DESTINATION: TECH SAVVY WEDDINGS

WhatsApp. Facetime. Skype. Who knew that modern-day technology would find itself elevating modern-day destination weddings.

My team was elated to work alongside Nahid Global Events to design a grand multi-day wedding celebration for Pav and Akal at the gorgeous Ritz Carlton in Orange County, which is known for its luxurious five-star rating and sweeping panoramic views of the coast. With five back-to-back events to plan for this couple, we knew there could be challenges, being that the bride and groom to-be lived halfway across the world in India. I am a firm believer in establishing a solid relationship with my couples to guide them through the design process, so this was a job for the world wide web.

ENTER THE APP STORE.

After meeting the couple and their family briefly during their initial site visit and planning trip, we decided to communicate via WhatsApp, which conveniently translates languages, to share inspirational images and video samples from India. This was a game changer to help us connect despite any language barrier. We took it one step further and began sharing a design deck of color palettes I created. I uploaded it to Google Slides to share with them for comment, collaboration; it was a transcontinental conversation. Our meetings occurred over Facetime, naturally.

We had five events to execute for the 3-day wedding weekend, including:

1.    Welcome dinner at Club 19 at the Monarch Beach Resort (formerly the St. Regis Monarch Beach) on Friday evening.

2.    Mehndi Luncheon on Saturday morning on the lawn at the Ritz Carlton.

3.    Sangeet at the Ritz on Saturday night.

4.    Ceremony at the Ritz on Sunday afternoon.

5.    Reception in the Pacific Promenade, following the ceremony.

Each event had its own design scheme.  We started with the welcome dinner for 70 guests and created all the tabletop centerpieces and arrangements for the food stations. The Mehndi luncheon was a slightly bigger event, up to 125 guests, where we installed hanging strands of marigolds as well as large floral pieces  to the outdoor buffet and tent lounges. Those were interwoven with all the tabletop decor designed in eccentric bud vases, interweaving fresh florals and paper flowers.

The Sangeet celebration was a grand affair in rich jewel tones with tall lanterns and candelabras embellished with floral centerpieces in deep burgundy and gold shades.

For the official wedding day, we designed an elaborately lush mandap framed in an array of ivory and pantone-approved coral roses mixed with specialty eucalyptus, and Phalaenopsis orchids in 4-column tiebacks. We included two front arrangements leading up into the mandap to balance out the blooms. Then the reception was yet another showstopper. It featured a candlelight backdrop draped in orchids with a textured blue and gold linen from BBJ that became the foundation for the sea of white floral table runners and globed centerpieces, with warm, romantic candle lighting all around.

It really came as no surprise when we saw this elaborate 3-day affair featured in DESTINATION: I DO Magazine. It was quite a prize to see that press because we put so much into making Pav and Akal’s destination wedding a dream come true for them. And we have to thank the power of technology for seeing this one through from start to finish.

Plus, of course, this wonderful team of vendors:

Photographer: Duke Images. Wedding Planner: Nahid’s Global Events. Florist: Adorations Botanical. Hair: Hair by Rami Haddad. Bridal Makeup: Dolled up by Lulu. Makeup: Makeup by Souad and Makeup by Samia. Mehndi Artist: Henna San Diego. Stationery: Calligraphy Katrina. Videography: Russell John Films. Linens: BBJ Linen. DJ, Lighting and Ceremony Music: Special Occasions. Chairs: Chiavari Chair Rentals. Rentals: Hire Elegance and SYNX Events. Catering: Monsoon Catering and Natraj. Bar Service: Hello Barman. Photo Booth: The Foto Box. Dance Floor: Platinum Pro. Carpeting and Mandap: NFP Events. Event Venue: The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Paper Flowers: Paper Ave.

eDESTINATION WEDDING PLANNING … FROM AFAR

Renita & Martin

How do you plan a wedding from afar? The thought of a DESTINATION can seem like so much work, but for Londoners, Renita and Martin, the process crossing the pond (and the country) was seamless. 

This wedding celebration was extra special as our bride was Indian American but her Groom, not from the United States, so highlighting both cultures was very important to personalize this couple’s special day.

Melissa Robles from Styling Starts Here had produced a wedding for the bride’s friend a few years prior, while our current couple was living in San Francisco. Being that the bride’s family also lives in Irvine, there was a California connection in the planning process. However, in today’s digital and virtual world, communication was key and platforms like SKYPE and FACETIME became our new normal. And it certainly helped that Renita was a girl who knew what she wanted, on point with the trends, colors, and environment desired for the day. Plus, she was conscientious of her investment, which can help keep expectations and design in check.

Having the traditional Indian ceremony at Bella Collina was already decided upon when we got on board, with the venue boasting the most gorgeous views.  The bride wanted her décor to complement their wedding attire so a bold mix of burgundies, reds, gold, and greens were celebrated in their color palette. Renita was also a very traditional American bride in the sense that she wanted a huge party, open bar and all of her college and American friends to have a wonderful time.

The wedding mandap truly stunned, draped flawlessly with flowing sheer chiffon that gracefully swayed in the gentle wind. We trimmed the top with green ivy tendrils falling at various lengths to frame their ceremonial vows. Each of the four pillars were bound with rich botanicals made of dahlias, roses, peonies, hydrangea, stock, and natural greens.

Moving into the reception décor, our couple wanted the modern styling in the ballroom at Bella Collina with arrangements of varying shapes and sizes playing more with a peach to tangerine palette of florals that accented the gold linens and candlelight. We set each arrangement on elevated pedestals, which gave a contemporary sophistication to the tablescapes.

Our favorite detail was not only Renita’s striking red bouquet, but the incredible flower garlands for both her and Martin. This traditional floral accessory dressed their outfits with such a fresh and powerful statement – one that we’d like to see more of!

It was a pleasure to work with Renita and Martin from London to plan their Southern California day. We encourage couples to embrace the technology we have at our fingertips to make the planning process as easy as can be! 

VENDOR LOVE
Photography: Linda Arredondo Photography. Event Designer & Wedding Planner: Styling Starts Here. Venue: Bella Collina Towne & Golf Club. Floral Designer: Adorations Botanical Artistry. Catering & Desserts: Delhi Palace. Rental Décor: OCLA. Lighting & DJ: Sound Nation LA. Videographer: The Whys. Additional Rentals: Signature Party Rentals. Hair/Makeup: Hollywood Make Up Studio.

Into the GLAMOROUS Woods: Exquisite Weddings Magazine Feature

The new Spring/Summer edition of Exquisite Weddings Magazine is now OUT on the newsstands and we are thrilled to be included in a stunning tabletop feature with A Joy Forever!

This gorgeous a la natural-chic shoot was conceived, styled, and coordinated by Krista Morrison, the founder and designer of A Joy Forever. As one of my long-standing colleagues and genuine friends, I was more than happy to work with Krista on this stylized décor editorial and knew that she would go above-and-beyond, as she does with every project or special event she produces. Wanting a classy and opulent look for this shoot, she was inspired by the Hidden Oaks property, which is known to host very casual and rustic affairs. However, Krista’s fresh perspective chose to “glam” up the styling to create a sophisticated yet whimsical outdoor setting.

Of course Krista informed me of the color palette she was going for and I chose to incorporate luscious crimson dahlias, rich pink peonies, antique blue hydrangea, and scabiosa flowers into our arrangements. The crystal chandelier was a focal point in the design so we played with the luxurious lace table runner and included many crystallized elements for added sparkle.  Our “something blue” tea lights popped perfectly up against the wood farm table and picked up the contrasting color of the hydrangea and dusty miller.

To complete our shoot, we added two sets of models to act as our bride and groom, along with their best man and maid of honor. It is always so rewarding to see people around a tabletop that you create for an editorial shoot — it breathes new life into the design and truly shows off what it would be like to have your loved ones breaking bread together surrounded by that beauty. 

As always, it was such a great pleasure collaborating with Krista on this shoot. Her sentimentality and thoughtfulness goes into every project and client she works with, and her ongoing quest to make a difference in people’s lives truly inspires me. I am truly blessed to have her wide-eyed optimism and love for discovery in my life and I can’t wait for our next shoot together!! 

TABLETOP CREDITS

Coordination & Styling: Krista Morrison for A Joy Forever Weddings & Events. Venue: Hidden Oaks Private Weddings & Events. Photography: Taylor Abeel Photography. Florals: LaVonne Crawford for Adorations Botanical Artistry, Paper Elements: Wendy Ware Calligraphy & Design. Furniture: Concepts Event Design. Tabletop Decor: Classic Party Rentals. Linens: La Tavola Linen. Gown: Danielle Berg D’Marie Bridal. Hair & Makeup: Natalie Bohlin Makeup.

COLIN COWIE FEATURES RULA & STEVEN’S LODGE AT TORREY PINES WEDDING

It’s always an honor to be amongst the industry’s most notable stars. Colin Cowie, a world-renowned celebrity event designer, featured Rula and Steven’s stunning Lodge at Torrey Pines affair on their famed site – ColinCowieWeddings.com. While I love being recognized by the extraordinarily talented Cowie, it is the company I kept on this wedding who are the real shining stars. Working alongside the creative and stylish Susanne Duffy is always a pleasure. So much so that I’ve come to expect the glamour and luxury that is synonymous with her business, Crown Weddings.

And this wedding was by no means an exception.

The bride is a surgeon from New York City, so her mother did most of the planning for this destination celebration. Susanne conveyed their overall vision for the design and color scheme consisting of aubergine, lavender and ivory, with touches of gold. Working with a coordinator like Susanne is a blessing. While the design is an ongoing collaboration between creative vendors, it’s so important to have a strong coordinator to direct the production. Susanne Duffy does so flawlessly and our final creation was simply divine.

Guests were greeted with six lush arrangements framing the aisle entrance full of roses in various stages of bloom, hydrangea, dahlias, and tulips with diminutive touches of botanical foliage, like dusty miller for movement and variation in texture. A pathway of white rose petals aligned the chairs leading up to the grand wooden arbor elaborated decorated in a lavish display of the floral palette, making a breathtaking backdrop for this lovely couple’s ceremony.

The bride’s bouquet (featured last week in our first of many ongoing Bouquet Recipe posts) comprised of Carmel Antik and Patience garden roses, Amnesia roses, ranunculus, gardenias, tulips, lisianthus, jasmine vine and dusty miller. Smaller bouquets were created for the bridesmaids and accessorized their deep plum gowns beautifully. 

Candlelight amongst the dark farm tables created an ambient glow to the Lodge for the reception décor, which showcased various table arrangements and centerpieces complementing the royal purple color palette.

It’s no wonder that Colin Cowie chose this elaborate California Lodge wedding to feature on his site. The event was a vibrant and dramatic display of true elegance, and a dream come true for this east coast couple. 

Vendors

Photographed by Braja Mandala. Venue: The Lodge at Torrey Pines. Wedding Planner: Crown Weddings. Floral Design: Adorations Botanical Artistry. Linens: La Tavola.

REAL WEDDING: VALENTINE’S DAY EDITION

Cupid and His Angel: Vincent & Angeliquea

He’s a nightclub manager. She’s a cocktail server. What they say is true. You ABSOLUTELY can meet the love of your life at a bar. 

In celebration of Valentine’s Day – Cupid’s holiday – it seemed fitting to feature one of the most stylish and passionate weddings I’ve had the pleasure to design.

Vincent and Angeliquea are an incredibly gorgeous couple, full of personality and sensual energy. You can just tell that these two are extremely hot for one another. Take a look at their engagement photos. These images by Luna Photo took my breath away that I was certain this wedding would be one steamy night.

When my groom-to-be told me that he works for the corporation that owns Fluxx Nightclub in downtown, San Diego, I knew I was in for a real treat. Being the very location Vincent first eyed his lady love, it made sense they would say their “I Dos” right there, in one of the city’s most notable nighttime hotspots. And like any great man, he wanted to give her exactly what she wanted – the wedding of her dreams.

Working with Kelly Aull of Mint Weddings, we chose to spotlight this glamorous couple in their naturally sexy setting, with an equally sensual surrounding, lush with red roses and massive amounts of petals lining the aisle. The ceremony site, the club itself, is already so captivating that we kept the altar décor very chic and simple with Manzanita trees framing the stage, dripping in moss and hanging candlelight. With a provocative color palette that completely complemented Fluxx, the couple chose black and red with hints of lavender and green for their floral décor. The bride’s bouquet was perfectly plump with red heart’s roses, while her maids, dressed in Betsey Johnson little black dresses, had black calla lilies and lavender roses mixed in for a dramatic affect. The dinner reception was held at the University Club and outfitted to resemble that of a nightclub vibe. The tables were lined with more luscious red roses and petals with candelabras that illuminated the space and highlighted all the juicy red details. 

Happy Valentine’s Day LOVERS!!!

Photography: Luna Photo. Wedding Coordinator: Mint Weddings. Ceremony Venue: Fluxx Nightclub. Reception Venue: University Club.

Pantone Color of the Year at Omni Resort & Spa, Montelucia Scottsdale, Arizona

Self-expression comes naturally to artists. At their core is a creative fire that is released into every piece of their work. 

While San Diego is home to my studio and one of the most beautiful wedding destinations in the world, I’ve been recently inspired by our neighboring state of Arizona. Just a short drive east of the Pacific is a whole new world of locations and environments that are much different from the coastal California that I whole-heartedly love. But as an artist and floral designer, I find the need to express my own persona every now and then and venture into a project that feeds my soul.

Much like a bride and her groom planning the wedding of their dreams. 

The marriage celebration must tell the story of the couple. It is a thoughtful reflection of two individual personalities unifying into one complete partnership. It’s the same-shared process for a designer working with the bride and groom, as it is for the collaborating vendors to transform the couple’s vision into a reality.

This photo story set at Omni Resort & Spa at Montelucia in Scottsdale, Arizona is a perfect example of a unified collaboration of artists, spearheaded with purpose, and driven by personality. We wanted this tabletop decor shoot to reflect the venue and designers involved, while paying homage to the culture and architecture that the destination is known for. 

As you begin the planning process, consider who you are, where you are getting married and how you can best translate your story within your décor. Don’t worry about Pinterest and recreating someone else’s boards, discover what you inner self wants to express and work with like-minded creative professionals to make it happen. 

FLORAL DESIGN: Adorations Botanical Artistry.  LOCATION: Omni Resort & Spa at Montelucia  COORDINATOR: Outstanding Occasions. LINENS: Wildflower Linen. RENTALS: Cre8ive Events. STATIONERY: Idieh Design. PHOTOGRAPHY: Melissa Jill Photography.