Will and I met at a concert. Going to shows and finding new music has been a key element of our relationship. We wanted our wedding to reflect this, so we made music a theme. We created a compilation of songs from our favorite bands whose shows we had attended together to give away as favors. The tables for dinner were named after different music venues in San Francisco that we’d been to, and the seating cards were made to look like a concert tickets.

The most important thing to us was that people have a really good time and feel welcome. We didn’t want it to be too formal; instead we wanted it to feel like a really fun party in someone’s backyard. We picked a bluegrass band to play for the ceremony and reception. We had a selection of pies rather than a wedding cake. Our flowers were placed in a variety of old bottles rather than vases. We used succulents as our centerpieces instead of cut flowers. We loved the idea that the plants at our wedding would continue to live and be enjoyed by our guests even after the wedding was over.

The best thing about the wedding was that all our friends and family really enjoyed themselves. We kept hearing from everyone how much they liked our other friends and family members that they were meeting. We felt completely loved and supported and lucky to have so many incredible people in our lives.

Photography: Jessamyn Harris Photographer / Floral & Event Design: Jess Flood Event Design / Event Planning: Jess Flood Event Design / Catering: Stark & Co. / Venue: Healdsburg Country Gardens / Pies: Mission Pie

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Post tags: California, California Vineyards, Casual Elegance, Color Palette Blue Orange, Healdsburg, Healdsburg Country Gardens, Jess Flood Event Design, Jessamyn Harris Photographer, Mission Pie, Outdoor Ceremonies, Outdoor Weddings, Ring Bearers, Stark & Co., Succulents, Vineyard Weddings, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Photography, Wedding Planners & Designers, Wine, Wineries, Winery
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog

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From Mandy of Mandy and Me Studio… A few weeks after Lauren and Jonathan booked us, they found out that their venue had double booked their date, so they had to start their search all over again. They wanted a fall wedding and, given this was already spring, they were having trouble finding a venue they like that had a date open. In the end, they chose to get married at a small park down the street from their home and have their reception in their backyard. It turned out awesome. We think more people should have a backyard wedding. Why? It brings the intimate feel that you get at weddings to a whole new level. Lauren and Jonathan’s wedding was quite awesome. Between the two of them and their family and friends, there was a lot of effort put into making this a night to remember. We know we won’t forget this sweet wedding anytime soon.

Wedding Photography: Mandy and Me Studio / Flowers: FH Weddings & Events / Food: DIY / Cake: Publix / DJ: A family friend / Wedding Dress: La Sposa Bridal / String Lights: Home Depot / Hanging Candle Lights: CB2 / Tables + Chairs: Signature Events By Design

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Post tags: Backyard Wedding, Do-It-Yourself Inspired, FH Weddings & Events, Florida, Mandy and Me Studio, Outdoor Wedding, Succulents, Tampa, Yellow
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Florida Weddings, Tampa Bay

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From the Bride… Josh and I met in Pacific Beach on tax day in April of all days. My sister and I needed a night to catch up and wanted to play some pool so she took me to a pool hall where Josh and his buddies ended up at the table next to us. Josh grew up playing pool in New York with his dad so needless to say he got my attention and we played and pumped the old juxebox in the corner and talked life and politics. Josh is one of those people you can’t help but be either pulled towards or disengaged from. We instantly had a connection morally and we constantly had way too much fun together to ignore. The first year we were dating was a blur of fun and crazy milestones that tested our strength as people and made us stronger as friends and companions. Josh is truly my best friend, and I feel like he gives so much to my life I would never find in anyone else.

For our wedding I wanted everything earthy and natural. I feel like Josh and I are total beach bums at heart but we definitely wanted to keep to a clean, fresh and nature-minded theme that was as comfortable as it was classy. We both surf and so the beach was definitely high on our list for locations. We wanted to find something we could get about 100 people into without leaving our coast, but we figured the location would be far out of our budget. In the end, the Powerhouse was way less than we thought and it allowed me to do exactly what I wanted; have an incredible view where I could hear the waves while we said our vows, be inspired, pick all of my vendors and not be locked into any hotel contract or resort package. It was perfect. Friends said they saw a pod of dolphins jumping in the water behind us during our ceremony.

