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

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From Ariel Yve Design…The wedding of Karin and Roberto was an intimate family affair. The couple exchanged tearful vows on a sunny September afternoon in the lush wedding garden at the San Ysidro Ranch. The guests in attendance spanned 4 generations, and even included two of the couple’s adorable Jack Russell Terriers…Cricket and Rio.

Karin and Roberto originally fell in love with Santa Barbara on assignment as art directors for an editorial photo shoot many years ago. Both the bride and groom are quite accomplished in the Advertising/Marketing world, and both are fabulously creative. Roberto, the groom, took an active role throughout the planning process by employing his keen eye and graphic design talents…creating every single printed item for the wedding. He designed everything from the save the dates, to the custom wedding logo, to the invitation, the programs, menus, table numbers….and even an extraordinarily creative escort card idea that looked like a hotel registration book, but was a guide for the guests to find their seating assignments.

The bride’s sweet sentiment and southern style set the tone for the celebration. She wanted a classic color palette with pops of color for interest. From the very beginning, the couple wanted to create a gracious environment with an abundance of food, conversation and fun…and that is exactly what they got. Everyone in attendance truly had a phenomenal time…even the vendors! 

After guests dined on a bountiful buffet dinner of local and seasonal foods, (including the San Ysidro Ranch’s signature Prosciutto di Parma with four cheese mac and cheese) Roberto surprised the Karin with a serenade sung by a lively mariachi band.

Later in the evening as guests danced to the couple’s favorite mix of songs from the 80′s, the couple “cut” their cake. Well actually, they exchanged cake balls. Rather than a traditional tiered cake, Karin wanted to serve something that was popular from her hometown in Texas…a cake ball wedding cake display. Between dance sets, guests helped themselves to as many red velvet, chocolate truffle and strawberry champagne cake balls as their heart’s desired.

As the celebration came to a close, the party continued for the couple’s 40 guests in the hotel’s Angel and Plow lounge far into the wee hours of the morning. No one wanted the great conversations, festivities or memories of that magical night to come to an end.

Planning + Design: Ariel Yve Design / Wedding Cake: Vanilla Bake Shop / DJ: Goodbeat Productions / Floral Design: Modern Day Design / Invitations: The Groom, Roberto Saucedo / Hair: Sheila Raye Stone / Linens: La Tavola Linen / Make-up: Meghan McClain / Officiant: Reverend Jeff Holland / Wedding Photography: Megan Sorel Photography / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / Venue: San Ysidro Ranch

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Post tags: Ariel Yve Design, California Weddings, Classic Party Rentals, Goodbeat Productions, La Tavola Linen, Megan Sorel Photography, Meghan McClain, Modern Day Design, Roberto Saucedo, San Ysidro Ranch, Sheila Raye Stone, Vanilla Bake Shop
Post categories: Casual Elegance, The Blog

From Lavine Fox Events … Our couple – originally from Germany (Bride) and Beverly Hills (groom) currently live in Las Vegas and both hold quite prestigious jobs in the hotel industry.  Their event was a destination wedding.  With a bridesmaid’s spa & high tea get together at the home of the groom’s sister on Friday afternoon, to the rehearsal dinner at Il Cielo, and the brunch at the Beverly Hills Hotel on Sunday, it was a weekend of fun filled events, love and good friends and family.

The Wedding was a traditional Jewish ceremony performed by the Bride’s family Rabbi’s who were flown in from Las Vegas.
The ceremony took place in the lush garden of the Beverly Hills Hotel.  Nancy from Mark’s Garden as well as Alyson & Diane from Levine Fox Events, designed a traditional yet elegant setting for the ceremony to take place, using all ivory and white flowers.  The Chuppah also adorned a crystal chandelier which added a touch of glitz which the bride loved.  Classical music from the six piece string based group provided by West Coast Music filled the air as guests entered the garden. Ladies were handed pashminas in case they felt the chill of the February night air.  Guests were also asked to sign a special wine bottle with custom label for the bride and the groom (avid wine drinkers).

Once the ceremony was complete, guests were then escorted by hotel staff to the foyer of the Rodeo Ballroom.  There they were greeted by a color scheme of fuchsia floral and silver draped accents.  Upon entry to the foyer, guests collected their escort cards which laid upon three square tables at different heights with floral and glowing candle accents.  They then had a chance to view photos of the bride and grooms family, past and present from the display on the ancestor tables. Each family member was represented with their photo in an elegant jeweled frame with calligraphied card placed in front showing their relation to the bride and groom.  Guests dined on delicious passed hors d’oeurves, specialty passed drinks, and jazzy tunes from West Coast Music.

