Chris and Paige met at Azusa Pacific University… They were married at the Martinelli Event Center in Livermore, and what an honor it was for me to photograph amidst a crowd full of photo-stars! (Many of their family and friends are extremely successful in the photography industry) Talk about pressure! But they were a blast, and I absolutely loved every minute of it. Especially Chris’ crazzzy groomsmen on the dancefloor – ahh! Mark at DJ’s and MC’s had that music goin’ all night…it was off the hook!

Congratulations you two! I hope you are having a wonderful time right this minute with your feet in the sand, margaritas in your hand…and lots of lovin’! :)

Head Photography: onelove photography

Second photographer: Darcy Rogers

Venue: Martinelli Event Center, Livermore

Florist: Becca Howden http://beccasflowerblog.blogspot.com/
Wedding Dress: Moonlight Bridal from Dana’s Bridal in Livermore, CA
Shoes: Naughty Monkey
Wedding Hair: Caris Noble- Salon Vivace
Wedding Makeup: Kristin Ambrose (friend)
Bridesmaid Dresses: JCrew
Menswear: Groomsmen-Alfani Suits from Macys. Groom- Zara
Caterer: Martinelli Center
Cake/Cupcakes: Emily Gillette
Invitations: Self designed, printed at Periwinkle
DJ/Entertainment: DJs and MCs-Mark
Bridal Veil: Borrowed from friend
Officiant: Scott Berglin- bride’s youth pastor and family friend
Lighting: Father of the bride
Videography: Martin Orozco-family friend

Jon and Virginia were married at Condor’s Nest Ranch in Pala, where the animals play while you get hitched. Just like the good ol’ days back on the farm. That’s what I’m talkin’ about! Jon and Virginia were so kind, calm and sweet. It was so fun to watch them enjoy all of their family with ease, no high-stress anywhere to be found. Family and friends flew in from all across the world to celebrate with these two (and the little lambs). Congrats you two!

Thanks to Amy Kaplan for her awesome photographs in this post (Jon getting ready and some details of the ranch!)

Florist: Sheri’s Flowers
Wedding Dress: Mori Lee
Shoes: Unlisted
Wedding Hair & Makeup: Kacee Geoffroy
Bridal Jewelry: Earrings made by Mother In Law (Beadsforbenefits on Etsy) Necklace is gift from Mother In Law
Menswear: Men’s Warehouse
Caterer: Vail Ranch
Cake/Cupcakes: Elaine’s Cakes in Vista California
Invitations: Target
DJ/Entertainment: Universal DJ Services
Officiant: Reverand Romain Swedenburg

Today the Wedding Chicks featured Stacey and Andrew’s DIY Garden wedding at Heather Farms. Thanks Amy and Jocey!

Sarah and Athan met at grad school. Sarah is now a lawyer, and Athan is a teacher. They decided to theme their wedding around “school” since they met there – very cute decorations. Athan is Greek and his family hosted the wedding AT THEIR HOME, entirely! They transformed it and it was breathtaking! The food was largely Greek-themed, with Baklava, Mythos Beer and Phyllo Dough! Wonderful dessert table display, and traditional Greek dancing.

They should rent their home out for weddings, it looked so spectacular!

Amazing highlight: their dog with yellow “paw-lish”

What was your theme/inspiration?

Family.   Simple as that.  We had a wedding (instead of eloping on a beach or mountain somewhere) because we wanted to bring our families together and celebrate.  For us, family (which includes close friends that have seen us through our good times and bad) is the absolute most important thing.  It’s what led us to our venue (my now-husband’s parents’ backyard) and led to lots of our details (including our favors, which were homemade Greek pastries baked with love the week leading up to the wedding).  We used long tables and served family style meals so that the whole event would feel like a big family gathering.  A big, fat Greek/Midwestern wedding, if you will.

Do you have any advice for those planning?

Make your decisions and don’t look back.  I spent far too much time thinking “what if” after I made a decision.  It does no good, and it just makes you crazy.  Trust your instincts and me — a classic over-thinker:  Your day will be spectacular because it’s the day you get to start your new life as a married couple.  It’s an amazing event, and you’ll be surrounded by love.  The “other” cake, the “other” dress . . . . they don’t matter.  And on the day, don’t sweat the small stuff.  Just sit back and relax.  Finally, try to get everything done at least 48 hours before guests arrive.  Once your friends and family are in town, just have fun with them.  You’ll never have the same crowd of people together again.  So sit back and enjoy every moment.

A big highlight moment definitely had to be when they ROCKED the photo booth (see below)…. but even more sweet was during the ceremony. I don’t think I could count how many times I saw Kevin mouth the words, “You look amazing” to Kate with a dreamy, love-intoxicated look in his eyes… they quietly chatted together during the ceremony and giggled the whole time! True love.

Congratulations you two!

Florist: Anne Mendenhall – http://www.annemendenhallflowers.com/

Wedding Dress: Enzoani -  http://www.enzoani.com/

Shoes: Nina – http://www.ninashoes.com/

Bridesmaid Dresses: After Six – http://www.dessy.com/bridesmaid-dresses/aftersix/

Menswear: Men’s Warehouse www.menswarehouse.com

Caterer: Wente – http://www.wentevineyards.com/events/

Cake: Wente – http://www.wentevineyards.com/events/

Invitations: Creative Designs by Mimi – http://www.creativemimi.com/index.php

DJ: Denon & Doyle – www.djay.com

Officiant: Pastor Bill Rath

1. Lauren and Derek are a part of my longtime hometown, church community in Danville, CA.

2. Thus, there were many many of my great friends from the past = reunion of sorts!

3. I have never seen a more cut-throat battle for the bouquet in all my days with weddings. (A MUST SEE at end. Hysterical!)

4. The bride wore purple shoes. My wedding color!

5. I had one of the most memorably embarrassing moments of my professional career. (Ahem..I called someone a “grandmother” who was not, in fact, a grandmother) Thank goodness this family loves me.

6. The Darlington House in San Diego is seriously “darling” – can I rename it the “Amazing Photo Location House”???? Boutique and adorable.

See their wedding featured here on Sienna Wedding!!

Photography: onelove photography

Wedding Dress: David’s Bridal
Shoes:  Nordstrom
Wedding Hair:  Sarah Drey, private hair stylist
Wedding Makeup: Vanessa Clifford, Mary Kay
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Menswear: Men’s Warehouse
Caterer: The French Gourmet
Cake/Cupcakes: The French Gourmet
Invitations: Kerry Scott, Olive and Emerald
DJ/Entertainment: Music as You Like It
Bridal Veil: David’s Bridal
Officiant: Larry Clifford

Wedding colors: Purple