July 3, 2009
Of course today’s photo selection is from Melissa & Andrew’s wedding, courtesy of Trista Lerit.
It just makes me laugh every time I look at it! Sometimes no matter how much candy bribing I do, my little ringbearers and flowergirls will stop mid-aisle during the ceremony and turn back around to walk back the wrong way. Haha…kids will be kids…and I love them for their silliness! By the way, how adorable are their little outfits?! 
Have a wonderful and safe 4th of July!
July 2, 2009
When Melissa walked into my studio last September, she immediately looked around and said “this is exactly what I want for my wedding!”. We giggled…and I knew this was a start to a fun relationship! So we sat down and chatted about her and Andrew, how they met, his super sweet proposal in NY, and of course their style. As with all my initial meetings, I asked her to explain how she wanted the wedding to feel…so she had me look up Hotel Delano in Miami as her inspiration. All I could say was, “Wow, I like where you are going with this”! This hotel has a very chic and mellow vibe, something that she wanted for her beachfront wedding at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel.
The inspiration board that I created for Melissa was a palette of crisp white, with very bright aqua blue accents. When we brought in Kristin with the Treasured Petal, she helped to further define the look…with her softer blue floral and even incorporating a very special “pop” of pink! Melissa told me that she always pictured walking down the aisle carrying a bouquet of pink-tipped roses, but knew it would go against the color palette. Since I am a huge fan of making your own rules…I told Melissa that it’s perfectly fine to go against the grain. (it’s actually quite fun!!) Kristin’s amazing expertise helped make that dream a reality. Even some of the orchids had the same hints of pink as Melissa’s bouquet…genius!
Their wedding was full so many beautiful details: aqua crystal accents, white lounge with pool colored toss pillows, h2o accent lighting, signature mojitos with cocktail flags, and so much more!
Since Melissa and Andrew didn’t think there would be many people dancing at the wedding, our fabulous photographer, Trista Lerit ROCKED out an amazing photobooth to create a fun activity for the guests…some of them definitely got a little “um creative”! 
Although we didn’t anticipate much dancing, SoCal-DJ had people up and jammin until the end of the party. It was definitely good times!
Melissa, I am going to really miss our super late-night long emails to each other about all your fun ideas! It was such a treat to help you and Andrew realize your beautiful wedding vision. I wish you both all the love, laughter, and success in your marriage!
Below is a peek at the wedding, but for more eye-candy, check out Trista’s blog!
Of course this wedding was a HUGE success because of our fantastic vendor “dream team”!
Cupcakes: Vanilla Bake Shop
DJ: SoCal-DJ
Floral Design: Treasured Petal
Hair & Makeup: All Made Up
Lighting: Rainbow Sound and Lighting
Linens: Fusion Linens
Officiant: You May Kiss the Bride
Photography: Trista Lerit
Rentals: Barker Decor and Town and Country
Stationery: Joceybella Invites
Venue: Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel
June 26, 2009
Slow on the blogging week over here…but well worth it. We have some fabulous weddings cooking up over here at the SMW studio!
In the meantime, I leave you with this fun Photo Friday goodness from the amazing Michèle M. Waite.
June 19, 2009
I just adore everything about this week’s photo selection by Jason Q Tran. The lighting, the colors, the gown, but most of all…I am totally loving her chunky necklace. What better way to accent your simple chic gown by adding a fabulous piece of statement jewelry, like a chunky necklace or dramatic earrings.
Best thing is…you don’t have to look very far or spend tons of money to look fab. Two of my favorite places to stock up on statement jewelry are J.Crew and Banana Republic.
Now for the yummy photo…
June 16, 2009
Next up on the gown series are these lovelies from the Monique Lhuillier Spring 2010 collection. Again, texture and softness is playing a huge role in the gown designs. Totally diggin on the sweetheart necklines as well, very feminine.
My favorite? Well…the bottom right is so fun and girly, it also looks like it would look fabulous in wedding photos! What’s your favorite?
June 12, 2009
Wow, another fun and very busy week is coming to an end! Tomorrow, I am headed out to Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel for a beautiful wedding…I am so excited!
Today’s photo by Hawaii’s Sieber Studio is a perfect end to the week. So go home, kick up your feet, and have a nice yummy drink! Tonight, I will have a glass of wine and finish working on specialty cocktail flag stirrers. Just one of the many fun details for Melissa and Andrew’s wedding!
June 8, 2009
and hello to stylish cake stands designed to fit your wedding look! You know me….it’s all about the details people!
If you are looking for a beautiful cake stand, definitely head on over to Raise the Cake. After browsing the site for a few minutes, I was in love! Talk about perfect timing, as one of my brides and I were just discussing the details of having a pretty cupcake stand. (oh yes, they do cupcake stands too!)
So let’s just forget about those massive etched silver cake stand rentals, and have a bit more fun! How about a cute ribbon and some bling as an accent to your cake? Or maybe a colorful fringe? Or glamourous paillette details? There are so many wonderful choices, and if you still don’t find what you want…they will create a customized one just for you!
(images courtesy of Raise the Cake)
June 5, 2009
What is with this weather lately?! June gloom is definitely showing it’s “not so pretty” face. What is this whole June gloom anyway? Definitely nothing we ever had back in the Bay Area. Out there it’s rainy/gloomy certain times of the year…but not in June. This weather just makes me want to write a letter:
“Dear June gloom,
Can you please go away? My brides don’t like waking up to yucky gloominess for their outdoor beachfront weddings. Guests don’t want to be cold for an outdoor wedding ceremony in the summertime. I don’t enjoy being awoken to thunder and lighting at 3am in the morning. Save this craziness for November or December. Thanks mucho!
xoxo,
sun-loving Christina”
However, one thing about rain on a wedding day, is that it will make for cool photos if you are properly prepared. By properly prepared, I am not talking about a backup space (yes, you will need that too!). I am referring to cute umbrellas and sassy rainboots. Now that makes the rain FUN!! Just look how fab this photo is by the fabulous Anna Kuperberg…see how fun it looks. Now that is cool!!
June 2, 2009
Next up on the bridal gown series…this group of lovely gowns by La Sposa.
One thing that I am noticing is feminine, flirty details are huge this year. (lots of soft fabrics, ruffles, and floral appliqués) I really love the detailing on the top left gown…what do you think?
May 29, 2009
Wow this was one fast week! Which leads up to a fabulous “simple beach chic” wedding that I have planned for Daniella and Daniel at the Sunset Restaurant this Sunday. Can’t wait to share their eye-candy with you!
I thought this photo from Meg Smith would be a beautiful closing image for the week! I just adore the ruffles detail on this bride’s gown and her flowers are so bright and summery! Just amazing! For more beautiful photos, you must check out Meg’s awe-inspiring portfolio!
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