B2 Thursday, February 23, 2017
Coastal View News • Carpinteria, California
Dessert makers: Marcie’s Pies, Marie Shannon’s, Gaslamp Popcorn Photography: Kacie Jean Photography Coordinator: Tanya with RSVP SB Invitations: Etsy Wedding arch & vintage doors for ceremony: Handmade by a family friend
Kacie Jean PhotograPhy
Ceremony & Reception venue: Black Walnut Ranch, Ojai Caterer: Shalhoob Jeweler: Tuon Truong and Company Hair & makeup: 19 Blue Salon Dress shop: Camarillo Bridal Boutique and Design Studio MZ (Maria) Tux rental: Nordstrom and Mission Tux Flowers: Larry Fugimoto (family) and KM Floral Design Music: Music with Bonnie, also provided Photo Booth Officiant: Ivor Van Wingerden (family) Lighting: Dale with BrightStar Party rentals: Ventura Rentals Honeymoon: Currently in New Zealand Rehearsal dinner: Black Walnut Ranch catered by Catering Connections
Simply. Great.
The couple’s notes on the day:
What single moment of your wedding made all the planning and expense worthwhile? Describe it and explain why it meant so much to you.
Walking down the aisle following the ceremony and being showered by the cheers, support, and tossed flower petals of our dearest family and friends.
How were your unique personalities expressed in the details of your wedding?
Our vows were certainly the highlight for both of us. We read them for the first time to each other at the altar, and it was a special moment reading them and making a personalized public promise. A fun personal detail was having Van Wingerden-grown rose petals put into paper cones made from classic literature (a nice detail for Ivan, the literary nerd). During the excited recessional our family and friends showered us with rose petals. Another fun detail was a surprise coordinated dance. It was a lot of work and preparation, but definitely worth it since no one was expecting it.
Do you have any stress - reducing tips to share with other couples?
Take time off from planning, and enjoy being engaged because it flies by. Go to the beach, crack open a bottle of wine and remember all the wonderful reasons why you are getting married and how you fell in love. Pick the most important details about the ceremony or reception and communicate them early on to your partner.
Was your fiancé involved in planning? Were there some areas that required compromise by both of you?
Kristin did the lion’s share of the planning. Ivan booked the big ticket items, but the bulk of the details fell onto Kristin who enjoyed the challenge and the special personal touches.
What have your guests said was their favorite part of your wedding?
Many have said our vows, the delicious meal from Shalhoobs, the dancing, and most memorably the family traditions that we incorporated in the ceremony and reception. Some examples were the Ukrainian receiving line where the bride and groom welcome each one of the guests. Some Ukrainian cousins also did a traditional Ukrainian folk dance (they used to do it professionally!). The Dutch family had to sing some festive songs, which lead into the ABC recital where a family letter is assigned a letter of the alphabet and used that letter to craft a story about the married couple. The traditional touches made the wedding unique and drew in our past, present and future.
Why did you choose your ceremony and reception venues?
We chose the ranch because it didn’t have a prohibitive 10 p.m. curfew. This is a wedding! Who wants to end at 10? The Black Walnut
Ranch was also a beautiful setting for the ceremony with the Topa Topa Mountains in the background, and Ojai has always been a special place for us.
Describe your ceremony. What elements were most important to you?
The wedding was officiated by our cousin Ivor, who knows us well and conducted a beautiful ceremony. Also during the ceremony Ivan’s sister, Anastasia, performed a song that she wrote and composed just for the couple. The song is titled “Forevermore” and didn’t leave a dry eye in the crowd. Another nice touch was having our bridal party “warming” the rings and putting love and good energy into them before we exchanged them.
WEDDING REHEARSAL DINNER AFTER WEDDING BRUNCH
SEAFOOD STEAKS COCKTAILS
What part of the meal was the biggest hit? Was there anything on the menu that you would skip if you had a redo?
Shalhoob’s tri-tip and chimuchurri sauce was the best part of the meal and definitely made for great leftovers. Shalhoob helped us customize the meal to all of our favorite foods, so everything was perfect. We were able to craft a great variety of seasonal salads, vegetables, tri-tip, chicken and pasta. It makes our mouths water just thinking about it again.
What is your top piece of advice for couples planning a wedding?
