As we find ourselves deep in the throws of a snowy winter here in Boston, ten layers of clothing included, it is a saving grace to delve into a wedding kissed by the summer sun. Even better, it is an affair inspired by the last hazy days of an Indian summer – a mash up of pretty Fall colors and a warm summer glow with feathers and flora by Hollyflora and coordination by Orange Blossom Special Events that reflect just that. And a magical celebration captured by Mark Brooke Photographers that reminds us warm, sunny days are just around the corner. Fingers crossed. Until then, spend a little time in the gallery. It’s a virtual dose of Vitamin D.
From the Bride… As a wardrobe stylist, I am an extremely visual person. My wedding, to me, was a feast of colors and design. Originally, I really wanted a fall wedding- but my husband is a “summer” guy, and wanted a summer wedding. We compromised and decided “late summer/early fall”- that perfect last summer weekend. It’s when the weather is just starting to cool down, leaves are beginning to change, and everyone is still bronzed from their summer holiday. Indian summer was the overall color scheme- rich and bold fall colors with pops of electric purple. The Smog Shoppe was the perfect backdrop for our wedding, with its beautiful succulent walls. It allowed us to get creative but also keep it simple. I designed the wedding top to bottom — but by no means was this a complete “DIY” wedding. We spent the money on what was important to us (food, music, venue, alcohol, flowers, photography, etc.). But as far as paying someone else to be the “creative eye”, we just couldn’t do that.
Everything pictured was our vision, from the cards on the tables, to the escort stand, to our guest book, and small details. I designed the escort cards and table numbers on photoshop and printed them on our printer, all art deco inspired. My husband built the escort stand – spending $40 at the Home Depot. We decided to play movies on the giant projector screen instead of a slide show. Our guests loved “The Artist” and “Back to the Future.” I found vintage magazines on Ebay with our August 24th date and placed them around the venue. Our food was the most delicious gourmet BBQ – rosemary maple chicken, chipotle mac and cheese, and a carrot cake with cream cheese frosting. The music we played was a combo that made my grandparents and my friends dance their asses off – the Beatles, Otis Redding, with a mix of Gaga and David Guetta. We had two signature cocktails. Mine was a Moscow Mule, and his cocktail was a Manhattan. Our photobooth was open air so our guests had the succulent wall as their backdrop. I chose the orange lights for the outdoors instead of the typical white lights just to give it a rich summer sunset effect.
We had a year to plan, and when the day finally came, it was everything I could have wanted and more. I was able to relax, reflect, and take in those moments that are so fleeting. We knew the day would fly by. My most special moments were the ones I took looking around the room; watching my parents laugh, seeing new friendships made, and catching my husband’s eyes smiling at me from across the table.
Wedding Photography: Mark Brooke Photographers / Wedding Venue: SmogShoppe in Los Angeles, California / Wedding Design: DIY by the Bride / Floral Design: Hollyflora / Day of Coordination: Orange Blossom Special Events / Wedding Catering + Desserts: Auntie Em’s Kitchen / Wedding Stationery: Hello Tenfold / Music: Red Shoe LA / Photobooth: Flash Life Photo Booth / Accommodations: The Culver Hotel / Valet: Jeffrey Valet / Wedding Dress: Jenny Packham / Bride’s Shoes: Prada / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Jenny Yoo / Bridesmaids’ Earrings: Kate Spade / Hair + Makeup: Daniel Chinchilla / Groom’s Suit: Theory / Groom’s Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo / Groom’s Tie: Band of Outsiders / Groomsmen’s Ties: Burberry