Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the bride… I’m a hopeless romantic.  Timeless.  Romantic.  Elegant.  In my head, I saw the palest of blush pinks and deep warm espresso browns all woven together with soft ivory and candles.  A classic and traditional look with just an understated sparkle. My family’s always called me a princess – and while I’ve tried to fight the pretentious part of that stereotype – I think part of me always knew I wanted to walk down that aisle with a princess ball gown to my prince.  My girls would flank me in long elegant gowns (that they would want to wear again!) and my soon-to-be hubby would reach for me in a classic black tux.  So I think my goal was to create a grown up fairytale wedding. I envisioned an intimate but elegant scene that, when I looked around the room, I saw the faces of the people that were most important to us in a classy black tie affair. 

I asked the St. Regis if they could design a ivory fondant cake (chocolate and white cake layers with strawberry and whipped cream filling) that was inspired by my Kenneth Pool dress.  They took the scalloped embroidery from my dropped waist and draped that in antique shimmery silvery across each layer of the four layer wedding cake.  They coupled those embellishments with small fondant buttons that emulated the silk satin buttons on the back of my dress.  It was just stunning.  And oh so tasty! We paid homage to my culture by presenting each guest with a silver fortune cookie placecard holder/paperweight.  Each was engraved with the Chinese character “Double Happiness” – the traditional symbol at weddings. My now hubby has a bit of a sweet tooth so I knew that desserts and a candy bar would be integral in our wedding.  In shades of blush pinks and ivories, we had over 75 pounds of candy available for our guests (and I’m sure that Chris eagerly hoped for leftovers).  Themed “love is sweet” we had wooden hand carvings from Treehouse Designs from Etsy to adorn the table and I made little stickers to go on the frosted Chinese takeout boxes so people could enjoy the treats at home.

I think what was most special to me was how personal each and every element of the wedding was to me/us.  I had personally designed, hand punched and hand cut each place card, menu, table number so it could be just as I have always pictured.  We pared down the program to less than a handful of toasts, a wedding blessing and the requisite dances, so we could spend most of the evening mingling with our guests. 

Event Coordinator: Kerrie Underhill of Platinum Weddings by Kerrie / Ceremony + Reception Venue: St. Regis Monarch Beach / Photographer: Sarah K. Chen Photography / Music: DJ Tasos of LSM Entertainment / Beauty: Design Visage / Florist: Nisie’s Enchanted Florist / Cake: St. Regis Monarch Beach Pastry / Linens + Chiavari Chairs: Fusion Linens / Lighting: LSM Entertainment / Dance Floor: Chiavari Chair Rentals / Wedding Gown: Kenneth Pool / Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Bridesmaids Dresses: After Six by Dessy

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Post tags: After Six by Dessy, Badgley Mischka, California, Chiavari Chair Rentals, Design Visage, DJ Tasos, Fusion Linens, Kenneth Pool, Kerrie Underhill, Laguna Beach, LSM Entertaiment, Nisie's Enchanted Florist, Platinum Weddings by Kerrie, Sarah K. Chen Photography, St. Regis Monarch Beach
Post categories: The Blog, Traditional Elegance

Tim and I got engaged two years ago in Honolulu, Hawaii. We have been together for eight years, and met each other in junior college. After graduating from UCLA, we both found jobs in Los Angeles and decided to start our life here. For the past few years, we have enjoyed the weather and the beach so much in L.A., and when Tim proposed to me, I knew that we had to get married by the beach, so we could capture the beautiful Southern California weather and scenery.

We searched for many hotels in the SoCal area, and The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel definitely caught our eye. The sunset terrace was just perfect for a small size ceremony like ours. It is a private, beautiful courtyard overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The Plaza room for the reception was also what we were looking for, simple but elegant, and with a classical touch. The french doors open with a great view of the ocean and connects to the sunset terrace.

Since we had a relatively small group, we wanted to have a “warm and cozy” style wedding, and only invite close family and friends. The color scheme we chose was soft pink and champagne, which was inspired by the design of a wedding invitation set from I Do Concepts.

