….And, I officially suck at blogging. How, HOW did this happen? I’m typically so on top of spilling my guts out to the world at my every whim. For this, I can only apologize to Lacey- who I’m sure is waiting for pics from her lovely wine-country wedding. What a pleasure her and Andrew were to work with. From day one, Lacey and I just ‘got’ one another. So, you can imagine my delight when I got to finally meet Andrew and see the two of them together. It was literally like watching two people melt into one. They take love to a whole new level. It’s in the eyes. In the touch. In their hearts.

Venue: Lake Oak Meadows

Photography: Teresa and Company @TeresaK Photography

Florist: Karen @ From The Garden

DJ: Aaron @ Authentic Sound

The thing I love about this venue: it’s just simply gorgeous. It doesn’t need much. With the rows of wine vines and the natural landscape… wow, it’s just perfect.

Some of Lacey’s fun details. These are over at the ceremony site!

The ceremony site is a peninsula area that backs [well, is surrounded by] the lake. It’s so serene and peaceful. As big as the property sounds, it’s actually the PERFECT size for an intimate wedding!

These fans worked PERFECTLY for the guests… though we had great weather. The day of the rehearsal there was actually a rain scare, but the cool breeze felt amazing with the 80-something-degree weather!

I died over this. Alicia, when we got there, walked up to snag a few shots of Lacey while she was getting portraits. This is Lacey’s little excited-that-we-were-there-half-wave. SO cute!

Oh P.S. forgot to mention she totally looks like Kelly Clarkson but cuter. Am I RIGHT?! Onto reception details!

Their courtyard/lawn area is just divine. Strung lights included over the area. A built in bar. Stones with the grass humbly growing between. SO charming.

THE CAKE. This cake is like none I’d ever seen. I remember Lacey was debating between two cakes. One was this one. We decided, if her baker could pull it off… go for it. And pull it off they did!!

Cute table details, and a HUGE toss bouquet, because that’s how Lacey rolls:

Candles as escort cards… yes please! And this picture below makes me giggle each time I see it! This is Lacey, being escorted via golf cart up to the top of the steps so that her walk will be an entrance to remember. I adore the “privacy parasols” to ensure her and Andrew don’t see one another!

A close up of it:

Onto the GOOD stuff:

I just feel like Lacey’s entire “look” wreaks of movie-star quality. Elegant hair. Elegant walk. The VEIL. Everything gorgeous!

Personal tidbits: Andrew DID get a bit excited half way through the ceremony [after his vows] and tried to lift Lacey’s veil and kiss her! She let out the cutest little “not yet!” and the whole crowd loved it. So perfect!

The theme for the day:

Good thing- it makes the cutest pictures!

Right after the ceremony they stopped to soak it all in… funny enough, RIGHT behind the chairs. It’s like they couldn’t wait just to be together and talk! I loved it. After a few seconds, we had to usher them around the corner so that the bridal party could join ‘em for pictures!

A shot that Teresa set up at the tail end of the cocktail hour, just before the Grand Entrance:

The new Mr. and Mrs!

I just love how happy they are. It warms my heart!

Straight into their loving first dance:

Cuteness overload.

Dancing with dad:

I LOVED these few pics of Lacey tossing her bouquet!

In mid-air, if you can spy it:

Finally cutting that delicious cake!

THIS is what I’m talking about- spontaneously in love. They are so perfect together. Even in the way they hold one another, it’s so obvious. Smitten!!

And of course, my personal fave:

WOW WOW WOW, Lacey. You are a married woman. I’ll bet it’s been the best thing ever. The past few weeks have flown by at jet speeds, but your love story has stayed with me. During the ceremony, I cried. During the speeches, I cried. Witnessing your love has been nothing short of an honor for me. Truly! I’m so thrilled that I got to be there with you. Knowing that you two are out there, representing marriage so well, makes me proud to be even the slightest bit a part of your story. I know there are so so so many more years and stories, tears and laughs and MEMORIES in your future! Hopefully as the pictures from your friends, family, and disposable cameras roll in, these are a little more love comin’ your way. It’s all about the moments we capture in life! Love you two like it’s going out of style!

xoxo,

A.

