You know, in five years of writing about beautiful weddings designed by artists and designers that leave me FAR more starstruck than celebrities, I still get butterflies when one of those very names come through my inbox. Photographer, Jose Villa, of course, who I gush about regularly and who has become a real friend to me in this industry. But also Beth Helmstetter, Holly Flora, Laura Hooper…and so many others…passionate, crazy talented designers who can transform an idea into a complete masterpiece. Well this is one of those very masterpieces. And you are going to love it. Click here to see the full gallery.
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From Beth Helmstetter Events… Rachel and John were the absolute sweetest. Rachel was a Midwestern girl, and John from southern California. For their wedding they wanted their day to feel effortless and approachable for her Midwestern guests and reflect the Spanish roots both of John’s family but have a feel of old California. Hummingbird Nest Ranch with it’s Spanish villa feel was the perfect backdrop for their vision. The guests were sent gorgeous Spanish lace invitations wrapped in actual Spanish lace and silk ribbons to reflect the color story of creams, taupes and fuchsia as well as the Spanish lace shown on Rachel’s gown.
The ceremony took place in a grove of olive trees that provided a natural landscape so her lace and bougainvillaea-covered altar could pop. Down the aisle, more bougainvillaea grew up the chairs and lined Rachel’s pathway. The bridal party wore taupe and carried soft bouquets of pink peonies wrapped in Spanish lace. Guests were greeted with Agua Fresca and Spanish-inspired fans to keep them cool.
Dinner took place overlooking the villa under a canopy of raw Italian light bulbs. Guests sat at long wooden feasting tables lined with Spanish-style fabric. Fuchsia peonies, bougainvillaea and other blooms filled terra cotta pots, creating an elegant fiesta vibe for the day. After dinner, guests danced until the wee hours, when street tacos and frosties from Wendy’s were served. And, because their dog was such an important part of the family, in lieu of traditional wedding favors, John and Rachel gave “doggie bags” filled with treats for everyone’s furry children who stayed home that night.
Wedding Photography: Jose Villa Photography / Wedding Venue: Hummingbird Nest in Santa Susana, California / Event Design + Planning: Beth Helmstetter + Susie Kheel of Beth Helmstetter Events / Floral Design: Holly Flora / Wedding Cinematography: LoveSpun Films / Catering: The Food Matters / Wedding Cake: Vanilla Bake Shop / Wedding Invitations: Laura Hooper Calligraphy / Spanish Guitars: Calé / Band: West Coast Music / Rentals, Chairs + Lighting: The Korman Group / Wedding Dress: Melissa Sweet for Priscilla of Boston (Now Closed) via The White Dress / Bride’s Veil: Melissa Sweet for Priscilla of Boston (Now Closed) / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew
