Sterling Engagements Featured at Urban Unveiled LA - Great Gatsby Theme Hosted at Vibiana

We (along with everyone else) are currently obsessed with all things Gatsby.  The style, the romance, the excitement of the Roaring Twenties... we can't get enough of it!  We were recently invited to participate in Urban Unveiled LA, hosted by Vibiana.  We were trilled at the opportunity to participate in this exciting high end bridal experience.  This year Urban Unveiled was Great Gatsby themed.  On May 1st, Vibiana was transformed into an Old Hollywood 1920s speakeasy.  All of the vendor's booths were decked out and oozed glitz and glamour!  Check out this video - it is a quick way to show what this event was all about!

The Gatsby era, known for its unprecedented economic prosperity, flapper culture, jazz music and glamour was the inspiration behind our design.  Our booth, which included a tablescape and lounge area, was a collaboration between Alexandra, our creative director, Shawna of Shawna Yamamoto Event Design and Amber of Amber Event Production.  We implemented the show palette of black, creams and gold; but of course had to put our own spin on it.  It was important to us that we took the style and grace of the Gatsby era but also added a modern twist and feel to it.  We accomplished this by utilizing various textures, dimension and lots of sparkle.  Calla lilies, orchids, and hydrangeas covered the table which was draped by gorgeous linens from Designer Specialty Linens.  A show stopping chandelier, gold flatware and stunning signage topped it all off.  The lounge furniture topped with luxe pillows and surrounded by gorgeous draping was enhanced by amber uplighting which created a very romantic feel.

Photos courtesy of Duke Photography

Photos courtesy of Isabel Lawrence

Photos courtesy of Duke Photography

We couldn't have been more thrilled to have been part of such an extraordinary event and are looking forward to next year!

Event Design and Production: Sterling Engagements
Event Design and Decor, Florals and Backdrop: Shawna Yamamoto Event Design
Lighting and Draping: Amber Event Production 
Linens: Designer Specialty Linens
Lounge furniture: Lounge Appeal
Photography: Isabel Lawrence and Duke Photography
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Stationary and Signage: Calligraphy Katrina

Featured Wedding: Jessica + David at Saint Sophia's Cathedral & Vibiana

Jessica and David tied the knot on October 20, 2012 in a stunning ceremony at Saint Sophia Cathedral followed by a beyond beautiful reception at one of our favorite venues, Vibiana. 

It was a gorgeous autumn day – cool, crisp and a bit cloudy.  The Bride, dressed in a Lazaro gown and Christian Louboutin heals could not have been more stunning.  Her Hugo Boss clad Groom looked so handsome (and smelled amazing, trust me on this one J).  In the morning as they got ready they exchanged vows via messenger.  This sweet and intimate gesture seemed to bring a sense of calm to both of them.

Jessica and David are a very traditional couple who decided to forgo the popular “first look” and waited until Jessica walked down the isle to see each other for the first time.  Time seemed to stand still when David first saw his Bride standing at the end of the ilse with her father.  The opulence and splendor of SaintSophia’s was the perfect setting for their traditional Coptic Orthodox ceremony.

After the ceremony the Bride and Groom escaped to the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles before heading to Vibiana for photos.  This photo session was a great opportunity for Jessica and David to spend some time together, just the two of them, basking in the joy of their matrimony.  Rebecca with Docuvitae captured the most beautiful shots of this happy couple – don’t they just ooze happiness?!

Vibiana was adorned with whimsical décor including stunning florals by Shawna Yamamto Event Design, vintage furniture, gold accents and amazing lighting.

In lieu of a Sweetheart Table, the Happy Couple enjoyed their own intimate lounge area just under the Vibiana alter.  It was georgeous, luxurious and cozy all at the same time!

Guests sipped Champagne as they dined on culinary delights prepared by Jay’s Catering.  The savory dishes were matched by the delicious dessert bar and wedding cake also prepared by Jay’s.

The evening was lively and filled with love, laughter and dancing!  A surprise performance by Jilliana’s SahlalaDancers really got the party going.  Guests danced into the early morning hours and finished off the amazing night by doing The Macarena!

We feel so honored to have been a part of this amazing day.  Cheers to a lifetime of love and laughter Mr. & Mrs. Gobrial!  