Find out what your budget is, what is most important to you, and no matter what stick together. It’s a stressful time with a lot of emotions, family input and overblown expectations. Not stressing the small things and working together and communicating well is key. It’s a family celebration, so having some input from both sides is important and unavoidable. That said, don’t lose your voice and perspective. We kept very tight control of our wedding, which made it more work, but also allowed us to make all final decisions ourselves. It was such a huge run-up to the big day and we were exhausted and so ready for it. When it finally happened, it was all worth it and indisputably the best day of our lives.
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Coastal View News • Carpinteria, California
Kristen Hammonds PHotograPHy
Coastal View News • Tel: (805) 684-4428
Caitlyn’s notes on the day:
Thursday, February 23, 2017 B5
INSPIRE YOUR WEDDING
What single moment of your wedding ceremony, an amazing taco bar and made all the planning and expense great music with a party atmosphere. worthwhile? Describe it and explain why Why did you choose your ceremony and it meant so much to you. reception venues?
Right before the ceremony there was a moment where the entire bridal party was lined up ready to walk down the aisle. Jackson and his mom were at the front of the line while my mom and I were at the back with everyone else in between, and we all just let out a giant cheer because the energy was so high! That moment set the tone for the rest of the night and made every moment that followed absolutely perfect.
How were your unique personalities expressed in the details of your wedding?
I think the fact that we didn’t do anything because we “had” to or because it was “normal” kept it true to our personalities. We did a first look, we had our own choice of music and food, we made it our day and not a cookie cutter wedding.
Do you have any stress - reducing tips to share with other couples?
Hire a wedding planner and establish a budget. We had our wedding planners, One Sweet Day, the last two months before our wedding and it was the greatest money spent. Establishing a budget early is ideal, as well, so you, your spouse and your planners can decide how money is spent and spread out.
The Polo Club offered nearly everything we needed (including a gorgeous view) at an excellent price point. I also used to go to the Polo Club as a child and use the pool and facilities with my family so it was a great full circle experience.
Describe your ceremony. What elements were most important to you?
The ceremony was particularly special for both of us. Since my dad had passed away in the years prior, it was a very special experience to have my mom walk me down the aisle. We emphasized the occasion by having one of our dear friends officiate the wedding. He’d known us forever, seen us grow as a couple and knew how to make us and our guests feel like they were part of a very intimate moment. Our vows were very personal but our style also, as they came from a Beyoncé and Jay-Z song.
What part of the meal was the biggest hit? Was there anything on the menu that you would skip if you had a redo?
The entire meal was amazing! We had tortillas being made on the spot, endless amounts of chips and salsa, and one guest even ate 14 tacos throughout the dinner time! We wouldn’t change a single part of it.
Was your fiancé involved in planning? What is your top piece of advice for Were there some areas that required couples planning a wedding? compromise by both of you? Don’t rush to get everything done
Yes, Jackson was very involved! He was super helpful. We had to make small compromises on certain things but overall we had a smooth planning process.
What have your guests said was their favorite part of your wedding? We had three open bars, a quick
at once. Give yourself enough time to plan everything but not so much time that you run out of things to do. Everyone says it but it’s true, everything about your wedding goes by so quickly. Take the time to enjoy the little moments because everything else will end up falling into place.
Cake maker: Mary Gonzalez of Sweet Mountain Top Photography: Kristen Hammonds Photography Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas Ceremony & Reception venue: Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club Caterer: El Zarape Restaurant Jeweler: Bryant and Sons Hair and makeup: Benefit Cosmetics, bride did her own hair Dress shop: Nicole Miller Suit: Express Flowers: PacWest Blooms Music: Ryan Wise Officiant: Andrew Gil Lighting: A Rental Connections Party rentals: Linens from La Tavola, chairs, tables, etc. provided by Polo Club
Honeymoon: Maui, Hawaii Rehearsal dinner: Backyard potluck Wedding planner: One Sweet Day LLC
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Coastal View News • Carpinteria, California
I Heart my Groom pHotoGrapHy
Brianna’s notes on the day: What single moment of your wedding Why did you choose your ceremony and made all the planning and expense reception venues? The most important thing to us, as worthwhile? Describe it and explain why far as ceremony space, was making it meant so much to you.
Our vows, and drinking and dancing with everyone we love. I wish I could re-live that day over and over again.
How were your unique personalities expressed in the details of your wedding?
