Three adjectives that describe the day: rustic, romantic, music

The table settings were gorgeous! We loved the burlap and bling theme, it was the perfect mix of rustic country and romantic glamour. The table signs represented concert posters from the many shows Bill and I have seen together and fit in with our theme really well. The candlelit tables at sunset were really amazing and guests constantly remarked about how beautiful everything was.

The first reveal when we saw each other was incredible. I cried as I approached Bill in the front lawn but he did not get emotional until we moved to the Cedarwood porch. It was very touching and reminded me of how we support each other in our relationship. A close second was when we started rapping to the band’s performance of “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and Chris Weaver (band’s lead singer) said we were the best rapping bride and groom he’s ever heard!

Our best advice to brides and grooms to be would be to try to accomplish something every week so tasks do not pile up at the end. Be organized because there are so many moving parts you don’t want to forget anything. Don’t hesitate to take ideas from the favorite weddings you’ve attended – your friends will be honored that you incorporated part of their wedding into your own!

Photography: Ace Photography / Venue: Historic Cedarwood / Planner, Floral Design, Decor & Event Styling: Cedarwood Weddings / Invitations & Paper Goods: Designs in Paper / Bride’s dress: Maggie Sottero from The White Room / Bride’s Boots: Old Gringo Erin / Hair: Chrissi Krause and Missy May / Tuxedos: Arzelle’s / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Dessy from Bella Bridesmaid / Wedding party gifts (hand painted stemware): Fizzy Artist / Favors: Brownie Tins from RAE’s Gourmet / Wedding Music Trio: Wedding Musicians Company / Caterer: Copper Kettle / Cake: Patty Cakes / Reception Band: Chris Weaver Band / Photo booth: Ace Photo Booths / Trolly: FADDS Party Bus / Host Hotel: Opryland Resort / Rehearsal Dinner: Mad Platter

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Post tags: Ace Photo Booths, Ace Photography, Arzelle's, Bella Bridesmaid, Burlap, Candles, Cedarwood Weddings, Chalkboards, Chris Weaver Band, Chrissi Krause, Church Pews, Color Palette Purple, Copper Kettle, Cowboy Boots, Cupcakes, Designs in Paper, Dessy, Etsy, FADDS Party Bus, Fizzy Artist, Glamourous, Historic Cedarwood, Maggie Sottero, Missy May, Nashville, Old Gringo Erin, Opryland Resort, Outdoor Ceremony, Outdoor Wedding, Patty Cakes, Pearls, RAE's Gourmet, Rustic, Rustic Chic, shabby chic, Tennessee, The White Room, Vintage Chic, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Musicians Company, Wedding Planners & Designers
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Vintage Chic

The rehearsal dinner – What an evolving concept full of creative potential. Usually held after the ceremony rehearsal and the night before the wedding, guests generally include the wedding party but may also include extended family and out-of-town guests. Consider this extension of the celebration a wonderful way to make the whole weekend thematic and full of inspiration.

Join us as we tell a tale of romantic meets bohemian. Set amidst the gardens of a 1924 mansion, the inspiration for this rehearsal dinner photo shoot (conceptualized by LVL Wedding & Events, Found Rentals, Inviting Occasion, and Hitching Post PR) incorporated a love for reading and for writing. Think, a la Shakespeare.

Create a place for guests to feel comfortable, like an inviting living room. Conversations will grow beneath these gold chandeliers and around the refurbished red velvet wingback chairs, gold armchairs with grain sack upholstery and rolled arm couches. Vintage books, glass candles embraced in novel pages, antique picture frames, worn-in leather luggage, and oversized pillar candles dotted with champagne cork flowers and strung wine corks adorn the mantel while a cascade of book pages and roses flow out of the fireplace.