I designed our wedding stationary by using soft pink ribbon to wrap the light champagne colored cards with contents printed in a dark champagne color, also with a touch of light pink floral in the background. That is the exact simple, elegant, but chic feel that we wanted for our wedding.

We wanted to avoid the typical ballroom wedding feel. Instead of having all high vases as our centerpiece, we chose to have several different types of flowers displayed in different shapes of vases, so that the whole table setting looked unique, clean, and very fresh.

It was definitely the most memorable day for both Tim and I, and we enjoyed every single moment of it. Our favorite part of the day was after the reception. We walked down to the beach with our photographers and took some amazing photos by the beach. It was finally the time for us to relax and just walk down the beach to enjoy the view.

Photographer: Desi Baytan Photography / Event Planning & Design: Lisa Simpson Wedding Celebrations / Invitation Designer: I Do Concepts / Cake& Desserts: The Ritz Carlton / Wedding Gown Designer: Vera Wang White / Venue: The Ritz Carlton, Laguna Niguel / Bridesmaid’s Dress Designer: Wrap Dress / Hair & Makeup: Kelly Zhang

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Post tags: Beach Wedding, California, California Weddings, Chandelier, Color Palette Pink, David's Bridal, Desi Baytan Photography, I Do Concepts, Jimmy Choo, Kelly Zhang, Laguna Beach, Lisa Simpson Wedding Celebrations, macarons, Outdoor Ceremony, romantic, Romantic Chic, Soft, Southern California, The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel, Traditional Elegance, Vera Wang, Vera Wang White, Wedding Photography, Wrap Dress
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance

For those of you who need a little more of this gorgeous affair (guilty) click here for the highlight film from The EVENT Company!

Mitchell proposed to me at the foot of our bed.  I knew it was coming and I was so nervous, I was avoiding him the whole time, walking into the bathroom, picking up… He finally had to grab me and said,  ”Babe!  I’m trying to propose!”  It was so cute and perfect. We’re really private people… I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

We had just a few criteria for our venue. One, we wanted to stay in Laguna Beach, and two, we wanted a place where everyone from out of town could stay and not have to worry about transportation.  So when my good friend and co worker suggested Hotel Seven4one, it was an easy decision.  We reserved the entire hotel for the weekend. It was like our own private beach house, but everyone got their own room and bathroom.

As far as our wedding style, I wanted a soft, whimsical, romantic, yet fun wedding.  I think Larrissa really got it… and executed all of the decoration and design beautifully!  I changed my mind so many times on color, but by the end, I had to go with my favorite color… pink. And I’m so happy I did!

Mitch and I both wanted a fun party after our ceremony, so instead of a formal sit down dinner, we had a cocktail reception where everyone could roam the hotel and mingle with whomever they chose.

We both decided our favorite and most vivid memory from the wedding is definitely the ceremony.  When I turned the corner to walk down the isle, it was so beautiful and Mitch was so handsome.  I was overwhelmed with happiness!  Every thing else is sort of a blur.

Photography: Joseph Martinez Photography / Cinematography: The EVENT Company / Lighting: The EVENT Company / Florals & Event Design: Inviting Occasions / Event Planning: Friend of the Bride / Catering: 24 Carrots / Ceremony Location: Hotel Seven4One / Reception Location: Hotel Seven4One / DJ: DJ Closer with The EVENT Company / Photo Booth: Photo Booth Pro / Invitation Designer: Wedding Paper Divas / Cake & Desserts: Sweet & Saucy / Wedding Gown: Reem Acra / Bridesmaid’s Dress Designer: Priscilla of Boston

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Post tags: 24 Carrots, Ballroom Wedding, Beach, California, Casual Elegance, Color Palette Blue Pink, Color Palette Pink, Hotel Seven4One, Inviting Occasions, Joseph Martinez Photography, Laguna Beach, Photo Booth Pro, Priscilla of Boston, Reem Acra, Sweet & Saucy, The Event Company, Water, Wedding Paper Divas, Wedding Planners & Designers
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From the Bride… We wanted everything to be special and have meaning. I am a teacher and a group of the moms in my classroom helped me create our centerpieces and favors using clipping of succulents from my garden. My 2nd grade students wrote special words and messages on rocks to display and inspire people at the wedding to do the same thing. We now have the rocks in vintage tins in our home.

