Wedding Styled Shoot at the Fairmont Newport Beach

I love my job.  Yep, its pretty hard not to complain when I get to look at pretty wedding details all day, and be inspired by brilliantly talented wedding vendors. Another part of my job that makes me smile is when I get the opportunity to be part of a styled shoot and work with some amazing talent. Today, I am proud to feature a wedding styled shoot that Perfectly Made Weddings, together with a group of fabulous vendors created for the gorgeous Fairmont Newport Beach located in Newport Beach, California.  Photographed by Elizabeth Burgi Photography, this venue styled shoot has all the elements of a classic and  modern wedding with a stylish venue as the backdrop.

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The inspiration from Perfectly Made Weddings

Together with the Fairmont Newport Beach, we wanted to create a space which was simple, contemporary, and elegant  to compliment the bambú Room.  This room was transformed into a gorgeous reception space with all the modern and classic details. The amazing work of our fabulous vendors made this room really stand out on its own.  We loved working with all our vendors, and the fantastic talent they brought to the table. Of course, working with the Fairmont Newport Beach and their staff was remarkable and made this styled shoot a fun and amazing day.   Oh, and then you had the gal who made this wedding styled shoot come to life, and that is Elizabeth Burgi Photography who created  such lovely images. We are a bit obsessed over the gorgeous bridal gowns.  The floral gown looked absolutely stunning in the outdoor fountain and garden areas at the Fairmont Newport Beach. The dress is so fairytale and pretty! The reception dress is classic, stunning, and pairs up perfectly with the bambú Room.  All the elements of the styled shoot from the florals, linens, chairs, hair and makeup, gowns, and venue space came together beautifully. 

 

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Weddings at the Fairmont Newport Beach:

Fairmont Newport Beach is considered by many to be one of Orange County’s finest luxury hotels. From the moment you step into its gleaming lobby, you’ll be impressed with its elegant look and feel, and throughout your event here you’ll experience the high level of hospitality and service the Fairmont name is known for worldwide. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a full-scale gala, the hotel’s wedding specialist will work with your wedding coordinator to create an unforgettable event that is uniquely yours.

Choose from among several elegant event spaces. Secluded from hotel guests and protected by tall palms and ferns, the Garden Gazebo is very private and serene. After walking through an evergreen arch, you will exchange your vows under the ivory gazebo. The lovely surroundings serve as a picturesque backdrop for photography.

 A stunning venue with high ceilings, modern lighting and a sprawling bar, the bambú Room transforms into the setting for your celebration. Floor to ceiling windows line the back wall, adding depth and intrigue to this unique event space. From the moment you enter the Bay Laurel Ballroom, the stunning and sparkling chandelier sets the tone for a magical event. Guests will enjoy the grandeur feel that Fairmont is known for, from the high ceilings to the impeccable service. The enchanting Bamboo Garden features a romantic fountain and two fireplaces for guests to enjoy. String lights float above, complimenting the open evening sky.

Fairmont Newport Beach specializes in fresh California cuisine, led by Executive Five-Star Chef, Brian Doherty. Contemporary and creative dishes are presented with a bold combination of flavors that celebrate the very best of seasonal and local foods that Southern California has to offer. Executive Pastry Chef Jeffry Kahle incorporates the innovative and whimsical modern world of pastry in each hand-crafted selection.  

 

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Vendors:

Venue: Fairmont Newport Beach

Photographer: Elizabeth Burgi Photography

Event Coordinator and Design: Perfectly Made Weddings

Floral Design: Studio Le Fleur 

Rentals (Ghost Chairs, Linens, Napkins, & Chargers): Baker Party Rentals

Hair and Makeup: Steele Beauty

Bridal Gowns|Designers: Enura &  Susan Neville of London | Mon Amie Bridal Salon

Hair Accessory and Earrings: Mon Amie Bridal Salon

Cheese Cake: Executive Chef Brian Doherty at Fairmont Newport Beach

Aerial Video:  Aerial Gurus

Model: Mo Ana

 

A Rustic Black and White Wedding

We love DIY weddings and this one made our hearts go pitter-patter. All the rustic details are super gorgeous. We love ourselves a rustic look for weddings.  From the wooden furnishings, beautiful  exposed brick walls, rock features, greenery surrounding, and lovely outside details, this venue is the perfect venue for these two lovebirds.  One of our favorite details are the bride and groom’s moments together. All captured by Caroline Lessard Photographe, the photographs really reflect the true love this adorable couple has for each other. Our favorite detail? Honestly, it is so hard to choose when there are so many lovely details. Going back to the bride and groom’s moments, we really love the photographs of them at the building with the rocks and blue shutters. Oh my goodness, these images are breathtaking.  Each and every image of the bride and groom is full of joy and happiness. We can not help but smile when we view the photos. Enjoy this Monday Morning with a dose of Rustic Love!