Both Andres and I are huge Los Angeles Dodger fans. The way we wanted to incorporate our love for the Dodgers was by naming each table after a Dodger, and having their bobblehead on the table. We had a lot of fun collecting bobbleheads! We also are huge craft beer lovers, and made sure to offer a wide variety of craft beers from local area craft breweries.
sure it was in Carpinteria. We knew we wanted an outdoor space in Carpinteria, and our friends Darrin and Sierra from Jump on the School Bus brought Casitas Valley Farm to our attention. It was a new wedding venue in town and we were able to create the look and feel we wanted for our wedding. It was important to us to get married in a unique and special place!
Describe your ceremony. What elements were most important to you?
The most important part of the ceremony was writing and reciting our vows. We also wanted to incorporate Noah, Andres’ son, into the ceremony. I wrote special vows specifically for Noah, and read them to him.
Do you have any stress - reducing tips to What part of the meal was the biggest share with other couples? Three things: spreadsheets, orga- hit? Was there anything on the menu nization and a wedding planner. that you would skip if you had a redo? And it helps to have a retired mother helping you out! I seriously couldn’t have done it without my mom!
Was your fiance involved in planning? Were there some areas that required compromise by both of you?
Honestly he did most of it, ha! I had the ideas and he had the connections. Andres was the one that helped make my ideas a reality and worked on most of the logistics.
What have your guests said was their favorite part of your wedding?
The bar! I mean you can’t go wrong with an open bar and custom margaritas! The mariachis were also a huge surprise to everyone. We were taking pictures when they walked up to the reception are and we heard the crowd erupt with excitement. I thought that was so cool!
805 Smoke, our caterer, was amazing! They absolutely nailed it! It was actually the first wedding they had done, although they had catered large parties prior to our wedding. I know our table loved the jalapeño corn bread with lavender butter! I am salivating thinking about it now!
What is your top piece of advice for couples planning a wedding?
We could not have pulled off our wedding if it wasn’t for our family and friends coming together to help! The DJ is our neighbor, the cake was made by family, our wedding planner is a co-worker and friend, and we both went to school with the owners of the farm! It was all about the connections and a hometown feel.
Cake maker: Bella Rosa Bakery Photography: I Heart my Groom • Photo booth: 805 Camera Bus Invitations: art/design by Allison Macias, printed at Rockwell Printing Ceremony & Reception venue: Casitas Valley Farm Caterer: 805 Smoke Jeweler: George Thompson Hair: Bree Wilcox • Makeup: Leah Washuta Dress shop: Ana Maria’s Bridal Boutique Tux rental: Mission Tuxedo Flowers: Pac West Blooms Music: DJ Hecktik Officiant: Fernando Chavez Jr. Lighting: Strung lighting provided by venue and up lighting provided by DJ Hecktik Party rentals: Town and Country Honeymoon: Italy Rehearsal dinner: Carpinteria Woman’s Club Mobile bar: Jenny Cota’s a la Cart Bar Bartender: Jonny Andrade at Pour Santa Barbara
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Coastal View News • Carpinteria, California
Kiel RucKeR PhotogRaPhy
The couple’s notes on the day: What single moment of your wedding What have your guests said was their made all the planning and expense favorite part of your wedding? The best man’s speech (by Lars’ worthwhile? Describe it and explain why brother Jason), the good vibes and it meant so much to you.
Looking out into the crowd during the ceremony and seeing our family and friends sharing our special day with us.
party atmosphere, and how personal the wedding felt.
How were your unique personalities expressed in the details of your wedding?
We wanted to be outside, private, low key, in Carpinteria and be able to pick our vendors. And Lion’s Park is beautiful!
We had the two friends that set us up on a blind date (at Lucky Llama) co-officiate. We had kegs of Conscious Kombucha that got guzzled down (as well as an open bar), and cut a donut from Reynaldo’s Bakery instead of a cake. Lars’ mom, Julia, made the centerpieces for all of the tables: live succulent arrangements on pieces of apple wood from a friend’s orchard, which the guests got to take home.
Why did you choose your ceremony and reception venues?
Describe your ceremony. What elements were most important to you?
Our officiants managed to be light and funny while still explaining the importance of marriage and our love for each other, and we wrote our own vows with those same things in mind. Our vows, which were promises we made to each other, were most important.
