Real Wedding: Alissa and Ryan, IV

Whenever Lisa at Oh How Charming! sends me a wedding that she’s designed…it quickly becomes an obsession. I’m not sure whether she was born with this ridiculous talent or she’s honed it along the way but whatever the case, my girl crush on Lisa is getting a little bit crazy. And together with Jose Villa and Mindy Rice…well, what can I possibly say that will give them the hip-hip-hooray that they deserve!?

From LisaBarker Decor created two long feasting tables in an “L” formation for an informal “European” dining experience. Ryan worked with the San Ysidro Ranch to create an awesome tasting menu that we served on mixed patterns of Vietri china rented from Tabella. For our flooring, we used antique rugs from our friend Shaw at Summerland Oriental Rugs (who has the most fabulous collection of antique rugs) with newer rugs. We layered them in a perfectly haphazard fashion that was just gorgeous.

Along the tables, we had custom brushed velvet runners made. The chairs were accented with a “mud” colored cushion from La Tavola that were the perfect complement to our velvet runners. On each chair, we hand tied a collection of muted ribbons to create a “carwash” effect. The ribbons flowing in the wind were so beautiful on all the chairs lined up at the dinner table. In the tree adjacent to the dinner tables, we hung industrial chandeliers with the old “Thomas Edison” bulbs. We wanted to hang one of the chandeliers above the cake table as well – but there were no rigging points — so Barker Decor magically built a custom tree for us so we would have a rigging point! It was amazing. No one knew it wasn’t real!

Other beautiful details on the tables were the hand painted menus from Yellow Owl. Christine and Evan at Yellow Owl are another pair of creative geniuses. It was my first time working with them – and it was such a treat! Christine has an amazing ability to listen to a client and literally do an artistic translation of them. With just a few adjectives and a short conversation – she can create individual pieces of art for clients. It’s amazing to witness.

to see the full gallery, click here!