Santa Barbara Estate Wedding – Regan and Chadd
All photographs courtesy of Cameron Ingalls. This is what Regan had to say about working with Cameron - ” He is an outstanding photographer based out of the Santa Barbara area who focuses on ‘Falling in love with a moment’. This is evident in the images he creates. We would have never blown up a formal wedding portrait of the two of us to almost a 3’ size, but did frame a very large reprint of the picture of us on a bench outside of the Old Mission. The lighting and colors are amazing and he truly makes magic out of what seems like an otherwise ordinary place.”
The Dress:
I was the kind of girl who got my wedding dress only a few months before my wedding. I didn’t feel that I needed to spend a lot of money to find something amazing. . I had heard of Encore Bridal from a friend who had looked for dresses the year before and recommended to my newly engaged friend that we go there. While we pulled tons of gowns for her to try on I remember idly looking through the dresses. There was one I kept going back to and said, “If I was going to try on one dress here, this would be it.” I did not want to impose on HER dress trying on experience, because we were there for her… but she said nonsense, and there I was with the dress on. It was perfect for me. I loved the dress and I loved even more that I could buy it “second hand.” I have always grown up in a treasure-finding family – we love flea markets, antique stores, Loehmanns, and the like… I am not afraid to work hard for what I want, and this was no exception. Because of how close I was to my date, I wouldn’t have been able to order a new gown anyway - it was perfect! The dress barely needed alterations, but I paid a visit to Coco, an amazing dress maker in Redondo Beach. I was lucky enough to get an amazing grey Vera Wang sash from Encore a month or two later.
Ceremony:
We did our own take on the Quaker Wedding Ceremony . I was a little worried that when people were encouraged to say something, we would hear crickets… but in the end about 11 people stood up to voice their support of us. Some read excerpts about love and partnership; some told a story about our friendship; and some gave a heartfelt toast. It created a very personal ceremony.
Did I mention the girls stood on the right and boys on the left? I am pretty sure that is backwards, but like Pink says “raise your glass if you are wrong, In all the right ways” something I love to live by!
Food & Drinks:
Because this was a private residence and the home of very close friends, we opted for two locally brewed beers, wine, and 2 custom cocktails for the night. Our theory on food was to bring it. It needed to taste great and there needed to be a lot of it. We did a long cocktail hour with a bunch of amazing choices. We love the meat/cheese/yummy spread set up for apps at home. In kind, Chef Keven created a large Medi – Mirror that had gourmet salads such as Edamamme and Sesame, Roasted Golden Beet and Goats Cheese with Raspberry Champagne Vinaigrette, and others Served with Gourmet Cheeses and Artesian Breads and Biscuits. Highlights of the tray passed apps were the Vietnamese summer spring rolls, mini pulled pork sliders, and cured salmon and fennel roti pizza. We did not want the formality of a seated dinner so we did a personalized twist on otherwise boring food stations. Chef Keven created live action stations, a whipped potato bar where each guest had the option of three types of whipped potatoes served with over a dozen garnishes. Each guest created their own custom experience with a spud mixologist. Who cares about the prime iron steak this was pared with?! Chadd and I also love Mexican food, so a personal taco bar was another easy choice. Each guest walked up to find organic mini taco shells, house fried served to vessel, chicken larb, halibut ceviche, cilantro spiced ground shrimp, and traditional ground beef coupled with assorted cheeses, vegetables and lettuce. Maybe the best part was the Salsa Bar with ten signature salsas . Yum!
To top the night off, we had Strawberry Pipette Shooters- delicious and nutritious!
Location Set-Up:
Casual seating around tables, cocktail tables, and standing room – intentionally there were not enough seats for everyone, forcing people to mix and mingle. Guests were invited to “wet their whistles” with a cocktail when they came through the beautiful front entrance of the house. .
Décor:
We wanted everything in the yard to look natural. We did a light linen table covering, and succulent centerpieces – handmade by me, my mom, mother in law and a few besties in my yard. We got all these amazing small succulents and potting mix from Home Depot then some pretty green mosses from the local nursery and got to work. Ambient Event Design put string lights up the bases of the trees and strung them high across the entire yard. They were a great company to work with
Party:
We had Santa Barbara DJs as our party starters, owned by Gavin Roy. They do weddings and do them well, but they are club DJs by “training.” This was huge for me because I did not want the typical wedding Dj with the voice and the outfit… just the whole thing. DJ AKorn (Andrew Korn) was our DJ of choice given our music style – loving the classic rock and fun party songs. He is awesome and we also had him bring Video DJ equipment so that he would project old school music videos on the wall of the house during the dance party. So fun to see the old videos and also gave some of the older people some dance move suggestions.