Do you have any stress - reducing tips to What part of the meal was the biggest share with other couples? Hire Toby Theule as your wedding hit? Was there anything on the menu coordinator! that you would skip if you had a redo? Was your fiancé involved in planning? Were there some areas that required compromise by both of you?
We worked together on planning. Some things mattered more to me, so I took the reigns on those, and some things mattered more to him, so he handled those. Also, we were also very lucky to have the support and help of our parents, Anita and Eddie Imsand, Bruce and Jackie Riddle, and Steve and Julia Davenport.
Fresh churros and Kombucha were the big hits, but everything was great. We wouldn’t have skipped anything.
What is your top piece of advice for couples planning a wedding?
Be excited about your marriage, and focus your energy on that. The wedding is just a celebration; treat it like that. Relationship first, wedding second.
Wedding planner: Santa Barbara Wedding Coordinator, Toby Theule Cake (donut!) maker: Reynaldo’s Bakery Photography: Kiel Rucker Invitations: Wedding Papers Divas Ceremony & Reception venue: Lions Park Caterer: Omni Catering, Sara Hays was our coordinator Jeweler: Alan Mirzaian Hair and makeup: Shine Blow Dry Bar Dress shop: Lovely Bride in Pasadena Suit: Sak’s Off 5th in Santa Barbara Flowers: Susan Evans and Lars’ mom Music: DJ Jerry from DJ Zeke Officiant: Kelsey O’Donnell and Nick Weber Lighting: Ambient Events • Party rentals: Discount Party Rentals Honeymoon: Mareño Surf Tours, Salina Cruz, Mexico Rehearsal dinner: Lions Park, catered by Dearmore BBQ Catering Kombucha Kegs: Conscious Kombucha Shuttles: Jump on the School Bus
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Coastal View News • Carpinteria, California
Cake maker: Violette Bakeshop, Samantha Eve Dessert Table: Sugar Lab Bake Shop, Ali Davis Photography: Wonder Tribe Photography, Michael Kwiecinski Videographer: Tale Spun Films, Vanessa and Jordan Lamb Video Guest Book: Kiosk Promotions, Larry Nimmer Ceremony venue: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church Reception venue: Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club Caterer: Gaby’s Catering, Gabriel and Gabriela Mejia Appetizers: El Zarape, Raul Gil Jeweler: Bryant & Sons, Ltd. • Hair: Bree Wilcox • Makeup: Leah Washuta Dress shop: Panache Bridal • Tux rental: Men’s Wearhouse Flowers: The Twisted Twig, Jen Nally • Officiant: Father Lawrence Sayer Music: Guitarist, Hector Hurtado; Ceremony Processional Singing, Emilee Krablin; Reception, DJ Hecktik
Wonder Tribe PhoTograPhy
Lighting: The Tent Merchant Inc. • Party rentals: The Tent Merchant Inc. Honeymoon: Whistler, Canada • Rehearsal dinner: Pierre Lafond Wine Bistro Day of wedding coordinator: One Sweet Day
The couple’s notes on the day: What single moment of your wedding made all the planning and expense worthwhile? Describe it and explain why it meant so much to you.
Josh: The anticipation and anxiousness waiting for the church doors to open and seeing my future wife for the first time that day! Angela: One of my favorite moments, not only during our wedding but in life thus far, was vowing to be with Josh forever. We were in the company of family and friends, and I truly felt the presence of my beloved Nana and Granddad and Josh’s Nana and Papa. Also, the dancer in me wants to highlight the incredible dance party we threw!
so it was fun to see our personal touches come to life. All of the glitz, glam and girliness was right up my alley, while Josh’s nerdiness was subtly displayed with a range of Star Wars socks. In addition, wedding photos of our grandparents helped to highlight the legacy of true love in our lives.
Do you have any stress - reducing tips to share with other couples?
As long as you have the end goal in mind, the little details aren’t so overwhelming. Thankfully, we both come from super supportive families that helped us along the way, and we had a year-long engagement to do bits and pieces over a good chunk of time. Don’t be afraid to enlist help when needed!
How were your unique personalities expressed in the details of your wedding? Was your fiancé involved in planning? Josh: It was important to for both Were there some areas that required of us to be included in meetings with compromise by both of you? our vendors which helped them really get to know us as a couple. We think this helped them carry out our vision (which far exceeded all of our expectations)! Angela: We were both really involved in every step of the planning,
We were both heavily involved in the planning. Josh was incredible when dealing with vendors, and I handled a lot of the creative aspects. We made financially smart decisions, let the professionals handle their expertise, and did a lot on our own.
