Elegant + Colorful California Wedding

Pure magic is created when the right people come together in the right place to create a day filled to the brim with pure love and a healthy dose of style!  Montecito’s beautiful San Ysidro Ranch is the backdrop for Julie and Jason’s intimate and elegant wedding.  Julie is a stunning bride! For the ceremony, she chose a fabulous Vera Wang gown, then changed into a flowy and romantic Claire Pettibone sheath (and literally let her hair down!) for the reception, which featured romantic blush and pink arrangements by Florette Designs, and simple-but-lovely calligraphy table numbers.  We are head over heels for all of the gorgeous images from Jose Villa, and for Julie and Jason’s adorable pup too!

Gabrielle and Chris wanted to get married somewhere that felt enchanted and once they saw the natural beauty and elegance of Meadowood Napa Valley they knew it was the right place! Their outdoor ceremony was held in front of a marvelous birch altar adorned with hanging sweet pea and although they did not have a bridal party, their adorable puppy, Lola, acted as their ring bearer. The flowers by Cherries Flowers are the epitome of natural elegance and included garden roses, ranunculus, sweet peas, jasmine, and astilbe. I’m absolutely in love with their unique escort cards: a sparkling display of natural crystals and gemstones wrapped in copper wire and set upon a bed of moss. Each table had an explanation of the spiritual meaning of its stone, the head table being Amethyst which symbolized “pure and true emotional love.” Enjoy these incredible photos by the amazing Gia Canali!

If Diana and Danny’s everyday lives are even half as chic as their Southern California wedding, they’re definitely some of the most stylish people ever! This beautiful couple was married at the Cravens Estate in Pasadena surrounded by friends and family from all over. There are many details about their wedding that I love (like Diana’s amazing shoes and accessories) but once I saw their colorful florals I was smitten! Rooted Harmony blended rich textures and colors to create bright and elegant arrangements that include peonies, roses, wax flower, astilbe, eucalyptus, and even succulents! What a gorgeous wedding with gorgeous photos by Connie Lyu Photography!

Kelly and Jim’s wedding was a day that their guests will no doubt never forget! Although their Laguna Beach wedding at Montage was breathtakingly gorgeous with the most perfect details imaginable, what truly makes this wedding beautiful is how much thought they put into creating a day that was special for their family and friends. The event was filled with family traditions and special touches like an “I love you” chant at the ceremony and men’s and women’s poppers at each place setting! It’s sentiments like these that make a wedding special and truly memorable! But we’d be remiss if we didn’t also discuss the gorgeous floral arrangements by Tic Tock Couture Florals. We can’t get enough of those draping orchids flowing from both the the ceremony and reception arrangements and all of the stunning photos from Leigh Miller Photography!

When she pictured her wedding with Eric, Jodi envisioned rustic elegance—a blend of wood, lace and a touch of sparkle that would make a lasting impression on their guests. With Southern California’s elegant Walnut Grove ranch as their backdrop, the couple took on a multitude of do-it-yourself endeavors, as well as spent hours scouring Etsy for the perfect invitations, programs and favors. “I poured my heart into every little detail, and it ended up just how I had imagined it.,” the bride says. We’re head-over-heels for every detail ourselves, from the wooden centerpiece boxes etched with the couple’s initials to the pastel blooms that florist Regina Robertson arranged in each box. And those cakes! This couple had not one but three incredible, delectable whipped creations from Cindy Harber. We can only imagine they were as delicious as they look!

Oh, we do love a playful theme around here, and Valerie and Michael’s wedding doesn’t disappoint! We love these happy images from Alders Photography, especially the ones centered around the Ferris wheel and oversize balloons! We also adore the drama of strands of lights hanging from the trees during the couple’s outdoor ceremony at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu. Mulberry Row weaved together arrangements of pink and green flowers dotted with succulents for a slightly rustic feel, and bridesmaids wore sweet pink dresses by Bill Levkoff that complemented the florals. Valerie stunned in a St. Patrick gown from Karoza Bridal. Continuing the carnival theme at the reception, the couple opted for fun touches like popcorn and a cotton candy cart from Dolly’s Sweet Dreams Cotton Candy, along with a simple cake from Nikol Nakamura. And we can’t leave out a nod to Mindy Roderick Weddings & Events, who pulled together this flawless affair—see it all in the gallery!

Amy and Michael’s San Francisco wedding, held at The James Leary Flood Mansion in the heart of the city, is simply breathtaking! You don’t get much more romantic than a backdrop of rolling California hills, and add to that Amy’s stunner of a gown, by Vera Wang, and mod, succulent, and white flower arrangements by Birch, and you have quite an affair! We’re smitten with Amy’s wax leaf, moss, and white bud bouquet, too. Tanja Lippert Photography shared these gorgeous images of an understated, romantic ceremony, followed by a reception at which no detail was left untouched by Maxine Andrew! We love the contemporary tablescapes and the pops of gold and hot pink in the seating areas. Pardon us while we swoon over each and every gorgeous image in the gallery!

Guests at Tiffany and Jonathan’s Montecito Country Club wedding were first treated to a dramatic floral installation by Modern Day Design—inspired by an art exhibit the bride saw at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York—and champagne before taking their seats. Tiffany stunned in a beaded Elie Saab gown as she walked down the aisle, carrying a white peony bouquet, hand-in-hand with Jonathan. After a “somber, ceremonial, romantic” vow exchange, says the bride, everyone switched to party mode, enjoying dancing, cocktails, and cake from Montecito Confections Bakery. From beginning to (late-night) end, Lacie Hansen Photography did a beautiful job of capturing every detail!

There is something so effortlessly elegant about Laurie and Michael’s sun-washed wedding on the grounds of the gorgeous The Villa of San Juan Capistrano. Could that be because the bride is a Newport Beach, California interior designer?! Laurie put her skills to work for her wedding, envisioning a vibrant, French-inspired affair complete with the happiest floral arrangements by Floral Occasions. From casually color-coordinated bridesmaids dresses to burlap-wrapped water bottles, we’re in love with every single detail that Troy Grover Photographers captured!

The Resort at Paws Up has been on my dream vacation list since the moment I heard about it. Never did it cross my mind how spectacular it would be to have a wedding there. And spectacular is most certainly the word that I would use to describe Lindsay and Steven’s wedding…along with unique, thoughtful, and downright breathtaking. Bridesmaids wore separates from J Crew and French Connection and carried rustic yet elegant bouquets by Habitat Floral Studio in shades of soft peach and cranberry. We are madly in love with the gorgeous tablescapes, the horse-drawn wagon, and the positively stunning Montana scenery. The fabulous Michele M. Waite captured all of these gorgeous images – get ready to fall in love!

I’m absolutely swooning over Debbie and Robert’s classic and modern wedding! There are so many details that are just so gorgeous – Debbie’s beautiful gown and shoes, flowers by the always incredible JL Designs, but I have to admit that my favorite part of their big day is the actual venue itself, Serra Plaza in San Juan Capistrano, California. The couple wanted their celebration outside, but at the same time, their religion is very important to them. So, what to do? Bring in antique church pews and suspend chandeliers from mid-air over the venue’s courtyard, of course! After the ceremony, the courtyard was flipped into a banquet-style outdoor reception so that everyone could celebrate under the stars. Love love love this wedding and all the gorgeous photos by Sarah K Chen!

Josephine and Milo celebrated their wedding at Lake Merced Golf Club just outside San Francisco. Lots of luscious texture filled the event with lace details incorporated into everything from the invitations to the favors as well as the incredible linens from (the always incredible) La Tavola. The texture continued with Nancy Liu Chin‘s stunning floral arrangements: a mix of both compact and low as well as tall and full centerpieces. But hold your horses, ohmygoodnessgracious…Josephine’s BOUQUET! Perfection. I’m still swooning over that incredible mix of perfect peonies, orchids, roses, and ranunculus. A gorgeous wedding with touches of both Chinese and Hawaiian traditions with beautiful photos by Augie Chang.

Lily and Bobby were married at the gorgeous Santaluz Club in San Diego. The venue provided lots of inspiration for them and their wedding planner, Thomas Bui, created a beautiful and romantic event with just a pinch of rustic thrown in. Any event that incorporates big fluffy peonies and succulents is for sure to be something I love and the florals by Adorations Botanical Artistry certainly did not disappoint. These photos by Vallentyne Photography are gorgeous and yet again make me long for my own California wedding!

This uber-mod, chic wedding held at New York’s Three Sixty in Tribeca, is a study in monochromatic palettes and sleek sophistication! All white flowers with pops of green from Ovando keep the vibe romantic and contemporary, with planning from the always flawless Ang Weddings & Events. For the Buddhist ceremony, the bride chose a romantic beaded gown by Monique Lhuillier with a Pronovias belt, while her single bridesmaid wore a white dress with a similar silhouette from Badgley Mischka. Of course, we adore that the couple’s dog participated in the festivities, dressed in his own tux found on eBay!  These images from Susan Stripling are just stunning!

Sara and Chris’s romantic garden wedding at Hartley Botanica simply has us swooning! For starters, Sara’s White by Vera Wang gown–in a soft and sweet shade of pink–is nothing short of amazing! And with a backdrop like that, pastel roses in more shades of pink and lavender are a must; we adore the lush bouquet by Belle of the Ball Designs that Sara carried! Whimsical floral stationery from Minted further grounded the theme of this affair, where Sara and Chris took their vows beneath a canopy of curly branches, twinkling lights, and a jaw-dropping chandelier covered in lush blooms. Don’t miss a single detail in these stunning images by Valentina Glidden Fine Art Photography–we can’t stop staring!

The always elegant setting of Beaulieu Garden in Rutherford, California, proved to be the perfect location for Danielle and Tomas’s Napa Valley wedding. From the outdoor ceremony to the reception held beneath weaving grapevines and crystal chandeliers, the rule of the day was simplicity. Classic ivory, pink, and blush florals by Cherries were lush while the monochromatic scheme kept them understated. Julie Mikos Photographer captured gorgeous details such as the blush pink ruched Monique Lhuillier bridesmaids dresses and Danielle’s column gown with lace touches by Annasul Y. We love the watercolor details on stationery by Wedding Paper Divas and the blend of rustic and sophisticated decor helmed by Dee Merz. The cake festooned with fresh blooms by Perfect Endings is, indeed, the perfect ending to this amazing affair—see it all in the gallery!

Melinda and Matt’s wedding is simply a stunning example of how gorgeous rustic and elegant vintage decor can look when paired together! Held at Sodo Park by Herban Feast in Seattle, McKenzie Powell Floral & Event Design created a fairytale backdrop, with greenery gardens, vignettes of cream and blush roses grouped on mirrored trays, and swags of flowers everywhere you look! We’re loving the sparkly glamour of gold sequin linens from La Tavola Fine Linen Rental, too! Melinda’s single bridesmaid wore a silver dress from White by Vera Wang, while she opted for a flowy romantic gown by Hayley Paige paired with a rhinestone hairpiece that adds extra sparkle. We’re in love with the look of these photos from Michele M. Waite Photography!

Fair warning: You may need a minute to recover after you view this gorgeous Santa Ynez, California wedding photographed by Jose Villa. Orchestrated by event designer Alexandra Kolendrianos, Brianne and Brian’s wedding is flawless in every way possible, from Brianne’s delicate lace Claire Pettibone dress to fluffy, romantic flower arrangements by Mindy Rice Floral and Event Design. Brianne worked with designer Stone Cold Fox to custom make the gorgeous bridesmaids dresses! Click through to the gallery for all of the gorgeousness!

Marie and Tim’s wedding at The Ritz-Carlton on Amelia Island, Florida, combines the beauty of the beach with the understated elegance only a venue like the The Ritz-Carlton can provide! Dressed in a sweetheart gown with crystal brooch detail, Marie married Tim with views of the ocean as their ceremony backdrop — that, and a gorgeous floral arbor popping with pink and white blooms! We adore the cowl-neck mauve dresses that bridesmaids donned, as well as the round rose and ranunculus bouquets they carried. Photographer Brooke Images has dazzled us with the gorgeous images she captured of the reception, including a classic white cake trimmed in pink lace! See all of the beach-chic details in the gallery!

It’s our favorite time of year! The time where we celebrate the most stunning, most gorgeous, most memorable weddings and inspiration of the year. Each year we invite some of our favorite photographers to share one of the events that is near and dear to their heart, and this morning we are welcoming the fabulous Elizabeth Messina. There are almost no words to describe Erin and Jack’s amazing vineyard elopement at Sunstone Winery in Santa Ynez, California. Flowing, ethereal gowns from Vera Wang and Claire Pettibone perfectly complement the classic, glamorous details designed by Merryl Brown Events, whose creativity and attention to detail is truly mesmerizing. Luscious fruits, cheeses, breads, and a table set for two by Valerie Rice and heirloom china place settings from Small Masterpiece created an intimate feel for the reception. Flower Wild outdid themselves with loose, lush blooms that dotted every part of this affair. Elizabeth Messina documented every last detail, from the painted caravan on the vineyard grounds to the couple dancing sweetly with their adorable son. What a stunning day this was, and it’s a wonderful way to kick off our favorites from 2012!