Category: Weddings

June 17, 2011

Although we are nearly halfway through 2011 (what?!), I still have a good number of 2010 weddings that haven’t graced the blog yet.  There is so much loveliness waiting in the wings, but today I will start with a lovely wedding that took place last September at the Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes.  Terranea is a gorgeous seaside property with a superb staff and of course, photographic vistas everywhere you turn.  I love working there!

Christine and I first met at a little Coffee Bean in Irvine (on her lunch break) and we had that instant “click.”  Christine is petite and delicate, but has such a huge heart. She is also one of those people who you fall in love with the instant you meet her — her gorgeous smile and effervescent attitude are infectious.  Every interaction I had with Christine over the course of our relationship was so full of joy; you could tell that she couldn’t wait to marry her sweetie.  And Todd is a consummate gentleman who also happens to love spoiling his lady.  Let’s just say that his wedding gift to her had to be delivered by a valet.  😉

Their wedding last September was perfectly elegant.  A romantic colorway in shades of blush and purples, married with clean modern glass and acrylic, made for a breezy and chic setting. And with a view like the one below, you really can’t go wrong… Enjoy these stunning images courtesy of my dear friend, the incomparable Jose Villa…

Christine & Todd’s sweet pup, Coogie, had to be a part of the celebration.

phalaenopsis and cattleya orchids = timeless

the gorgeous ceremony backdrop.  i love how soft, feminine & airy it is…

a profusion of orchids + roses anchored in voluminous tufts of hydrangea





little splits of champagne made festive favors



the ladylike cake from Sweet and Saucy featured beaded bands that mimicked the look of the sash on Christine’s dress

C+T – love you two!  xo

{vendor roundup}

Happy Weekend, everyone!  Coming next week: another giveaway you won’t want to miss.  xoxo, Angel

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June 7, 2011

Hello everyone!  I am absolutely THRILLED to be writing my first official post here on the new blog.  😉  I am smitten with everything about it and it perfectly reflects the new branding I am currently rolling out!  You’ll see that I wrote a little post below last week, but I knew it would not be seen until my launch.  If you are reading this post in Google Reader, make sure you click over so you can see the layout in all of its loveliness.  Also, you WILL need to update your feeds (loveandsplendor.com/blog).

After 5.5+ years in biz, I knew it was time for a “brand makeover.”  I was ready for something fresh and unique, and more aligned with my personality and style.  I decided to start with my blog, since it is the place where I share my most current work.  A website makeover is underway, too!  My inspiration for the new branding (and of course, this blog):

–Colors: watermelon-tinted coral, muddled turquoise, pure white, cool gray

{from design editor}

{from creature comforts}

–Patterns & motifs: ikat, chevron stripes, ribbons, bold typography, calligraphy

–Overall feel & layout: modern, whimsical, playful, feminine

I had some incredible friends helping me with the design + transition, so I want to send my deepest thanks to…

  • Xandra Zamora, of XYZ Ink, who painstakingly worked with me to create the perfect hand-lettering for the word “splendor” in my logo.  Here is a look at the “two-line” version that appears on my vertical biz cards:
  • My in-house graphic designer (and former client!), Kristin, who designed my brand new biz cards (which I L-O-V-E) and provided thoughtful feedback as I tweaked the blog design.  More on her to come!
  • And last but not least, Steph Anne from Yellow & Savvy, who helped me with numerous revisions with the layout and design, and brought my vision to life!  She is exceedingly patient and creative and working with her was a complete joy.

With the new blog comes some new blogging habits.  😉  Now that I have such a gorgeous place to share with you all, I want to do it more often!  I look forward to sharing more content in the weeks ahead.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the new layout and “look” for Love & Splendor!  In fact, I’m so eager to hear your thoughts that I will randomly select a commenter on FRIDAY, June 10th, at 10 a.m. PST, and give away a little package of my current fab finds.  Make sure to get your comment in by 10a PST on 6/10, and I will announce the winner later that day!

Thanks for stopping by and checking out the new blog!  We couldn’t be more excited to finally share this with you.