Justin and I wanted the person who married us to have significance in our lives. We were extremely lucky to talk the pastor who married my parents 30 years ago, and who had a special relationship with my grandparents who are no longer with us, into performing our marriage ceremony. He made it very personal and meaningful. Justin and I used the diamond from my mother’s wedding ring and two of my grandmother’s diamonds to create my engagement ring. We also used Justin’s grandparents’ wedding rings as our wedding bands. Both Justin’s mom and my mom no longer had their wedding dresses, but Margaret, Justin’s mom had her veil. It was beautiful and so special being able to wear it as I walked down the aisle to marry her son.

Another special touch was our amazing band… I moved up to Monterey, CA for a teaching position while Justin and I were dating. Justin would ride the train 10-11 hours up the coast twice a week to live part-time with me and part-time in Southern California while he was finishing his masters at Cal State Fullerton. During our time in Monterey we fell in love with this band, The Joint Chiefs, who would play in down town Monterey. One night of drinks and dancing the night away to their funk-soul music, Justin ran into one of the band members in line for the bathroom and asked him if they would play at his wedding in the future. This happened a year before he proposed J they were that good! They drove down from San Jose to play at our wedding and everyone was dancing! Even my dad who is notorious for not enjoying dancing was seen on the dance floor with a huge smile!

Wedding Photography: Leila Brewster Photography / Venue + Catering: Aliso Creek Inn / Bride’s Hair + Make-up: Friend / Wedding Cake + Desserts: The Bride and Friends / Wedding Cinematography: Friend / Coordinator: Friend / Band: Joint Chiefs / Wedding Dress: Amy Michelson / Floral Design: The Bride and Friends / Manzanitas: White Lilac Inc. / Groom’s Attire: Michael Kors / Jewelry: Custom Engagement Ring / Lighting: Blue Haze Entertainment / Audio-Visual: Matrix Visual / Officiant: Eddie Piorek / Bride’s Shoes: Nordstrom / Stationery: Paper Source / Veil: Groom’s Mother

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 15 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Aliso Creek Inn, Amy Michelson, Blue Haze Entertainment, California Weddings, Eddie Piorek, Joint Chiefs, Laguna Beach, Leila Brewster Photography, Matrix Visual, Michael Kors, Nordstrom, Paper Source, Rustic Wedding, White Lilac Inc.
Post categories: California Weddings, Casual Elegance

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From Abi Q Photography…Maria’s look was soft and classic with a bit of beach-side romance thrown in. The wedding was held at a small Catholic church in downtown Laguna that had a timeless classiness about it. The reception was at Casa Romantica in San Clemente which is known for it’s breathtaking views of the ocean and beautiful light. Her florist did different centerpieces for each table of different heights and fullness and the soft romantic look it created was absolutely breathtaking. I loved the use of succulents alongside the pretty pastels of the hydrangeas, peonies and roses. Everything about Maria and Connor’s affair was beautiful. The best part of the day was when their coordinator, Erin, let me steal them away for ten extra minutes at sunset to capture some photos of them in beautiful light.

Wedding Photography: Abi Q Photography/ Wedding Coordinating: Christina Carbonara of Carbonara Catering / Bride’s Hair + Make-up: Jenny Ramos / Bride’s Prep Location: Laguna Cliffs Marriott / Ceremony Venue: St. Catherine’s of Siena in Laguna / Reception Venue: Casa Romantica / Floral Design: Krista Jon / Wedding Cake: It’s All About the Cake / Wedding Gown: Demetrios / Bride’s Shoes: Chinese Laundry

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 15 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Abi Q Photography, Beachside Wedding, Blue, California Weddings, Casa Romantica, Chinese Laundry, Church Ceremony, Demetrios, Erin Torres, Hydrangeas, Jenny Ramos, Krista Jon, Laguna Beach, Laguna Cliffs Marriott, Peonies, Roses, Seashells, St. Catherine's of Siena, Succulents
Post categories: California Weddings, Traditional Elegance

Click here to see the entire gallery of images!