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From Caroline Lessard Photographe

This rustic DIY wedding took place at Vergers Charbonneau on a sunny day. They got everybody to dress in black or white, and the theme color for the wedding was red. Despite every moment of this day was truly emotional and beautiful, I have to say that I have a little something special for the first look session. I just love to see the look of astonishment when they see each other for the first time. Always a touching moment for me as I feel truly special and lucky to be part of their special day. The couple session took place in the surrounding. One of my favorite catch are the pictures around the barn, I feel that their chemistry is so revealing in those pictures.

Vendors:

Photographer: Caroline Lessard Photographe

Venue: Vergers Charbonneau

Weddings at the Villa San Juan Capistrano

Another fabulous venue tucked away in a lovely town.  For living in Orange County my whole life, I was pleasantly surprised when I found this pretty hidden gem in the historic part of San Juan Capistrano, California. I was lucky enough to stop by this quaint and pretty venue offering the most amazing details. The Villa San Juan Capistrano is an old home turned into a wedding magical venue with the most charming details.  From the moment I walked under the stunning greenery walkway, my eyes were all over the place, admiring all its lovely details. A place any bride and groom can call home for one day and make their own.  If you love rustic and old world charm, then consider The Villa San Juan Capistrano to celebrate your wedding day!

Tyler Branch Photography

Tyler Branch Photography

osh Elliott Photography

josh Elliott Photography

Becca Rillo Photography

Becca Rillo Photography

Tyler branch Photography

Tyler branch Photography

Becca Rillo Photography

Becca Rillo Photography

Ryan Phillips Photography

Ryan Phillips Photography

 Troy Grover Photography

Troy Grover Photography

 Josh Elliott Photography

Josh Elliott Photography

 Adrian Jon Photography

Adrian Jon Photography

 Adrian Jon Photography

Adrian Jon Photography

 

About The Villa San Juan Capistrano

Warm. Inviting. Timeless. Exclusive. Historic.

The Villa San Juan Capistrano is brought to you by the innovative minds that created the Ramos House Café located in The Los Rios Historic District in Orange County.

The turn-of-the-century home was part of the Yorba family estate, built in 1918. The property has worn many hats over the years, such as: a board and batten house in the 1930s, where itinerant farmers from nearby orchards would spend the night; as well as an antique store/wedding facility, owned by Gep Durenberger in the 1960s until the early 2000s.

Today, the unique establishment has been renovated and restored by current owner, John Q. Humphreys, as a timeless event space.

Now in its fifth wedding season under Humphreys’ ownership, The Villa San Juan Capistrano provides unforgettable memories, complete with a romantic, garden atmosphere full of ancient fruit trees, all enhanced by gas lanterns, with historic buildings surrounding the stone courtyard where festivities take place.

The Villa San Juan Capistrano is equipped with a few of the industry’s finest vendors. Iva Lee’s is the property’s exclusive, full-service caterer, and handles food, beverage, and rental services. Divel Entertainment is the facility’s resident DJ, who also offers MC services with basic packaging. How Elite Valet Service is included in the venue rental, and is complimentary to guests on the day of the event. And lastly, The Villa San Juan Capistrano includes an onsite-day-of-coordinator to manage functions on the scheduled event date.

Step inside and feel the essence of time flourish around you and loved ones.

 

A Texas Mansion Wedding from Anna Smith Photography

Every wedding needs a  bit of romantic detail. It is a day of love and sharing it with friends with family.  We are in love with this classy and lovely wedding featuring some pink blooms which add that touch of romance. A church ceremony followed by a beautifiul reception at a lavish and gorgeous mansion located in Texas. We love mansion weddings! Its grand and stunning features makes us want to stare at those details all day long. A perfect location for a couple who wants that classy and sophisticated look. Oh, and can we talk about the wedding cake? We could not help but obsesses over the four-tier gorgeous white cake. The white florals made this cake very classic, and we love that detail.  Enjoy the amazing images from Anna Smith Photography and make sure to look at the details of that wedding cake!

