My husband John and I found each other when we both moved to the Harrisburg area to pursue our careers. It started with a friendship between two adventure seeking teachers and blossomed into an unexpected romance. The journey of our wedding started 50 feet up in air, climbing on a ropes course element called The Catwalk, balancing on a telephone pole, when he got down on one knee and surprised me by asking me to marry him. The proposal was very much like the life we live, full of surprises and excitement.

I knew I wanted our wedding to represent us and be unique, fun, and entertaining for our guests. I wanted it to be an adventure like our relationship, our life, our engagement. We chose to have our wedding at the rolling acres and pristine views of Lauxmont Farm’s Japanese Gardens, because of my love for horses and our love for nature and the outdoors.

The day of our wedding the sun was shining with a slight breeze, complete with blue skies. It was a perfectly painted summer day. Our ceremony took place overlooking a field with horses running and in the distance the Susquehanna River. It truly was a stunning site. We tried to make our ceremony personal with our dear friend as our officiant and instead of a unity candle, since we both love wine, we did a wine ceremony to remember our relationship will only get better with time. Our ceremony was sincere, light hearted, and memorable, full of love and laughter. Cocktail hour was in the Japanese gardens where wine and cheese tasting took place. Here there were wooden fences from which photographs fluttered in the wind and guests mingled at tables adored with collections of vintage books, antique bottles, and delicate flowers. Signature drinks of lip smacking sangria and puckering pink lemonade were enjoyed along with the appetizers.

The reception tent was filled with personal touches. Through our wedding planning I was the designer with the inspirations and my husband was the builder and project manager. I’d venture to say it was all “do it yourself” because it was such a hands-on event, and I tried to put my heart into everything that was selected. We had a memory tent to celebrate our history together and our family’s history. We also had a kid’s tent, equipped with a lollipop centerpiece, homemade coloring books with our photographs, lots of toys, and things to do to keep our young guests entertained while enjoying themselves. John and I are very much kids at heart, so we knew the adults would enjoy this area too. The guests had a great time in our photo booth filled with silly and vintage props. Since I am from the Pittsburgh area, we had a large cookie table, a tradition in which many friends and family bake tons of delicious cookies for the wedding, and then they are displayed beautifully for everyone to enjoy. It was clear one of our guest’s favorite parts of the wedding was when the ice cream truck drove up to the reception tent to help everyone beat the July heat. Nothing brings out the child in someone like an ice cream truck.

Our wedding truly was a labor of love. My maid of honor designed our gorgeous invitations, our good friend officiated us, my husband’s sister painted signs, one of my bridesmaids, great friend, and an incredible stylist did my hair, and my friends and family helped me create numerous decorations, like hundreds of purple origami flowers that friends and family spent endless hours helping us make.. My husband and I had a blast rummaging through tons of antique stores finding the right pieces for our wedding, such as dishes, books, bird cages, bottles, you name it. Even though I was in the hospital for three days before our wedding, all of the little details fell into place perfectly. All our vendors were so wonderful and helpful with our wedding planning experience.

What I found most important about our big day was to step back, breathe, and take it all in. The kids playing with the toy horses, the laughter spilling out of the photo booth, my husband’s 91 year old grandfather in his dapper purple shirt overlooking the view, the ice cream filled smiles, the energy on the dance floor, the candle light glowing from the lanterns in trees. There were things that got broken, giggling when we forgot and stumbled over our vows’, I mean who needs to be taken as a lawfully wedded wife, when you could be a lover for life, as my husband mistakenly said. There was my torn bustle, and mother-son dance that almost didn’t happen, but thanks to all the love from my friends and family, and my wonderful husband, it was a day that in my eyes was perfect.

