As a California native, when I think of the classiest of the classy, here in Southern California, I think of the Ritz Carlton in Laguna Nigel. That’s where Jessica and Andrew decided to hold their wedding and it was so fun to be part of their special day. Jessica wanted to use a mixture of blush pinks and ivories with silver accents to create a very soft and romantic look. She also wanted to mix in playful accents to lighten the mood–starting with these fantastic balloons! Love these photos by the always amazing Sara France Photography!
The ceremony was held outside on the Ritz’ grassy lawn that overlooks the beach and surf below. It was a stunning day in May with not a hint of grey! For the recessional, Jessica and Andrew had found these fantastic confetti wands and their guests showered them as they exited. The bottom photo by Sara France is one of my new absolute favorites. So gorgeous!
After the ceremony, Jessica and Andrew headed to the beach with their wedding party for more photos. Aren’t the colors amazing? And Jessica and Andrew make a stunning couple. Notice Jessica’s dress–it’s the first of three she’ll wear throughout the evening!
Cocktails took place on a terrace overlooking the ocean and then dinner and dancing occurred in this beautiful ballroom. The crystal chandeliers were a perfect backdrop to the crystal centerpieces. As a nod to their Chinese heritage, silver fortune cookies with thank you notes were set at each place setting. Also notice the custom menus and table numbers in Jessica’s color palette and how they so nicely bring all the details together.
Not only was the decor gorgeous, but the party was a blast! During dinner, Chinese Dragon Dancers entertained the guests (and created a stir in the entire hotel). They were amazing! Notice Jessica’s beautiful Chinese dress for dinner. Following dinner, DJ Andy Hagenah kept the dance floor full and Jessica changed into her third beautiful ensemble–a simpler “after party” style dress.
What an amazing affair! It was such a thrill and an honor to coordinate such a beautiful wedding! And working with such amazing clients was a total treat!
Wedding at the Ritz Carlton in Dana Point, CA
An Intimately Grande Affair
Amanda and Mike, exchanged their wedding vows at the historical Grande Colonial Hotel in the heart of La Jolla, CA. Having only twenty-six guests attending the wedding, the Grande Colonial was the perfect choice. There is no venue I love more for an intimate weddings. The hotel has a wonderful mix of old world elegance and modern flair, and when mixed with the location in the heart of the village, the incredibly gracious staff, and world class food (9-10 restaurant provides the multiple course meals served at all of the Grand Colonial’s events), an experience there is unmatchable. Amanda came to me just three months before the proposed wedding date and it was a true pleasure to assist her in planning every aspect of her wedding day. Sara France Photography captured the wedding beautifully. And Amanda was, as always, stunning.
Shown above, on Amanda’s left shoulder is a tattoo of a pink pixie and “Malinda” in Old-English text. Malinda was Amanda’s grandmother – a woman she adored. Notice how the tatoo and flowers perfectly match!
The ceremony took place just outside the lobby on the terrace steps, with peak ocean views of the La Jolla Cove below. Patti of Thistle Dew created all of the floral decor. Amanda wanted to use a mixture of purples and ivories and create a romantic and dramatic look. Cocktails took place in the terrace and by the fireplace in the lobby, and the reception took place in the intimate and beautiful La Jolla room. We created one long table for all the guests and placed Amanda and Mike in the center. To create atmosphere and energy, a live pianist entertained throughout the evening. But the four-course meal and personal toasts were all the entertainment truly needed. It was a very sweet affair!
The in-house pastry chef from the Grande Colonial provided the cake and I think it is the best wedding cake I have yet tasted! I was so surprised! The hotel bills their pastry chef as only providing “simple cakes” so all my previous clients there have brought theirs in. Never again! I want Grand Colonial wedding cake from now on! Thank you, as always, to the Grande Colonial for such a wonderful event.
Cynthia Zatkin Events 