Design a warm and welcoming dinner atmosphere where guests can eat, drink and be merry. The goal is to have the evening less formal and save more intricate designs for the following night, while still setting the mood and keeping with the feel of the weekend. A weathered cupboard door announces the oversized menu, replacing traditional individual menu cards. You and your love can take your seats in a navy blue wingback settee at the head of the table underneath the pergola. Iron and wood architectural doors designed with hanging books that spell out a love sonnet frame the backdrop for the picture perfect event. Centerpieces were created using a Remington typewriter, deconstructed books and pages, feathers, glass orbs and a variety of Roses, Hanging Amaranthus, Poppy and Scabiosa pods, Magnolia leaves, Dinner Plate and Pom Pom Dahlias, and berries. Family and friends gather on assorted antique wooden chairs around the grey farm table where they feast under the stars served family-style on bronze and pewter pieces.

Gathering guests in an intimate, less formal environment allows them to get to know each other and connect so that when the wedding day comes, the ice is broken and they can get down to business – celebrating you and your love.

Rentals, Décor, and Event Design: Found Rentals / Floral & Event Design: Inviting Occasion / Planning & Design: LVL Weddings & Events / Catering: Colette’s Catering Extraordinaire / Paper Goods: Sayeh Studios / Venue: Muckenthaler Mansion / Photography: Studio EMP / Video: Crescent Bay Films / Music: Denny White / Producer: Hitching Post Public Relations

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Post tags: Books, Colette's Catering Extraordinaire, Color Palette Red Pink, Corks, Cresent Bay Films, Denny White, FOUND Rentals, Grapes, Hitching Post Public Relations, Inspiration Shoot, Inviting Occasion, Library, literary, LVL Weddings & Events, Muchenthaler Mansion, Outdoor, Rehearsal Dinner, Rustic, Sayeh Studios, Shakespeare, Studio EMP, Vintage, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Inspiration, Wedding Planners & Designers, Wine
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog

And here’s a little somthin’ somthin’ from Stillmotion…

Aaron and I met when we were 15 and in high school. We somehow managed to maintain a long distance relationship over ten years, while I attended school in Boston and him in Philadelphia, and after graduation, when Aaron moved to Boston and I returned to Los Angeles. When Aaron finally made it out west to San Francisco, I knew it was time for me to join him up north as well.

During Aaron’s vows, he said, “The faith that we developed as teenagers had withstood this test, and the love I have for you has only grown stronger over the years and the total seat miles traveled on AirTran, Southwest, and US Air combined.” How fitting, as our the significance of our wedding was so important to us not just because we were so ready to get married, but because we would finally be able to share our lives together at last!

Ian Grant, our photographer and Stillmotion, our videographers, captured everything that truly reflected our love and how we felt for each other.  I didn’t have any specific ideas for details, but knew that I wanted our wedding to reflect our testament to our long distance love. I gave Amanda Auer from In the Now Events full reign over this, and she executed the wedding details perfectly!

I also wanted to surprise Aaron with a game of beer pong at our wedding – he had been begging for a “Beirut Tourney” throughout the planning process, and I had always dismissed the idea as unsuitable for a wedding. This was all a ruse, of course, as I secretly planned with our vendors for over a year to surprise him with a few beer pong tables, of course, monogrammed in the classiest way possible. Not only was it a ton of fun, but seeing the final details that Amanda had executed perfectly, complete with monogrammed paddles, cups, and tables, was just the best feeling and the most wonderful night!

Makeup: Elaine Chou from Echoumakeup / Photographer: Ian Grant Photography / Videographer: Stillmotion / Coordinator & Florals: Amanda Auer from In the Now Events / Caterer: 24 Carrots / Rentals: Versatile LA & Bob Gail Events / Photobooth: Snappy Joe Photography / DJ: SoCal DJ, Eric Mosqueda / Officiant: Pastor Matt Nault, City Church San Francisco / Cake: King’s Hawaiian / Event Design & Coordination: Amanda Auer for In The Now Weddings / Floral Design: Stephanie Hester and Amanda Auer for In The Now Weddings / Monogram Design: Shannon LaBare for In The Now Weddings / Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen and Signature Party Rentals / Vinyl Decor & Details: Creative Media Print / Calligraphy Details: Kristina Kunza, K.A. Kalligraphy / Venue: Saddlerock Ranch