Location: Villa De la Guerra – private residence of family friends. Wedding Dress and Belt: Modern Trousseau dress and Vera Wang belt both from Encore Bridal . Bridesmaid’s Dresses: J. Crew – on sale for $50! Catering: Chef Kevan Lee from My World on a Plate. Disc Jockey: Santa Barbara DJs
Discounted Designer Wedding Dress of the Week- Augusta Jones
We love this dress for it’s flattering shape and beautiful embroidered lace detail. And, it’s one of a kind – a compilation of two Augusta Jones dresses made into one perfect gown. Receive an additional 10% off this gown for 1 week (exp. 11/3/11) using promo code dow102811. Here’s what the owner of this gown had to say about why this was “the one”…
“My wedding gown will always be incredibly special to me! Yes, I married the man of my dreams wearing it and experienced the single most incredible day to date sharing it with our family and friends, but for me, the gown symbolizes our two families coming together. I was lucky enough to go shopping with both my mother and my future mother-in-law. When I first saw my wedding dress, I was in love! I loved the sparkles of the bodice, the elegance of the train, and boy did the design give me the tiniest waist ever! While looking at other Augusta Jones gowns, I found other styles I loved for their details; the lace, gold thread, and buttons down the back. So when I learned we could make alterations to really personalize the dress, I was beyond thrilled! The Moms and I, with the help of the salon, took the “best of” the collection and designed a truly one-of-a-kind gown. On our wedding day, dressed in my gown, make-up and hair done, I walked with my mom and dad to meet my future husband. With a tear running down his cheek he whispered that I was always beautiful to him but today I sparkled! That’s it…I just sparkled. When he twirled me dancing, when we cut our cake as husband and wife, when we waved goodbye, the whole time I sparkled!”
- Original Painting
Above is a photo of an original painting of this gown completed by Stephanie London.
Here you can find this Augusta Jones dress in our e-Boutique:
Augusta Jones Custom "Ireland" - $1000
To finish your bridal look try:
Two Layer Veil- $168
Majorica Pearl Earrings - Gold - $45
Crystal Hair Comb with Gold Finish - $90
The Yeas and Nays of the Fall 2012 Bridal Collections
Here are my Yeas and Nays from the big reveal in New York this week of the Fall 2012 bridal collections. Let’s start with my Nays so you leave on a good note…
Ines Di Santo
#1 Does this dress remind you of a peacock too?
Reem Acra
#2 Where is the bride?
Cocoe Voci
This looks more costume than bridal to me
St. Pucchi
Whenever I see this photo I’m reminded of the scene in the Bridesmaids movie when Lillian shows Annie the couture wedding dress she had made in France – an over-the-top creation of feathers and ruffles.
Now onto the Yeas!
Anne Barge
#1 A soft feminine delight
Vera Wang
#2 I love the neckline of this dress and while black isn’t for everyone, I’m digging it.
Monique Lhuillier
#3 Another interesting neckline
Reem Acra
#3 Beautifully sexy. This is a ‘wow’ dress
Rivini
#4 and #5 – I love texture and these skirts don’t disappoint
Badgley Mischka
Romona Keveza
#6 A transparent floor length overlay over a mini – so fun!
Trends from the Fall 2012 Bridal Runway
It’s New York Fashion Bridal fashion week! This is one of my favorite weeks of the year – when we get to see new works of art from bridal’s best. Nothing vastly different from the Spring 2012 bridal collection. We’re still seeing a lot of flower embellishments, tulle, textured skirts, and lace. To this, Fall 2012 added color, corset-style bodices, high-necklines, and slitted skirts.
L-R: Amsale, Anne Barge, Monique Lhuillier, Vera Wang, Amsale, Monique Lhuillier
All images from Martha Stewart Weddings
You don’t have to pay top dollar to get a wedding dress that looks like it came hot off the runway. Here is a sampling of gowns in our current collection that express the Fall 2012 bridal trends at only 30-70% of the retail price.
L to R: Pronovias “Formentera” – $1650; Vera Wang #12469 - NEW $4500; Melissa Sweet Uma - $2085; Reem Acra “Jonquil” – $1800; Melissa Sweet “Burges” – NEW $975; St. Pucchi z287 - $2900
Wedding Trend: Reception Dresses
Having a second wedding dress or reception dress is no longer just for the rich and famous. Comfort and ease of movement for dancing are the most popular reasons today’s brides are choosing a reception dress. However, some brides just love the idea of changing their look for the wedding reception. Wedding dresses for the reception are usually shorter, sleeker, or simpler than the ceremony dress. Here are a couple of famous reception dresses:
Kate Middleton
Kim Kardashian
As I was browsing through Encore Bridal’s e-Boutique today I found some fantastic reception dress options – several of which are priced at under $1000…
A vintage style lace wedding dress might just be the perfect gown to float around in at your reception. Both of these gowns have sweep trains which you can either wear bustled, or have them shortened to floor length.
LEFT: Jenny Lee #711 - EB Price $2600 RIGHT: Monique Lhuillier “Claire” – EB Price: $2450
A short reception dress won’t restrict your dance moves. Choose your length – mini or tea and then get out there and shake your booty!
LEFT: Melissa Sweet “Burges” - EB Price: $975 RIGHT: David Fielden Gown - EB Price $400
Many brides want to simplify their reception look and change from a full skirted ceremony dress to a sleeker or more flowing reception dress. Above are four great options.
LEFT TOP: Priscilla of Boston #4211 - EB Price $1750 RIGHT TOP: Alvina Valenta #9055 – EB Price $1700 LEFT BOTTOM: Ristarose “Raquel” – EB Price: $299 RIGHT BOTTOM: Ristarose “Ravenna” – EB Price: $499
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