From Amanda Thiessen Photography… This intimate wedding of 40 people took place on September 13, 2010 in Laguna Beach, CA. It was a gorgeous sunny day. The bride and her bridesmaids got ready in a beautiful suite at the quaint Pacific Edge Hotel (in Laguna). The guys were ready hours before and hung out in their own room, telling jokes, having fun, being guys. The girls wore short chocolate color dresses and the bride complimented the dresses by wearing a gorgeous sash on her dress, which was finished off with an antique brouch in the back (on the bow).

After everyone was finished getting ready we drove a quick 10 minutes to the ceremony location, Crescent Bay Point Park. It was a very intimate ceremony. Overlooking the beautiful blue ocean. As the bridal party made their way down the aisle, the bride and groom’s dogs made it down the aisle too. The bride glistened as she walked down and everyone was in awe.

After the short (but sweet) vows we took some portraits and headed back over to The Pacific Edge Hotel where their reception was being held. The balcony deck looked over the ocean. And, if you looked down it was right on the sand. There were Chinese Lanterns filling the sky and the tables were decorated with beautiful vintage/victorian plates/glassware. The vases were sweetly simple filled with beautiful flowers. Speeches were had, great buffet style food was eaten and lots of dancing. There was also a photo booth that kept people going back for more!

As the sun began to go down the music went higher and higher and by the end of the night, everyone was dancing! Kate (bride) & Jordan’s (groom) friends/family definitely knew how to keep the party going, and Jordan being in the great band (Every Time I Die) knew how to party. The wedding was a blast and some of the most memorable moments were hands down the dances. I’ve seen a lot of first dances between grooms and their brides and this one got me teary-eyed. They were so focused on each other and the moment, it was beautiful and the emotion just pours out the film. Jordan’s dance with his mom was also so so sweet. You could feel the love from this entire family and it was just such a dream to be able to photograph this wedding. The night went on with everyone dancing underneath the glistening lanterns, overlooking the ocean while the waves crashed onto shore. It was a good day.

Wedding Photographer: Amanda Thiessen Photography / Wedding Ceremony Location: Crescent Bay Point Park / Wedding Reception Venue: Pacific Edge Hotel / Caterer: Love at First Bite /  Event Rentals: Signature Party Rentals / Centerpiece Decor: Bride’s Family Heirlooms + Etsy / Wedding Dress: Lili Bridal and Formals / Makeup Artist: Ashleigh Louer / Wedding Hair Stylist: Dianna Ryan / Photobooth: SoCal Shutterbooth / Plates and Table Accessories: Available Through KateBrenner@gmail.com

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 26 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Amanda Thiessen Photography, Ashleigh Louer, Beach Wedding, California Weddings, Crescent Bay Point Park, Dianna Ryan, intimate wedding, Laguna Beach, Lili Bridal and Formals, Love at First Bite, Ocean, Outdoor Ceremony, Outdoor Wedding, Pacific Edge Hotel, Signature Party Rentals, SoCal Shutterbooth, Vintage Touches
Post categories: Budget Beautiful, California Weddings, Casual Elegance, Los Angeles Weddings, Vintage Chic

click here for the full wedding gallery!

From Jeannie of Details Details…Janice and Bolaji were married at the Montage a few weeks ago. The earrings that you see on Janice’s ear was a gift given to her by Bolaji. But don’t get jealous girls just yet, she gave reciprocated and gave Bolaji a beautiful Rolex…what memorable wedding day gifts. Generous with gifts, as they are generous gracious people….they were generous with their love. They have know each other since high school. It was great to flip through their photo book that Janice’s mom made, they had pictures of them at Sadie Hawkins dance! Details coming soon, but I have to say, I think those were the most comfortable bridal shoes I have seen in a long time.  And check out the Nigerian outfits and hats, they were so beautiful to see.

This is the definition of CLEAN and MODERN and only in 2 colors!  To be able to create this look, we had to carpet the Montage Resort ballroom in white carpet so you can’t be distracted with the patterns and colors.  Drape the walls in white and accent only in espresso with chairs, linen band, menu cards, etc.   The dance floor was perfectly clean, showing only a decal of the invitation artwork, something Francis Orr worked with Crane’s to create for them. Matt made ordering invitations easy.

