Congratulations Jackie and Wayne!

Oh my gosh, we still haven't come down from the high that was Jackie and Wayne's wedding this past weekend! Talk about an affair to remember! This amazing couple decided to make it official and tie the knot after 10 whole years together. They were married on Saturday at the breathtaking Rancho del Cielo in Malibu. Although the weather has been slightly uncooperative in the past few months, on Saturday it couldn't have been more perfect. It was in the 80s with a slight breeze and spectacular, unobstructed views of the ocean from everywhere you looked. We began working with Jackie about 9 months ago because her 30-hour shifts as a Resident at a local hospital didn't allow her much time for wedding planning. Early on we decided on a blue color palatte, using different shades of blue to compliment the shades of the sea and sky. We paired it with a bit of merigold, which was also a prominent color at the venue. The owner of the estate told me that when she first arrived in California she saw the blue and yellow license plates and immediately associated those colors with California lifestyle. So they became the official colors of Rancho del Cielo and of Jackie and Wayne's wedding. We added more "pop" to the tables with colorful candies and Malibu postcards for guests to take home as favors. The invitations, escort cards and table names were custom designed by us through our sister site My Little Wish using Jackie's favorite animal - the dolphin - as inspiration. Jackie then personally wrote a message on each favor tag and chose a special love-themed quote to write on the back of each escort card. How thoughtful is she?! The wedding ceremony was absolutely perfect with ocean views all around and the blissful quiet that comes with being way up in the clouds. The ceremony was followed by a lovely cocktail hour with "Blue Dolphins" and "Golden Boys" as signature cocktails. Finally, guests were treated to Italian-style dinner with a manned Pasta Station (the chef created pastas using each guest's favorite toppings), as well as chicken, roasted potatoes, roasted veggies, and so much more. Dinner was followed by dancing under the stars and two beautiful candle-lit lounges by fireplaces. The day couldn't have been more perfect and we are honored to have been able to bring it together for such a special couple. Jackie and Wayne are truly one-of-a-kind and it has been SUCH a pleasure!! Congratulations you two!

Here are a few of the photos courtesy of James Johnson Photography: 

Flowers: Wish Wonder Dream, Music: Feet First Entertainment, Photography: James Johnson Photography, Catering: Truly Yours, Cake: Jamaica's Cakes, Coordination: Whitney Wing Drake, Nida Kowathana, and Daniel Drake for Wish Wonder Dream           

Congratulations Kristine and Ryan!

What a wonderful Saturday night we had coordinating the lovely Kristine and Ryan's wedding at The Luxe Hotel on Sunset Blvd. The modern chic venue was the perfect location for such a gorgeous affair and Kristine did a fabulous job coming up with beautiful design concepts to accent the venue perfectly. How often do you see artichokes, sliced oranges, and squash in centerpieces? It worked perfectly and added such a splash of fun and modernism. Kristine and Ryan are such a sweet and loving couple and their guests had SO much energy! Two of our favorite moments were the roar of applause as Ryan made his way down the aisle to the altar and the uproar of cheer as Kristine and Ryan were pronounced husband and wife. A couple couldn't ask for better, more supportive friends. Congratulations you two - it was SO MUCH fun working with you and we wish you the very best!!

Here are some of the photos taken by the wonderful Leah Lee of Leah Lee Photography. More of the detail shots to come! Our favorites are definitely the one of Kristine being escorted down the aisle, looking at Ryan & Ryan,standing at the altar looking back at Kristine as she makes her way down the aisle. Priceless!

Flowers: Flower Power LA, Music: The People's DJ (Drew Pierce), Photography: Leah Lee Photography, Catering: The Luxe, Lounge Furniture Rentals: Lounge Appeal, Cake: Hansen's Cakes, Coordination: Whitney Wing Drake, Ashwini Prakash, and Daniel Drake for Wish Wonder Dream

Spotlight on Absolute Love Photography

This photo shoot was sent to us by our friend Brooke Spencer of Absolute Love Photography and we are happy to display it here on the blog because we're in love with the concept of the wedding. The ridiculously creative bride and groom took their guests back in time with a vintage themed event unlike any other - and it was captured beautiful by Absolute Love Photography. Beautiful work Brooke and thanks for sharing!

Congratulations Donna and Zak!

Congratulations to my very dear friends Donna and Zak! Their jaw-droppingly gorgeous wedding was held at 180-acre Nestldown Ranch in beautiful Los Gatos, California (near San Jose.) Donna and Zak were high school sweethearts and they carried the theme throughout. I absolutely love all the personal attention to detail that went into this wedding, from the paper airplane escort cards to the chalk board table signs and the copy of the "Cutest Couple" award from the highschool yearbook. Get a sneak peak of me as a bridesmaid in the girls shot. Such an honor! We wish Donna and Zak the very best in married life!!

Click here for the Nestldown website

Check out the fantastic photography by Augie Chang, who we highly recommend for your Northern California wedding:

Gotta Love the Polka Spots!

You might notice a trend on our blog toward polka dots, but what can I say? I LOVE them! I just think they are so timeless and wonderful and I love to see them used in new and interesting ways. So when I was cruising photographer Meg Perotti's blog and came across this fun and fabulous dress I was immediately hooked. Then I came across these unique and colorful bridesmaids dresses and now i'm even more in love. I just think it's so great that the obviously non-traditional bride had so much fun planning her special day. It seems like each of the bridesmaids chose her own dress and carried a bouquet in her favorite flower. The result was a vibrant mix that expresssed the individuality of each girl and the amazing creativity of the bride. Note the eclectic mix of suits on the groom's side as well. Amazing!!

Photography by: Meg Perotti (megperotti.com)