Autumnal Romance in Southern California
Fall = Romance, in my book. Something about warm colors aligned with the release from unrelenting heat beckons love. Take a look at this bride whose October wedding perfectly captures the feeling with rustic DIY touches, deep blue and orange hues (and succulents for a nice Southwestern touch). Keep scrolling for stunning images from the guys at Studio 7 who were there to document the event.
From the Bride... October 19, 2012 was an unseasonably warm day in Southern California. It was already sunny and mild when I got to the location at 11am to begin hair and makeup with my mother, sister, future sister in law and best friend. The girls and I hung out and watched "My Best Friend's Wedding" and "Father of the Bride" as we got ready. I started getting that nervous excited feeling as I knew I was about to get to see my soon to be husband for the first time.
Seeing him made me immediately feel calm and at peace; this is what all of the planning was for! I did not hire a wedding planner, I wanted to be involved, and instead had a friend (who does weddings at another local venue) suggest some vendors for me and also manage the actual 'Day Of' details. I tried throughout the process to keep it simple and let my vendors do what they do best by standing out of their way, but try as I might, there were still many details to sort out leading up to the 'big day'. However, from our "first look" on, I forgot about all those details. Everything fell into place and I felt stunned by the beauty of how everything came together. Also, because we kept the bridal party to just family, we had time to hang out and enjoy ourselves, keeping stress to a minimum.
The ceremony was the most special for me. Having my mother walk me down the aisle, to Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World" brought tears to our eyes. A dear friend performed the ceremony that combined the traditions and values of our two cultures thoughtfully and respectfully. We included the Jewish traditions of the Chuppah and Ketubah, as well as stomping on a glass, and of course we danced the Hora at the reception. A friend of mine read a verse from the old testament and the new, representing the Christian faith of my family. Three of my mother's friends wrote a song for us, and performed it at dinner, which was a tradition in their family that was a hilarious addition to our night.
The evening was stayed warm enough for all to dance and mingle until it was over. And it was over so quickly! I'm grateful to have these pictures that truly capture our joy.
Seeing him made me immediately feel calm and at peace; this is what all of the planning was for! I did not hire a wedding planner, I wanted to be involved, and instead had a friend (who does weddings at another local venue) suggest some vendors for me and also manage the actual 'Day Of' details. I tried throughout the process to keep it simple and let my vendors do what they do best by standing out of their way, but try as I might, there were still many details to sort out leading up to the 'big day'. However, from our "first look" on, I forgot about all those details. Everything fell into place and I felt stunned by the beauty of how everything came together. Also, because we kept the bridal party to just family, we had time to hang out and enjoy ourselves, keeping stress to a minimum.
The ceremony was the most special for me. Having my mother walk me down the aisle, to Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World" brought tears to our eyes. A dear friend performed the ceremony that combined the traditions and values of our two cultures thoughtfully and respectfully. We included the Jewish traditions of the Chuppah and Ketubah, as well as stomping on a glass, and of course we danced the Hora at the reception. A friend of mine read a verse from the old testament and the new, representing the Christian faith of my family. Three of my mother's friends wrote a song for us, and performed it at dinner, which was a tradition in their family that was a hilarious addition to our night.
The evening was stayed warm enough for all to dance and mingle until it was over. And it was over so quickly! I'm grateful to have these pictures that truly capture our joy.