Other elements seen was the fleur de lis which were embroidered on the dinner napkins and created with petals underneath the bamboo four posted structure. Beautiful phaleos from Nisie’s Enchanted Florist were dripping from boxes and Janice’s bouquet.  Linda from the Cake Studio created an amazing 6 tier cake…each slice was half and half, white chocolate and dark chocolate.

The grooms cake, complete surprise to Bolaji! Janice had to secretly take photos of Bolaji’s golf bag when she went with him to the range, but then he bought a new bag before the wedding, so we had to redraw the cake. But don’t the items look super real, thanks to the talented hands of Sunny at Filigree Cakes.  Joe Latter Photography did a fantastic job capturing all the wonderful memories of this wedding.

Coordinator: Jeannie Savage, Details Details / Photographer: Joe Latter / Videographer: Elysium Productions / Hair: Tiffany Monday / Makeup: Makeup by Berit / Wedding Invitations: Francis-Orr / Officiant: JP Reynolds / Ceremony & Cocktail Music: Enchanted Evening Music Productions / Reception Music: Impulse, West Coast Music / Floral: Nisie Vorachard, Nisie’s Enchanted Florist / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / Dance Floor: Platinum Pro Dance Floor / Linens: Wildflower Linens / Draping: Finishing Touch / Lighting: Shine Lighting / Cigar Roller: Cuban Cigar Factory / Photo Booth: Pacific Photobooths / Disc Jockey: Mike Soltani / Wedding Cake: Linda Goldsheft of The Cake Studio / Groom’s Cake: Sunny Lee of Filigree Cakes / Wedding Dress: Melissa Sweet, Vineyard Collection

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Post tags: California Weddings, Classic Party Rentals, Cuban Cigar Factory, Details Details, Elysium Productions, Enchanted Evening Music Productions, Filigree Cakes, Finishing Touch, Francis-Orr, Impluse, Joe Latter, JP Reynolds, Laguna Beach, Makeup by Berit, Mike Soltani, Nisie's Enchanted Florist, Pacific Photobooths, Platinum Pro Dance Floor, Shine Lighting, The Cake Studio, Tiffany Monday, Vineyard by Melissa Sweet, West Coast Music, Wildflower Linens
Post categories: California Weddings, Contemporary, Los Angeles Weddings, The Blog

photography courtesy of Samuel Lippke Studio

Our featured filmmakers today are the guys (Matt, Matt & Steve) at FortyOneTwenty. They’ve share this lighthearted, fun-filled short film from Aubrey and Jordan’s wedding day that will definitely put a smile on your face!

Plus ~ it’s one of the most delightful First Look’s we’ve ever seen! Enjoy …

Jordan & Aubrey // Laguna Beach, CA from FortyOneTwenty on Vimeo.

From the FortyOneTwenty Blog … We had a tough time editing Jordan and Aubrey’s wedding because there were so many moments that made us laugh and smile! Their personalities shone thru every minute of a joyful day. We all agree, though, that our favorite was their First Look. When Jordan rounded the corner and saw Aubrey for the first time ~ classic! His enthusiasm for everything ~ even Aubrey’s shoes was infectious!

Cinematography: FortyOneTwenty / Coordinator: Jeannie Savage, Details Details / 
Venue: Montage Laguna Beach / 
Photographer: Samuel Lippke / Florist: Nisie’s Enchanted Florist / Makeup: Makeup Mafia
 / DJ: 123 DJs / 
Entertainment: Essence Entertainment 
/ Lighting: Shine Lighting
 / Photo Booth: Pacific Photobooths / Wedding Gown: Amy Michelson (‘The Lace-Up”) / Bridesmaids: Jenny Yoo

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 24 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: 123 DJs, 4120, Details Details, Essence Entertainment, FortyOneTwenty, Laguna Beach, Makeup Mafia, Montage Laguna Beach, Nisie's Enchanted Florist, Pacific Photobooths, Samuel Lippke, Shine Lighting
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance, Wedding Cinematography