P.S. Don’t forget to click the Facebook link on the right and “like” us there!  You can also follow my mind’s eye at Pinterest, where I curate things that move me in one way or another.

xoxo, Angel

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May 13, 2011

Happy Friday, everyone! 🙂  As you know, I love to shout from the rooftops about how much I love my clients.  I have said time and time again I am blessed with the most kind, gracious, creative and stylish clients EVER.  (While I won’t name any names, I will say I am constantly told by vendors that my clients are always the sweetest…)  And frequently, I like to give you glimpses of these fabulous couples as they prepare for their weddings.  You may recall that last month I shared this charming proposal with you.  Today you get to meet the couple behind the gnomes! You’ll see they are as gorgeous as they are playful!  (Their wedding is going to be amazing, too…  whimsical and eclectic and intimate…)

Here is one of the most beautiful engagement shoots I’ve seen recently…  Their photographer is the talented Ryan Ray, whom I can’t wait to meet later this year.  His work has a natural, easy loveliness to it.  And it doesn’t hurt that Scott and Jess make an utterly stunning pair.

I hope you enjoy these as much as I did…

Seriously, Jess has the most graceful, delicate radiance!!!  Completely captivating.

a perfectly accessorized pair.

bliss.

P.S. Earlier this week, I shared a little guest post for my dear friend Mara.  Check it out here!  And if you haven’t seen Mara’s blog yet, you are in for a treat.  She writes the loveliest personal + fashion blog.  🙂

P.P.S. Jess can also be blamed for my new love and fascination with Pinterest.  I literally *just* joined but will be pinning soon, so feel free to follow my boards there~

May your weekend be sweet!  xoxo, Angel

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April 27, 2011

Hello everyone!  I hope you are all having a lovely week.  I cannot believe it is already Wednesday night — life has been a blur since last Thursday, when I headed to New Mexico for another client meeting.  I will write more about my trip soon, but today I am thrilled to share some absolute wedding gorgeousness, courtesy of the one and only Elizabeth Messina.  This wedding was featured today on Inspired by This, the fabulous blog by Be Inspired PR.  Make sure to check it out!

Last year I had the pleasure of planning an elegant and unabashedly romantic wedding at Saddlerock Ranch for Angela and James, who reside in New York. Although Saddlerock often lends itself to more rustic-feeling events, Angela really desired a soft and feminine feel for her wedding.  With the help of an all-star cast of vendors, I think we were able to achieve this beautifully.

A blush-tinged palette of neutrals set the stage for the day, in shades of pink, peach, soft gold and a dusty sage. White Lilac did the most incredible job with the florals, which were lush and textural, overflowing from a collection of mercury glass containers mixed with large tabletop lanterns.  To set the mood at the reception, abundant candlelight was utilized on the tabletops and grand chandeliers were suspended in the trees overhead.  I loved the juxtaposition of the natural, organic feel of Saddlerock and the luxe feel of the décor, which included over-the-top linens from La Tavola and carefully selected vintage pieces from {found}.  Elizabeth’s photography was the perfect complement to the feel of the day; her ethereal images immediately transport me to all the loveliness of this very special celebration.  It was an absolute delight working on this wedding and I am so thrilled to share it with all of you!

angela & james: thank you for allowing me to share in the beauty of your day.  your love is truly inspiring.  miss you both!!  xoxo

{ the dream team }

Venue: Saddlerock Ranch, Malibu

Photography: Elizabeth Messina

Wedding Planning & Coordination: Angel Swanson, Events of Love and Splendor

Floral Design & Décor: White Lilac

Catering: Huntington Catering

Band: The Buzzcatz

Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

Lighting: Lighten Up, Inc.

Linens: La Tavola

Vintage Rentals: {found} vintage rentals

Calligraphy: Xandra Zamora of XYZ Ink

Bridal Gown: Monique Lhuillier “Camelot”

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April 4, 2011

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}

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

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March 23, 2011

Hello everyone!  I hope your week has been wonderful so far.  🙂  The past few days have been fabulous for the Love and Splendor team.  We kicked off our 2011 season on Saturday and it turned out to be another flawless event.  The look was fresh, understated elegance with lots of white dutch tulips and powder blue accents.  I can’t wait to share it with you when I get the professional pics!  Here’s a peek into how I spent the weekend!

Saturday’s Team: Anna, me, and Jen.  Love these girls!  Michelle: we missed you!!  <3

Stunning view from the Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes, the setting for Saturday’s event.  I love working at this property; many thanks to Leslie, Jill, Jackson and co. for all of their help.

I made friends with one of the ringbearers… arguably one of the most adorable kids I have EVER seen.  He was extremely camera shy, so you’ll have to wait for the professional pics to see for yourself.  A mohawk on a five year old??  Love it!  (And yes, I do work in my 4″ heels!)

A sweet blog reader, Sally, sent me the Urban Decay Naked Palette (sold out everywhere!) and one of the new MAC Sheen Supreme lipsticks in ‘Ultra Darling.’  LOVE and am so touched by her sweetness.

