If ever there was a photoshoot to welcome us into the weekend with total Summer perfection…this would be it. Crafted by Sonia Hopkins of XOXO BRIDE, it’s a feast of yumminess with crazy cute wedding details tucked into every corner. From the fun vintage furniture that is used to house sweets and treats to the gorgeous bride and groom, every last bit of this shoot is absolutely positively delicious. And if you’re not the photoshoot kind, well, this one comes bearing recipe gifts so you just might change your mind. Shot by Jose Villa Photography with a film by Joel Serrato, you are going to wish you could move right in to this little number.
From XOXO BRIDE…So many weddings today are inspired by what turns the bride & groom on with the design elements. More and more events are hosted outside the traditional venues such as barns, fields, ranches, estates, and backyards alike. The concept for this heirloom feast, a feast for your eyes and palate, was inspired by the amazing collection of unique antique rentals of Donna Small, talented stylist and owner of The Source & Eye. Sidney of SBB Gourmet Catering and I got together with Donna to showcase how fun food can really be when you play around with the design and display of inspired foods using unique pieces. We used a theme of Early American to create the menu showcasing a grilled clambake, over the top fromage display, and create your own ice cream sundae station. I start to giggle like a school girl when I design menus for events. We love food! It is a great element to showcase your unique signature on your wedding.
The amazing and talented Jose Villa photographed our feast along with Joel Serrato who documented on film. Figueroa Farmhouse was the ideal venue to showcase this design concept. Not only was this venue near and dear to Jose & Joel’s heart as they were recently married there, but Donna Small was the original owner and builder of the farmhouse in 1982, ultimately selling it to the current owners. Her intimate knowledge of the venue allowed us to roam and create as we may. Zenadia Designs brought our couples story to life through her beautiful journalistic styled stationery. What fun you can have by breaking the boundaries of the conceptual wedding stationary! I absolutely love creating fresh and new designs for invitations. Camarillo Bridal graciously dressed our bride from head to toe in a Maggie Sottero gown. They recently opened a gorgeous new showroom in Camarillo that features amazing bridal gowns and full wedding party attire. Louloudi Design provided floral blooms to highlight and accent our story.
And without further ado, a recipe for Blackberry Thyme Margaritas…
16 Large Fresh Blackberries, Divided
6 Small Fresh Thyme Sprigs
3 Oz 100% Blue Agave Silver Tequila
1/4 C Sugar
1/4 C Water, boiling
3 Tb Fresh Lime Juice
1 Tb Cointreau Or Other Orange Liqueur
2 C Ice Cubes, Divided
3 Oz Chilled Sparkling Wine
Combine water, sugar, and 4 sprig of thyme, stir till water is dissolved and let thyme steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain syrup and allow to cool, can be done in advance in larger batches.
Place 14 blackberries in a large cocktail shaker. Press firmly on berries with muddler or back of wooden spoon until mashed. Mix in tequila, syrup, lime juice, and Cointreau, then 1 cup ice. Shake to blend well. Pour in sparkling wine, shake gently . Divide remaining ice between 2 tall glasses. Pour Margarita mixture over. Garnish each with 1 blackberry and 1 thyme sprig.
Yum.
Photography: Jose Villa Photography / Cinematography: Joel Serrato Films / Flowers: Louloudi Design / Event Design: XOXO BRIDE / Antique Rentals and Design: Donna Small, The Source & Eye / Event Planning: XOXO BRIDE / Location: Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse / Invitations: Zenadia Design / Dress + Shoes: Camarillo Bridal / Hair + Make-up: The Studio Agency / Lighting: Bella Vista Designs / Calligraphy: Leslee Sipress / Catering: Santa Barbara Barbeque Gourmet Catering / Film Work: Richard Photo
