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

From I Do… Weddings! … Heather and Nick were married on July 29 in San Diego. Their ceremony took place at the Immaculate Concepcion Church in Old Town San Diego. Their reception for almost 200 guests took place at Marina Village, in the Mission Bay area of San Diego.

Heather and Nick’s wedding was very much a reflection of their interpretation of a vintage wedding, with a San Diego twist. Their ceremony photos took place in the historic and oldest area of San Diego called Old Town. The celebration was certainly a labor of love for both families. Almost every detail of the day was handmade. For example, the Mother of the Bride hand painted every single charger, created a unique display of glass shutters for seating arrangements, as well as the bride’s incredible brooch bouquet. The Mother of the Bride also hand-created beautiful and ornate Save-The-Dates and programs. The Mother of the Groom made incredible programs, as well as provided fun vintage signage.

The bride and groom served a fun signature drink, “Love Spell,” a blueberry daquiri with fresh blueberries. Heather and Nick also displayed photos from their engagement shoot (shot by Acqua Photo), as well as family wedding photos. Their cake was served as individual tiers, served on a vintage cake rack, with bridesmaid bouquets tucked throughout the rack. Vintage porcelain bells were placed on each table for guests to ring for the newlyweds to kiss. The room was swagged with organza and white twinkle lights to create a warm and inviting environment. At each placesetting was a cherub, holding a sign that read “Love in Bloom” and was filled with complimentary florals. At each table was a centerpiece of colorful hydrangeas, crystals and cut glass and candles for a romantic effect.

After leaving the ceremony, the newlyweds sped off in a classic car after an exciting send off by guests with ribbon wands. And, to keep the dance floor packed all evening, a vintage bicycle was placed on the dance floor with a basket filled with flowers. At the base of the bicycle was a basket of flip flops to help ensure guests could dance all night.

Photography: Acqua Photo / Cinematography: Jeff Hendler / Flowers: I Do…Weddings! / Event Design & Planning: I Do…Weddings! / Ceremony Location: Immaculate Conception Church / Reception Location: Marina Village / Invitations & Stationery: Mother of the Bride / Shoes: Demetrios / Dress: Demetrios / Lighting & Reception Music: DJ Daniel Peterson

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Post tags: Acqua Photo, Bells, California, Color Palette Purple Pink, Demetrios, DIY Invitations, DIY Stationery, DJ Daniel Peterson, Hydrangeas, I Do...Weddings!, Immaculate Conception Church, Jeff Hendler, Lace, Marina Village, Ribbons, San Diego, Streamers, Vintage Broaches, Vintage Chic, Wedding Planners & Designers
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Vintage Chic

Eugene and I were high school sweethearts. We got married during Labor Day Weekend because we had started officially dating on Labor Day fifteen years earlier.  Eugene proposed to me two years ago on Labor Day Weekend on an anniversary trip to Washington D.C. in front of the Reflective Pool between the Lincoln Memorial and the World War II Memorial.

Both Eugene and I really wanted to incorporate Filipino and family traditions in our wedding as well as make sure the day was still a reflection of us.  We got married at the same beautiful Catholic church – St. Brendan’s in Los Angeles – that my parents had gotten married in thirty years ago.  Both my brother and I were baptized there as well.  We exchanged the same “arras” or coins as my parents.  Our cord was used by other family members at their weddings as well.  It is about 28 years old.  Our Bible Bearer carried my grandfather’s bible from 1968.  My grandfather passed away in 2002.  Eugene and the groomsmen changed from their tuxes into the traditional Filipino formalwear – the barong – for the reception.

Although we wanted our reception to be beautiful, we also wanted to ensure that our guests had fun.  We had a photobooth, a silhouette artist, and a flip book station.  Our guests loved the flip book station.  As guests arrived, waiters served them with drinks and hors d’oeuvres.  We had a few Filipino appetizers served, which all of our guests really enjoyed. We also set-up a candy buffet and had an old school popcorn cart.  Our inspiration was “vintage chic.”

Purple is my favorite color.   Gold, yellows, and champagne were our accent colors because the Villa del Sol d’Oro means House of the Golden Sun. My husband is also a huge Laker fan.  We had our reception at the Villa because there was ample room for our guests to walk around and mingle.  I had one guest tell me he was in his seat for only 20 minutes to eat and that was it; which was exactly what we wanted.   It was the first venue I visited, we then visited ten others… I also fell in love with the idea of having cocktails and the bar in the old library.

Antique keys (also bottle openers) served as our escort cards and favors.  With the help of my bridesmaids, we turned picture frames into cork boards with lace.  We also added purple lace to candles and jars to give everything a romantic feeling and make them “pop”.  Our bridal car was a vintage 1968 Bentley.  I love the picture of my husband and groomsmen around the car.  Our flowers were beautiful!   Our guests went gaga over them.  Instead of using the traditional guestbook, we had a photo guestbook and a wish tree.

My favorite part of the day was the father-daughter dance.  My dad was singing along to Stevie Wonder’s “You Are My Sunshine of My Life” during the entire dance. Our wedding day is a day that I will always remember as amazing.

Wedding Photography: Phoebe Joy Photography / Wedding Videography: DP Weddings / Florals: Daily Petal / Ceremony: St. Brendan Church / Reception Location: Villa del Sol D’ Oro / Caterer: Santa Anita Gardens / Wedding Gown: Custom / Hair & Makeup: Valerie St. George of de Cielo Salon & Spa / Wedding Cake: Cakery Bakery / Photobooth: Instabooths / Flipbooks: Thumb Theater / Silhouette Artist: Sylhouettes by Sylvia / Vintage Bentley: Five Diamond Limo / Chairs & Linens: Elegant Chiavari Chairs 4 Rent / Wedding Coordination: Kristeen LaBrot Events

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Post tags: Bentley, Cakery Bakerym, California, Color Palette Purple, Custom Gown, Custom Wedding Gown, Daily Petal, de Cielo Salon & Spa, DP Weddings, Elegant Chiavari Chairs 4 Rent, Filipino Wedding, Five Diamond Limo, Flip Books, Instabooths, Kristeen LaBrot Events, Lace, Los Angeles, Outdoor Reception, Outdoor Wedding, Phoebe Joy Photography, photobooth, Santa Anita Gardens, Silhouettes, St. Brendan Church, Sylhouettes by Sylvia, Thumb Theater, Villa del Sol d'Oro, Vintage Keys, Wedding Planners & Designers
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Planners & Designers

From the lovely bride … Everything about our wedding was personal, in that we chose every single detail of the wedding. The head table garland and all floral arrangements were handmade and were absolutely beautiful. It was exactly what we wanted.

We felt strongly that we wanted our wedding to reflect all we love abut wine country, exuding casual elegance. We wanted it to be all about good friends, food, wine and the unbelievably beautiful scenery. Our flowers were soft and romantic. The head table garland was absolutely stunning, stretching the length of the head table. The flowers included David Austin roses, hydrangeas, orchids and other soft, delicate flowers. The colors were soft peaches, creams, bright greens and pinks with pops of brighter coral here and there.

Photography: Julie Mikos | Photographer / Flowers: Green Valley Growers / Event Design: Stephanie Beer of Covenant Coordinating / Event Planning: Stephanie Beer of Covenant Coordinating / Ceremony Location: Mayacama / Reception Location: Mayacama / Invitations: Minted / Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Cake: Fleur de Lisa / Wedding Gown: Romona Keveza / Bridesmaids Dresses: J.Crew / Hair & Makeup: It’s A Date at The Powder Room

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Post tags: California, Casual Elegance, Color Palette Coral, Color Palette Pink, Covenant Coordinating, Fleur de Lisa, Flower girls, Green Valley Growers, J. Crew, Jimmy Choo, Julie Mikos, Lace, Lavender, Mayacama, Minted, Napa Valley, Outdoor Ceremony, Outdoor Wedding, Pearls, Ring Bearers, Romona Keveza, Santa Rosa, Traditional Elegance, Vineyard Wedding, Watercolor, Wedding Photographers, Wine Country, Winery Wedding
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog

I met Jack Memorial Day weekend, in Austin, TX 2002. His fraternity has an annual convention and that year his university had hosted.  I never thought that two years later, we would meet again in San Francisco at the same annual event.  What began with long distance phone calls (from San Francisco to Dallas) and a first date meeting half way (in Las Vegas), turned into visiting each other once a month for two years.  Luckily Jack moved to Los Angeles and the traveling became easier.

In 2006, I started occupational therapy graduate school and was finally in the same city as him.  One lazy Sunday morning while watching a movie in bed, I started asking questions.  “Have you thought about getting married?” “It’s been 7 years…” “What are we planning on doing?”  He was very tight-lipped and giving me a hard time.  I honestly thought we were never going to get married, and then suddenly he turned and had the box. I was speechless.  It turned out he had been planning a proposal for months; I ironically pushed the surprise early.

Since all my family and friends are in San Francisco and Korea, and all his family and friends are in Houston, New York, China and Japan, we decided that we would make our wedding a destination wedding for everyone else.  We choose the weekend we met, Memorial day weekend, and wanted to treat everyone to a sunny California vacation.

Jack and I fell in love with the Resort at Pelican Hill from the time we walked through their lobby, it was a no brainer.  While I scoured wedding magazines and changed wedding colors every other day, I couldn’t pin down any ideas.  Michelle Weita at Details Details event planning was a blessing.   I wanted it to feel like a romantic travel experience and she found every perfect vendor to make it happen.  Joie Studio in Pasadena created vintage inspired train ticket invitations.  Sunny at White Lilac crafted gorgeous and romantic bouquets and the most amazing vintage inspired luggage escort table.  Everything on the wedding day was perfect.  Dancing was non-stop, hilarious speeches given by family, and even a late night In & Out truck.  Simply a dream come true.

Wedding photography: Victor Sizemore Photography / Event Coordination: Details Details / Flowers & Event Design: White Lilac Inc. / Hair: Jessica Blair / Makeup: Salon Eleven / Ceremony + Reception: The Resort at Pelican Hill / Wedding Dress: Custom at Shin Bu Bridal / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Bridesmaids Dresses: Amsale / Groom Tux: Hugo Boss / Stationary: Joie Studio & Nida’s Boutique Invitations / Band: Powerpoint, De Bois Entertainment / DJ: Cerritos All Stars / Wedding Cake & Groom Cake: Filigree Cakes

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Post tags: Amsale, Badgley Mischka, California, Cerritos All Stars, Color Palette Pink Silver, Custom Gown, De Bois Entertainment, Details Details, Filigree Cakes, Hugo Boss, Jessica Blair, Joie Studio, Lace, Nida's Boutique Invitations, Pelican Hill, Powerpoint, Romance, romantic, Salon Eleven, Shin By Bridal, The Resort at Pelican Hill, Traditional Elegance, travel, Travel Theme, Victor Sizemore Photography, Wedding Planners & Designers, White Lilac Inc.
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance

Well, I guess every bride feels this way, but my wedding week was surreal. I really never thought, after 38 years, this day would come, and then when it finally did it was like a dream!

The whole week leading up to the wedding was so blessed – the outpouring of love and help from my family, friends, and soon to be family was overwhelming. My aunt and wedding coordinator really did an amazing job of pulling out of me what I wanted for my wedding when I really didn’t even know what I wanted. I don’t know how she did it, but she gave me the wedding of my dreams!

Bruce and I really wanted this wedding to be a celebration of what God had done in bringing us together, and it really was all that and more. And it was fun for me and for everyone else! I don’t think I expected everyone to have such a good time, but they did and it was beautiful because that was my hearts desire – for people to celebrate with us and to be blessed! It was the perfect way to start a new chapter in our lives.

Photography: Galyon Bartel Photography / Paper Products: Kelsey Murrietta, Flossy Stylish Design / Wedding Coordination: Sandy Walker, In Awe Weddings and Events / Wedding Cake: Arlene Anderson / Catering: Blue Moon Catering / Florist: Lynette Snowbarger Florals / DJ: Tanner Lott / Venue: Sunnyside Farm

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Post tags: Arlene Anderson, Barn Wedding, Blue Moon Catering, Color Palette Purple White, DJ Tanner Lott, farm wedding, Flossy Stylish Design, Galyon Bartel Photography, In Awe Weddings and Events, Kansas, Lace, Lynette Snowbarger Florals, Sunnyside Farm, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Planners & Designers
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog

First up the romantic, elegantly modern board by dee.213…

And next, a lacy, red beauty by autumnvee

Check out all the fabulous fetes that were created for the Inspire Me Pretty Australia! Contest.  I hope these get your creative juices flowing for the next one!