All photos courtesy of Docuvitae

Accommodations:  Millennium Biltmore
Belly Dancers: Jillina and the Sahlala Dancers       
Bar: The Cocktail Concierge     
Catering: Jay’s Catering
Church (ceremony):  St. Sophia’s Cathedral           
DJ:  DJ Nara
Event Design & Planning: Sterling Engagements
Floral Design: Shawna Yamamoto Event Design
Bride Hair: Shirin Salon
Bride Makeup: Monique Powers                 
Lighting and Sound: Amber Event Production
Photographer: Docuvitae
Rentals:  Classic Party Rentals & Archive Event Rentals
Venue (reception):  Vibiana     
Videographer: Wind Production 

Featured Wedding: Tracy + Kramer in Love at Vibiana!

I'm so excited to feature a real wedding today.  I feel like it's been a hot minute and with the Summer season hot and heavy, I had to take a quick moment to share one of my favorite's that closed our 2011 last December, Tracy and Kramer Morgenthau!   

I originally wrote these words for the uber talented Cat and Adi of Next Exit Photography!  They featured a lovely post back in January and I offered to write a few words... well we all know I can't write just a few... so without further adieu, my version of their wedding story along with some of my favorite images to document the day!

I was introduced to Tracy and Kramer by past clients who were long time friends of Tracy’s.  We connected at the end of May to plan their December wedding.  In just six short months we planned their organic elegant wedding.  When we first met they described their perfect venue as aged with character and a gorgeous structure.  I immediately suggested Vibiana as its history and glamour seemed like the perfect fit.



Tracy and Kramer both work hard and when they aren’t working, they’re either traveling or enjoying great food and wine amongst each other or with friends.  Keeping this in mind, I knew we had to pair them with a caterer that understood what a true foodie bride and groom would appreciate on their special day.  Steve Fortunato of Room Forty was the ideal fit to assist them with a top-shelf dinner for their day.  Once we selected their venue and caterer, all the additional details just flowed effortlessly.

 
Tracy worked with a family friend at Paper Pushers to design their amazing wedding invitations which displayed a photo of her maternal grandparents on their wedding day.  This was one of my favorite details from her day.

For the design, it was important to both Tracy and Kramer to create something modern and organic but still rustic with an elegant undertone.  Susan from Peony and Plum designed the most gorgeous centerpieces incorporating succulents, orchids, garden roses, scabiosa pods, seeded eucalyptus and more.  They were set in beautiful wood boxes and paired with candles.  They really wanted a natural look as the space itself is so gorgeous they didn’t want to compete with it but rather enhance it.

 

The amazing lighting Amber Event Productions assisted us with, really took it to another level as well.  I just loved the organic image selected for the alter and ceiling.  It was just the right amount of magical and really lit up the room.  We used an antique gold amber color which was the perfect balance with all the neutral tones.  

When it came to who would document the day, it was really important to Tracy and Kramer that they selected a team that not only took amazing photos, but also focused on capturing natural candids, as this was a priority.  When Cat and Adi of Next Exit Photography and Camron of New Classic Films were selected, I was elated as they both are two of my favorites to document a day.

There was a conversation during the planning process where Tracy and I discussed the day.  I remember telling her at that moment that her "wedding day would be warm, magical, exceedingly special, filled with love, good friends and family".  Looking back, Tracy and Kramer’s day was just that and I am so honored I was able to be a part of it.

This photo was one of my favorites from the night.  Tracy and Kramer had the largest group of children we've ever coordinated in a bridal party... each one of the six, was just as cute as the next!



This wedding was also featured in a special article for Vows section of the New York Times!  For more awesome photos, be sure to visit the Next Exit Blog of course as well!

Wedding Production Team Love 
Accommodations: Millennium Biltmore Hotel
Beverage Catering:  Pacific Coast
Cake:  Lark Cake Shop
DJ:  DJ Nahchey of Dash Entertainment 
Event Design and Production:  Sterling Engagements
Floral Design:  Peony and Plum
Hair/Makeup:  Mariah Nicole Hair and Makeup
Lighting: Amber Event Productions
Limo Transportation:  Crown Limo
Linens:  Designer Specialty Linens
Officiant:  Rabbi Mel Gottlieb
Photography:  Next Exit Photography
Photo Booth:  Mobile Photo Booth
Valet:  Athena Parking
Venue:  Vibiana
Videographer:  New Classic Films
Wedding Stationary:  Paper Pushers

Stay tuned for more real weddings coming soon.  So many fun, special, elegant and unique weddings to feature and I cannot wait to share them with you!