Noelle and David, together with Noelle’s family, planned an amazing affair of a wedding at the Park Hyatt Aviara, just north of San Diego.  Noelle and David opted not to see each other before the ceremony and spent the day at the Park Hyatt with their friends and family getting ready and anticipating!

John Reidy Photography captured these beautiful moments and Blush Botanicals arranged all the flowers.  Look at the girl’s adorable animal print shoes they wore under their formal navy dresses!

Because Noelle and David are Orthodox Christian, they were married off site at Saints Constantine and Helen Orthodox Church.  I had never been in the church and it was stunning.  We had four ring bearers, that each held elements of the Orthodox ceremony, and one perfect little 18-month old flower girl who flew down the aisle with her flower wand.  Notice the beautiful floral and greenery swag down the aisle and the large floral pieces that were then transferred to the reception as centerpieces on some of the tables (a great little trick for multi-use flowers)!

Because David is an avid surfer, we created an escort card display around a surfing theme.  Behind the display, we exhibited a surf map that shows surfing destinations around the world.  Then each escort card was attached to a miniature real wood surf board by it’s “leash” and displayed in a box of sand.  It was a fun, whimsical touch, to our otherwise very formal affair.  Below, see the display (for 300 guests!) and the vintage car that carried Noelle and David from the church to the Park Hyatt.

Inside the ballroom, it was pure magic!  The look was a mixture of gold and ivory/white with layers of texture and tone.  Our linens were a textured gold and ivory shimmer and a gold snake-skin, our napkins were a 3rd color of gold, the menus were customized gold and ivory, and the centerpieces were layers of ivory.  Crystals strung together the centerpieces on the long head table.  We employed the Park Hyatt to focus a pin spot light from the ceiling on each centerpiece so that they glowed, as guests entered the room.  We also rented a white dance floor and gold Chivari chairs from Classic Party Rentals and white lounge furniture, gold bride and groom chairs, and a custom white bar from Hire Elegance.  Add the abundance of candles and it was pure “wow.”

And for the party: amazing!  Noelle’s family is Palestinian, so after heartfelt toasts and first dances to That Vibe, a great variety band, we set the stage for a little cultural fun.  As soon as Noelle and David cut their cake and kissed, a thunderous boom began from behind them and in paraded a Middle Eastern live drummer with accompanying music.  David was carried on the shoulders of friends to the dance floor and everyone joined in the fun.  We also set up a beautiful display of Middle Eastern pastries in the foyer to add another personal family touch.

The band was hired until 10:30pm and then we had another fun transition.  I had one of my favorite DJ’s, J Soul, set up and waiting in the wings.  As soon as the band finished their last song and waved goodbye, we dropped the lights, and J turned on his electric display of dance floor lighting.  He kept the dance floor full for two more hours in a great “after party” type atmosphere.  We of course then had to add mini fish tacos and pizzas for a late night munchie display.

This wedding, with its authentic religious ceremony, gorgeous decor, and crazy fun crowd, was truly a momentous affair and I was honored and thrilled to be its coordinator and to get to know two amazing and lovely people in Noelle and David.