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Melanie + Efren’s Wedding, Admiral Kidd Club, San Diego

I am so thrilled to finally be able to share this wedding with you all as I’ve had to keep it under wraps until the Exquisite Weddings issue it is featured in hit stands; now that it’s out it is game on (more on the magazine feature in a later blog post). So without any further ado- I present Melanie and Efren’s absolutely stunning tropical-fusion wedding. This was a labor of love since they had such an exquisite and unique vision; we definitely stepped outside the typical wedding decor ‘box’ to make it something so special and completely representative of them. A huge shout out to LaVonne of Adorations Botanical Artistry for her floral brilliance- the woman is a complete visionary and SO much fun to work with. Her team definitely carried out Mel and Efren’s wildest dreams- and then some. And of course we have Crissy (of Christine Farah Photography) to thank for the gorgeous photographs; I could not imagine a better fit for the lovebirds. Her energy made the say even better than it already was. On with the show…

 

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You may ask- is this a dress? Or a work of art? Hard to tell, right? Oscar de la Renta makes my heart flutter.

 

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And yet more works of art- I seriously almost keeled over when I saw the bouquets and boutonnieres LaVonne created. I mean really? I have yet to see anything top these in their artistic nature and beauty.

 

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Pretty little details were in abundance that day.

 

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And the piéce de resistance- their custom dark bamboo altar arbor. It was super important for every element of the day to exude the same vibrant energy that Mel and Efren do as a couple; I think this amazing creation definitely fits the bill. The structure  featured a lush header of pavé style green spider mums, phalaenopsis orchids, and gloriosa lilies and to add to the whimsical nature- fully blossomed spider mums hanging from above. To die for! 

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The views of the bay were absolutely spectacular- across the water you can see downstown San Diego.

 

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Pure joy as they danced- literally- back down the aisle as husband and wife.

 

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Guests flew from as far as Japan to celebrate the occasion! The traditional kimonos these two women wore were gorgeous in their intricate detail and delicate fabrics.

 

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The guests sat at a mix of round and long rectangular tables, with three different centerpieces showcased throughout the room. My favorite was this particular design featuring gloriosa lillies in individual spheres, all piled into a tall glass cylinder- although they were all amazing in their own right.

 

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Mel and Efren’s first dance was definitely worthy of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ fame, and included a dramatic lift which the crowd (appropriately so) went WILD for.

 

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Japan and the country’s culture played a role in the couples relationship- so they appropriately gifted guests with  hand painted sake cups, and toasted with chilled sake at the beginning of the reception. Kampai!

 

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Everyone- and I do mean EVERYONE- danced the night away. I don’t think the dance floor was less than packed the entire night!

 

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The packed dance floor was definitely in big part due to the Disco Pimps who rocked the stage, complete with afros and 70’s attire.

 

A special thank you to the following fabulous vendors:

Christine Farah Photography
Young Video Productions
Adorations Botanical Artistry
Disco Pimps Band
Disco Friend
Higher Level Sound
Classic Party Rentals
Luxe Event Rentals
La Tavola Linen
Extraordinary Desserts
Broadway Booths
Pastor David Plank
Presidential Limo
Melinda Walker (hair)
Florence Pacho (make-up)
The team at the Admiral Kidd Club

Caroline + Giulio’s Seven Degrees Wedding, Revisited

There was so much I loved about Caroline and Giulio’s wedding; the fresh and modern design elements, the unique and visually stunning venue, oh- and of course, Caro and Giulio themselves! Here’s another look at their wedding held at Seven Degrees in Laguna Beach.

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Happy Anniversary, Ricarose + Brian

Ricarose and Brian’s wedding at Smogshoppe was unlike any other- and that was just the way they wanted it. Here’s wishing them a fabulous anniversary- no doubt they are celebrating in a way that is uniquely them.

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Jackie + Lee’s Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel Wedding

Jackie and Lee’s wedding was filled to the brim with all things pretty. Pretty bride and bridesmaids, pretty flowers and details, pretty location…pretty to the max. Times ten. I definitely loved every minute of the super fun day. Sarah (of Sarah K. Chen Photography) worked her photographic magic and the outcome was to be expected- brilliant. And pretty:)

 

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Summer in South Orange County- we are so lucky to live so close to the beach!  The birds-eye view from up at the ceremony site at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel definitely brings this to light.

 

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Jackie is definitely a girl after my own heart in both her shoe and floral preferences. These metallic gold Louboutin heels would look verrrrry nice in my closet!

 

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Her elegant and feminine Enzoani gown had the most delicate beading work- subtle but striking, all at the same time.

 

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To state the obvious- Jackie is gorgeous.

 

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I loved the bridesmaids’ sea foam colored dresses- so perfect for summer. In fact I loved the whole palette for the wedding; sea foam, ivory, touches of gold and light blush. A sophisticated twist on a summery feel.

 

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As a surprise to Lee, Jackie had her hair done up just before the ceremony. Since they chose to do a ‘first look’  before to get some pictures out of the way- she still wanted the element of surprise in some form for her walk down the aisle.

 

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After the ceremony they headed down to the beach for some more portraits- now as Mr. and Mrs.!

 

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The entire wedding party worked so hard to choreograph an absolutely adorable dance that they performed as a part of the grand entrance. Everyone LOVED it- such a hit and so much fun.

 

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A special thank you to the following fabulous vendors:

Sarah K. Chen Photography
Garner Films
Flower Allie
Atmosphere Entertainment (DJ and lighting)
Angelica Strings
EPod Events
Iwen Wang (hair and make-up)
Pastor Marshall Brown with Pacific Crossroads Church
And the lovely Holly and her incredible team at the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel

Tamara + Zev, to-be-wed

Tamara and Zev are getting married THIS coming weekend down in La Jolla (the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, to be exact!). I am so so so excited to see our almost-a-year of planning come to fruition. They have incredible taste and style, and let me tell you- this is going to be a wedding for the books! I can tell the stars are already aligned for an amazing day by the vendor team we have put together- including my dear friend Crissy (of Christine Farah Photography). Here’s a preview of the awesomeness that are my lovely East Coast couple, Tam and Zev, from their engagement session:

 

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Happy Anniversary, Anna + Johnny

Anna and Johnny’s wedding was a highlight of my year last year. They, along with all of their friends and family, were just so much fun. I really enjoyed planning their Santa Ynez Wine Country wedding at Gainey Vineyard with them. And lucky for me- our paths have crossed since then (at Jaclyn and James’ wedding, to be exact). I know without a doubt that they are doing something fun to celebrate today!

 

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Happy Anniversary, Angela + Tom

Angela and Tom’s wedding was truly unique; seeing as it was chalk full of cultural elements and personal details, how could it not be? The location added to the one-of-a-kind experience, being that Rancho Las Lomas is, by definition, one-of-a-kind. Here’s wishing them a fabulous Anniversary!

 

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Sarvenaz + Kevin: The Movie

I love how video footage from a wedding can bring memories right back to life. There’s nothing like hearing the laughter, experiencing the excitement, and seeing things you may not have caught the day of to really put you right back in the moment with your heart full of love and happiness. Weddings by SML did an awesome job with Sarvenaz and Kevin’s wedding trailer- he truly captured the energy of the day. I especially enjoyed seeing how in the moment Sarv was throughout the entire day. She was just so overjoyed and it was completely contagious! Enjoy the movie:)