I just 100% adore how their photographer, Zenia Photography, captured their love story!

Plus- well- it doesn’t hurt if the couple is completely gorgeous, too… right?

And now- some of the details you’ve really been DYING for…

Thanks to Zenia for the photos and for the remarkable pleasure of working together once again! Go give her a hoot and holler over on her blog!!

And, one for the road:

The lineup:

Sweet Tunes [and lighting] provided by Mike @ Carcano DJs
Rentals by Classic Party Rentals [to the rescue, I may add- thanks Gretel!!]
Design and Coordinating by [the ever-fabulous] In The Now Weddings
Photography by Zenia Photography
Cake and Flowers provided by the bride and family!

Have a dig-your-toes-in-the-mud kinda day. And don’t be afraid to get some dirt under those fingernails, either!

xoxo,

A.

With all the inspiration of rustic and western vibes, my mind went straight to wood backing. How more rustic could you get? With the perfect feminine color palate [all shades of purple, navy and mint green accented with cream and fruitwood tones], the wood backing ads just enough rustic to make it work! Believe it or not, the first one I whipped up is what we went with! We then used the same design ideas for the RSVP postcard and information card on a nice ivory base.

We used a heavy-weight, deliciously textured ivory stock for the paper goods and ivory vellum for the main invite. The shape was custom cut for us [a must with this design and really what sent us over the edge in love with it]. We then tied it all together with a lace ribbon inside of a precious box! The lace was the perfect pop against the wood and paper products- and we went with a modern, more “geometric” lace to compliment the feminine colors. I would LOVE to get one of these in the mail!

What I loved most about this project were the quirky colors paired with the rustic country chic look Lesa was looking for.  It just worked, and turned out so great, if I do say so myself!

Hope you all enjoyed hearing about it as much as I did making it! And just in case you weren’t excited enough after these for Lesa and Eric’s wedding photos… the super cute background fabric is actually what we’re custom making their napkins from for the event! Yippee!

love,

Shannon

This tabletop was part of my previous collection that I styled last summer, shot by Wayne Toshikazu. It’s taken me forever to go through the images and select a few favorites but now, here we are! The glorious day!

I love the play on traditional elements. At heart, I’m a gal who truly loves a good wedding. By saying that, I mean I love the classic feel of elegance and style. When I think about my personal style, as a designer, I know that I’m constantly taking the warmth of the familiar and splicing it into my modern, clean aesthetic. This table is no exception! Take a popular subtle color like eggplant and add a pop of orange to the pallet! Take a large over-wrought centerpiece and break it up into smaller portions by separating the flowers by style and color! Take the familiar old and hoist it away to bring in the flashy new.

It’s what we’re all about!

Orange Bengaline linen was sourced via BBJ Linen. Flowers were provided by the amazingly incredibly wonderfully talented girls of In The Now [and trust me, I'm saying that to THEM, not about us!]. The backdrop was provided by Stacey and staff at Shorebreak Hotel Huntington Beach [cannot thank you all enough for allowing us to INVADE for the afternoon!].

Each place setting held a mini corsage/boutonniere for the guest. Sandwiched between the flowers was a small round name tag, to designate each guests’ place at the table. I love this idea, like a lot!

We used opaque white crushed glass in the bottom of each cylinder vase- which brought in a great modern feel. We hand-tied each mini-bouquet of flowers with lush dupioni eggplant ribbon and then finished it with copper wire to accent.

My favorite part about this table? The lady slipper orchids. I love, love lady slippers.

The idea that all of the flowers were cascading outward and pouring off the table. The vases actually sprawled across the length of the table, taking up 2 guest places. I truly adore the idea of “unconventional” positioning of centerpieces, as well as disproportional. I didn’t want something over-the-top or extravagant, but I did want something that made a statement!

Modern votive holders in varying heights make my heart melt! And one last detail shot for you of the darling plate:

And here is my commitment to you, dear readers. Here’s the skinny on what’s been up over here: we are committing to shoot one tabletop a month. Kinda amazing, right? Since we’ve already shot our January table [and dying with anticipation to show y'all], we’re off to style-to-death our February with a – you guessed it- VALENTINE theme! Can’t wait to bombard you with design in the coming months!!

Stylize your life today! Make it cohesive and beautiful in every step, with every moment… exude your style!

xoxo,

A.

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.

Court and James are one of the most fun couples I’ve had. They met over in England where Courtney was in school for Interior Design and where James lived! Once they met, they were inseparable! I love their infectious style of love, and their style for their big day rooted in their creative careers [James is a graphic designer] was a chic soiree! I was honored to be on board for the ride!!

They opted for a late, 8pm ceremony time spot at the historic and gorgeous Mission Inn in Riverside. Their chapel is seriously breath-taking. My apologies in advance that my pictures feel sub-par. But I had to give you a taste of their day as best I could!!

With the late evening sky, the outside of the chapel was incredible!!

I heart the pin spot light! And now, my blushing bride…

Ready for the ceremony!!

Yes, her dress has an over-the-top-awesome side bow. I loooove the asymmetry!!

The glowy reflected from the church’s gold altar area made the most scrumptious vibe lighting ever!!

