Hello everyone!  I’m so excited to kick off the week with a beautiful wedding that was featured today on Grey Likes Weddings!

Last August I had the pleasure of watching this lovely celebration unfold at Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu.  You all should know by now that Saddlerock is my home-away-from-home!  I spend a lot of time there every year (and 2011 is no different!), and I never, EVER tire of it.  (I was actually there today with a 2011 client (Hi D!) for our initial walkthrough!)  When I first met Cynthia and Luis, I was instantly moved by their kindness and joy.  After working with them in planning their wedding, I can say they are sincerely two of the most genuine and loving people I’ve had the pleasure to meet.  They also happen to be madly in love with each other.  And they’re utterly GORGEOUS.  And their wedding was, too.  😉

Cynthia envisioned a Spanish-inspired wedding dressed in bold, fiery colors including fuschia, red, orange, and a strong cobalt blue accent.  I love when brides have fun with color and this wedding is a perfect example of that — vibrant hues that really pop against the verdant backdrop of Saddlerock.  Cynthia had her talented uncle, a blacksmith, create stunning candleabras for the tabletops made of wrought iron and horseshoes.  Colorful Mexican pottery served as unique vessels for the floral arrangements, and the cobalt blue goblets made a great statement on the dining tables.  Handcrafted tin star lanterns floated above the dancefloor for an added dose of romantic ambiance.

My favorite moment of the night was listening to Cynthia surprise her new husband by singing a rendition of “Lovesong” by The Cure (one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite bands) after dinner.  It was incredibly moving, to say the least.  She has a fabulous voice!

Enjoy a glimpse of the day courtesy of Rudy Arpia…

I adore these two pics of the stunning bride.

The dapper groom, Luis, was SUCH a gentleman.  That’s just the best word to describe him.

I love the florals juxtaposed with the bridesmaids’ blue dresses.

Cynthia and I share a love of flan!  (I even have a flan scar from one of my cooking misadventures — don’t ask…)

Cynthia & Luis… Thank you so much for entrusting me with your wedding plans!  I absolutely loved every second of working with the two of you.  The sweet love you share is such an encouragement and blessing to witness.  🙂  Cynthia — you have a heart of gold and I am grateful to call you a friend!  Love you lady!!  Looking forward to keeping in touch for years to come… xoxo

{vendors}

• ceremony site (not pictured above): Sacred Heart Chapel at Loyola Marymount University
• reception site: Saddlerock Ranch – Malibu, CA
• wedding planning & coordination: Angel Swanson, Events of Love and Splendor
• photography: Rudy Arpia
• videography: Isabel Gonzalez Videotique
• catering: Contemporary Catering (always fabulous!)
• rentals: Town and Country Event Rentals
• floral design: Kristin Brancaleone, formerly of The Treasured Petal… Find her now at Petal and Thorn!
• custom stationery (invites, programs, etc.): Mekala from Tie that Binds (a total sweetheart)
• dj: richard martinez of Hey Mister DJ
• makeup: Nyrie Aitken of Symmetry Beauty

Hope you all have a fantastic week!  I’ll be spending mine with lots of clients: site visits, consultations, floral design meetings…  I can hardly wait.  🙂

love, Angel