I was head over heels in love with this wedding from the minute my eyes met the perfectly captured images from Troy Grover Photographers, but when I read this pretty fête was planned in six, yes six, weeks? I became obsessed. Because that is simply amazing. I tip my hat to Before I Do. Event Planning for their planning genius, because not a detail was missed nor gorgeous bloom missplaced – making for one seriously happy Bride and one jaw-droppingly gorgeous full gallery. See it all here.
And now for their oh so pretty film from Taylor Films…
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From the Bride… I had always heard that you need at least a year to plan a wedding. Well, Sam and I decided to prove that stereotype wrong. From start to finish, we planned everything in 6 weeks. Lucky for us, our amazing wedding coordinators helped us jump-start the planning and executed the day to exactly what I have always dreamed of. I could tell the whole time when I was telling our coordinators that our guest count would be in the 300 range they did not take me seriously, as what normal family can have that many people come with such short notice?! We ended up with close to 300 guests, including almost 30 children of all ages in the mix. Our ceremony was held in my parent’s backyard, which was always a dream of mine. My Dad grew up in that very house and later bought it from his parents and raised our whole family there – so the roots and sacredness of the house are near and dear to our hearts.
As guests arrived, we served lavender-infused champagne, sparkling waters, and iced tea on the patio. Live musicians began playing from the garden, which lead guests around the house to find their seats. The white chiavari chairs were stunning against the gorgeous greenery. The focal point was a large head cross that we built from railroad ties, surrounded by a natural growing arch covered with foliage from our garden. As guests were seated, they were given a cone with lavender to toss over us after the ceremony – so were were walking through a sea of fresh-smelling lavender as we made our exit! I was SO nervous for the ceremony as I was intimidated to have so many people looking at me but the feeling of that moment is hard to put into words, and one that I will hold on to forever.
I did not have a difficult time settling on a theme. I have secretly been plotting and planning for this since I was young. I even had a password protected folder on my computer with images I had been saving for years! With the help of Before I Do Events and Flowers by Annette Gomez, we put together an incredible design. I dreamt of long tables with a natural and effortless classic look. I wanted it to air on the side of “preppy” but lean more towards “timeless elegance”. I have always loved powder blue mixed with pinks and blushes so we went with that color palate. I wanted it to feel beautiful but not stuffy so we added a rustic twist with wood banquet tables. Doing that allowed us to get more playful with some fun colors, fluffy blooms, elegant mercury glass, and LOTS of candles. A good family friend, Danielle Leopold did all of our print work. Every item was custom designed for our event and totally fitting with our style. I loved these details of the day as they brought such thought out touches to the event and are pieces I can keep forever.
After an incredible dinner from the Inn, we enjoyed Michele Coulon’s amazing cake and were treated to some thoughtful and hilarious speeches. It was then time to party! We hired The Wayne Foster Band and they were nothing but fantastic! The dance floor was packed the entire evening and the energy was out of control. The feeling of having so many friends and family from different times in our lives come together to celebrate, laugh, and dance was beyond priceless. We are SO very thankful for the hard work our vendors endured to put together such an incredible day (oh yeah, in only 6 weeks too!). It really was a dream come true. Thanks to our incredible photographers – Troy and Aimee of Troy Grover Photographers we are able to share with you our story…
Wedding Photography: Troy Grover Photographers / Ceremony Location: Private Residence in Rancho Santa Fe, California / Reception Venue: The Inn At Rancho Santa Fe in Rancho Santa Fe, California / Wedding Coordination: Before I Do. Event Planning / Floral Design: Flowers~Annette Gomez / Wedding Cinematography: Taylor Films / Wedding Cake: Michele Coulon Dessertier / Stationery: Danielle Leopold of Dani’s Details / Band: Wayne Foster Music & Entertainment / Special Music + Cocktail Hour Music: The Peter Pupping Band / Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen Rental / Transportation: E Limo / Valet: PVP / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / Lounge Rentals: AFR Rentals / Wedding Dress: Modern Trousseau from The White Dress / Bride’s Shoes: Alice and Olivia / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: J.Crew / Hair + Makeup: Browtique Spa / Groomsmen’s Attire: Vera Wang via Men’s Warehouse