And onto some reception details [sorry, I took these with my flash off and had to lighten them quite a bit... the quality is... meh]:

C&J had an intimate affair for about 75 of their closests friends and family, so they opted for 3 long banquet-style tables to fill the courtyard. It was amazing and totally a perfect way to compliment their stylish wedding!

Our courtyard [near the Ho-O-Kan room in the Mission] had two levels. The top level was our lounge area, and this was taken from up there, down to the dining area:

John Suarez and his wife at After Dark Entertainment not only rocked this vibe-y couples very specific music selections but they provided up-lighting in the upper lounge area that was to DIE for!!

Alternating purple and golden tones…

The cake was incredible! White and orange marbled chocolate wrapped around buttercream. It was simple, it was artsy. It was delicious. All that you can ask from a cake. And these urns full of oranges were everywhere! Accented with stephanotis and gardena, they smelled delicious, too!!

Serving Set:

More of the vibe-y lounge area details [did I mention the entire event was DRIPPING in candles and candle light??]:

A large gold clam held oranges on the punch table:

One more cake pic before heading back down stairs…

C&J opted for place cards at each guest’s seat. This worked out great! Because we provided the guests with a pen, and on the back, we created an instant guest book! The cards were collected by my team prior to the meal being served, and placed into their guest book which contained pages of glued mini envelopes that we slipped the cards right in to! I loved it!!

A quick snap of the very quick portrait session that the bridal party had:

Their photographer, Chip Shaffer, was great! I can’t wait to see images! And onto the GRAND ENTRANCE!

Real men carry trains! :)

We enjoyed our dinner and it was onto speeches…

And James himself:

A close up shot of some of the table’s decor:

I looooved that they used palm trees everywhere! And I mean, EVERYWHERE. In the church, outside of the church, all around the courtyard, ON the table tops [3 per table, actually], in the entry, in the lounge area… palms. Palms! Here’s a cute shot I grabbed of their guest book:

And another… love TRUMPS all!!

Being that we are the hip socialites that we are… no real formal “traditional” elements, and no dancing. It was really a nice that fostered relationships and love- kept the focus on the people who came out to be with them, and on James and Courtney’s love for everyone there [especially each other] as well! So, onto cake cutting we go!!

Sooo in love. Soooo cute!

A last picture to leave you with… during pack up, I grabbed a shot of some of the centerpiece vases that Courtney [yes, her and her mother] put together:

Basically, just orchid heads jammed into clean, slim vases. I love it!!

Honestly, the night was SO full of love and wonder. It was like being a part of something magical. Is that totally overboard sounding?? Court and James “international love” will surely continue for years and years to come!!

C&J: I truly love and admire your love for one another! It’s tender, it’s strong, it’s willing to go the distance. Seeing two people so connected and so real is remarkable! I really treasure your wedding as a fond memory of mine, and I treasure our friendship in the future as well! My absolute BEST to you two, beaming newlyweds!! xoxo!

Maddy and Steve are a funky, unique, stylish couple from LA who wanted a wedding that reflected their taste and attitudes. The event that came about was an absolutely gorgeous affair!!

We’ll start at Our Lady Queen of Angels in Newport Beach:

Maddy and Steve’s color scheme [kelly green and eggplant purple] was set in stone with their paper products- all letterpressed and hand calligraphed- and this custom crest that appeared everywhere!!

If only pictures could be heard!!

The music at the ceremony was insane. A harp, piano, flute… opera singers. It was seriously THE most amazing thing I’ve heard!!

Here’s a little pre-ceremony Maddy action:

And our gorgeous vintage-style church:

Our florals were amazingly designed by Floral Creations by Enzo. Enzo is TOP notch! He and his team not only made gorgeous floral centerpieces that everyone was talking about, but they took care of almost all of the design elements for our modern-style reception!!

Our little flower girls and ring bearers:

And our bridesmaids, wearing the gorgeous deep eggplant:

Our bride, getting anxious to see Steve for the first time. Yes, she’s wearing pink. Yes, she’s amazing. Marie Antoinette’s got nothing on her!!

This is Miriam, my assistant, taking a picture of all 3 of us in the bridal suite moments before the big WALK!

Mad’s luscious PINK bouquet:

Maddy couldn’t wait any longer, so down the side aisle doors, she took a sneak peek at her groom!!

Having an emotional moment just before the ceremony:

I love the old-time feel of this photo. Even though it’s totally a “new school” photo, it has a classic presence in this large church!

The glamazon that is Amy Squires was there with Lane. I love this team. I cannot WAIT to see her take on the day!!

Onto the reception!!! Some quick portraits, set up by Amy, just outside of Segerstrom Hall at Orange County Performing Arts Center. This ultra-modern, clean venue was the perfect back drop for our evening!!!

At work:

A great shot of Mad’s KILLER dress as they walk back to the reception area:

In doors for some details:

I just LOVED how the cake was dripping with flowers and then they were cascading down. There were SO many flowers on top of this cake!!

I know. More cake… but this cake was SO funky and unique and detailed, I just had to capture it for all of you!!