When the ballroom doors opened, everyone gasped.  Ooohs and Ahhhs were whispered to each other as everyone was escorted to their tables.  The colors or Red, Burgundy, Fuchsia & Black completely transformed this elegant yet simple room into a completely new environment.  The room was draped in red, with black tie backs on each side.  A proscenium and unique draping accents set the stage apart from the rest of the room.  A long oval head table made a grand statement with elegant chair covers donning over-sized roses, round booths around the perimeter of the room offered unique & comfortable seating and the rectangle tables throughout also gave a “hip” vibe to this unique layout.  A red applique of the bride & groom’s name and elegant lighting lit the beautiful glossy black dance floor.

Each centerpiece was a bit different, some high, some low all with use of “bling” accents.  Custom Personalized Menus were placed at each seat and each table number was embroidered onto dupioni silk fabric tent cards.  The wedding cake was complete with it’s own unique backdrop, specialty linens and floral cake stand.  Guests enjoyed a custom designed menu complete with amuse bouche, passed desserts, greasy,  late night snacks as well as a special birthday, champagne toast made from the groom to the bride at midnight.  The warm toasts, feelings of love, unique accents and incredible music filled this night and to this day our special couple and their parents still receive calls and notes about their night of magic.

Photography: John Solano Photography / Cinematography: BlueCat International / Flowers: Mark’s Garden / Event Design: Revelry Event Designers / Event Planning: Levine Fox Events / Ceremony Location: Beverly Hills Hotel Polo Garden / Reception Location: Beverly Hills Hotel Rodeo Room / Invitations: Lehr and Black / Cake: Vanilla Bake Shop / Lighting: Images by Lighting / Music: West Coast Music / Linens: Resource One

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Post tags: Beverly Hills, Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills Hotel Polo Garden, Beverly Hills Hotel Rodeo Room, BlueCat International, California, Candlelight Ceremony, Chandeliers, Chuppah, Color Palette Red Black Pink, Dogs, Images by Lighting, Jewish Wedding, John Solano Photography, Lehr and Black, Levine Fox Events, Mark's Garden, Nighttime Ceremony, Outdoor Ceremony, Resource One, Revelry Event Designers, Traditional Elegance, Vanilla Bake Shop, Wedding Cakes, Wedding Planners & Designers, West Coast Music
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance

My husband and I tried to make our wedding day a mix of both of our styles – vintage and modern.  I fell in love with Castle Green when we first visited, though I had to convince my husband a bit.  I loved that it was an old historical hotel and landmark.  I also liked that the grounds and rooms were so beautiful on their own that it wouldn’t need a whole lot of additional decoration.  It was the perfect spot because we could have the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception all in one location, and there was plenty of room for guests to roam.  I loved the gorgeous staircase, the old elevators, the elegant ballroom…each room was loaded with character.

For colors and theme, we went with a fairly monochrome theme – blacks, whites and grays.  Then we added pops of color with a mix of coral, orange and creme flowers.  In the end, instead of bringing in truly modern elements, we ended up going for an updated, modern version of a vintage look.  That meant the men wore slim-fit, modern suits with a throwback style cut and decor (pocket squares, tie clips, etc.).  And we used vintage silver pieces as table settings combined with updated white dishware, silver napkins and black linens.  Our florist used dusty miller, succulents, and gray ribbon to achieve that “modern vintage” theme.  The bridal party’s floral arrangements doubled as centerpieces, finding their way after the ceremony to the silver teapots, vases and buckets located on the reception tables.  Somewhere along the way, I became obsessed with vintage brooches and used those on the bridesmaids’ belts, the cake topper and the wraps for the flowers.

While the vintage theme was definitely reflective of my tastes and personality, we wanted to find a way to incorporate my husband’s wishes and style too.  He’s a big fan of “Mad Men”, which inspired the groomsmen suit choices.  And one of his favorite hobbies is photography, so he was really active in choosing our photographer, Gabriel Ryan.  In addition, we found a Groupon discount for Magnolia Photo Booth – which ended up being one of the big hits of the evening!  He also designed the table naming cards and menus, using photographs he’d taken of different cities we’ve both lived in and/or visited.

The day was amazing from start to finish, so it’s hard to pick a single most meaningful moment.  Instead, what was most meaningful to me is the love and support of family and friends throughout the day.  I paused several times to take it all in and enjoy the fact that all the people I love were there celebrating with us.