Photographer: SANDERSON IMAGES / Videographer: Jewelsheam Films, Jeff Wise / Floral Designer: All Things Beautiful / Event Planning & Design: DIY / Invitation Designer: Jessica Sipe / Cake/Desserts: House of Claredon / Wedding Gown Designer: Anjolique / Bridesmaid’s Dress Designer: David’s Bridal / DJ: Mad Hatter Productions / Caterer: Festive Board Catering / Photobooth: Katy Trefry Photography / Venue: Lauxmont Farms

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Post tags: All Things Beauitful, Anjolique, Birds, Books, Bouquets, Chalkboards, Chinese Lanterns, Cookies, David's Bridal, DIY Projects, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Dove Release, Festive Board Catering, flags,, Flower girls, House of Claredon, Ice Cream, Ice Cream Truck, Jeff Wise, Jessica Sipe, Jewelscheam Films, Katy Trefry Photography, Lauxmont Farms, Mad Hatter Productions, Outdoor Ceremonies, Outdoor Weddings, Ring Bearers, Sanderson Images, Tented Reception, Vintage Chic, Wedding Photography, Whimsical
Post categories: Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Little Black Book Blog

Adam knew it was important to me that he ask my father for permission before he proposed. So, one Sunday in late May, he called my dad and asked permission. Apparently, my dad didn’t realize that the asking for permission was happening before the actual proposal. So, he was so excited about our engagement that he called me to congratulate me directly. I obviously had no idea what he was talking about, but I started putting it together.

In the meantime, Adam and I were in the car together, heading up to Bouder for a hike. As the color drained from Adam’s face (he figured out what my dad was telling me on the phone), he pulled the car into a carwash. As our car went through the wash, he handed me a book he’d made me of photographs we’d taken together. The last page of the book was a picture of the three rings he’d had made for me and asked me to marry him. When I looked up, it was the rainbow wax cycle and Adam had pulled out a box. He proposed right then and we shared our first engaged kiss in the carwash.

Of course, I had to call my dad back and tell him what happened… He was beyond mortified, but honestly, it was perfect. We still climbed the Royal Arch that day, but I remember the carwash more fondly. The funniest part of the whole thing was that Adam wasn’t really sure he was going to propose that day. He’d been carrying the ring around for over a week waiting for the right moment.

We picked Devil’s Thumb because it was a special place for Adam’s family. His mom and step-dad own a furniture store, named Djuna. They did the interior design for DTR and Adam helped load all of the furniture into the lodge before it openned. Very early on in our relationship, Adam took me to DTR for lunch. Subsequently, we took everyone who came to visit us. Devil’s Thumb is such a magical place and we knew it would be ther perfect backdrop for our wedding.

Adam and I had so many favorites of the day. One highlight was right after the ceremony when the rain stopped, the clouds parted and we got to enjoy a breath-taking sunset. Another was the way that everything melted away as we said our vows. It was like we were standing in a room alone, when really, we were surrounded by our nearest and dearest family members and friends. The whole day was filled with joy, though. It’s impossible to narrow down the highlights. We also have some pretty fond memories of the wild dancing that ensued during the reception!

Photographer: Jensen Sutta Photography / Venue: Devil’s Thumb Ranch / Event Planning & Floral Design: Love This Day Events / Ceremony Music: Michael Lancaster / Reception Music: Hunker Down Bluegrass / Cake & Dessert: Teacup

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Post tags: Birds, Cake, Candles, Casual Elegance, Colorado, Cowboy Boots, Devil's Thumb Ranch, horses, Hunker Down Bluegrass, Jensen Sutta Photography, Love This Day Events, Michael Lancaster, mountains, Ranch Weddings, Teacup, Wedding Flowers
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Flowers

Click here for the highlight film from Your Day Productions!

After considering having the wedding at Rachel’s family property on the Northshore, the couple realized that New Orleans was there home, where they met, and would be the most meaningful place to get married. Because there would be a majority of out-of-town guests, they decided to play up the “New Orleans” theme and what could be better than a courtyard wedding? After interning at the Gallier House in undergraduate school, Rachel knew just the place – the sister property: the Hermann-Grima house on St. Louis Street in the heart of the Quarter.