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From Anna Smith Photography 

Classy, stunning, sophisticated. Those three words would best describe Alison & John’s last weekend’s wedding. To say I enjoyed photographing this gorgeous event would be an understatement. Everything from the dress, to the flowers, to the venue, to weather – it all seemed to flow together for the bride and groom that day. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Dallas has the prettiest stained glass windows, and the Belo Mansion is just one of the most stunning wedding venues in Dallas. The flower arrangements filled the room with lovely smell of roses. The wedding cake was out of this world. I especially loved John’s final surprise to Alison with the horse carriage send off. This was truly a timeless and beautiful kind of a day, and I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I did! 

 

Vendors:

Photographer: Anna Smith Photography

Wedding Coordinator:  Laura Hendricks of Star Dust Celebrations

Cake: Frosted Art Bakery

Ceremony: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church

Reception: Belo Mansion

Band: Tommy Alverson

Florist: Susan Graham Designs

Bridal Gown: Watters

Weddings at Center Club in Costa Mesa, California

Can Wednesday morning be any more fabulous than this? Today is a day of drooling over and obsessing over a fabulous venue found in the Orange County Performing Arts Center located in Costa Mesa, California. This lovely venue is none other than the Center Club.  This stunning venue is unique in that it offers a beautifully shaped ballroom to hold a ceremony or reception. It is not your typical ballroom! There is also a gorgeous outdoor area that is perfect for a ceremony or cocktail hour. What we love about this venue is it’s gorgeously designed style, impeccable service, and oh-so-amazingly delicious cuisine. If you want to feel like a million bucks or more, then this is the place to consisder for your wedding day. We are not joking, it is that amazing!

Christopher Todd Photography

Christopher Todd Studios

Photography: Brett Hickman Photographers

Photography: Brett Hickman Photographers

Photography: Brett Hickman Photographers

Photography: Brett Hickman Photographers

Lily Stein Photography

Lily Stein Photography

Lily Stein Photography

Lily Stein Photography

Photography: Brett Hickman Photographers

Photography: Brett Hickman Photographers

Jaime Davis Photography

Jaime Davis Photography

Christopher Todd Photography

Christopher Todd Studios

Jaime Davis Photography

Jaime Davis Photography

 

About Center Club

 Center Club’s NEWLY REINVENTED Private Ballroom is set on the garden level of the Center Tower, adjacent to the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa. We recently were awarded the Association of Bridal Consultants Trendsetter Award for Best New Venue.

Center Club offers both indoor and outdoor options for Ceremony and Reception. Center Club is a full service private club and does provide all food and beverages needed for wedding events. Executive Chef Lewis Butler is happy to customize menus to suit specific tastes and preferences for weddings… the options are limitless. Center Club also allows outside catering when needed. 

Center Club’s wedding packages make planning the catering and venue seamless and easy.  All of our INCLUSIVE packages include valet parking, champagne toast, custom wedding cake, a brand new white dance floor, service charge and sales tax. Additionally, each package specifically outlines the food and beverages that are included.

The Center Club Styled Shoot – Costa Mesa, CA from Expressionary Events on Vimeo.

Three Easy Tips for Planning the Rehearsal Dinner

Mondays are typically not the most popular day of the week, but we have some fabulous tips that you may like. Planning your rehearsal dinner and need a  bit of help with that?  Whether you are planning the rehearsal dinner in your own city or a brand new city, we’ve got three easy tips:

  1. Book the venue: First thing is first. Book the venue in advance, (at least 4 months), so it gives you enough time to plan accordingly. When choosing the venue, you can go with one that is a bit more simple, but still keeping it very memorable.  You do not have to have a fancy party, leave that for the wedding day! The key is to pick a place where you and your guests can enjoy good food, and each other’s company. It can even be something as casual as your parent’s backyard. Make it special to you, and it will be a fantastic time!
  2. Plan the menu: When planning the menu, make sure it is something different than what you will serve on your wedding day. If you are serving fish/steak/chicken for a plated dinner at your wedding day, then you may want to offer something like a italian/Mediterranean/Chinese  or other type of cuisine at the rehearsal dinner. Or with keeping in line with what you are serving at the wedding, you can find dishes which compliment the wedding dinner menu. If you have a menu which your guests can choose options from each course, it is a good idea to have menus printed out and placed at each place setting.  You can make the menu special and personal as well.
  3. Create a timeline: A timeline does not need to be very lengthy or detailed like the wedding day. However, there are some details that you may want planned out ahead of time. Typically, there are things like toasts, giving of gifts to the bridal party, and a slideshow. You do not need to have these as must haves for your rehearsal dinner, as you can make it anyway you want. However if you do, ensure that the venue has audiovisual for the toasts and slideshow. If you are not doing any of this and want to just have dinner with no frills, that is fine too. However it is a good idea to make time for a “thank you” to your family and friends who are at attendance.

Have a great rehearsal dinner, and make sure to leave some of the partying for the wedding day!

Weddings at the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)

I love Wedding Wednesdays, and today I am obsessing over a fabulous venue which has me stopped in my tracks. Literally! I thought I had seen all the unique and beautiful venues in Southern California, until I visited this one. Tucked away in the heart of Long Beach, California, this lovely spot is a treasure worth searching for. I remember when I was looking for the venue, and thought I was lost, I was really saddened.  But once I looked over, and I saw the gorgeous and modern  details of the building, my heart skipped a beat. The Museum of Latin American Art was more than I had expected.   I was already in love with the beautiful trees, and details of the outside decor, and actually took me awhile to step in. When I did? I was shocked. My mouth dropped so low, I had to literally shut it close. Not only does this venue offer fantastic  unique locations for both ceremony and reception, it is a museum showcasing some of the most amazing art! The art gallery alone is worth a visit! This location is the perfect spot for couples who love art and want that modern feel with a touch of Latin American flar. With an incredible staff, breathtaking ceremony and reception locations,  and exclusive catering offering delicious food, The Museum of Latin American Art is a great location to consider when getting married.

 

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About The Museum of Latin American Art

The Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) is a vibrant space that joins beauty and the experience of discovering contemporary art from Latin America. MOLAA is located in the heart of downtown Long Beach in the East Arts Village District, at the crossroads of Los Angeles and Orange Counties, with easy freeway access and ample parking.

From the natural backdrop of our outdoor Sculpture Garden, to the versatile Balboa Studio, Our venues afford our clients unparalleled freedom and flexibility in creating their unique and individualized celebration. A MOLAA wedding is an inspiring alternative to the ordinary. Our exclusive art collection is unlike any other in the nation, and can be a part of your celebration. We can host Ceremony and Reception for up to 400 guest. We have an exclusive Caterer Thank Goodness it’s Sofia. No outside catering is permitted. TGIS’s catering  packages can be customized to match every budget.  You are able to BYO however. Included in your site fee are all your rentals. We will supply all your tables, chairs, silverware, glassware, and china as well as any staging and dance floor.

Five Valentine’s Day Inspired Wedding Ideas

Are you and your fiancé true romantics at heart? Does the thought of a Valentine’s Day Wedding send your heart aflutter? February 14 is certainly a cherished day to celebrate love and romance, and what could be a better way to bring together family and friends in observance of your union! Here are five Valentine’s Day inspired wedding ideas to ensure that everyone will be seeing hearts by the end of the night!

Dress

Go classical and romantic with your dress—heart shaped necklines, lace, and flowing veils speak of romance and sweet femininity. Choosing red bridesmaid dresses and accents is an option for a Valentine’s Day wedding, but I prefer pale blush pink shades. It is, in my opinion, easier to incorporate into the overall design of your reception and ceremony because the hue is not as bold or overpowering.

 

Michael Segal Photography www.michaelsegalphoto.com

Michael Segal Photography www.michaelsegalphoto.com

Décor

Be sure to book your location in advance because Valentine’s Day weddings are proving to be more and more popular. If weather in your location permits, a wedding in a garden provides the perfect romantic backdrop. Before the ceremony begins, ask married couples to stand and reaffirm their love for each other. Incorporating other couples acknowledges the true meaning of Valentine’s Day, as well as thanks them for allowing you to be a part of their journey as a couple. At the reception, have your band or DJ play old classic love songs—think Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, and Bing Crosby. Order vintage Valentine’s Day cards online, and use them as seat markers for your guests. Decorate the tables as if you were preparing for a romantic meal at home—plenty of candles, flowers, and gauzy fabrics set the scene, and the mood, for romance.

www.designrelated.com

Karen Horton www.designrelated.com/Karen

 

Flowers

Roses are the hallmark of Valentine’s Day, but do not be afraid to incorporate a variety of pink and red flowers. You do not want your flower arrangements to look perfect and stodgy—instead, have your arrangements look like they were plucked out of a romantic garden, growing wild and untamed.