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Post tags: 24 Carrots, Bob Gail Events, California, City Church San Francisco, Color Palette Pink Purple, Corks, Creative Media Print, Echoumakeup, horses, Ian Grant Photography, In the Now Events, K.A. Kalligraphy, Kings Hawaiian, La Tavola Fine Linen, Orange County, Outdoor Ceremony, Outdoor Wedding, Rustic, Rustic Chic, Saddlerock Ranch, Signature Party Rentals, Snappy Joe Photography, SoCal-DJ, StillMotion, Versatile LA, Vineyard Weddings, Wedding Photography
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Photography

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From the Bride…When we began to pull together ideas for our wedding, we couldn’t think of a better place for it to be than at my parents’ home in Pemberton. We wanted a location that was personal to us, and would also allow us to dance, laugh and celebrate well into the night. Using the beauty of the natural area as our backdrop, we set out to create an intimate dinner party for 80.

Many of the colors we used – the peaches, grays, greens, and neutrals – are mirrored in the mountains, fields and sky that stretch throughout the valley. Without completely sticking to a theme of vintage, rustic, or the like, we ended up with an ever-evolving eclectic look that, in the end, just felt right, with the help of the fantastic Simon Cooksley.

The ceremony location was literally just an area mowed into the long grass of the field – making a path wide enough for the aisle, and a space large enough for 80 seats. We loved the whimsical, sequestered feeling provided by the 360-degree waving grassroots in the center of the field.
The reception was set up with three long tables, with family-style service to invoke the intimate dinner party feeling that we love. Ambient candlelight and three chandeliers created the warmth of a dining room during the dinner.

We were also lucky enough to have a wealth of talented and helpful family, friends and local vendors – from blooms freshly picked at a neighborhood flower farm, to locally cured meats and cheeses; these little details were scattered throughout the celebration. My grandmother made 90 of my favorite butter tarts, my mother made the delicious cakes, our incredible neighbor built the birch arbor, and a friend of the family played guitar for the ceremony and with his band for the reception; each detail came together to create a wedding that completely suited us.

The entire day felt pretty magical, so it’s hard to choose just one or two memorable moments. If I have to choose, I’d say I will never forget the butterflies I had sneaking toward John in the field for our first look, or the feeling of having my parents, one on each side, walk me down the aisle to one of our favorite songs, “Falling Slowly”. The day-after shoot, that we were lucky enough to do with our wonderful photographers The Nichols, was also a highlight – sitting in a field, completely relaxed, realizing that we were finally married was such an amazing feeling.

Wedding Photography: The Nichols / Venue: Private Residence / Event Design: Simon Cooksley / Florals: Jehna Chrysler / Invitations + Save the Dates: The Bride (design) + Studio on Fire (letterpressed) / Bridesmaid Dresses: Melissa Sweet / Bride’s Shoes: Pollini / Bride’s Cardigan: J.Crew / Groom’s Attire: Hugo Boss / Catering: Araxi Restaurant / Wedding Cake: Bride’s Mother + Grandmother / Ceremony + Reception Music: Adam Woodall Band / Birch Arbor + Birch Photo Booth Frame: Karen Love Art

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Post tags: Adam Woodall, Araxi Restaurant, Eclectic, Hugo Boss, J. Crew, Jehna Chrysler, Karen Love, Melissa Sweet, Pollini, Rustic, Simon Cooksley, studio on fire, The Nichols
Post categories: Casual Elegance, The Blog

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From the Bride…We wanted to feel like our engagement photos really showed who we are.  Josh and I are both old souls, but with a modern flare. We love to bike around town, go to the weekly farmers markets, and pick fresh produce at the farm Josh works at. I wanted to give a vintage feel to our engagement photos, but without going overboard, so we combined our old-fashion side with our farmer/country side.  We incorporated two classic Schwinn bicycles that were handed down to Josh. The dress I was wearing I found at a vintage store in Amsterdam (where I use to live).  Our favorite Saturday morning activities are to ride our bikes to the farmers market, do a little thrift store shopping, and then come home where I enjoy baking with our fresh produce.

