{real wedding} lindsay + kier's la rooftop wedding

After seeing Lindsay + Kier's wedding I was convinced that more couples should have a rooftop wedding and with the city skyline as a backdrop makes it more memorable.  Lindsay was kind enough to share a bit about her day and offers some great advice to brides-to-be.  "Kier and I fell in love with the Oviatt, and the very cool backdrop of downtown Los Angeles city lights.  Wanting to keep the wedding rather small and intimate, this venue was perfect. Like most brides, I wanted everything to be DIY. I felt like I could make pretty much everything I saw, plus I could make it my way, and it was more meaningful.  I kept a scrapbook of tears of anything that inspired me.  I looked through tons of DIY blogs."

"Because the venue was built in the 1920s, it was an easy decision to go with an art deco theme. I designed and made the invitations, the menu cards, the ceremony programs, table numbers, escort cards, signage and garter.  My sister made all the boutonnieres, bridesmaid's hair pieces, my hair piece, and together with our friend Jeff, made the cute cake toppers.  Even though I had a pretty long engagement of 1 1/2 years, I was still up every night until 2 am the week of the wedding putting together everything.  My only regret was not hiring a wedding coordinator.  Everything pulled together fine and worked out, but having one would have meant a lot less stress the week and day of the wedding.  Also, there was no one in my corner when it came to dealing with the caterer/venue owner, who was not the easiest to work with.  My advice - hire a coordinator!"

 

  

 

{Photography}  Jen Lauren Grant  /  {Cinematography} Jonathan Beltran  / {Venue} Oviatt Penthouse

{Hair/Make up} Sarah Jane Makeup /  {Cake} Jamaica's Cakes  /  {Caterer} Truly Yours Catering

{Music}  Elevated Pulse Productions  /  {Dress} Vera Wang  /  {Shoes} Pour La Victoire

{Jewelry} Nadri  /  {Veil} handmade by the bride’s sister  / {Groom’s Attire} Theory

{Flowers} Commerce Flowers  /  {Officiate} Rev. Grace Lovejoy

{real wedding} sarah + aaron's vineyard wedding

Heaven knows I love a good outdoor wedding and this one that was submitted by Steph Fowler is no exception. The fact that the reception took place at vineyard makes it even sweeter.  Here's what Laura, the bride's sister/coordinator/ flower designer had to say about Sarah + Aaron's wedding... "My sister Sarah, and her fiance Aaron were engaged at sunset high atop a hill overlooking the vineyard, winery and ranch in which Sarah grew up on and is now the assistant wine maker. It was only natural that she and Aaron begin their lives together at the place that held such meaning and natural beauty.”

“The couple decided to marry at the historic chapel at the entrance to the ranch. Sarah was baptized at this chapel and has attended mass here every Sunday with her large family her entire life. Family and nature were definitely two themes that intertwined throughout the special day. The bridal party was made up of brothers and sisters.”

“The reception took place at the winery, a few steps from the bride's childhood home. The florals were inspired by natural beauty found in the vineyard and on the ranch. The succulents used in the bouquets, centerpieces and Sarah's hair were grown by Sarah and her mother.The food and drink were local; Santa Maria style BBQ was served family style, the wine was ranch made, the champagne made especially for the couple by a fabulous winemaker friend.” 

“The couple did not want the many children in attendance to be left out, so a special area was set up for them (complete with hot-dogs, watermelon, crayons and candy). A longtime family friend and popular local artist, rocked out all night with his blues band. For both families and all their friends, it was definitely a magical evening filled with laughter, natural beauty, easy-going elegance and of course the palpable love of Sarah and Aaron!"

{Photographer} Steph Fowler 

{Flowers and Coordinator} LJ Floral Design 

{Chapel} The San Ramon Chapel

{Family winery} Rancho Sisquoc Winery

{shoot} eucalyptus bride

I’m completely smitten when I found this sweet bridal shoot in my inbox.  I love the earthy, handmade feel of it.  Shot in an empty field in Rancho Cucamonga, the bride thrift store ensemble cost a total of $7!! Dried eucalyptus made its way in her pretty handmade headband and bouquet. The homemade apple-cinnamon cake was also adorned with the dried eucalyptus leaves for a unique topper.

{Photography} Marissa K. Photography

{Location} Empty field in Rancho Cucamonga, California

{Event Designer, Make up & Flower bouquet} Marissa Andronicos

{Cake} Marissa Andronicos & Grayson Andronicos 

{Dress, shoes, and belt} Thrift store

{Hair Accessories} Handmade by Britney Evans

{engagement} erica + joel

I just love cute e-sessions, don’t you? I was so excited to see this one in my inbox a few days ago.  For their engagement shoot Erica + Joel incorporated elements from their first date, a drive-in movie where they saw the adorable flick UP! 

{Photography} Jeff Wallace Photography