Amy & Mina

I met Amy and Mina after they were referred to me by my previous fantastic clients, Tad and Tammy (big thanks to Tammy and Tad)! Amy and Mina wanted to throw an outdoor wedding in a venue with a vintage vibe somewhere in San Diego and preferably in La Jolla.  I immediately thought of the Darlington House.  It’s definitely vintage California in style and a true gem.

Amy wanted to create a garden style wedding with vibrant colors, mixing turquoise and pink and yellow.  We started working with florists Chris and Kim of Indulge Weddings and quickly decided that all of the turquoise should be in our glassware and accents and that our flowers should be a mixture of yellows and pinks.  We also chose a fuchsia pink for the bridesmaids dresses and accented with a turquoise hutch.  The hutch first held our luggage tag escort cards (created by the ever fabulous Nic Roc Designs, mixing yellow, pink, and turquoise font on the white tags) and later held our Middle Eastern dessert display (a nod to Mina’s heritage). 

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Above and below: we mixed fuchsia and turquoise into the attire and the flowers and everyone looked so beautiful!

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Below, the ceremony at the Darlington House.  We draped the gate and adorned it with flowers to make it a focal point for the ceremony.

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Below, some of our vintage travel details.  The wedding was considered a destination wedding as only the groom and some of his friends live in San Diego.  Both of their families and the bride and the majority of their friends all descended on La Jolla for the wedding week.  The bride and groom have also done a significant amount of traveling together and we felt a few vintage travel details were a great accent!

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Since we were going “garden” in our motif, I thought we should bring in vibrant patterned linens and of course went to La Tavola to make that happen.  We used a striped linen on the head table and a floral linen,  in similar colors,  on the guest tables.  It’s rare to be able to use a linen that is this “busy” but it was perfect for outdoors. Notice below how the two different linens compliment each other perfectly.  Then we added a yellow napkins and turquoise glassware and it was perfect.  We also mixed the fuchsia and turquoise throughout our paper products in the menus, table numbers, and escort cards.

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Continental Catering provided the amazing food and beverages, Classic Party Rentals the chairs, tables, and market lights, and the always impressive True Photography captured the day.  As the day faded to night, the market lights added a perfect twinkle. And of course, then there was dancing!

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Steal this idea:

If you are throwing an outdoor wedding, don’t be afraid to use lots of color–especially in a vibrant garden atmosphere.  Also, not every color has to be used in the florals. Maybe it works to use one color in your glassware and another in your flowers.  and maybe your linens mix all the colors or just pick up the tones from the flowers.  And don’t be afraid to mix your patterns and textures, as long as they are all the same color scheme.  We used different linens for the cocktail hour, for the guest tables, for the head table, and for the cake table in just variations of the same colors and it looked amazing!  Happy planning!

 

Noelle and David-A Park Hyatt Aviara Wedding

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!

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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!

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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)!

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

Sara & Brian: A Nautical Wedding at the Catamaran Resort, San Diego

Sara and Brian planned a beautiful nautical-themed wedding at the Catamaran Resort and Spa in San Diego, CA. I actually knew the bride, Sara, when we were in grade school (La Jolla Bobby Socks!) so it was super fun to reconnect with her and make her wedding day amazing! The Catamaran Resort is situated on the San Diego Bay and therefore provided a perfect backdrop for their upscale beachy motif.  Navy and white stripes, accented by bright pink tones, wove throughout the decor–from the invitations, to the linens, to the stripes on the men’s ties (and awesome argyle socks!).  Sara’s attire of lace and pearls added a touch of formality to the affair.  I think decorating in nautical is a great way to go “beachy” while still adding class.  And this wedding was definitely all class!

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Above: Sara’s “something blue” in her shoes and earings, the cute and creative garter she wore, and the gentlemen getting ready for the big moment!

Below: I adore the gentlemen’s attire!  The tan linen suits are perfectly complimented by the bright navy and pink ties (and of course, the socks)!

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Below: the beautiful couple and the ceremony, facing the bay.  Sara’s mom came up with the idea of the baskets to decorate the aisle.  I LOVED it!  My team then transferred them to the railing that framed the outdoor balcony adjacent to the ballroom.

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Below: our gorgeous cake, invitations, and nautical ballroom!  Sara chose a light wood chivari chair to complement the beachy driftwood look of the centerpieces.  My team hung candles and table numbers from the arms of the wood.  The delicate pattern of the cake with the pink and ivory flowers was perfect!  And the invitation wonderfully announced the theme well in advance.

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Below: Sara and Brian share their first dance.  A perfect moment for a perfect couple!  And special thanks to Shannon of Studio Carre for the amazing photos!