Ok, please don’t stone me…if any of you have been reading the blog long enough, you’ll remember Jamie & Jeff from wayyy back in September. Their wedding was at The Historic Cottage in San Clemente, and it was one of the first I had the pleasure of doing sans-Mandy Kins. But I swear I haven’t been holding these beauties hostage from you guys. We just got the disk of images from Tony Florez a few weeks ago, so I sorted through them the first chance I got. And boy were they worth the wait!

Here are just a few of the beautiful portraits Tony took of Jamie and Jeff before they walked down the aisle.

The ceremony was held at Calafia Park down the street. What an amazing view!

Isn’t Jamie unbelievably stunning?

The two of them make such a beautiful couple!

And beautiful couples make even MORE beautiful babies!!! Jeff and Jamie also incorporated a baptism for their son Riley into the ceremony. Such a touching idea.

They had a fabulous seaside, beachy theme that turned out so so cute.

Their first dance was amazing. It started out sweet and slow, and then turned into something straight out of Dance Dance Revolution! It had me rolling on the floor laughing!

And who doesn’t like to end the night with a good Thriller homage? Face masks and all…

~ Alicia

Here’s my quick preface: these are terrible pictures, especially because I have SEEN half of their pro pics already and they blow mine out of the water. I cannot wait to receive the disk. But, alas, my photos from M&J’s wedding. They had such a FUN, funky, unique, FUN event!

Venue: Oceanside Museum of Art
Photography: Amanda @ Hearts and Horseshoes, and Ryan Russell
Catering: Homespun Desserts
Band: Steal Dawn
Flowers, Cake and Decor: Family of the bride!

Moving on…. Mandy and Jordan are the BEST! I wish I got more images for you of them together, but those will be coming to the blog in the near future. So, until then, here are some details, portraits, actions shots… all mixed together for you.

Mandy’s sense of style is KILLER.

Her knee-high white boots were just the tip of the iceberg.

The ceremony took place outside of the museum, on the front patio, while the cocktail-style dessert reception was downstairs in the main foyer/lobby area. Upstairs we had a large open theater space that we packed with people, chairs, and a live band for dancing!

These tiny tea light holders from Target were used as floral accent pieces. Since ALL candles are prohibited in the museum, they got creative. SO cute!

They chose ONE exhibit to keep open during their “cocktail hour”, and it happened to be theeee coolest [and most fitting] exhibit in the place!

Alicia modeling one of the lovely bridesmaid bouquets. The little “cuffs” were hand-crocheted by one of the bridesmaids. Amazing!

THE CAKE!! My goodness. When Mandy told me her aunt was making the cake- I was worried. Really worried. Especially after she showed me the inspiration picture. But, hot dang, this is WAY better than I could have ever anticipated. From a real baker or an at-home baker!

These images were exposed terribly and I had to lighten them up a LOT- sorry!

Some of the mini desserts:

These carrot-cake cupcakes were her grandmother’s special recipe, and the same flavor as her mom and dad’s wedding cake!

Some reception photos:

Some pictures of the father/daughter and mother/son dance:

I love how happy Mandy and Jordan were the ENTIRE day! So filled with smiles and love!

The father/daughter and mother/son dance was actually played live by members of the bridal party and some of their best friends, Sean and Sara Watkins, along with Sara’s husband, Todd Cooper. A fun little bluegrass, down-home feel for the special dance!

A late-night shot of their wedding ceremony program:

And one last shot, at the end of the night, Mandy and Jordan actually just walked the two blocks home to their house from the museum. It was SO cute. I wish I got a better picture, but I’ll never forgot how cute they were, hand in hand, walking home full of love and life!