What have your guests said was their favorite part of your wedding?
Dancing, dancing and more dancing! Our DJ kept the party going all night! In addition, people have commented on the feeling of joy present in both Josh and me and how our happiness was infectious.
Why did you choose your ceremony and reception venues?
It was very important for us to get married in a Catholic Church, and not only is Our Lady of Mount Carmel stunningly beautiful, but also, I teach fifth grade at their school and my parents were married there 33 plus years ago! The Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club is a gorgeous backdrop for a reception, and it truly captures the magic that is Carpinteria!
Describe your ceremony. What elements were most important to you?
We opted not to have a first look, so when the doors of the church were opened and we locked eyes, it was a moment I’ll never forget. My cousins,
Vanessa and Dayna, Josh’s aunt and godmother, Desiree, and my aunt and godmother, Angel, all shared biblical readings and prayers that spoke to the theme of the day: love.
What part of the meal was the biggest hit? Was there anything on the menu that you would skip if you had a redo?
Guests enjoyed the diversity of the meal. Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, you name it! Also, Ali from Sugar Lab Bake Shop’s homemade marshmallows made for the most delicious s’mores bar. We wouldn’t change a thing!
What is your top piece of advice for couples planning a wedding?
Remember, the wedding is just one day but you get to spend eternity with the love of your life! What happens will happen, no matter what you plan for. Simply take in the day for all that it is, and cherish every moment (because it ends in a flash). Also, hire a wedding coordinator for the day of. The ladies at One Sweet Day made our day perfect and allowed us to feel like royalty.
B12 Thursday, February 23, 2017
Cake maker: Your Cake Baker in Santa Barbara Photography: Fancy Free Photography Invitations: Etsy, PaperDainty Ceremony & Reception venue: Lions Park Carpinteria Caterer: All cold foods, from Whole Foods and Costco. Jeweler: Various sellers on Etsy: JulJewelry, Onata and lunaijewelry Hair: Anna Glassey (friend) Makeup for bride: Herself Makeup for Bridesmaids: Chelsea Edwards (friend) Dress shop: Simply Bridal Tux: Al Weiss Men’s Clothing Flowers: Skyline Flowers, designed and arranged by bride and bridesmaids Music: Speakers and microphone from In the Mix Events. Bride created a wedding playlist and let it play on the speakers.
Officiant: Jason Cuevas (friend and man of honor) Lighting: In the Mix Events Party rentals: Ventura Party Rentals Honeymoon: Traveled for four months through the western part of the U.S. and Canada, camping out of our van.
Fancy Free PhotograPhy
Coastal View News • Carpinteria, California
Jessica’s notes on the day: What single moment of your wedding made all the planning and expense worthwhile? Describe it and explain why it meant so much to you.
The entire wedding was very memorable for me, but probably one of the best parts was the first dance. You get so lost in the moment—with your person—it’s pretty magical.
How were your unique personalities expressed in the details of your wedding?
Since I designed the aspects of the wedding myself, it was first-hand all our taste and personality. It was very casual. Everything was handpicked by my mom and I, including all the serving bowls for the food table, and the vases for all the flowers (which we arranged ourselves). All was handpicked from thrift stores throughout Southern California. We also shibori dyed the table runners, made the eucalyptus wreaths and set up the wedding on the morning of (thanks to my wonderful bridesmaids and family’s help).
Do you have any stress - reducing tips to share with other couples?
Do what you want, but not at the expense of making your family unhappy—because conflict will just make it more dramatic and stressful. This was the most difficult part of the wedding for me, but a lot of the wedding is about sharing this moment with your family. It is important to make them happy as well. Still, a majority of the wedding was what Ian and I felt like fit our personalities and reflected our relationship best.
friends was the DJ on and off. We had the game of horseshoes going, and our food was casual sandwiches and cold pasta. It felt very relaxed and easy, just like a huge celebration.
Why did you choose your ceremony and reception venues?
I always have wanted to get married outside, under huge trees. I would have loved to get married somewhere like Big Sur, but we were really trying to keep budget costs low, and we wanted it to be easily accessible to lots of our family and friends. This is why we chose one location for the ceremony and reception alone. I didn’t want to travel in between those two to go to a different location. Lions Park was the perfect location for us, a beautiful outdoor venue that was reasonably priced (which is hard to find in this area of California).
