There’s just really nothing sweeter than a wedding chock-full of personality – and this Pasadena soiree captured by Acqua Photo?  Well, it’s all about the oh-so-adorable bride and groom.  From the uber-amazing DIY projects to the fabulous stylings of My Bride Story to a carnival theme that will knock.your.socks.off, there’s not a moment that isn’t seriously brimming with L.O.V.E.  Plus, any wedding that boasts a lemonade stand, ring toss and desserts from Sweet & Saucy Shop automatically goes into the SMP Hall of Fame.  That’s a guarantee.  See so much more right here.

From the Bride… Brian and I wanted to have a fun and playful wedding. Our guests flew in from all over the country, even Korea and Indonesia, so our top priorities were to make sure they were entertained and fed well! We thought of having a carnival theme because well, carnivals are fun! But really, Brian and I spent our first “date” together riding a ferris wheel during our HS grad night, and we both absolutely love local street fairs/carnivals. Grilled corn, cotton candy, lemonade, games and prizes — mmm!

Our wedding was a true labor of love. My sister (also my MOH) designed all the stationery, from the invitations to the programs and even street signs. I wanted to make sure the carnival theme wouldn’t make my wedding look like a birthday party, and I think she did an amazing job. My bridesmaids spent hours cutting and pasting papers, and my cousin also took videos for us. My favorite project was the photo booth backdrop. The idea came from 100 Layer Cake, and it turned out to be such a statement piece. During the ceremony, we both recited our own vows. Brian is particularly good at writing poems that rhyme (he had also written a poem when he proposed), so I shouldn’t have been surprised that he wrote one for his marriage vow. One part I’ll always remember is when he said, “I love you even when we fight, especially when I’m freaking right!” The whole audience roared with laughter. Of course he redeemed himself by following with a vow to respect, cherish, know, and love me for the rest of his life. I was determined NOT to spend money on a limo, so I thought of a parade, which would go with our carnival theme, and I LOVED how it turned out! We walked from the church to the reception site, Pandora on Green in Old Pasadena. The town has crosswalks that would stop cars from all four streets for you to cross diagonally, which we did — with the entire bridal party holding giant balloons in our hands followed by a massive crowd (we had over 170 guests). People started honking and cheering from their cars and kids were waving to us. We felt SO much energy and love!

When we arrived at Pandora, the room couldn’t have looked more perfect. It was beautiful yet whimsical and playful with bright yellow and white blossoms, hanging string lights, popcorn and our game stations! Guests played balloon darts, ring toss, wrote special notes for our time capsule and had a blast posing in the Acqua StudioBooth! In addition to more traditional appetizers, everyone enjoyed fresh popcorn and lemonade! It was truly wonderful to see our vision come to life — thanks again to our family and friends and of course to the wonderful Esther and her staff at My Bride Story for bringing everything together.

At the end of the day, what I remember most is when Brian and I saw each other for the first time. I wanted to have a “first look” in my wedding dress, but my mom wanted to start the day with a Chinese Tea Ceremony, for which I would wear a QiPao. Brian cheered me up and convinced me that it wouldn’t be our “official first look” since I’d be wearing a Chinese QiPao and that wouldn’t count as wedding attire (which is not true) and that it would just be like seeing me in any other outfit, no big deal. My bridesmaids had me face the opposite side of the room, and I could hear them teaching Brian how to say “my wife is beautiful” in Chinese and Indonesian as part of the traditional “door games.” I laughed the whole time. When Brian finally tapped me on my shoulder, I turned around and it felt like there was no one else in the room. Even though he swore he wouldn’t cry, he had tears in his eyes and said “Istri saya cantik” which is the Indonesian phrase he just learned. We both cried, laughed and embraced. With so much love and support, what I learned was to let go during the day and enjoy the moments. Something will go wrong, and even IF someone notices, you still end up with a husband, which is truly, truly wonderful even after eight years, four months and three days of dating.

Photography: Acqua Photo / Ceremony: First Baptist Church in Pasadena, California / Reception: Pandora On Green in Pasadena, California / Event Design: My Bride Story / Floral Design: Flower Allie / Wedding Cake + Desserts: Sweet & Saucy Shop / Wedding Invitations: DIY by the Sister of the Bride / Lighting: Event Plus / Wedding Dress: La Soie Bridal “Cherie” / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka via Zappos / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew

When shopping for the dress of your dreams, there are so many things to consider. Here at SMP we think it’s super important to choose just the right bridal salon because it can truly make or break your experience. That’s why we love The Dresser Bridal. Not only have they been in business for over 25 years, they are one of the few remaining full-service salons with in-house alterations available. This means one stop shopping for you. Plus, you know you’re getting the best of the best when it comes to both style and service!

