The first meeting I had with Natalie and Matthew at his law office in a fantastic locale, I thought, "these two are going to have a wild reception."
After hearing the decor items Natalie was making for her Baroque theme, I was fascinated and kind of wondered if she would dress as Marie Antoinette, or something more traditional.
Fast forward several months and a few meetings later, to the big day.
I had already seen the decor, I placed it in quickly on the guest tables, and went out to decorate the ceremony site on the lawn at Catamaran Resort Mission Bay.
Natalie had requested I drape the arch they were using so that no persons walking down the beach path would be seen from the guest seating area. At first I thought, that's different, but then I realized, some person in a bikini or worse, a speedo, walking by them at the same time the photographer takes a photo, is going to be just gross.
Natalie purchased 4 bolts of ivory tulle, and I planned on using a lot of it.
So I make my way to the lawn, where the chairs and arch were already placed and waiting for decor.
I looked up at the "garden arch" and just knew it didn't match anything about this wedding.
The staff was outside and the wonderful Sylvia (catering sales extraordinaire) asked if I would like to use the arch that was on the other lawn. At the time it was being set for a wedding to take place after ours.
I quickly said YES! The look of the other arch was much more appropriate to our theme and the staff brought it over. They were a bit concerned about the timing of us using it, and having it ready for the next couple, but I promised to get it undecorated for them in a hurry.
So we got to work.
3 bolts of tulle later.... we had draped the arch to make it absolutely impossible to see through the opening of it.
It was the perfect backdrop for Natalie and Matthew to stand in front of.
We worked fast and used fishing line to attach the lavender sprays as well as drape the tulle.
We finished just as guests were making their way to the lawn, quickly tied off the end of the tulle draped aisle, and had the DJ start the seating music.
It was rather warm and guests preferred to stay in the shade for a bit longer. Which was fine.
If you are familiar with Mission Beach on a weekend, you know traffic can be a bit crazy and we didn't expect to start on time.
So we used this time for some photos of the couple and their bridal party and kept them in the shade and hydrated. A few of the men wandered off, and as the ladies would go to find them, it became clear we needed to keep them all together or someone would not be ready for the processional!
Finally it was time to start. All the bridal party members made their entrance, followed by Natalie and her very proud father.
The ceremony began, the vows and rings were exchanged, and a new union was formed.
I have to say, Adam, the friend that officiated, was fantastic. He had humor and love in his ceremony and it made the guests laugh and cry, myself included!
Way to go Adam!
Cocktail hour was held on the lawn, the guests were invited upstairs to the Boardroom, and then dinner began, followed by dancing and an open bar.
Guests had a FANTASTIC time! The food was delicious (Thank you Matthew for surprising me with the seabass/steak plate over a vendor meal- it was so yummy!)
The dancing, singing along, was so fun to watch. I truly had a wonderful time watching these people dance and sing. I knew everyone was so happy to finally see their dear friends married, and I know these two will be in love for a lifetime. This was one of the most fun receptions I have witnessed this year!
Please enjoy some photos by the talented Jennie Edwards of Guided by Imagination Photography.
And here are some photos we captured throughout the day!
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| The ceremony site |
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| ready for their walk |
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| The baroque inspired decor made by Natalie |
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| I loved how the moon was out for them! |
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| Sealed with a kiss |
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| The beautiful cake! |
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| When I noticed the William D Evan was at the dock, I quickly sent the couple out for photos with it! |
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| First dance |
Thank you Natalie and Matthew for sharing your day with us and your rowdy guests! We loved every minute of it!
Fabulous Vendors:
Officiate- Adam Carbonell
DJ's-Gary and Andrew