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Post tags: Australia, Contest, Elegant, Inspiration Board, Inspire Me Pretty, Lace, Modern, Red, Spring, wellies
Post categories: Australia Weddings

1. Lace Runners: The inspiration for this beautiful shoot all started with the lovely lace fabric by by Marcie Bronkar Home Couture.  If sewing runners isn’t in your time line we found these budget-friendly lace placemats and runners at kMart!

2. Amber Glasses: The amber glassware used at the place settings and for adorable flower vases was such a perfect pop of color paired with the lace and white china.  Vintage rentals are all the rage now and Archive Vintage Rentals has a glorious collection available.

3. Brass Candlesticks: The brass candlesticks helped create that perfect touch of bohemian, vintage romance.  Scour thrift stores, flea markets or mom’s attic and start your own collection!

4.  Flourish fonts: Your stationery sets the tone for the rest of your celebration so it should reflect the same style.  I love that this romantic invitation suite by Memento Designs brings together the flourish design found in our inspiration shoot as well as a touch of the lace!

5.  Succulents: We love how Krista Jon used succulents in totally unexpected ways filling vintage amber goblets and brass cups.  The string-of-beads succulents mixed with cacti and blossoms creates such a whimsical and romantic look.

6. Macarons: There is a little bit of a French flair to this inspiration and you just can’t have a Parisian-style fete without macarons!  ‘Lette Macarons has amazing flavors and they deliver if you’re not in the SoCal area!

7.  Glass Vases: There is a little bit of modern mixed in with the vintage stylings that creates a perfect blend of the two.  I love these quirky vases from Crate and Barrel!  Fill them with blossoms and your table number to create a similar look to our shoot.

8.  Champagne: A romantic soiree isn’t complete without a bit of champagne to celebrate the occasion!  Moët et Chandon Dom Pérignon is oh-so tasty and we love the look of the bottle as well!

9. Paisley Cushions: Give your guests a comfy seat with cute cushions at each seat.  The inspiration shoot pillows were custom-made but this Pottery Barn version is just as pretty!

If you missed any, here are all of our pretty posts from the week:

traditional romance at its best in Maryland
a perfect, rustic wedding in the heart of Texas
a yellow-infused, modern fete in Santa Monica
an awesome day packed with pretty
an elegantly relaxed wedding in Nashville
inspiration full of urban romance
a Spanish wedding full of whimsy
a style-infused rustic wedding in the city
a chic and swanky Napa Valley affair
a DIY beauty in the California desert
a romantic ranch wedding in the Rocky Mountains
an eclectic, chic celebration in Austin
a sweet-filled day in Phoenix
some romantic, botanical garden inspiration

Some fabulous links from around the web:

host a movie night with Bash, Please over at Design*Sponge
a cute, modern DIY take on the floral garland on 100 layer cake
how to set a formal table by Mrs. Lillian at the sweetest occasion

We’d like to extend a warm welcome to our newest Little Black Book members…

Designs By Renée
Jesse Leake Photography
Hilton Key Largo Resort
Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina
Jared Wilson Photography
damali nyc
The Sugar Suite
In Style Weddings and Destinations
Delicate Details
Taste Catering & Event Planning
Holman Ranch
Ashley Gain Weddings and Events
Ceresville Mansion
Marry Me Productions
Love Tif
Moore Photography
Kari Herer Photography
Bellvue Manor
Formal Hair Design
Constance Curtis Events
Coastside Couture
Sarah Mayerson Design
Posey Floral and Event Design
Roseberry Weddings
Savannah’s Garden
The Lovebyrd Calligraphy
Bella Bridesmaid Tampa
The Clear Creek Group
Greg Lappin Photography
Hotel Teatro

To apply to become a member of our LBB click here. We’d love to hear from you!

Have an amazing weekend, lovlies! See you on Monday!  xoxo.

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Post tags: Aaron Delesie, Amber, bohemian, Brass, Buying Guide, French, Inspiration, Lace, macarons, Modern, Vintage
Post categories: Buying Guides, The Blog