More details:

M & S chose a simple, classic favor: jordan almonds wrapped in tulle in ribbon. Really, they gave a substantial donation in their guests’ honor to a local charity for blind children.

A great additive to the table was these vintage pictures of their family. I absolutely love them all!

As Maddy mingled with the guests, I caught a quick shot of her gorgeousness again…

And onto the first dance:

This may look like she’s yawning or talking, but Maddy is singing the lyrics to their first dance into Steve’s ear. Who says that marriage isn’t sexy?? Marriage = super sexy!!

I loved the kids watching on as they danced:

Father/Daughter dance:

Another shot of Maddy’s insane boquet:

Unfortunately, I missed all of the cocktail hour gorgeousness. BUT, I did catch this picture of one of her escort cards [calligraphy already smudged- sad face] hanging out on the bar:

Mini crest plus letterpress plus calligraphy all in kelly green: this was my dream. You should have FELT them with your hands. Oh my goodness.

I loved this cute detail. These napkins were EVERYWHERE that night. Upstairs during the cocktail hour [did I mention that this venue has an amazing spiraled staircase? That's where all of my over-head dancing shots came from], the bar, and the cookie table and cake. Over 600 napkins used. I love it!

The huge floral splashes were brought over from the church and flanked the cake table!

Cake cutting!!

This look makes me melt. I seriously LOVE love!!!

A dark [but not to be discounted] picture of Madeleine’s ruffles!!

And some of Enzo’s decor:

A few words from our couple, again Maddy giving those loving looks to Steve… the ones that make me realize why I have the job I do:

And onto the staircase to toss the bouquet:

The catch!!

The cookie display that Patina provided had to, of course, include Madeleine cookies!! Yum!

One of Maddy’s cousin’s, Gina, offered to sing a song along with their awesome 12-piece live band [the name is escaping me at the moment, but they seriously ROCKED it!!]. In their honor, half way through the reception, they shared another private dance moment:

The lighting was seriously sooo yummy during this, that I snapped away! I love the way Steve is holding Maddy’s head here. It’s so intimate. It’s those little, private touches that make all couples unique and special!!

Some of the boys took it upon themselves to hoist our bride above their heads for a few:

Don’t worry, Steve got a chance, too. I just missed the chance to snap!!

Just a quick snap of there INSANELY gorgeous up-lights. They chose a light blush pink gel and it came across perfectly. it was soo pretty. It closed off the large space to provide an intimate feeling and the ambiance was perfectly set!

And to finish it off, a shot of our bride’s gorgeous shoes:

Not even a shot that does them justice!!

All in all, the night was amazing! The venue just kept looking more and more gorgeous later into the night. The dance floor was packed, Maddy was stunning and Steve was dashing. The whole Galardo family were the perfect hosts for the evening! My team and I loved being a part of this event! M & S: you two are the real deal. I know it. You know it. Everyone that was there [and is looking at these pictures, regardless of their attendance] knows it. May your love continue to grow and give to one another throughout the rest of your days!!! Hearts and hugs!!

But, let’s let the photos do the talking…

When I arrived at the hotel, the girls were just getting ready to leave for the ceremony [and I was, too!]

Their lovely programs:

Church decor:

The floral details were unique and gorgeous! Elaine really let Devynn’s Garden, her florist, have reign in their designs. She wanted something with a tropical flare, and something a bit more outside of the box. Devynn’s Garden took it from there and just WAIT until you see her centerpices!!! I always tell my clients to trust the professionals with what they do best- Elaine’s wedding is a perfect example!

Stained glass windows in the church were amazing!

Elaine arrived and left in this gorgeous Rolls Royce [though, when she left, she took a husband with her!!]:

Elaine, always a courteous one, greeting her guests BEFORE the ceremony!

Their wonderful harpist, Elizabeth Styffe:

You may not be able to tell, but Brian is doing a pre-ceremony dance right here. It consisted of at least a solid 30 seconds of “air boxing”, Rocky style:

Ceremony!

Sign of Peace:

Bouquet for Mary:

Close up of the program:

Me, in action, and back at the Hilton Waterfront:

Some details:

Could NOT get enough pictures of these amazingly different centerpieces!

The room:

Cake table, pre-cake:

Toss:

Cocktail hour:

Here comes the cake!

CAKE!

One of the family members made these GREAT stickers for the guests to wear during the reception! I loved the playful nature of this wedding, and this was such a beautiful touch:

Working…

The grand entrance was FULL of fun. Here’s just a few examples:

Straight into the first dance:

Speeches [I should note that these speeches took about 30 minutes and were TOTALLY worth it!!!]

The AMAZING Jan Garcia set up a slideshow during the reception of the ceremony and portraits. I love same-day slideshows!

Father/Daughter:

A close up of their picture matte:

The Mother/Son dance was to “Sweet Caroline” and it was energetic- to say the least!

And now, the dancefloor is OPEN!

Onto the cake:

The toss!

The garter!

All in all, it was a flawless evening and the guests had SO much fun! I could see it in the faces of family and friends, this was such a joyous, long-awaited celebration for Elaine and Brian! I feel honored that I got to be a part of it!!