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A La Valencia Wedding-Debi & Scott

Debi & Scott planned a destination wedding at the La Valencia in La Jolla, CA–one of my absolute favorite venues!  It’s landmark pink color and history of old Hollywood stars vacationing there gives it a warmth and charm that is hard to be matched in San Diego.  I love the nostalgic atmosphere of the hotel as well as the more modern interior and high emphasis on first class food and wine.  I love these opening photos of Debi and Scott, captured by True Photography.  The La V (as we locals call it) sits atop the famous La Jolla Cove and these fantastic green huts line the ocean walkway.Debi & Scott, both being from Jewish families, wove many elements of their faith into their wedding day.  They created their chuppah by combining the prayer shawls they each received at their respective bat and bar mitzvas.  They also did a traditional Ketubah signing before the ceremony and in the ceremony incorporated the elements of the wine, broken glass, and circling each other (they both circled each other as a modern take on the older tradition).  Following the ceremony, they spent a few minutes alone together before they jaunted off for more photos and to join the party.  Since my own father and his family are Jewish, I love coordinating Jewish weddings and really enjoy seeing the traditions woven in.
The ceremony took place in the Garden Terrace (with views of the pacific), cocktails in the front patio, and dinner and dancing in the Verandah Ballroom (also with views of the ocean).  Since the wedding was a destination event, Debi and Scott planned a simple decor.  They used the La V’s own white linens and brought in gold Chivari chairs and chargers, custom menus, lots of votive candles, and simple white centerpieces.  The food and alcohol and the location were their highest priorities.  I thought their look was simple but formal and lovely and they did a really nice job creating their vision.  Debi and Scott also added in some fun elements of a gorgeous dessert display created by the amazing Michele Coulon, a sundae bar with baseball hat bowls from their favorite teams, and to-go boxes with little sweets as a parting favor. The party itself was also a ton of fun with lots of dancing (thanks to Tim Altbaum Productions) and a huge hora to start off the night.  It was a wonderful wedding and we at CZ Events were thrilled to be involved with it. 

A Prado Wedding: Karen & Eddie

When Karen and Eddie came to me and said they were planning a wedding at the Prado, located in Balboa Park, a historic arts center in San Diego, CA, I was thrilled.  I adore the Prado!  I love the ballroom’s real hard wood floors, authentic wood stage, and decorative ceiling.  Their ceremony by their wishing well and cocktails in the courtyard around a Spanish style fountain make the entire venue a wonderful place to get married.  Plus, the photographic backdrops Balboa Park, in general, has to offer are perfect for creating amazing wedding day mementos.

For colors, Karen told me she wanted to use lavender and peacock blue-green.  She let her bridesmaids all choose their own lavender dresses and then Chris, of Indulge Flowers, created beautiful lavender and white bouquets to compliment them.  We also decided that the gentlemen should have real lavender in their boutenierres–for color and for aroma!  Both Eddie and Karen love the lavender plant, itself, and really wanted real lavender woven into their floral arrangements.

For the ceremony, Chris created a simple bucket of overflowing purple and white flowers in a variety of tones and hung it from the wishing well.  For the cocktail hour, we decided to put together a hanging screen of seating cards in purple, lavender, and peacock colors as our focal point.  Chris made the screens out of old window frames and burlap and it looked amazing!  Chris added buckets of lavender flowers at the base of the screen for more color and texture.

For the reception, Karen fell in love with a blue-green swirl linen from La Tavola linens but to outfit all of her tables in that linen would have been out of her budget.  We decided to therefore use it on the head table, cocktail table, and a few additional accent tables (ceremony welcome table and cocktail hour photo display table) and then use a much less expensive linen, in the same tone, on the rest of the tables.  Karen literally saved $100’s of dollars by making this choice and the look was gorgeous.  La Tavola carries a basic line of linens that are still made of a really nice, solid material and comes in a ton of colors.  I just found one that matched the swirl linen best and we were in business.  Chris then topped the tables with beautiful blue-green and gold candelabras with a mixture of white, purple, and lavender tones for a stunning look.  Finally, we added the Prado’s gold chivari chairs, gold chargers, and pin spot lights on all the tables and the room was breathtaking.  I am a huge fan of well-placed lighting and personally prefer pin-spots over uplighting along the perimeter.  I love how pin spots make the tables and centerpieces glow.