Wedding Planner: Kristeen LaBrot Events / Photography: Gabriel Ryan Photography / Cinematography: DP Weddings / Flowers: Fujiko’s Flowers / Venue: Castle Green / Invitations: Friend of the couple / Dress: Enzoani / Hair and Makeup: Design Visage / Desserts: Vanilla Bake Shop / Officiant: Friend of the couple / Caterer: Simply Elegant Catering / Photobooth: Magnolia Photobooth / Silver Rentals: Found

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Post tags: California, Castle Green, Classic Color Palette, Color Palette Black Grey White, Design Visage, DIY Invitations, DP Weddings, Enzoani, Found, Fujiko's Flowers, Gabriel Ryan Photography, Kristeen LaBrot Events, Magnolia PhotoBooth, Outdoor Ceremony, Outdoor Wedding, Pasadena, Simply Elegant Catering, Traditional Elegance, Vanilla Bake Shop, Vintage Chic, Wedding Cakes, Wedding Planners & Designers
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Traditional Elegance

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From the Bride… We envisioned our wedding day to be an intimate reflection of who we are as a couple, while incorporating all the things we both love…family, friends, the ocean, and great food!  We kept our style formal, yet comfortable.  Russell wore a light-colored suit rather than a tuxedo, while I wore a formal bridal gown that was warm, romantic, and whimsical.  We made sure to be surrounded by the colors we loved (burnt orange and navy blue), dreamy candlelight, and tons of details that reminded of us of the beach…starfish, seashells, Adirondack beach chairs, and touches of sand here and there.  We wanted our guests to have fun, feel spoiled, and party with no regard to time!  I think we were able to accomplish all of those things, we had an absolutely speculator night – one which we will never forget!

The moment I remember most is standing under our white chiffon covered altar on the beach, surrounded by our families, amazing flowers, looking into each other eyes, lost in our own world as we heard the waves crashing in the background.  It was a perfect way for us to start our lives together!

Wedding Photography: Shannon Renee Photography / Event Planning: Charley King of Bluebell Events / Floral Design: Debbie Fields of Floral Fields / Officiant: Reverend Clint Hufft / Wedding Ceremony + Reception Venue: The Sunset Restaurant / Lighting: Special Event Lighting / Rentals: Chiavari Chair Rental / Linens: La Tavola / Catering : The Sunset Restaurant / Wedding Cake: Vanilla Bake Shop / Hair + Make-up: Jana, Makeup & Hair Design / Wedding Dress: Galina Signature / Groom’s Attire: Banana Republic

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Post tags: Banana Republic, Bluebell Events, California Weddings, Chiavari Chair Rentals, Destination Wedding, Floral Fields, Galina Signature, La Tavola, Makeup & Hair Design, Malibu Beach, Reverend Clint Hufft, Shannon Renee Photography, Special Event Lighting, The Sunset Restaurant, Vanilla Bake Shop
Post categories: Destination, Destination Weddings

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From Hazelnut Photography… Catherine & Stefan wanted a modern & intimate wedding for their 48 guests and The Viceroy created the perfect clean backdrop.  It was important to them that this day was simple: one location, no bridal party, plenty of time for every portrait and an amazing evening of dancing & connecting with their closest family & friends.

They really wanted to let The Viceroy shine, it’s such an incredibly venue! So, they choose a palette of yellow & brown to accent the beautiful green design aesthetic of the space.  Every addition only pushed the whimsical, fun, clean & modern design that The Viceroy already provided!

Wedding Photography: Hazelnut Photography / Wedding Venue: Viceroy Santa Monica Hotel / Wedding Coordination & Event Design: My Bride Story Weddings & Events / Floral Design: Flower Allie / Wedding Cake: Vanilla Bake Shop / Favors: Sweet & Saucy Shop / Makeup: Nicole DeAnne Bridal Hair & Makeup / Wedding Invitations: Paisley Quill / DJ: LSM Entertainment / Wedding Dress: Justin Alexander / Bride’s Shoes: Stuart Weitzman

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Post tags: Bird Cages, Brown, CA, California, Etsy, Flower Allie, Green, hazelnut photography, Justin Alexander, LSM Entertainment, Modern, My Bride Story, My Sweet & Saucy, Nicole DeAnne Bridal Hair & Makeup, Outdoor Ceremony, Santa Monica, Southern California Wedding, Stuart Weitzman, Vanilla Bake Shop, Viceroy Santa Monica Hotel, Whimsical, White, Yellow
Post categories: Contemporary

Cake by our very own, Vanilla Bake Shop.

My husband proposed on January 15th, 2010. The entire holiday season leading up to the proposal, I must have thought he was going to propose at least a dozen times, and he definitely had some great opportunities. We went to Mammoth for a romantic ski weekend – no proposal; he had chosen my name for our family’s “secret santa” gift exchange – no proposal; we were alone for New Years Eve – no proposal … it goes on and on. After New Years Eve, I had completely let my guard down and stopped trying to predict when “it” was going to happen.

