Malibu Wedding from Annie McElwain
If you're a wedding gown lover, this post is going to make your heart sing because the gowns, they run a plentith. And the day that they were donned for? Also a stunner. The recipe is a mashup of talented wedding whisperers like XOXO Bride and Flower Wild, a pool full of Synchronized swimmers and photographer Annie McElwain who didn't miss a single second of the festivities. See even more of those beautiful images right here.
From Amber, one of the Brides...Ever since Lindsay and I met in 2009, our love and passion for music has been a prevalent force in our relationship. Our favorite date nights always consist of going to a show and seeing a live band. Staying true to what we love most, we wanted our wedding theme to reflect all things music! We chose Villa Sancti di Bella Vista, a private estate in Malibu as our venue because it embodied a beautiful and romantic escape from Los Angeles. Fully equipped with a small vineyard, crystal pool and sweeping views of the ocean and mountains, we new it was perfect for our wedding. Shuttles picked up guests from Santa Monica and transported them up the scenic coast to Malibu.
From start to finish XOXO Bride made our musical vision come true and we were lucky to have Annie McElwain Photography capture it all. As the guests stepped onto the property, there was an electric cellist welcoming them with renditions of our favorite songs. The ceremony was short and sweet, with us walking down the isle to "Marry Me," by Train and "Chasing Cars," by Snow Patrol clad in JCrew and Vera Wang gowns. Our alter was a beautiful ivory iron-gate covered in ivy and dahlias.
Guests enjoyed cocktail hour under a tent which featured walls of vintage record covers ranging from Frank Sinatra to ZZ Top that made for a perfect photo backdrop. For months we collected the vintage record covers from flea markets and music stores and, once we collected all we needed, stapled them to an ivory painted lattus to create our music-themed backdrop. A musical trio performed jazzy covers of current artists such; as Rhianna, Coldplay and Madonna. As hor’duvers were passed, we made a quick switch into Ivory Converse sneakers, a Vera Wang belt for me and an ivory suit for Linds.
Walking down the Wisteria-covered path guests got the opportunity to preview the menu they were to be feasting on provided deliciously by Seasons Catering. In lieu of table numbers, we chose songs that were meaningful to us and our families. The tables also had large elegant candelabras in the middle, each with candles, and were surrounded by a beautiful array of ivory flowers provided by Flower Wild, including gardenias and garden roses with hints of amaranths, bringing a touch of romance to the tables. To add some sparkle, we adorned Hanging above the tables were rod iron chandeliers provided by Bella Vista Lighting, each of which appeared to be floating in mid-air when the sun went down.
Our first dance was to Frank Sinatra’s “Witchcraft.” After our first dance, our 11-piece band, the Red Hot Band, performed special requests that our guests had made when they returned their RSVP cards, which were created by 2 Hearts B 1. After dancing up a storm, a surprise appearance by the infamous Aqualillies, a synchronized swim team, performed steps away from the dance floor. After more dancing, we cut the angel food and mixed berry wedding cake designed by Rosebud Cakes. To everyone’s surprise, and after the cake was cut, a Michael Jackson impersonator (Carmen) burst on stage and entertained the crowd with “Billy Jean” and “Beat it.” As guests were leaving, a station containing refreshments such as vintage soda pop, candy and gum for shuttle ride back to Santa Monica. Also included was a selection of CD’s from all genres for the guests to select and take home with them.
Photography: Annie McElwain | Ceremony: Villa Sancti Di Bella Vista | Wedding Coordinator: Saralee Franchi, XOXO Bride | Bakery: Rosebud Cakes | Floral Design: Flower Wild | Pre Ceremony Music: Lord of the Cello | Reception Band: ETC Productions | Officiant: Scout Durwood | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Transportation: CCC Tours | Cinematography: Russell Fowler | Caterer: Seasons Catering | Lighting: Bella Vista Designs | Parking: Gray’s Ranch | Synchronized Swimmers: Aqualillies | Amber's Dress: Vera Wang | Lindsay's Dress: J.Crew
From start to finish XOXO Bride made our musical vision come true and we were lucky to have Annie McElwain Photography capture it all. As the guests stepped onto the property, there was an electric cellist welcoming them with renditions of our favorite songs. The ceremony was short and sweet, with us walking down the isle to "Marry Me," by Train and "Chasing Cars," by Snow Patrol clad in JCrew and Vera Wang gowns. Our alter was a beautiful ivory iron-gate covered in ivy and dahlias.
Guests enjoyed cocktail hour under a tent which featured walls of vintage record covers ranging from Frank Sinatra to ZZ Top that made for a perfect photo backdrop. For months we collected the vintage record covers from flea markets and music stores and, once we collected all we needed, stapled them to an ivory painted lattus to create our music-themed backdrop. A musical trio performed jazzy covers of current artists such; as Rhianna, Coldplay and Madonna. As hor’duvers were passed, we made a quick switch into Ivory Converse sneakers, a Vera Wang belt for me and an ivory suit for Linds.
Walking down the Wisteria-covered path guests got the opportunity to preview the menu they were to be feasting on provided deliciously by Seasons Catering. In lieu of table numbers, we chose songs that were meaningful to us and our families. The tables also had large elegant candelabras in the middle, each with candles, and were surrounded by a beautiful array of ivory flowers provided by Flower Wild, including gardenias and garden roses with hints of amaranths, bringing a touch of romance to the tables. To add some sparkle, we adorned Hanging above the tables were rod iron chandeliers provided by Bella Vista Lighting, each of which appeared to be floating in mid-air when the sun went down.
Our first dance was to Frank Sinatra’s “Witchcraft.” After our first dance, our 11-piece band, the Red Hot Band, performed special requests that our guests had made when they returned their RSVP cards, which were created by 2 Hearts B 1. After dancing up a storm, a surprise appearance by the infamous Aqualillies, a synchronized swim team, performed steps away from the dance floor. After more dancing, we cut the angel food and mixed berry wedding cake designed by Rosebud Cakes. To everyone’s surprise, and after the cake was cut, a Michael Jackson impersonator (Carmen) burst on stage and entertained the crowd with “Billy Jean” and “Beat it.” As guests were leaving, a station containing refreshments such as vintage soda pop, candy and gum for shuttle ride back to Santa Monica. Also included was a selection of CD’s from all genres for the guests to select and take home with them.
Photography: Annie McElwain | Ceremony: Villa Sancti Di Bella Vista | Wedding Coordinator: Saralee Franchi, XOXO Bride | Bakery: Rosebud Cakes | Floral Design: Flower Wild | Pre Ceremony Music: Lord of the Cello | Reception Band: ETC Productions | Officiant: Scout Durwood | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Transportation: CCC Tours | Cinematography: Russell Fowler | Caterer: Seasons Catering | Lighting: Bella Vista Designs | Parking: Gray’s Ranch | Synchronized Swimmers: Aqualillies | Amber's Dress: Vera Wang | Lindsay's Dress: J.Crew