M&J: planning your wedding was the most fun EVER! I’m so glad I got the chance to spend time with you and know you more. Your kindness and fun, spunky personalities are so fun to hang out with. I can’t wait for the years of barbecues, holidays, and random get-togethers that we’ll all get to enjoy as our families grow and change. I truly love planning weddings of friends more than ever and now, you two are friends of ours for life! Hope that this little jaunt through Europe is enough of a vacation from the norm to act as a total life-refresher [even if it IS work for you, Jordan!!].

xoxo,

A.

Okay. I couldn’t wait. Not a MOMENT longer. Because R&J are probably dying to see a snippet of their wedding. As April Smith goes to town editing their REAL pictures, I just have to share these. Blur and all. Or, what I like to call it: heart and all!

The Pro Lineup:

Photographer: April Smith Photography
Venue: Sheraton Anaheim Hotel
Videographer: Mike Mills @ Videotape My Wedding
Stationary: Anne @ The Paper Stylist
Cake & Sweets: Tomgirl Baking Co.
All floral and decor: The [now] infamous Uncle Lou!

Their favors were mini windchimes and magnets straight from the Philippines. Ironically enough, Jereco and Ruby BOTH grew up on the same island in the Philippines but had to make it all the way to America to meet and marry. Did I mention that this year is their 10 year anniversary together?? When I say it’s ABOUT time, I mean it!

SO many fun details just in the centerpieces. lights, crystals, action!

A gorgeous photo-filled guest book!

These little guys were my LABOR of love:

The red up-lighting went on and BAM the cake turned a whole new shade of gorgeous!

And of course, Tomgirl provided even more delicious desserts [which lasted umm about 10 minutes!!] for the guests, in conjunction with some traditional candies:

Pastor and the GUYS at the Sheraton, they came up with this display. How much do you love that? I walked back into the room [left them alone for maybe 10 minutes!!] and 4 dudes were huddled around the table, placing stands, mirrors, and lining up pastries into perfect rows. WOW. That’s all I can say!

Ruby was such a happy bride. I snapped this just after portraits, before the ceremony:

Some ceremony site pictures:

Ruby was walked down the aisle by both parents.

As we wrapped up cocktail hour, I tried my best to wait patiently while April got some KILLER [I just know it] shots of Rubes and Jer in one of my favorite places at the Sheraton- their lobby [sooo modern and fun!]. But, I couldn’t resist! A few scrappy seconds:

SO. IN. LOVE.

A quick shot of her bouquet:

And now, onto the festivities! Their first dance:

As Ruby leaned into her husband and sang their song with tears in her eyes, I leaned on the wall of the room and cried alongside of her. There is something so honest- soo genuine- about their love. It’s why I’m in business.

A few words from our bride and groom:

The little girls [nieces of the bride] performed a special dane to a Hannah Montana song. One that Ruby knew ALL the words to. Watching her and Jereco clap along the whole time: priceless!!

And, the last 3 of the night, in sequence:

Such a good sport!! All in all, the night was nothing but perfection! We danced. We laughed. We cried. We shared memories to last a lifetime and fill a ballroom. And it all ended with a literal bang- fireworks!!!

Ruby- you and I always had so much fun together. I used to look forward to our phone calls, our late night meetings, our jokes, and our eager anticipation for your big day. Now… I just plain miss you! I KNOW that your wedding was everything you’d hoped for. I know it, cause I was there. And I saw you. And I saw the way that boy looked at you… right with his heart. I’m so glad I got to be a part of this crazy, chaotic, amazing time in your life! I’ll cherish it forever!

xoxo,

A.

I couldn’t think of a better couple to share my first traditional Jewish ceremony with. Not only was the Rabbi INCREDIBLY professional, he was personal, he was able to explain all the traditions, and he MADE the ceremony for me [and, um, you know, Tam & Matt!].

The Lineup:

Photos: Max Ader
Reception Venue: Holiday Inn, Laguna Hills
DJ: Authentic Sound
Flowers: Petals By Marsha

Tamara knit all of these by herself. She is a crazy person. This is why we love Tamara.

The wine, the ketubah, the challa, the breaking glass…. pretty good lookin’ table!