My dress was from a shop in Escondido, California called Bridals by Susanti. I never contemplated my wedding dress as a girl growing up but I couldn’t have dreamed of a more perfect dress to wear that day. It helped to know that Josh trusted and appreciated my style and would like it too. The floral arrangements were beyond my high expectations and Nicole Appelman did such an amazing job displaying my vision so perfectly. Succulents, seed pods, garden roses, peonies, and air flowers made up the bouquet. I was so impressed when I saw it. The different sized glass bottles and mason jars bought at random shops lined the aisle and hung from the trellis with big peonies, succulents and chamomile. The chuppah was one of my favorite parts of the wedding. It was so beautiful and I loved the light curtains that made it feel like a beautiful little room for Josh and I. The escort table was centered with two beautiful vintage windows with guests names written in white. We had touches of wood and moss and lots of lacey candles to bring the natural, vintage feel together. Table names were handmade photos of places Josh and I have both lived throughout our life. Everywhere from New York to Maui. Seating place cards were handmade from colored paper, rubber stamps, corks, wire and a lot of love. Because we were doing several traditional Jewish things in our ceremony, we also created a cheat-sheet for our guests to follow along with the different aspects of our day.

There are so many good memories from that day but some of my favorites were my son walking in with the “Here comes the bride” sign, my Dad’s speech which blew my mind, the beautiful Spanish guitar played by Dennis Bergstrom and the kick everyone got out of the mini Ben and Jerry’s and popcorn we had after dinner. I owe so much to my close friends and family who spent hours helping me cut circles and punch holes and print photos. I have the best people in my life and it’s just getting better! What a crazy, amazing day!

Wedding Photography: Captured by Aimee / Photo Assistant: Rachel McCauley / Venue: The Del Mar Powerhouse / Wedding Dress: Allure Bridals / Makeup: Betsy Faust / Hair: Kelcy with Revolution Salon and Boutique / Floral Design, Chuppah and curtains: Nicole Appelman / Invitations: Vanessa Ottenbreit / Window Calligraphy: Nicole Appelman / Wedding Cake + Dessert: Renee Hirsh with The French Gourmet / Flamenco Guitar: Dennis Bergstrom / Traditional Ceremony peices: Hatikvah Fine Judaica / Challah Bread: Charlies Best Bread

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Post tags: Allure Bridals, Beach Wedding, Captured by Aimee, Rachel McCauley, Revolution Salon and Boutique, San Diego, Succulents, The Del mar Powerhouse, The French Gourmet, Vanessa Ottenbreit
Post categories: California Weddings, Casual Elegance, San Diego Weddings

Joseph and I met while he was in Law school and I was in graduate school. We met in passing on a sidewalk. He was wearing a West Virginia hat, so I stopped to ask him if he was from WV. I am originally from WV and it turned out he was too. The conversation ended with him asking for my phone number so we could get together and watch some WVU football games together. A week later he asked me out on our first date. I surprised him with a grooms cake that was a WV hat, since his hat was the whole reason we met. We were together three years before we were engaged and were engaged for year before we got married. He proposed while we were on a bike ride on Kiawah Island. 

I fell in love with the Governor Thomas Bennett House for a few reasons. It’s courtyard and gardens were perfect for the outdoor ceremony we dreamed of and for a dance tent. I loved that my guests could enjoy dinner on the piazza and inside the beautiful Charleston style mansion.

The hardest part of planning the wedding for me was choosing colors. I fell in love with a fabric pattern that was green so we planned the entire wedding theme based on that fabric. Cindy did an awesome job at taking my vision of a wedding with a vintage feel and incorporating the pattern into so many details. Every detail and event of the day was even more beautiful than I had imagined. My favorite part of the day was walking with my dad down the aisle to meet Joseph in front of the fountain in the courtyard to exchange our vows.