Because the majority of the guests would be traveling in from out of town, the couple decided to make a whole weekend celebration of the wedding and invite all guest to all the events. They really wanted their family and friends to see many sides to the region and have a variety of experiences. Therefore, on Friday evening, the weekend began with a “Laissez le Bon Temps Rouler!” champagne and dessert Welcome Reception at the Martine Chaisson Gallery in the Warehouse District. A string trio, featuring top musicians from the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (an organization that both the couple and Rachel’s father are passionately involved with), entertained the guests while enjoying desserts and champagne from Joel’s Catering.

On Saturday, all guests were bused to Lacombe (a small town located north of the lake) to enjoy a Rehearsal Supper at the Chotin Residence on the bayou. Mary Garrett, the Chotin’s long-time house keeper graciously catered the event and cooked her famous Red Beans and Rice, along with Shrimp and Chicken pastas. Guests gathered under the ancient, moss-filled oaks and listened to Bluegrass music by Otis Hurtz & The Cry Babies (Spider Murphy, John Malcovich and Dave Talmage) while sipping on Jason’s favorite drink from the Bloody Mary bar. Praline Bread Pudding and Pecan and Apple Pies (baked by Rachel’s mother) rounded out the menu for the afternoon.

The wedding ceremony and reception were both held at the Hermann-Grima House in the French Quarter on Sunday, October 9th, beginning at 5pm in the afternoon. Between the two, guests were entertained by the same ceremony gypsy jazz band, Zazou City Quartet, in the adjoining Stable Courtyard for a “happy half-hour”. Passed hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktails (“Jason loves New Orleans Sazerac” and “Rachel loves Texas Margarita”) were enjoyed by the guests while the main courtyard was transformed from ceremony to reception.

The bride carried a solid cotton bouquet and the softness was complemented by the bridesmaid’s pop of color with the orange  carnations. Rachel borrowed two large vases from her father’s extensive McCarty Pottery collection and filled them with cotton to flank the altar for the ceremony. Orange roses in vases with sliced oranges were placed on tables at the reception. Not only was orange Rachel’s grandmother’s favorite color, but also orange roses were her favorite flower. Along with the orange color theme, oranges held special meaning to the couple because (as the story goes) the Lincolns, several generations ago, lived in New Orleans on an orange plantation before settling in San Antonio, Texas.

Although what may appear to be an over-the-top, extravagant wedding – Rachel prided herself on cutting corners and being cost-conscious by creating a majority of the details herself and shopping around for the best prices. She designed all invitations/graphics herself and printing at home on recycled paper, borrowed as many family heirlooms as possible. She also designed the flower arrangements herself and therefore used a small neighborhood florist to implement her designs. Rachel’s mother helped tremendously: assembled welcome bags for the guests, sewed the flower girl’s dress, made the ring bearer’s pillow, made the favors. Rachel handled all the planning herself until two weeks before the wedding when she realized she would need a little help in executing the plan! 

We both agree that two of the most special moments were when we were alone and able to soak it all in. After our “first look” on top of the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel, we went down into the Quarter and took pictures on Pirate’s Alley. This was a great experience for us. We were able to calm our nerves, spend a little time together and capture some great shots.

Photographer: Eau Claire Photographics / Videographer: Your Day Productions / Floral Designer: Audubon Flowers / Day Of Coordinator: Old.New.Blue / Rehersal Planning & Design: Charlotte Weil Event Design / Invitation Designer: Rachel Chotin Lincoln, Printed on recycled paper from Paper Source / Stickers: Sticker Mule / Save the Dates: Smartpress / Cake: Gambino’s Bakery / Wedding Gown Designer: Alyne Bridal / Bridesmaid’s Dress Designer: Ann Taylor Loft / Band: Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra String Trio, Otis Hurtz & the Cry Babies / Ceremony & Happy Half-Hour Music: Zazou City Quartet / Reception Music: Jayna Morgan and the Sazerac Sunrise Jazz Band

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Post tags: Alyne Bridal, Ann Taylor Loft, Audubon Flowers, Birds, Charlotte Weil Event Design, Cotton, DIY Projects, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Eau Claire Photographics, Flower girls, French Quarter, Gambino's Bakery, Jayna Morgan and the Sazerac Sunrise Jazz Band, Louisiana, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra String Tri, New Orleans, Old World, Old.New.Blue, Otis Hutz & the Cry Babies, Outdoor Ceremony, Outdoor Wedding, Paper Source, Rachel Chotin Lincoln, Ring Bearers, Smartpress, Sticker Mule, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Photography, Your Day Productions, Zazou City Quartet
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance

And now a little more of this fabulous affair from Aqua Vivus Productions (break out the tissues!)…

Brian and I met four and a half years ago at Westmont College in Santa Barbara – he was a senior and I was a sophomore. Once Brian graduated, much of our relationship was long distance, but Santa Barbara remained our home base. It felt completely right that we should get married there!

When we first looked at the Montecito Country Club, we immediately fell in love with the venue. It possesses every characteristic of Santa Barbara that we love – the lush green hills, the view of the ocean, the Spanish architecture. It was absolutely perfect! From there, everything kept falling into place so easily. My mom and I (and Brian too!) had the best time planning together, and every vendor that we worked with was incredible to say the least! I LOVED my wedding team.

Our inspiration for the wedding was, first of all, romantic and whimsical. We wanted to create a beautiful day, but we also wanted our guests to have fun! Second, we really focused on textures – I absolutely loved how the dresses, linens, and flowers all played off one another. We also wanted to incorporate the Spanish style of the venue and kept that in the “theme” with lots of lace and flowers, the papel picado banner, and the amazing Spanish guitarist, Anthony Ybarra. Lastly, Brian is a lover of golf so we also tied that into the details throughout the wedding.

The whole day was a perfect dream come true – it was the happiest day of my life. We were overwhelmed by the love and support surrounding us in our wedding. And it was so fun to see everything come together more beautifully that I ever hoped for!

Photography: Allyson Magda Photography / Cinematography: Aqua Vivus Productions / Floral & Event Design: Blue Magnolia Events / Event Design: Sonia Hopkins, XOXO BRIDE / Event Planning: Sonia Hopkins, XOXO BRIDE / Ceremony Location: Montecito Country Club / Reception Location: Montecito Country Club / Shoes: Pink / Dress: Watters Collection, Dallas / Bakery: Christine Dahl / Hair and Makeup: Drea Rohrbough / Ceremony Music: Anthony Ybarra / Reception Music: Scott Topper Productions / Lighting: Ambient Event Design / Linens: La Tavola Linens

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Post tags: Allyson Magda Photography, Ambient Event Design, Anthony Ybarra, Aqua Vivus Productions, Beach Wedding, Birds, Blue Magnolia, California, Chandeliers, Chivari Chairs, Christine Dahl, Drea Rohrbough, Golf, La Tavola Linens, Lace, Montecito Country Club, Outdoor Ceremony, Pink, Santa Barbara, Scott Topper Productions, Vintage Chic, Watters, Watters Collection, Wedding Cinematography, Wedding Photography, Wedding Planners & Designers, XOXO Bride
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Vintage Chic

I knew that Ben was going to propose soon. It was no secret that we were perfect for each other and that we wanted to get married. I did not expect him to propose on the day he did, nor did I expect him to propose the way he did: at our home, one ordinary Friday night in December. But it was just our style. Just the two of us, nothing fancy, at the place where we love to spend most of our free time. It was perfect, and so was the ring – a beautiful vintage-style oval diamond ring. I immediately knew that the style of our wedding had to be vintage, with a modern twist.

At first we were thinking about getting married in the San Francisco area, because that’s where Ben grew up and where his parents still live, and there are a lot of really great venues that would go perfectly with our style. But we quickly realized that planning a wedding would be difficult enough in itself and decided to spare ourselves the headache of having a few hundred miles between us and the venue. So we set our sights on our hometown, Los Angeles. We wanted to get married close to the beach, and we didn’t want to get married in a sterile ballroom. When we walked into the Marina Vista room at the Ritz-Carlton in Marina del Rey, we were blown away, and knew it had to be the place. It was right on the marina, with huge windows, vintage wallpaper, and the stunning chandeliers clinched it. It fit our theme perfectly.

After picking the venue, we set out looking for a wedding coordinator. That is not an easy task when you live in Los Angeles, because there are so many options! We didn’t know where to begin, or who to trust. Brooke, from Orange Blossom Special Events was recommended to us by Ben’s aunt who was a friend of Brooke’s family. So we met with her, and right away knew that she would be perfect for us. She was outgoing and friendly and it felt like we were chit-chatting with an old friend. Plus she was super organized, really on top of everything, and had tons of great ideas.

A photo of a bridal bouquet that my maid of honor sent me became my inspiration for the color scheme and the flowers. It was a mix of cream-colored dahlias, light pink and lavender garden roses, and other romantic pastel-colored flowers. I fell in love with it. I gave the photo to my florist, Megan from Honey and Poppies, and talked to her about my idea of a modern-vintage, romantic wedding, and told her how much I loved birds. She was carrying a handbag that day with an appliqué of a bird on it! So I knew we would see eye to eye on the floral design. The bouquets and centerpieces that she designed left me breathless. There wasn’t a single detail that she over-looked; from the little white milk vases to the lace around the candle votives, it all tied my theme together so wonderfully.

I am an actuary by trade (an actuary is basically another name for math nerd), which needless to say doesn’t allow me to be very creative. But I’ve always loved arts and crafts, so I used wedding planning as my creative outlet. I decided to design and make everything myself because I had such a clear vision that nothing I found online or in stores was perfect enough, and also because I finally had my chance to do meaningful arts and crafts projects. I don’t have a graphic design program on my computer, so rubber stamps became my best friend. I ordered a personalized one to stamp the tops of our favor jars and the return addresses on our invitation envelopes, I used alphabet stamps to stamp each guest’s name, letter by letter, onto their place cards, and I used other decorative stamps for the invitations! I knew Ben was perfect for me when he helped me stamp place cards instead of playing golf on Sunday! My absolute favorite home-made piece at our reception was the vintage cabinets that my dad built to hold the place cards. I was inspired by a vintage medicine cabinet on ebay, but it was too expensive. Luckily for me, my dad happens to be a cabinet maker, so I sent him the photo and he recreated two of them for us. They came out better than I could have imagined. I think I got more compliments on the cabinets than I did on my dress!

Since I’m not a big dessert person, I didn’t want a big, fancy cake. I did want a little one that we could cut, but I also wanted cupcakes and French macarons so that our guests could have different options. I really love vintage cake trays, so I rented trays in different colors, sizes, and designs from Bountiful Homes in Venice Beach. Amy, from Vanilla Bake Shop, created a gorgeous cake for us, complete with a lace-like border and two little birds staring lovingly at each other (my mother-in-law actually found the birds at a wild bird seed store for us). She also created an incredible display of cupcakes and macaroons in various pastel colors. It all came together so well, and ended up being one of my favorite things at the wedding.

Overall, our wedding day was surreal. I had a very vivid vision of what I wanted, and, everyone came together to help me create it, down to very last detail. I was extremely lucky that I had the most wonderful people helping me, and that I have such an understanding husband, family, and friends who went along with all of my ideas and helped create my vision of a vintage wedding. To my surprise, the most memorable moment of the day for me was one that was unplanned. When the night came to an end, most of our guests were still there on the dance floor with us. There was an overwhelming feeling of love in the air, and we all had one big group hug. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

Photography: Greg Slick Photography / Flowers: Honey & Poppies / Event Planning: Orange Blossom Special Events / Ceremony Location: Ritz Carlton, Marina del Rey / Reception Location: Ritz Carlton, Marina del Rey / Hair & Make-Up: Veronica Lane / Entertainment: Woody Diaz / Cake & Dessert Bar: Vanilla Bake Shop

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Post tags: Birds, California, Color Palette Purple, Cupcakes, Dessert Bar, DIY Projects, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, Honey & Poppies, Los Angeles, macarons, Marina del Rey, Once Studio, Orange Blossom Special Events, Pastel Color Palette, Ritz Carlton, Vanilla Bake Shop, Veronica Lane, Vintage Chic, Wedding Cakes, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Planners & Designers, Woody Diaz
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Vintage Chic

From Marianne Taylor Photography … Flora & Benjamin’s wedding in the south of France was a dream. The weather was beautiful, the surroundings stunning, and all the people present so warm and loving.

Flora & Benjamin got ready at their home in Marseille with most of their family and friends around them. The ceremony took place at a beautiful church close to their home, after which all we traveled over to the charming village of Le Muy for a reception in a private house in the French countryside, where Flora had created a beautiful “inside out” atmosphere with furniture and lots of pretty touches in the garden.

Apart from the amazing atmosphere and warmth of the people present, there were so many lovely details at this wedding. I just loved the bird theme that ran through the day in a subtle way, from bird cages in trees, to the paper crane escort cards and the cutest bird houses on every table.

Photography: Marianne Taylor Photography / Videographer: Florian Lalanne / Venue: private country house in Le Muy, France / Catering: Matyasy / Hair: Les Coiffeurs du Sud / Makeup: Smahane Legouit / Bride’s outfit: Louise Dentelle / Bride’s shoes: JB Martin

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Post tags: Birdcages, Birds, Cats, Chalk Boards, Florian Lalanne, France, French, French Countryside, French Garden, JB Martin, Le Muy, Les Coiffeurs du Sud, Louise Dentelle, Marianne Taylor Photography, Matyasy, Outdoor Wedding, Smahane Legoiut, Tented Reception, Tents, Vintage Chic, Wedding Photography, Whimsical
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Vintage Chic

Now, I’m not totally done with this wedding, and I’m betting you’re not - so click here for the highlight film from Redmond Digital Media.

Besides being in love with our venue, we were completely inspired by it. Think colorful flowers sprouting from funky green plants, faded brick courtyards and little pathways, and even a giant redwood. Aside from nature, the inspiration was about family. We’re an artsy bunch and Bowen and I wanted everyone to create together. Our friends cooked for us, my mom crafted little trees from branches for perched birds and blossoms, and for eight months we all had the best time hunting down various patterns of second-hand china for the reception tables. Etsy artists also worked with me to create bird garland, ruffled burlaptable runners and place cards with seeds in the paper for guests to grow wildflowers at home. The goal was to give the day aromantic/whimsical feel.

My favorite moment was reading our vows. We wanted to write personal notes to each other to read aloud, and we don’t regret it for one second. Sure, it’s pretty daunting being all speechy in front of a crowd. But It was a wonderful feeling being so open for our friends and loved ones to hear. And Bowen and I were both really touched from what we had to say to one another.

Bowen and I are one of those couples who are opposites individually, but together we blend into something awesome. There was definitely “the spark” when we first met six years ago – a sort of back-and-forth clash of witty teasing, sly smiles and flirty ways that’s just so attractive. We still have that, which I love. We also play a mean game of Scrabble, adore our dog, Penny, with all our hearts and most of all, make each other laugh. And who doesn’t love a great belly laugh?

Florist: April Flowers / Cupcakes: Clementine Cupcake Co. / Photography: Sarah Kathleen / Videographer: Redmond Digital Media / Venue: Dallidet Adobe & Gardens in San Luis Obispo / Hair & Makeup: The Queens Bees

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Post tags: April Flowers, Bird's Nests, Birds, California, Clementine Cupcake Co, Color Palette Pink, Cupcakes, Dallidet Adobe & Gardens, Lemonade, Redmond Digital Media, San Luis Obispo, Sarah Kathleen, The Queens Bees, Vibrant Color Palette, Vintage Chic, Wedding Flowers, Whimsical
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Whimsical

We met 14 years ago when we were sophomores in high school through mutual friends.  While we went to different high schools, we were always seeing each other at the same sporting events, parties and high school dances.  After 10 years of friendship, we fell in love one magical night under the fireworks on the beach on the 4th of July.  A beautiful relationship began to blossom that night, and continued to do so.

After years of Candice hinting, Vince finally popped the question on her 29th birthday.  He set up the backyard with a small “birthday celebration”…  Just champagne, flowers, and a gift.  Little did Candice know, that the gift box with the slippers she had asked for contained a little bit more than comfy shoes.  The ring inside was just what she wanted; a vintage design with a beautiful green emerald as the centerpiece.  After the proposal, Vince was shaking, Candice was crying, and they both were laughing and a little stunned with excitement and joy.

After enjoying being engaged for a few months we finally started looking for venues.  We immediately fell in love with Rancho Las Lomas once we saw the tigers, zebras and various other wild animals, not to mention that the venue just gave us a homey feel which we loved.  The venue is so breathtaking on its own, with the beautiful architecture and décor, we didn’t even know if we needed decorations!  But in the end we decided to accentuate the lovely venue with our personal style.

Since we are huge concert goers and music enthusiasts, and have attended various music festivals for the past 6 years together, we decided to make our wedding into one big musical celebration. We wanted the venue to take on the feel of a festival.  Ticket stubs served as our save the dates and concert lineups as our invitations.  We had a disco ball over our altar and fake musical instruments on the dance floor and in the photo booth.  The tables were named after our favorite bands and musicians, and various signs were posted around the venue directing our guests to different “stages” across the grounds.

Our colors were bright and vibrant… the theme was “peacock” colors.  They really went well with the already colorful and bright venue. The men dressed in white linen suits with light green accents, and the lovely ladies in green, summery dresses.

On the day of our wedding we began in true Vandice style by the groom getting “iced” with a bottle of Smirnoff Ice.  We spent the whole morning hanging out together with our friends and lounging by the pool.  By the time we made it to the site, neither of us were nervous because we were so excited to get our party started.  When the ceremony began, our wedding party walked in singing “All You Need Is Love” by the Beatles. We had our favorite uncle get ordained and marry us.  We had a remembrance candle with hand written names at the altar with us to honor all of our loved ones who were watching from heaven. We kept the ceremony light and funny, with a “Princess Bride” reference by the good reverend, and a stern and funny confirmation by all the uncles of their approval.  Our vows consisted of reciting the theme songs of the 80’s sitcom classics “The Golden Girls” and “Family Ties” to each other.

After the “I do’s” our family and friends showered us with ribbons, cheers and even a cowbell and tambourine made it into the mix. Jeffrey and Isaac really captured the day beautifully.  Our favorite photos had to be the “let me out of this phone booth!” shot, the beautiful individual portraits of the bridesmaids and bride, and the shots of us two in the orange grove. One of the memories that stands out most from the wedding was Candice’s brother singing The Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows” during the father daughter dance.  Not a dry eye in the house! Also, the epic dance party that ensued after dinner will be talked about for decades to come.  What a fantastic day to start a fantastic life together.

Photographer: J. Shipley Photography / Venue: Rancho Las Lomas / Makeup: Amy Gibson / Hair: Lisa Strohsack / Cake: Erica O’Brien Cake Design / Caterer: 24 Carrots / Coordinator: Elene Shemwell / DJ: Elevated Pulse / Floral Design: Avante Gardens / Bride’s Cocktail Dress: Unique Vintage / Groom’s Attire: Frair Tux / Lighting: Elevated Pulse

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Post tags: 24 Carrots, Amy Gibson, Avante Gardens, Birds, California, Color Palette Green Blue Purple, Cupcakes, Disco Ball, Elene Shemwell, Elevated Pulse, Erica O'Brien Cake Design, Fairy Wings, Flower girls, Friar Tux, Gemstone Engagement Ring, J. Shipley Photography, Lisa Strohsack, Mustaches, Orange Trees, Oranges, Outdoor Ceremony, Outdoor Wedding, Peacock, Peacock Feathers, Rancho Las Lomas, Unique Vintage, Wedding Cakes, Wedding Venues, Whimsical
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Whimsical