One week, my husband’s sister asked if I wanted to go with her to get a mani/pedi. Since we do this all the time, I thought absolutely nothing of it. After work that day, I  met my current sister-in-law at the nail salon. Little did I know, my husband was at our apartment the minute I left decorating the house with hundreds of candles and preparing to propose as soon as I got home. When I arrived, I walked into a beautiful proposal and to my husband wearing a tuxedo while I stood there dumbfounded in my favorite UCLA sweatpants complete with a good hole or two. On top of that, he presented to me a drop-dead gorgeous ring with a center stone that once belonged to his great-grandmother. I absolutely melted. It couldn’t have been more perfect!

The ceremony space drew us to the Luxe Sunset Boulevard. The olive trees in the courtyard are filled with beautiful twinkle lights and I knew our wedding ceremony would be at night. Also, as a wedding coordinator, I really want to have my wedding at a place that I hadn’t worked at before. I wanted it to be special to me on that day and this was the perfect place.

Photography: Michael and Anna Costa Photographers LTD / Cinematography: iMemory Films / Flowers: Peony & Plum / Event Design: Orange Blossom Special Events / Event Planning: Orange Blossom Special Events / Ceremony Location: The Luxe Sunset Boulevard / Reception Location: The Luxe Sunset Boulevard / Invitations: Papeterie / Dress: Cymbeline / Cake & Desserts: Vanilla Bake Shop & Sarah Schreckengaust / Bridesmaid’s Dress Designer: Bill Levkoff / Jewelry: Swarovski / Hair & Makeup: Emily Dawn Artistry / Chuppah: Happy Chuppah

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Post tags: Bill Levkoff, California, Cheeseburgers, Color Palette Orange Blue, Cymbeline, iMemory Films, Jewish, Los Angeles, Michael and Anna Costa Photographers LTD, Orange Blossom Special Events, Papeterie, Peony & Plum, Pizza, Swarovski, The Luxe Sunset Boulevard, Vanilla Bake Shop
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Wedding Planners & Designers

Being born and raised in Texas, I sometimes have to do a little bit of research before I can get started on a wedding feature. I’m well acquainted with Jenny at Alders Photography … we’ve seen many of her weddings get rave reviews on Style Me Pretty! But this wedding venue – Adriana & Gene’s downtown Los Angeles venue was new to me ~ Marvimon. What I learned is that it is a unique loft space defined by soaring ceilings and vintage brick. Originally built by an Italian race car driver as one of Los Angeles’ first automobile showrooms, Marvimon is that virtual oasis of delight for any couple craving a loft-style wedding space that’s modern and chic with just the right vintage ambiance!

Here’s a little bit about their day from their sweetheart of a photographer, Jenny Smith of Alders Photography … This was a fabulous wedding to photograph. Adriana & Gene spared no expense to pull together the best day ever. After getting ready at the Millenium Biltmore they chose to see each other before the ceremony to utilize the light since it was a November wedding. They took a limo to Olivera Street (the oldest street in Los Angeles) and Union Station for some romantic couple photos before joining their friends and family at the uber urban and wonderful Marvimon for their ceremony and reception. This wedding was unique in that it came a year and a half after the couple gave birth to their son, Nathan. He was a wonderful reminder of their love running around at the party.

Sweets from a couple more Little Black Book Sweethearts ~Amy & Jeremy Berman of The Vanilla Bake Shop. {See more of their creations in their online gallery!}

If you missed the first part of Adriana & Gene’s wedding feature, check back here. And ~ see more of the beautiful day on the Alders Photography Blog {here}!

Photographer: Alders Photography / Wedding Planner: Kevin Covey Weddings & Events /  Venue: Marvimon / Florist: Shirvan Design / Catering: Huntington Catering Co. / Cake: Vanilla Bake Shop / Valet: Jeffrey Valet / Photo Booth: Capital Photo Booth / Transpiration: Epic Limos / Hair & Make-up: Design Visage / Hotel: Millennium Biltmore / Linen & Rentals: Elegant Designs

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Post tags: Alders Photography, California Weddings, Capital Photo Booth, Design Visage, Elegant Designs, Epic Limos, Huntington Catering Company, Jeffrey Valet, Kevin Covey Weddings, Los Angeles, Marvimon, Millennium Biltmore, Shirvan Design, Vanilla Bake Shop
Post categories: Little Black Book Blog, Los Angeles Weddings, Wedding Photography