Featured Wedding: Myesha and Craig at Cafe Pinot

Myesha and Craig met four years ago while working on the Obama campaign. They are a smart and sophisticated power couple but they also know how to have a good time! Myesha envisioned a clean, simple and modern wedding with pops of fall colors. She decided on an orange and gray color pallet which was the perfect choice for their September 29th wedding at Cafe Pinot!  Located in the heart of Downtown LA, across from the famous Los Angeles Public Library, Cafe Pinot was the perfect backdrop for this modern couple's nuptials to take place.  Adrienne Gunde did a stellar job documenting all of the wedding day details!

Myesha's gorgeous Watters gown was oh so chic and had ruffles in all the right places.  Her shoes were simply stunning and PERFECT!  We've featured them a few days ago via a Shoe Shot Sundays post!

Myesha and Craig's love for one another is quickly apparent to anyone who sees them together. They had such a heartfelt and even tearful first look - It is clear they were meant to spend their lives together. 

 

The Bride and Groom prepared for their big day at the Millennium Biltmore in Los Angeles which happens to be a few short blocks from their venue and one of our favorite getting ready locations. After their First Look, Myesha and Craig, along with their Bridal Party, headed to Cafe Pinot for their ceremony.  

I just loved Craig's light gray suit which was highlighted by his Groomsmen's charcoal gray suits!

Myesha's Bridesmaid's Jim Hjelm dresses were a stunning shade of charcoal - her "Bridesman" also looked quite handsome in a matching charcoal suit!

The Happy Couple moments before their ceremony.

We love the design of the rose petals on the isle, Inna with Butterfly Floral Design went above and beyond for the happy couple and we were so grateful. 

As we mentioned, this couple knows how to have fun! Myesha is Jamacian so they decided to tie their escort cards to mini bottles of Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum which allowed them to use them as favors. 

Together, Butterfly Floral Design and Designer Specialty Linens did a beautiful job of making the Bride and Groom's color palette of orange and slate come alive! The shantung linens in various shades of gray achieved Myesha's request for modern elegance while the bright florals added the perfect pop of color.  The design elements were so sleek and modern and so... them!  The paper lanterns strung over the dance floor were a great touch and looked amazing at night!  We can't thank Brad with Stagelabs enough for the amazing lighting contribution he added to this special day.  It sparkled to perfection!

Guests danced the night away to a variety of romantic tunes, popular dance music, sprinkled with a bit of Jamaican reggae.

Alex fell in love with these stairs and begged Adrienne to grab a quick shoe shot here... How fun are the different languages!

All in all it was a beyond successful day and we were so grateful to be a part of it.  Congratulations Myesha and Craig!!

Wedding Production Team Love 
Accommodations: Millennium Biltmore, Los Angeles
Bridesmaid Gowns: Jim Hjelm
Bride's Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Ceremony Music: Pacific Coast Strings  
DJ: Rich Sanders aka DJ Richy Rich
Event Design and Production: Sterling Engagements
Favors: Appleton Estate Jamaica Rum 
Floral Design: Butterfly Floral Design
Hair: Andrea Pezzillo
Lighting: Stage Labs
Linens: Designer Specialty Linens
Makeup Team: Fiore Beauty
Officiant:  A Ceremony of the Heart
Photography: Adrienne Gunde Photography 
Photo Booth: Snap Shotz Photobooth Rentals 
Rentals: Chivari Chair Rentals
Venue and Catering: Cafe Pinot
Videographer: New Classic Wedding Films
Wedding Gown: Watters
Wedding Invitations: Paperee

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! 

Star's Inspirations: Best. Wedding Video. Ever.

Today a friend shared with me an amazing wedding video she found on BrideFinds.com.  Bride Finds titled it  the "Best. Wedding Video. Ever".  The title intrigued me, and although it was 15 minutes long I decided to watch it.  From the moment it started, I was glued.  This video is unique, artsy and cool, yet so sweet.  Beautiful Bride Victoria and Groom Jason were married on August 27th, 2011 in Moorpark, California.  Their wedding was beautifully hippie-chic and full of love, tenderness and fun!

