Wedding Wednesday: Sumari & Pete

6/28/2015  |  Westgate Hotel San Diego

It was a rather small and intimate wedding, but lively nonetheless. The Westgate Hotel is SO gorgeous and has beautiful lighting throughout the venue. Love was in the air from start to finish, and the guests, all close friends and family of the bride and groom, had nothing less than genuine and sincere smiles throughout the day. There was non-stop laughter, even during the tear-jerking sentimental speeches. The bride's sister all the way in South Africa couldn't attend, so they had her on FaceTime throughout the ceremony and the reception and she even gave a speech while plugged into the speaker system - through the iPad from South Africa! It was touching - all of it was magical. Although a small wedding, the LOVE was real! Afterward, the I stole Pete and Sumari away in a limo to the harbor nearby and then to Balboa Park for some couples portraits where they captured some amazing moments and invented new inside jokes. It really was the perfect day.

ingredients
Location: Westgate Hotel San Diego 
Coordinator: Whitney Coffman
Photographer: Kelli Bee Photography
Videographer: Kay Piper Film
Florist: Linda Phillips
Linens: LovelyChairCovers.com
Entertainment: Joshua Randle
Catering: Westgate Hotel

Ask Abby: Where should my family sit during the ceremony?

We are trying to figure out where our guests are supposed to sit during the ceremony. Which side is whose?

Photo from the US Grant- A Luxury Collection Hotel

Following tradition, in Christian ceremonies, the bride stands on the left side of the altar while in Jewish ceremonies, she is traditionally on the right side.

However, these days people are choosing to forgo assigned sides completely in order to bring together the two families and to allow people to sit where they'd like. You can still arrange the room with two sides and put out a fun sign with verbiage such as "Pick a seat, not a side. We're all family here once the knot is tied!" Pinterest has a plethora of fun sign ideas you can peruse.

However you choose to do it, make sure to let your ushers know so they can point your guests in the right direction.

Wedding Wednesday: Jenny & Nick

8/22/2014  |  Stone Garden Events

Jenny and Nick wanted their wedding to have a mix of natural beauty and elegance. The overall result was exactly that with a feeling of being in a hidden secret garden decorated with elegant lights, candles and gold/crystal decorations. Their wedding felt intimate because of how secluded and close the ceremony and reception sites were to each other, yet there was plenty of room for all guests to move around and enjoy themselves. With the centralized dance-floor, multi-colored overhead lights, and large island-style bar, the reception came alive and felt like a fun dance party into the evening. Lastly, their grand sparkler exit was DIVINE because of the long exit pathway. This was the best day they had ever had and they didn't want it to end!

ingredients
Location: Stone Garden Events
Photographer: Rachael McCall Photography
Catering: Emilio’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina
Cake: Von’s Bakery
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas / Minted
Hair & Make-up: Cutting Edge Salon/ Make Up by Vanny
Bridal Dress: Allure Bridals
Men’s Formalwear: Friar Tux Shop

Wedding Wednesday: Jana & Andrew

7/5/2014  |  Southcoast Winery

Jan and Andrew's wedding was held at The South Coast Winery which was a beautiful and elegant venue. They were able to add a touch of rustic feel by using burlap, mason jars, distressed chalk boards, lanterns, and many other decorations. The couple had an awesome DJ who made sure everyone was up and joining in on all the fun. At the time of their wedding Andrew was just getting back from deployment to Afghanistan, so their wedding brought friends and family from all over the country together to not only celebrate their wedding but it was also the perfect reunion. They had everything they wanted and more at their wedding.

ingredients
Location: South Coast Winery
Photography: Leah Marie Photography
Florist: Floral Sensations
Catering: South Coast Winery
Cake: Cakes to Celebrate
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Hair and Makeup: Domenica Beauty
Bridal Gown: David’s Bridal
Men’s Formalwear: Men’s Wearhouse
Rentals: Madam Palooza

Mangia Monday: How to Plan for the Alcohol Costs

When planning a wedding, one of the most variable expenses, and potentially most expensive expense is the bar at the reception. While there are benefits to an open bar, there are also options!

The first thing you need to do when it comes to picking a bar is talk to your reception location and see what they allow.  Some may only allow you to use their alcohol while others may allow you to bring your own. If you can bring your own, the best way to do it is to start stocking up early. You can watch the sales and use coupons to get the most bang for your buck.

Another option is to do complimentary signature cocktails during happy hour and then wine and beer included during the reception with hard alcohol as an additional cost.

There are plenty of creative ways to make the alcohol budget fit into your overall budget. Just be sure to let your guests know so they are prepared for what to expect.

Cocktails from Snake Oil Cocktail Company

Dessert of the Week: Petal Pushers

This birdcage cake dotted with pastel blooms stood out in a sea of real wedding submissions!
Photo Credit: Sarah Michele Photography

Inspration Thursdays: Bohemian Seaside Daydream

Fig & Fawn was inspired by Fall colors midst the glow of candlelight. We love the richness of deep plum, combined with the softness of rustic grey, contrasted with the metallic copper. Bringing mixed metals and unique materials together created an amazing dimension of effects through pattern, color and texture. From the vintage furniture to the tablescapes, the couture wedding dress to the vibrant jewelry, nothing speaks more to rustic elegance than this eclectic mix. The tables were designed with vintage black china, gold silverware and handpicked goblets along with deep plum napkins and hand calligraphy wooden place cards. Adding incredible depth were the florals of amnesia and lavender roses, thistle, queen anne's lace, silver dollar eucalyptus and copper painted succulents draping down from above and across the table. The table was finished with gorgeous high-backed vintage chairs and the glow from numerous tiered brass candle sticks. Romantic and charming, we hope that this inspires all couples who are currently planning a vintage fall wedding!

 Location: The Bash Boutique
 Model: Camilla Thurman
 Rentals: CC Vintage Rentals
 Coordinator: Couture Events
 Florist: Dinah's Floral Studio
 Dress: Elle Bridal Boutique
 Calligrapher: FourThings Paper
 Bakery: Jenny Wenny Cakes
 Bakery: Le Parfait Paris
 Rentals: Not My Dish
 Hair Stylist: Unveiled Bridal Beauty