Eddie and Karen didn’t have a huge budget but by making a few good choices, they were able to create the wedding of their dreams. They chose to get married on a Friday which gave them a smaller food and beverage minimum (but at the venue they truly wanted), they chose to host most of the alcohol but not all of it, and they were open about their budget with me so that I could guide them and do research for them to ensure we stayed within it. And for me, they chose to book me for month of services plus hourly consultation along the way–which is a great way to get a full service type package on a smaller budget. And I was definitely happy to assist them in creating such a gorgeous wedding with what they wanted to spend. And to top it off, I don’t think there could be two nicer people than Karen and Eddie. It was such a pleasure to work with them! Special thanks to Eddie Garcia of E3 photography for the great photos!

Adrienne & Ben: A Heritage Park Wedding, San Diego

Adrienne and Ben met with me about a year before their wedding and said they wanted to plan a fun, outdoor wedding with a tent and lawn games and a food truck for a caterer!  What fun!  I was immediately excited about their vision and thrilled to work with them.  The problem was they really wanted to get married at Balboa Park but couldn’t find the right venue there to fit their vision.  I adore Balboa Park but it does fit more of a ballroom or museum style event, rather than a tent and lawn games.  I suggested they consider Heritage Park, just south of Old Town on a hill, and still close to Balboa Park.  I suggested they go to Balboa Park for photos before the ceremony and they loved the idea.  Heritage Park has a huge green grassy field and they allow tents and alcohol on site.  The only constraint is that events have to end an hour after sunset, but in the heart of the summer, that’s 9pm!  Adrienne and Ben decided they would designate a friend’s restaurant as the after party venue and we began to plan!Adrienne wanted to a natural yet slightly nostalgic look for the wedding and chose to let her bridesmaids pick their own dress in a burlap hue.  The look adds texture and style and is a great idea!  For the gentlemen, Adrienne chose dark pants, suspenders, and ties in different bright colors.  The mixture of similar yet different adds interest to the look while still being pulled together.  Love it!  Also notice the bright bouquet Adrienne chose to further add some color.  For the ceremony, Adrienne and Ben used the standing gazebo as their chuppah and added a prayer shawl to the underneath side of it, to work with Jewish tradition.

Below, some of the fabulous photos at Balboa Park taken by True Photography.  Adrienne and Ben did what is called a “first look” prior to their ceremony–a special moment of seeking each other for the first time with only their photographer present–and then took photos with their wedding party.  As long as a couple is comfortable with it, I definitely recommend doing a first look and taking photos before the ceremony as once it begins, things move quickly and it’s hard to take the time to get photos like these.  And the below photos are clearly the ones the couple will frame and forever savor!For the reception, Adrienne wanted a very natural, outdoor look, with white linens, burlap table runners, dark wood chairs, and a bright mix of wildflowers for centerpieces.   Blush Botanicals provided the runners and all the decor.  They were the perfect company for this kind of look!  Since a food truck was going to cater the event (the fantastic Curiocity) and would provide biodegradable plates as they served from the truck, we set the tables with a very simple design: napkin, champagne glass, fork, knife, and cute retro lollipop for color.  The wedding party actually popped and poured the champagne as part of the grand entrance!  Curiocity set a cheese display for the cocktail hour and a simple bar of beer and wine the couple had purchased, and then my team switched the appetizer table to a dessert display with fantastic sweets provided by CAKE.Following dinner, J of J Soul Productions, one of my favorite DJ’s, invited Adrienne and Ben to do their first dance on a small dance floor outside the tent and then encouraged the entire crowd to join in the hora afterwards.  Adrienne and Ben purposely kept the dance floor small, in case the lawn games were more of a hit, but found that all their guests danced away to DJ J and took over all the grass adjacent!  Everyone danced until we had to end at 9pm.  It was a perfect event!  So fun and SO Adrienne and Ben!  My team loved being part of it!

Wedding at the Ritz Carlton in Dana Point, CA

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!

Table Top Design for Exquisite Weddings Magazine 2012

We were so excited to be asked by Exquisite Weddings Magazine to design a tabletop for their next print issue and are thrilled to share the photos here!  We were pared with the amazing Blush Botanicals–two girls we totally heart–and invited Nic Roc Design (paper products) and Hall Vintage to be involved as well.  La Tavola provided the beautiful linen and the Hilton on Mission Bay provided the back drop!  We wanted to create something with a little bit of whimsy and we love the result!  Our palatte included different shades of light pink and ivory with a dash of dark blue.  If I were creating this for a real wedding, I would put the bridesmaids in dark blue and the groomsmen in a grey-blue suit with pink and ivory ties.Cute signs by Nic Roc and look at the sweet little favors created by Cake Ball Love.Hall Vintage provided the wood chairs as well as all the glassware, flatware, and china.  Nic Roc did the menus and stir sticks.  We added signature “Mr.” and “Mrs.” drinks in our color palatte of pink and dark blue.  We liked adding the mustaches and lips for that look of whimsy.  We’re so happy with how it all turned out!  Look for the current issue of Exquisitite Weddings Magazine on newstands to see the full spread!  And thanks to Studio Carre Photography for the beautiful pictures!

Rustic Vintage Romance: Inn at Rancho Santa Fe

Erin and Jason created a perfect “patina of age” vintage wedding–using all things chipped, scratched, faded, or rusted to create a wonderfully nostalgic decor.  The motif was so sweet and the couple equally darling! The Inn at Ranch Santa Fe offered the perfect backdrop for the wedding, with its early California style architecture and outdoor setting. As can really only be done in S. Cal in October, they held the entire wedding outdoors. 

The ceremony occurred underneath a huge old oak tree that Blush Botanicals strung with ribbons.  The ribbons wafting in the breeze throughout the ceremony were dramatic!  Erin & Jason asked guests to write them sweet wishes that were placed in a vintage birdcage.  A rusted tin held the programs.  Notice, also, the succulents in Erin’s bouquet that added to the rustic feel.

Following the ceremony, the cocktail hour occurred on an adjacent terrace and lawn.  Erin and Jason created signature “Mr.” and “Mrs.” drinks that were tray-passed with either pink or grey and white striped straws.  During the cocktail hour, guests (and particularly the children!) played croquet on the lawn.  Michael Tiernan entertained with his fantastic singer-songwriter style.  It was a perfect October day with the Santa Ana winds lightly blowing to keep the temperature warm into the evening.

As the sun began to set, guests were invited to move to a third lawn where twinkle lights zig-zagged and the pink, ivory, burlap, and gold decor created a perfectly romantic feel.  Erin and Jason also put together two seating areas with vintage furniture for their guests to enjoy–with one having a camera and tripod to take photo keepsakes.  The Kicks band kept the dance floor full and guests dined on the Inn’s amazing food and special miniature sweets and cupcakes made by a family friend.  Special thanks to Joie La La Photography for so beautifully capturing this amazing wedding!

Steal This Idea:

Burlap. Ribbons. Rust. And Yarn. Oh my! These four elements, are the main ingredients often used to create a rustic wedding. Whether it’s hanging from a tree, mantle, or wrapped around bottles and vases, these keynotes create the pure vintage package.   And the best vintage items are the ones that are found.  Erin scoured her own family’s attics for old candle sticks, frames, books, tin containers, and even a radio flyer wagon which she incorporated into her decor.  The best vintage is found vintage for sure!  If you can add to your own family’s memories and pull out old photos or favorite vintage pieces to display, it will add a personal touch that honors your family in a very sweet way!

Journey of Love: A Prado Wedding

The Prado at Balboa Park is truly one of my favorite San Diego wedding venues. The Spanish style architecture of the Prado and surrounding museums makes the entire area a wonderful backdrop for any wedding–and offers such amazing photographic backdrops!  I definitely have a love affair with Balboa Park for weddings!   Katy & Dan fell in love with the Prado from the moment they saw it and decided it was the perfect place for their San Diego wedding!  They decided to begin their day with their ceremony at less known part of Balboa Park, the Administration Courtyard Lawn.  It is a large, secluded area (which present writer happens to love since she also got married there!) just across Park Blvd from Balboa Park proper. 

Katy chose yellows, whites, and purples for her wedding colors.  The bridesmaids wore purple dresses and carried yellow and white flowers.  Katy loved that contrast!  For the rest of the ceremony, we opted for yellows and whites alone.  We decided those perfectly created a garden look.  Then for the more dramatic Prado reception, we brought in lots of purples and accented it with gold.  The look created was rich and dramatic.  Katy and Dan also decided to bring in a touch of an old world travel theme.  Dan had been in the military and had traveled for much of their courtship.  Instead of sending emails, the two of them wrote actual letters to each other througout his stints away.  Those letters, and all the places they traveled around the globe, inspired our decor.  Luggage tag seating cards led guests to their tables and additional tags, hung on each chair, assisted guests in finding their seats.  Pink Star Design created these and postcard table numbers, featuring vintage sketches of places Dan had been or favorite spots the couple had traveled to together.

We also used tons of candles and vintage suitcases to add to the romantic setting and old world sense.   And for all the children, the mother-of-the-bride set little suitcases at each of the place settings filled with crayons, stickers, and other treats. This idea is a really fun way to keep children entertained during a reception and to help them feel special! 
 
“To get the full value of joy, you must have someone to divide it with.”–Mark Twain. Katy & Dan definitely reached the full value of joy!