Describe your ceremony. What elements were most important to you?
Our ceremony was very casual. Our best friend was the officiant, and it was a standing ceremony to keep it relaxed. It was also very short. Our bridesmaids and groomsmen didn’t walk in before us; they were already standing at the front as I walked down the aisle. I walked down the aisle to “Sea of Love” by Cat Power. All of these elements were essential in making Ian and I feel comfortable in saying our vows in front of our guests— that was definitely nerve-racking for me.
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What part of the meal was the biggest hit? Was there anything on the menu Was your fiancé involved in planning? that you would skip if you had a redo? The biggest hits were the cold pasta Were there some areas that required from Whole Foods and the Croissant compromise by both of you? Sandwiches from Costco. I would not
Ian was not super involved—this was definitely a vision I had and wanted to carry out myself. I’m a pretty take-charge person, and as an interior designer, had a strong vision as to what I wanted to achieve. He supported me along the way, and pulled me back when I stated to get too carried away. We have a great balance that way.
have changed anything on the menu if we had to redo it. I felt like it was the perfect type of food for the concept we were going for. We also bought salami, mixed nuts and cheese from Trader Joe’s that we put out on wood serving platters.
What have your guests said was their favorite part of your wedding?
Everyone will tell you this, but enjoy the day once it comes. Remember you are celebrating the love of you two, not anyone else. It sometimes is hard to remember if drama comes up, but keep this in mind and focus on each other. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help if things get overwhelming, and remember to have fun and it will all be worth it in the end.
The casual and intimate aspects of the wedding. All of our wedding guests were people we love and know very well. I felt this was important in making it feel so comfortable and casual, and that was important for me on the day. One of our best friends was the officiant, another one of our
What is your top piece of advice for couples planning a wedding?
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B14 Thursday, February 23, 2017
Cake maker: Christine Dahl Photography: G. Soria Photography Invitations: The bride Ceremony venue: El Presidio Reception venue: El Paseo Restaurant Caterer: El Paseo Restaurant Jeweler: Bride and groom Hair: Juanita DeAlba Makeup: Schane Craddock Dress shop: The Dress Bridal Tux rental: ASOS.com Flowers: Christina Welch Floral Music: The Riverside / DJ Curly Officiant: Pastor Gerald Torres Party rentals: The Tent Merchant Honeymoon: Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Rehearsal dinner: Island Brewing Co. / catered by Pizza Man Dan’s Favors: Robitaille’s Candy Bridal shower: Carpinteria Woman’s Club
Coastal View News • Carpinteria, California
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CELEBRATE BY THE BEACH…
Sarah’s notes on the day: What single moment of your wedding made all the planning and expense worthwhile? Describe it and explain why it meant so much to you.
For both of us it was at the closing of the ceremony when Pastor G announced “for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Organista,” and we turned toward to crowd who erupted in joyous applause as the church bells rang and “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” was played by the band. Wow, that experience was pure joy. It was amazing to walk out of the church and see so many faces of family and friends celebrating with us. The other moment that really stands out to me is leaving the reception—Matt had convinced me that we would ride off on his Vespa. Everyone made a tunnel leaving El Paseo, and my friend Megan helped me tuck my wedding dress all around me on the scooter. We sped off into the night, on our way to the Biltmore. We rode down by the ocean and I remember hugging Matt so tightly thinking about how beautiful and full of love the whole night had been and amazed that this man was now my husband.
How were your unique personalities expressed in the details of your wedding?
We are both highly creative people so we knew that would show in our wedding. We made our own rings, save-the-dates and invitations. I think my personality brought a sort of whimsical aspect to the wedding with the dresses, flowers, flower crowns and music. Matt got each of his groomsmen a pair of funky socks that had special significance to their friendship.
Do you have any stress - reducing tips to share with other couples?
Practically speaking, I would make lots of lists. That way I could see what still needed to be done and not feel overwhelmed by an abstract feeling. However, I think the most important thing is to keep it in perspective. If I felt myself getting stressed out I would just remind myself that the purpose of this whole ordeal was that we were getting married! The purpose of a wedding is to make sacred vows to each other and celebrate that with friends and family.
massive guest list prepared! It was so beautiful to celebrate with everyone, and many guests said they felt so blessed to share in our celebration.