Located in historic, downtown Fullerton, The Dresser Bridal offers something for everyone in your wedding party, so bring along your entourage! They can even create custom, one-of-a-kind gowns for religious ceremonies. Upcoming trunk shows include Essense of Australia & Ella Bridal on June 1st and 2nd and Maggie Sottero, August 10th and 11th. Comment below with what wedding detail is most important to you and we’ll select one random winner to receive a $100 gift certificate! Contest ends June 14th. Call 714-870-7101 or click here to schedule your appointment today and happy dress shopping!

It looks like it’s going to be another beautiful California weekend but we thought we could brighten up your morning even more by introducing you to three fabulous new advertisers.  If you take a quick peek over to your right you’ll see the stellar lineup of superstar vendors that we’ve curated just for you California brides!  Make sure you check out the portfolios of these new additions – Paperee,  Party Singers, and Tammy Horton Photography - and show them some SMP love!

I am a total typography nerd so it was definitely love at first sight when I saw Paperee‘s portfolio.  Their clean, modern and fresh approach to design is absolutely breathtaking.  They take such pride and care in choosing each font, each space, and each design and that craftsmanship definitely shows in their gorgeous stationery!

From Paperee… We love type! Our designs are modern and simple with an emphasis on beautiful typography. Over 1600 fonts were scrutinized to bring you a handful of the most beautiful. Besides a well-designed font, kerning is equally important. Notice the difference between the above default (computer-spaced ) and kerned ( hand-spaced ) “sarah&dylan.”  At Paperee, each letter is manually spaced to ensure beautiful lettering. Have your wedding stationery created by people who are passionate and meticulous about design, typography and craftsmanship.

You know you’re in good hands when Darcy Miller gives two big thumbs up to a vendor and that’s exactly what Party Singers - event entertainer extraordinaires – got from the Martha Stewart Weddings editor-in-chief.  No surprise either with their unique approach to wedding music that will take all the guesswork out of choosing your wedding entertainment.  From romantic string ensembles to show-stopper reception bands they seriously have it ALL and it’s all amazing!

From Party Singers… A recent endorsement from Darcy Miller, editor-in-chief of Martha Stewart Weddings has helped to make PartySingers one of the most sought-after live event and wedding music companies in the U.S.  

The Sing Off and Glee have helped reinvent a cappella singing in the U.S.  In addition to a thorough offering of excellent solo and group singers and musicians in LA, Denver and NYC, we are proud to offer Absolute Romance - vocal a cappella quartets to replace strings! Our talented singers transition seamlessly from classical pieces to vocal jazz to current pop arrangements of songs by Jason Mraz, Coldplay, Snow Patrol, Bruno Mars, Jeff Buckley, Ray La Montagne, Colbie Caillat and more.

Started in 2007 in NYC. Expanded to LA and Denver. Over 100 talented singers and musicians nationwide available for year-round event, wedding and holiday entertainment.

SMP Brides will receive 1/2 off the first hour of a booking of two or more hours for Absolute Romance (the vocal quartet to replace strings)  in LA, Denver or NYC.  Please tell us SMP sent you for this discounted rate. 

I could wander through Tammy Horton Photography‘s portfolio for hours.  Each image is so beautiful, romantic and heartwarming.  She really captures the little moments of a wedding that will make your heart melt.  The sweet, tender moments that any couple would want to hold onto for years and years to come.

From Tammy Horton Photography…  I started my business seven years ago as an outlet to do the one thing I love most, photography.  What I didn’t expect was to discover a newfound passion in capturing the intimate moments I share with my clients on such an important day.  The connections I’ve made and the experiences I’ve been a part of have far exceeded any of my career expectations.  Creating beautiful memories for families is more fulfilling than anything I can imagine.  The fact that I go to work everyday and truly enjoy myself while bringing so much joy to others is such a blessing and humbles me beyond belief.  Sometimes I can’t believe my life!

My studio specializes in fine art weddings and portraits.  I have an unobtrusive approach and a photojournalistic style.  My inspirations include light, laughter, tears (laughter through tears is even better), soft focus, truly decisive moments and kindness.  I try to live the best I know how, do what I love, and love what I do.  If you love what I do… get in touch!  

I’d like to offer 10% off new bookings for SMP readers.  Just send me an email (tammy@tammyhortonphotography.com) and mention this ad and we’ll go from there!

Welcome to the family!  We are so happy to have you!