Photography: Liz Duren Photography & Setup Shots By Collette Mruk Photography / Flowers: Judy Johnston, Engaging Events / Event Planning & Design: Engaging Events / Ceremony & Reception Location: The Governor Thomas Bennett House / Cake: Elaine’s Events / Catering: Good Food Catering / Band: Soul Fish / Linens: Connie Duglin Linens & BBJ Linens

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Post tags: BBJ Linens, Charleston, Collette Mruk Photography, Color Palette Green Pink, Connie Duglin Linens, Elaine's Events, Engaging Events, Good Food Catering, Liz Duran Photography, milk glass, Outdoor Ceremony, Outdoor Wedding, Plantation Wedding, Preppy, Preppy Chic, Preppy Wedding, Soul Fish, South Carolina, Southern Weddings, Succulents, The Governor Thomas Bennett House, Vintage Chic, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Planners & Designers
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Vintage Chic

Adam and I met at my front door.  He had just moved to Los Angeles from Philadelphia looking to begin a new adventure.  As he began looking for a place to call home, my roommate and I were looking to fill a vacancy in our third bedroom.  Adam arrived at our front door one evening to see the apartment and meet us.  After the interview, my roommate—and best friend clearly explained why he could not live with us.  “ You like him!  He can’t move in.”  Sure enough, we choose a different roommate, which allowed me to ask Adam out on our first date.

Four years later, we had our own place in Culver City when he surprised me on a Friday afternoon with his proposal.  He had said to come home quickly after work so that we could get some drinks and begin the weekend.  When I arrived home he said he had two surprises. One…we weren’t going to get drinks, we were going to Ojai, California (one of our favorite get away spots) and the second surprise was in the bedroom.  He presented me with champagne, flowers, and got down on one knee.  I had never been so surprised in my life!  He then quickly packed a bag for me while I sat in wonderful shock and we hit Friday afternoon traffic all the way to Ojai.  It was the best 2 hours of traffic I ever experienced—-calling friends and family and just being out of our minds excited!

We wanted to have an outdoor ceremony at a venue that also had a beautiful space for our reception.  We had many people coming from the east coast and we wanted to celebrate the beauty and diversity of Southern California.  We also wanted to get out of town just a bit and that’s how we found Rancho Las Lomas in Mission Viejo, California.  With its Portuguese tile, orange groves, outdoor lighting, and exotic animal preserve it was a gorgeous and completely private space.  We loved the different levels of the property and distinct spaces for the ceremony, cocktail hour, and then reception.  We got married under large sycamore trees with a simple décor including branches and leaves adorning the gazebo structure.  The aisle was created with a simple border of white rose petals. The property had a fantastic bridal cottage for my bridesmaids and the mothers to get ready in.  I LOVED that this was our own space for the entire day and every structure was made using a Portuguese inspired style.

I’ve always loved the combination of green and blue together.  I had a scarf that mixed navy blue and chartreuse and always thought it was a classic combination.  The ladies wore navy blue Ann Taylor dresses that complimented their green/white bouquets.  We used some burlap accents throughout the venue.  We had burlap table numbers on wine bottles, burlap wraps around the cocktail tables, and burlap pillows that I painted with a blue/green design that resembled the tile patterns on the property. I used Etsy to help design most of the elements to our wedding.  From the flower in my hair, the invitations, favors, bridal party gifts etc I used elements from different Etsy vendors.  It all came together to be very unique.  Overall, this was a ranch wedding that was part garden, part rustic but didn’t lean too much into one theme.

Adam and I know that a marriage is also a joining of two families.  We are lucky enough to both have parents who’ve been married for over 30 years.  During the ceremony, our officiant acknowledged that we are each an extension of our families.  We honored our mothers and Adam’s grandmother by presenting them with flowers during the ceremony.  It was a surprise element and also one of the more emotional parts.  So glad we did it!

Wedding Planner: Kristeen LaBrot Events / Florist: Modern Bouquet / Hair Accessory: Twigs and Honey / Venue: Rancho Las Lomas / Photographer: Harmony Loves / Dress: La Soie / Caterer: 24 Carrots / DJ: DJ Lux from Premiere Events / Hair and Makeup: Design Visage / Invitations: Julia’s Poppies Design / Calligraphy: Calligraphy Katrina

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Post tags: 24 Carrots, Bouquets, Burlap, California, Calligraphy Katrina, Casual Elegance, Centerpieces, Color Palette Blue Green, Design Visage, Harmony Loves, Julia's Poppies Design, Kristeen LaBrot Events, La Soie, Los Angeles, Modern Bouquet, Outdoor Ceremony, Outdoor Weddings, Parrots, Premiere Events, Rancho Las Lomas, Southern California Weddings, Succulents, Twigs andHoney, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Planners & Designers, Wild Animals
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog

From the Groom … My most vivid memories of the day include taking an early morning run across the beautiful ranch, passing by the cabins where my bride and her bridesmaids were getting ready, enjoying the solitude of the open valley, and envisioning the amazing day to come.  Also, the paired grooms and bridesmaids slowly winding their way through the meadow and down to the alter, followed by my gorgeous bride-to-be.

From the Bride … I love the photos of the bridesmaids amongst the aspen trees.  The contrast of the blue dresses with the tall trees is gorgeous.  I also love the photos of Geoff and I just after our ceremony when we walked around the ranch.  Jenna Walker Photography captured the sun’s rays of light beaming through us and nature in a way that appears so magical.

Wedding Planner: ZaZen Event Design / Venue: Devil’s Thumb Ranch / Photographer: Jenna Walker Photographers / Floral Design: Swank Stems – Fine Floral Fashion / Cinematography: Sky Focus Films / Invitation Designer: The Paper Guppy / Cupcakes: Bites Cupcakes / Wedding Gown: Watters / Bridesmaid’s Dresses: Amsale

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Post tags: Amsale, Baby's Breath, Billy Balls, Bites Cupcakes, Bouquets, Casual Elegance, Color Palette Blue, Colorado, Devil's Thumb Ranch, Frasier, Jenna Walker Photographers, Modern, Mountain Weddings, mountains, November, Outdoor Ceremony, Outdoor Wedding, Ranch Wedding, Sky Focus Films, Succulents, Swank Stems - Fine Floral Fashion, The Paper Guppy, Watters, Wedding Flowers, Wedding Photographers, Winter Wedding, Zazen Event Design
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Little Black Book Blog

From the groom … We designed the theme of the wedding around the unsung sides of the southwest; the blue skies, the green of succulents, the clean air that we enjoy in this beautiful place. We truly fell in love in Mexico during a three month period of travel there shortly after our relationship began. When we began planning our wedding we wanted to share that romance with our guests.

I had met Sarah years before our first date. We were friendly and knew each others names but that was about all that could be said. Fast forward a few years and we crossed paths again. I ran into Sarah at her job and asked her to meet me after work for a drink. She declined. I would not be deterred and we traded messages and phone calls over several weeks as we tried to make time to get together. Three weeks later we had scheduled a traditional dinner and a movie first date. The night before, Sarah called and changed the venue. Our first date was at the Grand Canyon. Sarah had unknowingly selected the perfect venue.

I moved to Arizona from Connecticut because of the Grand Canyon and spent three summers working for the Park Service. Sarah had a much deeper connection to the Canyon, her grandmother was a nurse at the clinic and her mother had gone to high school at Grand Canyon High School. We talked for hours out at Shoshone Point. We went to the village and talked for a few more hours. Then we drove back to Flag and had dinner, talking the whole time. The first date lasted about 14 hours and when we said good night I knew that I had found the love of my life.

From the bride … From the first date, I have always been amazed with Ben’s patient, understanding, loving, fun loving nature. He invited me to travel with him in Mexico during the second week of dating. Ben and I decided it would be an adventure, and even though we had only been dating for two weeks it was a risk worth taking. The time spent in Mexico, especially Oaxaca, changed my life. I fell in love with Ben and I learned wonderful, impressive, and beautiful things about him in Mexico. My life was changed for the better by taking a chance (and maybe even a crazy chance) and going to Southern Mexico for three months with a man I had just met.

Ben began our engagement with a lie. It was our anniversary, Ben told me he was sorry but that he had to work at 7 am and we would not be able to spend the day together. At 6:30 am, Ben’s alarm went off and he walked around to my side of the bed, got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. He told me that he had lied because he wanted to surprise me with a proposal first thing in the morning so that we had all day to celebrate. We jumped in the car with our little dog Mosley and drove down to Sedona to enjoy the day together.

I couldn’t have asked for a better partner to plan a wedding with. Ben is the groom that every bride wishes she had helping her. Ben was right there by my side, making decisions, calling vendors, picking out colors and flowers…. he even helped make the ribbon wands for the ceremony. He helped me out so much and is a super groom. That is probably cheesy, but he really is a super groom.