I LOVE that their chuppa was draped with garments from Matt’s grandfathers. SO personal!

A good friend of mine wore a dress with many pickups in the skirt YEARS ago, and I called her a “whipped cream dream”- now every time I see one I want to say it! Tammykins, you were a WHIPPED CREAM DREAM on your big day!

During the ceremony, the bride circles the groom three times…

Then his turn, around her, thrice:

Then both circle together:

He lifts the veil “to ensure he’s got the right one” [alluding to the biblical story where the groom marries the sister of the one he loves instead of his actual love! Imagine!!]:

Breaking the glass, to remember that life is fragile and that this commitment is permanent [can't be put back together]:

FINALLY! Time to kiss!!

Over to the reception- T&M kept their daytime affair very simple and stylish. The hotel gave them SO much decor- upgraded linens, chargers, candles for their centerpieces…. it turned out simply amazing!

Their favors were little organza bags of dark chocolates that matched their colors [burgundy and gold] perfectly!

Their formal first dance!

I loved the movement in her skirt on this one:

LOVED these moments:

Tamara was deathly afraid of this part and hid it well… for a whole 30 seconds [can I blame her? I'd FREAK!]!! Matt, on the other hand…

Blessing and breaking of bread.

THIS is my job. Did you not know? Have you not heard?

Post-cut-cake-kiss

One quick shot of that snazz-tastic bouquet she had goin’ on:

And to wrap, a shot of me, with the challa [or what was left!]… which of course is pronounced “hall-uh”, not too far off from “HOLLA!!!”, and so…. me+challa=

HOLLA!

T&M: I’m so sorry I took FOR.EV.ER to blog your photos! I loved being a part of your day. Your ceremony was so emotional. So passionate. So personal. I loved the look into who you two are, as a couple, and learning more about your heritage and families. It was an honor to witness your love. It’s an honor to be a part of your lives. I know that your honeymoon was the much needed [and much deserved] vacation which came at the perfect time. Hopefully you’re holding your heads high with heavier ring fingers and that newly-wed glow!

xoxo,

A.

Jenny and Nick are the besssst! I had an instant click with Jenny when we met. She has possibly THEE cutest smile and laugh- ever. She’s “the kind of infectious that is good to spread around” [name that quote]! So, I knew that her wedding would be such a delight to be a part of. And I was right! Her smile engulfed her face for the entirety of their day. She was mellow, giggly, easy-going and in love. The two of them together… so fun!

If you can’t tell, Jenny went total Martha Stewart and made all of her ceremony decor out of tissue poms. I LOVED it. So cute!

They married at Almansor Court in Alhambra on a sunny Sundy [see what I did there? I took out the "a" in Sunday, to make it rhyme-y] morning. The weather was perfection!

Eddie @ Commerce Flowers rocked their personal flowers so hard. She loved them!!

They opted to do potted plant centerpieces to act as a take-home for their near and dear. Some details of the event:

Their cake. THEIR CAKE! It was my favorite thing EVER. It’s kinda old school/tradition in that the tiers are separated with poles and it’s intricate… but that little tulle skirt it’s wearing and the TOPPER alone make it amazing to a whole new level!!

The 80’s are back with a vengeance in ALL the best of ways!

Their good friend Matt Gainer came out to shoot candid photos while one of my faves, Wayne Toshikazu caught the formals and detail shots. I love the abundance of photographers. It’s my favorite. What can I say? I like pictures. Don’t blame me. No, don’t be mad. It’s cool. Get over it. :)

All that to say, knowing that their pictures will be FAB makes my job that much more fun!

They are so incredibly and undeniably best friends, and so apparently in LOVE. Weddings like this are a pleasure to work!!