Photography: Shannon Rosan Photography

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Post tags: California Weddings, Engagement Sessions, Rustic, Shannon Rosan Photography
Post categories: California Weddings

Photography by Keith Nelson Photography & Douglas Hill Photography.

About ten years ago we were both invited to a dinner with about six other people by our friends Leanna and Rinat. They participated in our wedding. Their intent is that we meet and fall madly in love. Well, at the dinner we barely spoke, we sat at opposite ends of the table, and didn’t really notice each other. So much for that match!

Then, about three years after that dinner, on the very weekend I passed my license exam to become a Marriage and Family Therapist, we both happened to be at the same party of a mutual friend. I thought Mason looked familiar and heard someone say his name. I went over to him and asked if he was Leanna’s friend and we began chatting. This time there was a big spark, the timing was right, and we’ve been together ever since.

As for engagement, it was a little unceremonious. When marriage was legal in California, neither of us was ready to get married. We were, and are, confident that it will be legal again once and for all. A year ago on July fourth we returned home from some holiday festivities and promptly began arguing about finances. In response to a comment Mason said, I replied, “Well none of this would be an issue if we were married!” And Mason said, “Well, we should be married!” I said, “Are you asking me to marry you?” And Mason replied, “I want you to wear my wedding ring.” The finance argument faded away and we immediately shifted our focus to planning what would be one of the greatest celebrations imaginable.

Planning & Design: Amber Events / Caterers: Auntie Em’s Catering / Photography: Keith Nelson Photography & Douglas Hill Photography / Floral: Holly Flora / Rentals: Town & Country / DJ: Quinn Callicot / Lighting: Aspect Lighting / Groom’s Stylist: Vincent Castellanos at Sy Devore,  suits made in Italy / Venue: Friend of the couple’s Tomato Farm

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Post tags: Amber Events, Aspect Lighting, Auntie Em's Catering, California, Casual Elegance, Color Palette Grey Yellow Pink, Custom Suits, Dogs, Douglas Hill Photography, farm wedding, Flower girls, Fog, Holly Flora, Keith Nelson Photography, mountains, Ojai, Outdoor Ceremony, Outdoor Weddings, Private Residence, Quinn Callicot, Rustic, Same Sex, Sy Devore, Town & Country, Wedding Designers & Planners
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog

Alan and I met while working at CVS.  We are both pharmacists and he was scheduled to pick up a shift at my store.  The first time we saw each other was through the glass of a drive through window.  He was coming by to get a copy of his work schedule (and just to meet me, I later found out).  His smile and big blue eyes made me blush instantly.

We love to travel so almost instantly we started planning trips with his best friend and his wife.  We probably take two or three trips with them every year, so it was nothing out of the ordinary for the four of us to be going on a trip to Mexico.  One night while we were there, we had a wonderful meal and Alan asked me to take a walk on the beach after dinner.  We kicked off our shoes and walked along the beach talking about life and our plans.  Alan then led me down a pier and we just looked out over the ocean holding each other and then he got down on one knee and I burst into tears.  He had such a lovely speech prepared and I am not sure if i heard all of it, but I did hear him ask me to grow old and wrinkly with him and managed to say YES once I stopped crying ten minutes later.

We definitely wanted an outdoor wedding with a rustic feel, so what better than a barn to house our wedding?  After much Googling, I found The Barn at Vive le Ranch through a photographers website.  We set a meeting to see The Barn and fell in love.  The entire area was just so beautiful we didn’t look anywhere else.  Besides the beauty of the area, The Barn just gave a feeling of love and warmth, which was perfect for our wedding.  We could already envision everyone laughing and dancing.  Kids running around and playing on the wooden swing!

We wanted our wedding to reflect us. The day needed to be relaxing and casual with simple but beautiful florals and a spring like essence.  The colors we used were lavender, buttercup, and heather grey.  The soft colors remind me of spring, plus I happened to find perfect bridesmaids dresses at J. Crew that had all these colors, so it was meant to be. We gave the colors and feel to Christina (our wedding planner and designer) and she came back with the perfect vision! She knew both of us wanted rustic, so thats where the haybales and flowers in mason jars came in.