Video courtesy of Bride Finds and You Tube

I absolutely love how they used a combination of photos, video from the wedding, and clips of love scenes from famous old films.  I knew I had to share this video with all of you because it is so much different than any other wedding video I've seen.  I realize it may not be everyone 's "style" of wedding video, but one must admit, it is unique.  I hope you enjoy it!

Happy New Year,

Star

First Post of 2012: Happy New Year!

Hi Friends!

Happy New Year!  Hope each of you had an amazing holiday and extra special New Year's celebration.

Photo Courtesy of Daily Cool Pictures

As we say goodbye to 2011 and welcome in 2012, we just wanted to take tonight's post and dedicate it to all of our amazing 2011 events.  A heartfelt congratulations to all of our 2011 newlyweds and a big warm congratulations to all the newly engaged couples who are just beginning the planning process.  Whether you just said yes, have waited a while or are partially through the process, we cannot wait to meet you and look forward to learning more about your vision! 

Looking back on 2011, here are some of our favorite moments, designs, photos and overall events from this past year. We look forward to creating new ones with YOU and YOURS in 2012!

How amazing is this composite bouquet by Shawna Yamamoto Event Design?

 Photo courtesy of Ashleigh Taylor Photography

I absolutely adore this candy station not only because Stephanie and Darren reinvented it by making it their own using Gummi's only... yes, that's right, we had gummi worms, gummi lobsters, gummi clownfish, it was truly AMAZING!  Plus, how fun are these extremely tall initials! 

 Photo courtesy of Ryan Phillips Photography

There's nothing like a holiday weekend wedding at the lovely Bacara Resort and Spa!  This beach view speaks for itself.

 Photo courtesy of Chris Schmitt Photography

Casey and Cricket's romantic summer garden wedding was flawless, one of my favorite moments was their sparkler sendoff!  What a perfect way to end the night...

 Photo courtesy of Christine Farah Photography

This holiday party was a true holiday dream, nothing says dream better to me than various sizes of oversized textured glitter balls over a white seamless dance floor. 

 Photo courtesy of Ashleigh Taylor Photography

A photo shoot at Dodger Stadium the day before your Dodger Wedding is what Holly and Jeff were blessed with.  Having Fantasy Frostings put together fun phrases on their yummy sweets was just the icing on the cookie if you ask me!

Photo courtesy of Becca Rillo Photography

The tablescape for our Alexander McQueen inspired photo shoot!  Love this texture heavy look.  So funny to dream up with Shawna Yamamoto Event Design!

 Photo courtesy of Ashleigh Taylor Photography

An extra special dessert buffet by Fantasy Frostings using clever words and sayings for my very own engagement party.  

Photo courtesy of Ashleigh Taylor Photography

In our world of ongoing chaos, nothing stops two people in love, even in Las Vegas!

 Photo courtesy of Callaway Gable Photography

Our first sporting event hospitality suite at the LA Galaxy game!

 Photo courtesy of Sterling Engagements

In love with this moment... such a special photo!

Photo courtesy of Next Exit Photography

One of our favorite designs all year!  Amazing couple, full of life, love and creative genius!  This end of the evening toast and kiss was one of my favorites!

Photo courtesy of EPLove Photography

Our first event at the Gene Autry Museum, such a neat space!

 Photo courtesy of Sterling Engagements

The most colorful wedding we've ever done, for one of the sweetest of couples with a fun, fabulous and ultra vibrant design! 

Photo courtesy of Picotte Weddings

Adore this candy sweet moment from Sarah and Matt's engagement shoot.  Looking forward to their Dallas Winter Wedding this weekend to kick off our 2012 year!

Photo courtesy of Vis Photography

And of course... since it's Sunday, I could not leave you without not one but two 2011 shoe shot favorites.  The first is from photographer Holly Steen's, of Cakes and Kisses Photography, wedding at Dodger Stadium.  The second photo is from Brandie and Ede's Parker Palm Springs wedding.  Both weddings very unique in style and creativity plus extra special to our team!

Photo courtesy of Adrienne Gunde Photography

Photo courtesy of EPLove Photography

Hope you enjoyed taking a journey back through our year!  2012 is going to be another extraordinary one and we cannot wait to share it with each of you!

Once again, a very Happy New Year to you, your family and friends!