Michael Segal Photography www.michaelsegalphoto.com

Michael Segal Photography www.michaelsegalphoto.com

 

Food

Food is the way to most people’s hearts, so have your food choices reflect the romanticism of the night. Oysters, chocolate covered strawberries, champagne, chocolate fondue, asparagus—these aphrodisiac foods are delicious and in the theme of Valentine’s Day. Most importantly, allow the cake to be the main star!

 

Michael Segal Photography www.michaelsegalphoto.com

Michael Segal Photography www.michaelsegalphoto.com

Favors

Remember those cute Valentine’s Day cards you had to pass out in elementary school along with the heart-shaped candies? Customize boxes of the candies with you and your partner’s name, and include a Valentine’s Day card that says, “Thank you for being our Valentine.”

examiner.com

examiner.com

Top Five 2014 Wedding Trends

Happy New Year! With a new year comes new wedding fashions, and at Bridal Hot List, we want to make sure you are up to date on the latest trends in décor, wedding gowns, food, colors, and flowers. What a beautiful way to ring in a new year!

Décor

The New Year brings about a turn away from the shabby chic craze, and a turn to an old Hollywood glamour vibe. Look for vintage elements that will add glamour and glitz to your wedding and reception—old hotels with elaborate ballrooms do much of the heavy lifting for you in terms of décor, so look for hotels that offer interesting architectural touches such as elaborate staircases, marble floors, and painted ceilings.

Overall trend

Colors

Neutral colors will allow the beauty of your venue to shine, so choose classic colors such as white, black, beige, and grey. Navy and various shades of pink will also be big this season, even being seen in several designer wedding gown collections!

Gettyimages.com

Gettyimages.com

Flowers

Peonies and roses give romantic glamour to your venue and bouquet. Darker flowers mixed in with various shades of pink add interest and depth. Adding family heirlooms, such as necklaces, lace pieces, and rings, to your bouquet will add gorgeous vintage elements and will make it more personal!

Peonies

Dress

Wedding gowns will be lacy, embellished, and full of old Hollywood glamour! Halter-tops, Grecian draping, floral headpieces, and fur stoles ensure that 2014 will be the most glamorous wedding season of all. Should you opt for a trendy pink dress, keep the shape and style simple. No need for fancy detailing–let the color be the star of your gown!

Gettyimages.com

Gettyimages.com

 

Food

Homegrown and local food is still the trend for 2014, so choose caterers that work with local farms. Elegant sit down dinners is a big change from the laid back and homey buffet style from the shabby-chic 2013, but alternative dessert bars, instead of a traditional wedding cake, is still big this season. If having a wedding cake is more your style, then go for a classic white cake to keep in theme with the old Hollywood glamour trend.

Elegant sit down dinner

Three Tips for Planning A Winter Wedding

Winter is almost here,  and we’re excited to see all the latest trends in the wedding world. For those brides who have envisioned a fairy tale wedding in a perfect winter wonderland we have three important tips when planning your special day.

THINK ABOUT YOUR GUESTS

Winter weather is downright freezing in some parts of the country so remember to accommodate your guests. For larger venues, turn up the heat to a comfortable level.  In smaller venues, as the party gets going it will heat up naturally. Keep it cool but don’t let your friends freeze either.  If it rains, provide umbrellas for your guests so they can go to and from cars. Also  it is a good idea to arrange for heat lamps if the party happens outdoors.  A hot beverage option is a nice touch on a cold day, so offer your guests some hot chocolate or a warm cocktail.

PLAN FOR THE WORST CASE SCENARIO

Winter is unpredictable by nature so it is VERY important to plan for the worst case scenario.  What will you do if it rains? Snows? Wind? Think about a back up plan for these types of situations.  Alleviate a ton of stress by prepping back up plans early that way if something changes unexpectedly you are prepared.

KEEP HOLIDAYS IN MIND

Quite a few holidays happen in the winter that make planning a wedding slightly more difficult.  Keep in mind that some of your guests may not be able to attend if the wedding falls to close to a holiday.  Travel also gets more expensive during the holiday season.  You might want to save your friends some money by setting a date before or after the holidays.  Also, your decor may be limited if the venue is already decorated for Christmas, so be sure to check it out!

Keep these three tips in mind as you plan your special day and you are sure to have the perfect winter wedding. Happy Planning!