Hair & Makeup: Patricia Vega, La Petite Salon / Day-of Coordination: JB, Sedona Luxury Weddings / Floral: Garage by Ivy / Officiant: Shanandoah Sterling, Sterling Weddings / Ceremony Site: L’Auberge de Sedona / Reception Site: Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, Calle Independencia / Catering: Heartline Cafe / Cake: Sedona Cake Couture / Entertainment: AZ Nights / Rentals: Tri Rentals / Photography: Cameron + Kelly Studios

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Post tags: Arizona, AZ Nights, Calle Independencia, Cameron + Kelly Studios, Casual Elegance, Color Palette Green Black, Garage by Ivy, Heartline Cafe, L'Auberge de Sedona, La Petite Salon, Outdoor Ceremony, Outdoor Wedding, Peppers, Sedona, Sedona Cake Couture, Sedona Luxury Weddings, Sterling Weddings, Succulents, Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village, Tri Rentals, Wedding Photography
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog

From Victoria Canada Weddings & Events … The lavish wedding was hosted at exclusive Country Club at DC Ranch.  Guests experienced the beauty of the desert all from the rustic surroundings of DC Ranch.  We created a fun and festive party within a beautiful space.  There were numerous elements that were created to surprise Janet and Rick at every turn.  The Bride is a well known and busy interior designer with little time for wedding planning.  Thus, we were brought on to help the brides best friend plan the wedding.

The cake was designed off the bride’s love of shoes – in particular, Christian Louboutins!  The ruffles on the cake are a nod to the bride’s elegant dress.  The cake was displayed on a vintage ranch table from the original DC Ranch.  It was an amazing image to see it placed under the tree that was lit and hanging with Moroccan lanterns.

The bride and groom wanted to incorporate a sand ceremony into their wedding ceremony.  The main bottle was an antique bottle with a handmade cross sodered to the bottle by an artisan that works with Janet.  It gleamed with the background of the McDowell Mountains.  The perfect touch was the rustic original ranch table that the bottles rested on.

The Wedding Linen’s were inspired by a vintage piece of cloth that Janet brought to us a year before the wedding, with simple instructions – “this is what I love… the texture and the understated elegance.”  We then went on to find the perfect combination of rustic elegance and simple romance at Wildflower Linen.   The Russian Linen textile was a perfect fit.

The Floral was a wonderful collaboration between the floral designer, Events by Showstoppers, the couple and us.  Because of the couple’s limited involvement with the design, we, along with the brides best friend, were the main contacts.  We brought in Jim and Ken from Events by Showstoppers because they also have Houston roots.  She felt it would be a good aesthetic match.  The rose petal carpets, use of fruit, draping, and eclectic and unexpected containers helped created a breathtaking event.

Guests were greeted with an amazing rose petal carpet at the ceremony.  The Cocktail hour was defined with yet another rose petal carpet.  After cocktails, the guests crossed the grassy lawn lit with candles and transformed with more rose petals while serenaded by the string quartet placed on a balcony above them. They then climbed the steps full of candles to enter the breathtaking courtyard.  Guests were gasping and grabbing their cameras to take in the courtyard.  It was an amazing moment.

Photography: Phyllis Lane Photographer / Flowers: Events by Show Stoppers / Event Design: Victoria Canada Weddings & Events / Event Planning: Victoria Canada Weddings & Events / Ceremony Location: The Country Club at DC Ranch / Reception Location: The Country Club at DC Ranch / Invitations: Rebecca Baltutis, Square LA / Linens: Wildflower Linen & Southwick Linens / Cake: Andrea Carusetta-Blaut of Sedona Cake Couture / Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Bride’s Dress: Meriah, Monique Lhuillier from Casa Di Novia / Bridesmaid Dresses: assorted gowns from Monique Lhuillier and BCBG / Flower Girl:  Custom Dress by Jenny Kim Couture / Band: The Groove Merchants / Hair & Makeup: Glam Lounge Artists / Calligraphy: Jennifer Schmitt

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Post tags: Arizona, BCBG, Bouquets, Casa Di Novia, Color Palette Pink, Diane Aiello, Events by Show Stoppers, Flower girls, Fruit, Jenny Kim Couture, Jimmy Choo, Monique Lhuillier, Phyllis Lane Photographer, Scottsdale, Sedona Cake Couture, Southwich Linens, Succulents, The Country Club at DC Ranch, The Groove Merchants, Victoria Canada Weddings & Events, Wedding Designers & Planners, Wedding Flowers, Wildflower Linen
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance