Wednesdays are always amazing here at Style Me Pretty because these are the days we delve into a whole string of lovely weddings all day long. Your bosses might hate us but all you wedding gurus are going to rejoice because today just might be the loveliest Wednesday yet. And if you are loving what you see, be sure to click on the gallery links for the whole wedding in one sweet spot.
Our first wedding is all about color; bright, golden, luscious color that just works so beautifully with the fun whimsical details of this California soiree. And if you think the dress is lovely, just wait until you see the dreamy concoction that is the wedding cake. Carlie Statsky was on hand to take a ton of gorgeous pictures and this is just a handful. See the full wedding from top to bottom in the gallery.
Initially we looked at farms, barns, lavender fields, hotels and wineries…all the usual places. Given that we had less than a year to plan and a lot of places were booked up. We expanded our search further and happened upon a hidden south bay gem, Clos La Chance. Driving through the beautiful color turning vineyard into a parking lot, we didn’t know what we would find. Once through the doors, it opened to a secluded valley of rolling hills and golden light. It was quiet and remote and felt like a little piece of Tuscany. Everywhere we turned there was breathtaking colors from the vines, lawns, stone walls, flowers and of course that golden light. Jason and I are both pretty happy go lucky people and wanted something simple, elegant and beautiful. An occasion to mirror the way we felt about each other. We chose yellow as our accent color because it just seemed happy and made us both smile. The grey helped to sophisticate the moment. Once that was nailed down things slowly fell into place. My cousin Nikola, Jason and I designed the invitations and our friends at Fong Brothers’ Printing did an excellent job staying true to color. A little sweat paid off. We loved the end result of these custom stationary that felt like us! I love DIY projects and continued with large scale flowers which played as both fans and programs. Our lovely birchwood placecard holders were each individually sawed by my stepdad Thuan. He also scouted the tree branches for the table numbers! Mum got into the mix and made her infamous Parisian macaroons in yellow favors of pineapple, lemon poppy seed and my favorite passion fruit! Jason’s mom made me an incredible heirloom belt fashioned from black diamond beads, natural pearls and crystals. It completed the dress from my Aunts Daisy and Laysun. My borrowed piece were the colorful tear drop earrings from my aunt Laysun. They couldn’t have suited me or the occasion more!
And then we came to the day! Girls got styled at Cinta Salon and were met by our incredible videographer Ryan Southwell. He’s a rockstar. He has an incredible eye and is an editing genius! We felt so lucky to have him around. As we got groomed the boys awaited their maidens in Maiden lane under yellow umbrellas! Who knew! Our first look was on that street outside one of our favorite stores Marc Jacobs who’s initials are that of Marilyn and Jason! We later swung around the corner to Neiman Marcus where the girls had their make up done earlier. We had a quick shoot at The Rotunda restaurant which has this stunning stain glass roof top that happens to be yellow and grey. Let’s just say we really liked this theme! The ceremony, was short, sweet and meaningful. Our pastor Mari Hanes did a wonderful job of celebrating the day and also touching on matters of spirituality and the heart. Dad almost had me tripping over my dress. He was so nervous! But he did a great job! As I walked down the aisle I could hear, Carlie, my photographer’s voice saying “go slow and take it all in”. All I could see were smiling faces and happy tears of our friends and family. Such a lovely moment as I walked down to a string rendition of Coldplay’s “Yellow”. Thanks to Keira my maid of honor for that very appropriate choice! I shed a few tears and my now husband some more. It was a really happy moment to be married to your best friend and to have all your friends and family there and happy for you!
We were so lucky to have an incredible dream team of vendors we would call friends in a heartbeat. Our photographer Carlie Statsky did an amazing job of showcasing the rest of our vendors work and capturing our love, the festivities, the color and that golden light again! Our florist was simply the sweetest and delivered on all we could have dreamt. She sourced out our favorite flowers and really did a take on what we asked. We explained to her our inspiration was an Anthropologie-nature-inspired-garden theme that would be whimsical and quirky. We asked for colors you would find in a sorbet store and for birch pieces. She nailed it and used some of our inspiration fabrics in my bouquet and also the flower girl’s basket. Talk about attention to detail. Absolutely amazing. If we weren’t admiring the beauty then guest were probably noshing on what I can say is one of the best meals I have ever had (twice!) Le Papillon’s food was visually spectacular and just delectable! Hor deourves to die for. Truffle oil Hamachi on toast point was a favorite! Washed down by special request sangria! This could only to be followed by The Cakemakers’ layers of passionfruit or chocolate cake covered in a soft white chocolate wrap. Oh my! I’m drooling as I’m writing this! Jason and I are both foodies so it was especially important that our guest get to enjoy the day as much as we did!
The night rolled on with laughter, tears and cheers as we heard more speeches from my brother Marcus, Chris the best man, Keira the maid of honor, Jason and myself. We inscribed on our invitation that the ceremony would be “followed by dinner and a rollicking good time”, and that ensured. Keith Johnson and the All Stars rocked the night away. We had uncles that I didn’t know danced shaking tail feathers. We have photo booth evidence of the of revelry! A night to remember and one we will never forget!
Photographer: Carlie Statsky / Venue: Clos la Chance / Videographer: Ryan Southwell / Stationery: Invitations, menus and programs were designed by the couple themselves and printed by Fong Brothers Printing / Dress: Monique Lhuillier / Bridesmaid Dresses: Alfred Sung / Men’s suits: Calvin Klein / Cater: Le Papillon / Band: Keith Johnson Band / Cake designer: Bala “The Cakemaker” / Hair: Arvin Tohardi of Cinta Salon / Makeup: Neiman Marcus / Florist: Nicole Ha / Macarons: Agnes Chia (mother of the bride)