It was a great GREAT day! It’s funny, when you get used to working late nights [until Midnight or so] to be off by 3pm and have the rest of the day to lounge and hang… but you’re exhausted ’cause you’ve been up since 6:00am!! It was a very nice break in the schedule. And really, who better to do it with?? The meetings that Jenny and I shared together were always so relaxed and fun. She didn’t ever overly-concern herself with things going wrong or “what if”s. She really could make a gal pass two hours chatting with ease! And that is why we at ITN TOTALLY HEART her. So big time. I’m so glad that you two are one big happy family now. To many more fun family events, to more paper cranes, to more wheat grass… to more memories!

We wish you nothing but the best and tons of little red-headed, freckle faced babies!!!

xoxo,

A.

Well, HI and FINALLY, y’all!! Amanda here, posting in conjuction with my fab-ssistant, Brittany the Bee!! She wrote the post below and I added in a few things myself, too, to get her into the swing of things! So, without any further delay… Y&M’s ga-ga-ga-GORGEOUS wedding at one of our fave venues!

The Saturday of April 25th, Yvonne and Mike became one as they said their vows in the beautiful courtyard of Rancho Las Lomas.   The day could not have been more prefect for there was not one cloud in the sky. Yvonne herself could not have looked more gorgeous with her stunning white dress, black curly hair, and giddy smile. Unfortunately there were no shots of the ceremony taken, but don’t worry because her floral arrangements of peonies, orchid, and rose were so YUMMY!

Flower Allie provided Yve’s wonderful floral arrangements and let me just say… I couldn’t get enough of the “frowns” going around! She double-used 4 tall centerpieces at the ceremony site, placing them onto brown box columns at the top of the aisle and bottom of the aisle. Understated elegance that was to DIE for. Luckily we were joined by Sarah K. Chen and we cannot WAIT to see what delicious images she’ll be dishing out to us!

Did I mention how much we LOVE LOVE LOVE

We were honored to be fed from the owner himself of 24 Carrots, Norm.  [Funny enough, both US and Alicia worked with 24 Carrots on this night! Alicia was just down the street from RLL at the Private Estate wedding in honor of Shelley and Tony... well, Leashy, WE got the head-hauncho at our event!! Hardy Har!!] Their food was impeccable and de-lish.  I just adore their mini desserts that were all hand made, as well as the appetizers (hand-passed) that had so much thought and character put into them.  24 Carrots is also the preferred caterer on Saturdays at Rancho which is fantastic because….well….we heart them!!! Heather, the contact @ 24 for RLL brides is to DIE for… so full of spunk, fun and goodness. You will love her, just like we do!

If you thought mini decadent desserts were enough, think again. Yvonne’s cake looked like a soft white cloud of goodness with peonies and ranunculus sprinkled around.  French’s Pastry were the masterminds behind this piece of beauty.

In the moment of cutting that cake:

Yvonne later slipped into a sexy white cocktail dress and showed off her moves on the dance floor.  How she pulled off a mini (but very cute) cocktail dress in 45 degree weather I don’t know.  Amanda and I were numb by the time we got to our cars…..but it was all worth it!  Congrats to Yvonne and Mike on being newly-weds!!!

With love,

Bee

I actually received my final payment enclosed in a card at the wedding. The card was, clearly, written by Erica [in advance, of course], and signed “Erica & Aaron Perez”. Her married name. And the way I knew she felt writing that, in advance, the way I was so CERTAIN she looked at it, giggled, anticipated it, planned it, and got excited all over again…. that’s why I love Erica.

Another dream client- a dream wedding, and such a day full of JOY and laughter. Alicia [aka "The Leashy-keeners 4000"- not really, I just made that up right now] was with me all day yesterday and we actually talked- MORE than once- about how everyone at their wedding, all 230 guests, were so happy to be there. It seemed like a day, a union, that was so much anticipated and so longed for by the whole crowd. That is a wedding rarity. But it was in the air, filling the room with it’s joyous presence- and Leash and I were no exception! It was truly an honor to be a part of this wedding day with Erica, my happy bride and Aaron, my easy-going groom. They didn’t let anything get in the way of this day. And I’m SO proud of E for that- worth the effort to consciously “let it go”- right, Erica?? Yay! Onto my pictures that clearly do not do the event justice by any means…

St. Joseph’s set the background for our ceremony. We had minimal decor at the church, mainly because of lent, but the natural light flooding the sanctuary was stunning!