What have your guests said was their favorite part of your wedding?
Many people said that they thought our ceremony was very special. A lot of people talked about how good the food was too!
Why did you choose your ceremony and reception venues?
We considered a lot of places in the area. We had a very large guest list and a budget, so finding something that would accommodate both of those was largely what directed our search. We actually decided on the reception at El Paseo first. We really liked that it was a restaurant so we didn’t need to go through a lot of different vendors. The Presidio is absolutely beautiful and we liked its religious and historic significance. It was perfect because everyone could walk over to the reception after the ceremony.
Describe your ceremony. What elements were most important to you?
We wanted a traditional Christian ceremony full of symbolism and beauty. We hoped that our guests would be reminded of the nature of love and the sacredness of marriage. We memorized the traditional wedding vows. I stumbled over the words a little, but I think every couple should memorize their vows so they can remember them when marriage gets hard. I put of lot of thought in to the music as well. The Riverside played beautiful music for the processional and our good friends Lindsay and Tom sang during the lighting of the unity candle.
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Blossom with us at your wedding
What part of the meal was the biggest hit? Was there anything on the menu that you would skip if you had a redo?
Honestly, the food was all amazing. El Paseo Restaurant did a great job, it was a buffet meal which helped accommodate our large guest list. We had a lot of guests comment on how delicious the food was. It was nice for the guests because there was more than one option to choose from.
Was your fiance involved in planning? What is your top piece of advice for Were there some areas that required couples planning a wedding? Matt: Get as much help as you can. compromise by both of you?
Both of us were heavily involved in the planning. We managed to work pretty well together. There were some things that were really important to me so Matt let me choose them. Matt had a few non-negotiables as well. I had always thought I wanted a small wedding, but Matt already had a
Patience and understanding goes a long way. Sarah: Enjoy the process, a wonderful part of the experience is in the planning and anticipation. Appreciate all the wonderful people in your life who will want to be a part and help you along the way.
COASTALV IE W.COM
christinawelchfloral.com 805.451.1327
B16 Thursday, February 23, 2017
Coastal View News • Carpinteria, California
Allison’s notes on the day: What single moment of your wedding What have your guests said was their made all the planning and expense favorite part of your wedding? I think everyone’s favorite part was worthwhile? Describe it and explain why the camera bus we had outside. It it meant so much to you.
Just seeing how beautiful everything turned out and all the compliments we got that day and seeing everyone smile was all worth it.
was so much fun and so unique; it was a total hit!
How were your unique personalities expressed in the details of your wedding?
We loved the rustic feel Lions Park had and how we had access to the outdoors as well. We wanted our guests to have the best of both worlds.
I love pink, and I was going for a romantic rustic theme. Once we combined the two, the wedding was just stunning.
Do you have any stress - reducing tips to share with other couples?
Have fun with the planning, and be patient with one another. It’s all worth it in the end.
Why did you choose your ceremony and reception venues?
Describe your ceremony. What elements were most important to you?
Our ceremony was sweet and everything we imagined. I loved the whole feel of it all and how happy everyone was.
What is your top piece of advice for Was your fiancé involved in planning? couples planning a wedding? Stay calm, have fun and make sure Were there some areas that required to soak up the day and pay attention compromise by both of you? to the little good things because you
My fiancé was involved. I definitely wanted to hear his opinions, but in the end he was sweet enough to just go with whatever I wanted so there was definitely a lot of compromising.
spend months and months of planning for a day that goes by so fast.
Cake Maker: Beatriz (family friend) Photography : Family friends & 805 Camera Bus Invitations: Michael’s Ceremony Venue: Kingdom Hall Of Jehovah’s Witnesses Reception Venue: Lions Park Caterer: PePe’s Carpinteria Jeweler: Goleta Jewelers Hair: Martin Partida (friend) Makeup: Alberto Espinoza (uncle) Dress Shop: David’s Bridal Tux Rental: LA Fashion District Flowers: Wendy Esqueda (friend) Music: Matt Wiggins (friend) Officiant: Dan Litchfield (family friend) Lighting: Fred Ledesma (father of the groom) sold lights to Lions Park Party Rentals: Tent Merchant Honeymoon: Cabo San Lucas Rehearsal Dinner: Christy Ledesma (mother in law)