When Melissa McClure Photography sent us this first little number, we were instantly mesmerized with the modern decor, the crazy gorgeous rooftop ceremony, and of course, the plethora of succulents. (Yes, we’re still whole-heartedly on that bandwagon) In fact, I don’t think there is one little piece of this wedding that we aren’t head over heels for. It’s cool, it’s contemporary and it’s all ours to devour in the gallery so be sure to carve out a little time this morning for a visit.










Vanessa and Ryan met four years ago through a mutual friend and they wear their love for one another on their sleeve. I could tell it was a match made in heaven from the moment I met them! Though the two have done their fair share of traveling about the globe, the couple decided to marry in San Diego, the bride’s home town. They knew their special day would celebrate their beautiful kind of love but they wanted it to be an event that not just reflected them but also their desire to respect and preserve this gorgeous planet of ours. With the help of their planner, Megan of Swann Soirées, they created a wedding that celebrated both those things.
Vanessa and Ryan didn’t wait until August 21 to set their plan in motion. They set the tone of their event with invitations that not only let guests know where to be and when, but each one was printed on and sent in paper made from recycled cotton. Then once all the RSVPs were in it was time for the big day! All of the weekend’s events took place at venues within the Andaz Hotel and guests were encouraged to limit their use of cars for their few days in town. Our venue was the perfect setting for this celebration; The Ivy rooftop combines a modern urban feel with an earthy vibe. Its as if their decorator knew we were coming! The ceremony overlooked the San Diego skyline right before sunset, making for some pretty spectacular views of the architecture unique to our waterside town. The grooms uncle officiated the informal ceremony and after Vanessa and Ryan were pronounced husband and wife they were able to spend a few moments alone in one of the fabulous rooftop cabanas in the tradition of the “yichud” while their guests got to enjoy the cocktail hour.
After a little mingling guests were invited downstairs to the basement ballroom. The elevators opened and there waiting were small succulents serving both as an escort card and favor. Each little green plant was potted by the bride and groom and topped with a pennant penned by Vanessa. Since she’s the proprietor of Cursive and Ink Calligraphy she also repurposed some notebooks into intimate “Advice Books” in lieu of a traditional guest book. Her talents don’t end with pen and ink though, she used an old veil and belt and refashioned them into items that more closely fit her taste and personality. As guests stepped into the ballroom they were greeted with unique oval tables adorned with succulents and florals. With the help of Sally at Exquisite Blooms all the centerpieces and personal florals were made with local ranunculus and a smattering of succulents that the guests could (and did) take home.
Before the real party started everyone sat down for a meal together. Menus for the rehearsal dinner and the reception were based on local, seasonal fare, but this decision certainly didn’t stop all the food from being any less delicious! The cake in all its simple beauty even included a gluten-free layer for the bride. After the toasts were through the guests got things grooving on the dance floor. DJ Average Joe went above and beyond keeping guests young and old on their feet, and both the bride and groom remember the dancing as the best part of the evening. Melissa McClure skillfully captured all of the organic and DIY details without missing a beat. She took the time to get to know the bride and groom so well that she slipped into the reception like she was a guest and caught every move and emotion on camera. Their friends have a tradition of dancing with a beer bottle and I’m pretty sure even that little moment was caught on film forever!
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Photography: Melissa McClure Photography / Event Planning: Megan Mills with Swann Soirées / Hair & Makeup: Marisa Von Sheere / Flowers: Exquisite Blooms / Venue: The Andaz Hotel, San Diego / Calligraphy: The bride! – Cursive and Ink / Officiant: Groom’s Uncle / DJ: Average Joe with JMC Events
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Where is her belt from?? I am in love!
the shoes, the dress, the decor... love it all!!
Love the colors - where are the bridesmaid dresses from and what color? Congratulations.
i think the belt's Enzoani, maybe the bride can tell us. I looooove the color of the bridesmaid dresses! anyone know? i love it when SMP features modern weddings, this one's gorgeous!
It's Diana Enzoani, just look online and you will see the belt, I think she just turned it around to make it more of a back piece than a front.
Loving the wedding programs!!! Who designed those?
where are the shoes from! love it!
very stylish
John
JMF Disco
http://www.jmfdisco.co.uk " rel="nofollow">Wedding DJ and Mobile Disco
really like the dress, so pretty! the straps are delicate and add great detail, nice to see some dresses *with* straps since strapless is so popular ;)
Gorgeous Gown and adornment!! The table with the small potted plants is such a sweet idea. It's more than a one-time-use or throw-away favor. Love that! What a gorgeous theme and color palette. Congrats to the happy couple! Beautiful wedding!!!
-Savannah
The French Bouquet__ www.thefrenchbouquettulsa.com/blog __
Beautiful wedding! I'd love to know where the groomsmen's suits are from...
I love this! Melissa McClure is the best!
Awesome images! Well done Mel!
I could be wrong, but the shoes look like the Steve Madden "Caryssa" in nude suede.
Who made her dress? I love it!
Loving the name tag favors and iced tea! Beautiful couple and florals
Just wanted help you ladies out and answer a few of the questions from the comments ...
The shoes are in fact Steve Madden. The men's suites were from Men's Fashion Depot. They were purchased not rented but it ended up costing the same as renting a tux $120. A friend (and groomsman) did the programs. His website is. http://Cargocollective.com/dantrenkner The belt was originally the sash from the Enzoani Diana dress, but the bride took it apart and used some of it to alter her veil and then put the rest on a blush colored velvet, and as guessed turned it around. Finally the super cute bridesmaid dresses are Davids Bridal! (a great budget friendly find!)
Hope that helps!
Love the beautiful use of succulents in the bouquets to perfectly match the bridesmaids gowns, it made for an elegant photo! Unique, memorable and stylish! Thanks for sharing!
Brenda Abbott
Pretty flower detail on the bride's belt!
LOVE those shoes and the cake!
Does anyone know whre I can purchase the belt from? I Can't find it anywhere.
the BM dresses are the style I'm going to put my gals in :)
@Jules:
The belt was originally the sash that came with the dress. However the bride altered the florals and reattached them to a belt she made out of a blush velvet. The dress comes with a brown sash and the florals (sans alteration) Hope that helps!
I absolutely love this dress! Anyone know the designer?
OMG...I am IN LOVE with ther belt. Ive been looking for something like that for MONTHS!!! Such a gorgeous wedding. Love the succulents in her bouquet. Simply marvelous!!
I must say, that was a particularly stylish wedding. I was pleasantly impressed! From my (dj) standpoint, they were a fun crowd because that place was jumpin'...! Congrats to everyone! Nice work!
lol.. oh yeah, I was totally in the dog house when I told my wife they had gave me and everyone succulents and a forgot to bring mine home.. lol --I had no idea how popular they are right now..
Very stylish choice..
I loooove Melissa McClure! She is one of my all-time moste favorite photographers ever! And Swann Soirees is just amazing and so well known in San Diego for their incredible work! So happy to see two really great vendors featured. Love the creative shot of the dress with the bathroom tile!
Does anyone know the dress designer? I think it's the prettiest dress I have seen in a long time!!!!!
Help please :)
@Leslie- The dress is Diana by Enzoani :)
What color are these bridesmaids dresses from Davids bridal? Is it 'Aubergine'?