During the ceremony, we decided to have a salt covenant, rather than a unity candle, etc.  The idea arose from biblical times when people would make commitments to each other using salts from each person.  The salts are combined and the covenant may only be broken when the individual grains of salt are separated from one another.  Alan and I each had a sachet of salt and combined them in a crystal bowl leant from my mom.

Our wedding day was perfect. Perfect to us. We wanted the day to represent everything that encompasses us as a couple, but also as individuals.  The day was a reflection of our pasts and our upbringing.  The family and friends witnessing our vows, are the people who have influenced our lives. They are responsible for creating the man and the woman we have become.  God planned for us to be together and our family and friends lit the path for us to find each other.  We are so grateful for our love and the love that has always supported us.

Photography: Candi Coffman Photography / Cinematography: Cherished Traditions / Flowers: Anne Marie Foy, The French Bouquet / Event Design: Christina Clayton, Zinke Design / Event Planning: Christina Clayton, Zinke Design / Ceremony Location: The Barn at Vive Le Ranch / Reception Location: The Barn at Vive Le Ranch / Invitations: Minted / Dress & Hair Flowers: Adele Wechsler, Unbridaled / Bridesmaid Dresses: J.Crew and Nordstrom / Catering: The Chalkboard / Cake: Ludger’s Cakes / Registry: Honeyfund

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Post tags: Adele Wechsler, Barn Weddings, Candi Coffman Photography, Casual Elegance, Chalkboards, Cherished Traditions, Color Palette Purple Yellow Gray, Cowboy Boots, DIY Projects, Farm Weddings, Hamburgers, haybales, Honeyfund, J. Crew, Ludger's Cakes, Minted, Nordstrom, Oklahoma, Outdoor Ceremony, Rustic, The Barn at Vive Le Rance, The Chalkboard, The French Bouquet, Tulsa, Unbridaled, Wedding Planners & Designers, Zinke Design
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog

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From Beauty and the Beach…I was inspired by the idea of a wedding being a maiden voyage. The concept paired perfectly with our coastal and historical venue The Casino San Clemente. The ocean air has a way of adding patina to everything it touches, that patina provided the broad range of colors we used. There were nods to travel sprinkled throughout the shoot, but we didn’t want the focus to be there. Whether it was an old book, antique silverware, lanterns or a funny little fish it was important that every detail feel like it could be a travel memento.  The style became a wonderful combination of old and new, rustic and elegant.

We collected vintage silver serving pieces and beautifully aged urns to use for the breathtaking florals by Natural Charms. Neallie of Vatne Designs created one of a kind jewelry and accessories sprinkled throughout the shoot. We even dreamt up a boutonniere pin for our groom reminiscent of an antique tie clip or pocket watch.  We collaborated with Sweet Cream Bake Shop to design the beautiful and delicious dessert table. The coconut cake-pops are to die for! Bitsy events crafted a lovely invitation suite that evokes a sense of vintage charm. Hair and makeup was impeccably styled by Beauty and the Beach.

This shoot is full of details highlighted beautifully by Diandra Ann Photography. It was truly a pleasure to work with such a talented team of vendors, thank you so much for helping set this maiden voyage in motion!

Styling: Heather Puhek of Beauty and the Beach / Make-up: Katie Vollmer of Beauty and the Beach / Hair: Katie Vollmer + Heather Puhek of Beauty and the Beach / Photography: Diandra Ann Photography / Venue: Casino San Clemente / Accessories: VATNE Designs / Floral Design: Rebecca Salimpour of Natural Charms Flowers / Sweets: Lisa Lowe of Sweet Cream Bake Shop / Invitation Suite: Bitsy Events / Newlywed Models: Anna & Travis

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2011. | Permalink | 22 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Beauty and the Beach, Bitsy Events, California Weddings, Casino San Clemente, Diandra Ann Photography, Natural Charms Flowers, Photo Shoot, Rustic, San Clemente, Southern California, Sweet Cream Bake Shop, VATNE Designs
Post categories: California Weddings, Photo Shoot