Happy brides are my BUSINESS!

Onto the Westin Long Beach. The ballroom was simple and gorgeous. The staff was incredible. The food was UNSPEAKABLE good. DANG. We lucked out! Erica’s been planning this event for a year and a half and the details were definitely in place!

Their fab photog, Renee Broughton used their engagement session to also snap their table number shots. This one was my FAVE:

I loved Erica’s 3-fold favors. Papa box, mama box, baby box! All held different sweets and treats and then were packaged together with a monogram and tulle. I can’t say this wasn’t a HUGE labor of love for Erica’s family! She had a vision for it and I think they turned out just darling!!

We, of course, tucked menus into each napkin. Did I mention about the food yet [I know I did]?? Us vendors ate the chicken and it was “bomb”. Wait, I don’t think people say that anymore… it was [insert some killer phrase from at least 2008]! For reals!

The easy head table decor. Those marbles in the vases were this amazing color of blue. I just wanted to keep hanging out with them [yes, the marbles] because I wanted to figure out their color and paint my life to match!!

A first for me: monogram IN the bouquet! Erica’s bouquet was extra special and personal and Jenny B did a great job making it what she wanted. Those deep red roses were so huge and lush, and her rhinestone initial was TOO cute. She also pinned the entire bouquet wrap with charm initials for the loved ones not able to be at the ceremony, those who had passed away. SUCH a neat touch!

Always a Bride…..’s best friend!! :)

Don’t hate on that pic. I’m trying to look crazy. Thank God I’m already married!!

The fabulous and fun and “Ohhh, I don’t TAKE pictures of me” Renee Broughton, y’all!!

Straight into the first dance. DANG Erica was emotional- appropriately, though. She was never a sobbing mess, but her voice quivered with the reality of it all sinking in. Because she “got it”, we sure “got it”, too. It was an enormous day for everyone in attendance!

And after some toasts, we had her father take her back for one last moment as his baby girl and nothing more…

Of course Aaron took his mom out for a twirl or two, too!

Sigh. I’m in love. I know E was excited to eat this cake that she hand-picked the flavor of. But I am 100% happy as a clam just looking at it. Forever.

I think you all know by now that I am a HUGE fan of Martha Stewart’s style, taste, vibe, etc. These thin ribbons on the cake are soooo Martha. I can’t imagine how hard they are to place, perfectly spaced and perfectly straight, but HOT DANG. This was perfection. A smoooth white buttercream cake with navy ribbon. UGH.

Thanks, Rossmoor!!!

I caught this quick shot of one of our amazing flower girls snapping a photo of the pair dancing. SO stinking cute!

The pic above is totally over-blown-out because another flash went off when I was capturing it. But there’s something so unique about it, I just had to post. By the way, Erica LOVED the amaretto cake she chose so greatly, she had Aaron feed her twice before taking the fork and offering him any! Haha!! LOVE that girl!

Calling people out, specifically, for her bouquet toss!

“The Prep”… and….

The result! Gotta love it that they were both dead set on getting married next!! As Ray at Fly By Night, our DJ said: it’s gonna be a LONG time before THAT wedding happens!

All in all- the evening was beyond fabulous. Nearly perfection, actually. I don’t have a complaint in my book. Great vendors. Great location. Fantastic couple. Amazing crowd. A room full of love… that meets every one of MY needs and MY desires- and this day wasn’t even [supposed to be] about me! For that, I’m thankful, grateful, and in awe! E&A: you two are full of it! LOVE that is. It’s oozing out of everything you do. Your kindness, genuity, candid nature, and loyalty [as your friends kept saying, over and over again]- it permeates the core of who you are. I knew it from the moment I met you. Insta-friends, Erica. I’m so thankful to have been a part of making this day everything you truly knew it could be. I hope it was more, in reality, than your dreams could have told you it’d be!!

xoxo,

A.