Sneak Peek: Amena and Brandon Say "I Do" at Vibiana

Amena and I worked together on her and Brandon's day for what seemed like forever.  It's now been just over a month since her and Brandon tied the knot... I can honestly say that's seemed like forever, as I miss them both dearly!

They chose Vibiana as their wedding venue and it was the perfect backdrop for the day.  Daniel Boswell of Imagique shot an amazing same day edit and today I wanted to share it with you!    

Stay tuned for a follow up post with photos soon from the always amazing Callaway Gable!  In the meantime, you must see Amena and Brandon's incredible engagement photos!

This was one of my personal favorites...

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 

Sneak Peek: Mirella + Scott Say I Do at Vibiana

Mirella and Scott were married at Vibiana on a lovely Friday in April.  We were so honored to be a part of their day as they are just the sweetest of couples and so so in love. 

With an awesome team that included favorites like Room Forty, Peony and Plum, Ryan Phillips Photography and Designer Specialty Linens... We knew this wedding would translate perfectly on film with all the extra special love that was put into the planning of it.

Here's a sneak peek from Rustic Red Studios

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! 

Featured Event: Room Forty Planner Tasting

Last year we had the pleasure of working with Steve Fortunato of Room Forty on a wedding at Vibiana for clients Tracy and Kramer.  Throughout the process I loved working with Steve and co. and was moved by his passion.  Steve impressed me with his ability to produce something new that I had not seen before and it motivated me to want to share him with others.  I decided to produce an intimate, well it started off as intimate, tasting for him with a collection of some of LA's best wedding and event planner's, along with a handful of our industry's top bloggers and PR friends.  

Collaboration is so important on an event such as this as I was designing and producing an event for my own.  Such a task, but I felt so confident bringing in a few of my favorite vendors to do it with me.  I often refer to my wedding and event vendors for specific events as my dream team. When I'm blessed with the privilege to assist a client with hand picking the very best fit for their event it's always such an honor and truly special.  When it's my event and I get to hand select vendor's who I believe would work well together it's equally special and always so fun!  This event was such a labor of love and I cannot begin to express how much I appreciate our team and of course Room Forty for inspiring this design!  

Here are a few of my most favorite photos from this event as captured by the ever so stylish Ryan Garvin of Ryan Garvin Photography.   

Loving the entire stationary suite created by the uber talented Jen of Prim and Pixie.  Her designs are incredible, she's so modern, elegant yet always playful and I'm so grateful for her creativity and artistic ability. 

It's no secret that Vibiana is one of my all time favorite locations ever, not only was it my own wedding location but it also is the venue to a handful of weddings we do each year which really make it feel like home.  For this particular design it was really important to me to infuse the glamour and elegance of Vibiana with the rustic yet modern vibe of Room Forty.  I did this so much through our rentals which were provided by Maureen Harkness of Classic Party Rentals.  Maureen helped me incorporate all of the wood I desired which included this amazing Wood Back Chameleon Chair.  Maureen further told me at the luncheon this chair was actually the original Chameleon Chair which then made me love it even more, I started calling them "vintage chameleon"...     

Shawna Yamamoto Event Design handled all of the florals and then some for this event, including our awesome escort card display and parting gifts.  We always collaborate so well together, it's like a napoleon effect, once we start we just keep adding layer after layer of sheer beauty.  This event shows that effortlessly, from the herbs to section the tables to the mirrors to let people know where to be seated, I just loved every last detail.  Especially the plant with love parting gifts in the burlap pouch at each setting.  I'm so thrilled with how she took the Room Forty brand and translated this to our table incorporating real artichokes, herbs and even kale. 

All of our lovely linens and placemats were handmade by Designer Specialty Linens.  Dahlia is not only one of the sweetest most endearing people ever, she does amazing designs.  She created something extra special for this tasting, a new line your about to see more of, hint hint... These custom place mats were definitely a labor of love as each stitch was done by hand!  Aren't they amazing!

The table was one long 42-foot span but as planners we all know we needed a bit more direction as to who would sit where or it would be frenzy trying to figure it out.  So we came up with naming each section an herb or ingredient that was featured with in the menu.  I really loved this because as you see above, part of their take home was the fresh herbs to plant.  Plus of course the table smelled incredible even before the food starting coming out too.    

Room Forty really went above and beyond with the menu, even the cocktails were thought about!  It was great to see all of our guests reactions.  Cell phones were snapping course after course!

I love their style of service too, the wood planks are my favorite but this soup dish below was served like this and then at each setting the broth was poured fresh... So neat!

Another favorite detail of the day was the parting package we sent guests away with as they departed.  In case hours upon hours of a 9-course meal weren't enough, we spoiled them with a make-your-own salad kit, recipe cards, a thank you note made by Jen for them to use as they wish and a neat little package that included all of the event collaborator's details...

There were a handful of blogs that have been so kind to write stellar posts about this event and I'm so grateful for their support.  

    

Check out this lovely post by Summer of Grey Likes Weddings

Also, head over to The Bridal Bar Blog for more awesome love from Harmony Walton

Lastly, thank you to Rhonda and Melissa for their fantastic post on the Rayce Marketing Blog

Be sure to check out Room Forty's website and learn more about their incredible culinary magic and the amazing wine dinner's that they host.

Thank you to all of our amazing event collaborators, I appreciate each and every one of you in making this event truly special not only for the guests but also for Room Forty.

AV: OCAVS
Catering: Room Forty  
Entertainment: Espi Music
Event Design and Planning: Sterling Engagements
Floral Design and Decor: Shawna Yamamoto Event Design
Invitations/Event Stationary: Prim & Pixie
Linens and Custom Placemats: Designer Specialty Linens
Photographer: Ryan Garvin Photography
Rentals : Classic Party Rentals- El Segundo
Valet: Beverly Hills Best Valet
Venue: Vibiana