling bummed, I had asked our wedding planner, Beth, if she could ask around. She took on the task as a personal one and scouted all of Monterey County until she found the only barber shop who still offered straight shaves, Franco's Barber Shop. Franco's shop is closed on Sunday, but Beth arranged for him to open that morning just for us.
So my little dream came true. We woke up at the break of dawn on my wedding day, but my good friend Wally Krantz woke up earlier and went out to get morning pastries and coffee, which started it all off right. We arrived at Franco's -- his door wide open -- and he gave us a warm welcome, immediately fitting in with our group as he made jokes with his charming Italian accent.
Franco's shave process is lucid: You sit down as he applies a warm towel and wraps your head like a mummy; several minutes pass before he removes the towel and applies warm foam. Then, the shave begins. With his fingers, he feels for the direction of the hair and goes to work.
Franco's professional, easygoing nature, and love of his trade made the experience all the more special. He has an amazing history—and tons of stories to tell. He started as a barber apprentice in Italy when he was only 8 years old. In his early 20s, during WWII, he was the barber to many sailors. And in 1970 he immigrated to the US and was the barber for the NCO in Monterey, CA, before opening his own shop in 1994. He’s got a full bio up on his website.
All and all it was the best way to start the day of my wedding. Being surrounded by my best friends, hanging out and relaxing while getting a shave. I recommend it to every groom.
Erik stepped outside for a quick photo in front of Franco's shop, complete with the traditional rotating barber pole.
From: Suzanne | 1/21/10 at 3:43 pm
I think this is quite possibly the grooviest and most personalized wedding you've yet to feature! It truly is the simple things that make life special-whether it be a straight razor shave from a rad old Italian man..or purple shoes and raspberry cocktails. Hooray!
From: The Big Animals - enormouschampion : making stuff in brooklyn | 1/21/10 at 4:58 pm
[...] peak into the morning of the wedding with the gents and a shave. This entry was written by enormouschampion, posted on 01/19/2010 at 1:30 pm, filed under events, [...]
From: Vanja Margaretich | 1/25/10 at 10:23 pm
you are amazing to think of all details.
From: Vanja Margaretich | 1/25/10 at 10:30 pm
you are amazing .
From: Audra Colpitts - Vancouver Wedding Photographer | 3/31/10 at 11:52 pm
I think every groom should be treated (or treat himself) to a straight shave the morning of his wedding. Guys deserve a little pampering too!