And speaking of sweet deliveries — the amazing Jaclyne of Heavenly Blooms sent me this STUNNING bunch of flowers this week.  Erik can tell you I was rendered speechless by them!  Parrot tulips are some of my very favorite blooms… Thank you again, Jaclyne!  You are spoiling me!  Can’t wait to work with you on two fabulous weddings this year.  🙂

To top it all off, I completed my jury service on Monday!  Now that the trial has concluded, I can tell you it was a civil case — a woman suing a hotel for a slip and fall. Her case was extremely weak, so our vote was unanimous that the defendant was not liable.  I’m free from duty for another 12 months!  🙂  I definitely don’t mind jury duty, but it sure threw my schedule for a loop.  Lucky for me the judge was super sweet and dismissed us all early (after I wrote him a note) on Friday so I could make it to my Palos Verdes rehearsal on-time!!

Hope you all have a great afternoon!  Coming soon to the blog: an over-the-top and beyond gorgeous save-the-date project I completed last week!  🙂

xoxo, Angel

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March 2, 2011

Happy Wednesday, everyone!  I wanted to quickly drop in and share that the organic and nature-inspired baby shower we planned for Kristin of Petal and Thorn is featured today on “On To Baby.” If you haven’t checked out this blog, you are missing out on the most lovely and inspiring spot on the web for mothers and mothers-to-be!  I will admit I am one of those non-mothers who can’t get enough of nursery design, baby showers, and birthday parties.  😉  I am definitely going to be in trouble when I join the mommy club!!

photos by the lovely and fabulous Trista Lerit

A million thanks again to everyone involved with this shower, as well as the ladies of On To Baby for the great feature!!

Planning: Angel Swanson, Events of Love and Splendor, along with sister of mom-to-be, Jennyln, and friend Chie
Event Design, Florals, Paper Goods, & Signage: Angel Swanson, Events of Love and Splendor
Furniture & Decor Rentals: {found} vintage rentals
Cake, Desserts, & Favors: Sweet and Saucy Shop
Food: Homemade by Kristin’s sister Jennylyn

See you all again very soon; have a wonderful day!

xoxo,

Angel

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February 23, 2011

Hello everyone!!  I am sorry for the long silence here; you probably (correctly) assumed what I’ve been up to: working with incredible couples on fabulous weddings!  Lots of fun things up my (puffy) sleeves, but for now I thought I’d ease myself back into blogging by sharing this GORGEOUS engagement shoot with you.  Meet Borami and Anthony!  They live on the east coast and are planning a gorgeous Malibu wedding for this summer.  Borami happens to be the sister of one of my former clients, Naomi.  I LOVE that I get to work with their effervescent family again on this very special occasion.  What a blessing to do both of their weddings.  😉  Borami is half Korean (like me!), half Puerto Rican, 100% ridiculously stunning.

Enjoy these inspiring images courtesy of my beloved (and wildly talented!!) friend Amelia Lyon.  I could stare at these dreamy images all day.

that’s a good looking couple right there 😉


Hope you have a great rest of the week!  I promise to be back again soon.

xoxo, Angel

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February 1, 2011

Hello again, everyone!  I’m back again to share another fabulous featured wedding — this time the bright and cheerful nuptials of Sarah and Steve, which took place last May in Pasadena. The wonderful ladies of the Wedding Chicks featured this wedding last week, so make sure to check out THIS POST (if you haven’t already) to see all the details and learn more about the inspiration behind the day. I absolutely loved the quintessentially happy palette of canary yellow, cool “succulent” green, cool gray and pops of crisp white. The overall feel of the wedding was chic and playful… casual California elegance.  I hope this wedding brings some sunshine to your day!

one of my favorite bouquets ever.  a breath of fresh air.

i love the structural cymbidiums and callas paired with the creamy dahlias and softer dusty miller…

Sarah + Steve: It was such a joy to work with you, and a pleasure getting to know you (and Sarah’s sweet mom!) along the way.  😉  Thank you for all the trust you put in me as you planned from the other side of the country.  I couldn’t have been more pleased with the final outcome; your wedding really captured that balance of whimsy and elegance you desired.  Adore you both and wish you only the best.  Hope to see you next time you’re in town!!  xoxo

{impeccable vendor team}

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January 26, 2011

Hello everyone!!  I’m so thrilled to share that Khali & Potsch’s wildly creative and whimsical wedding was featured on Green Wedding Shoes!  Check out THIS POST for tons of info on the inspiration behind the day straight from the genius minds of K+P.

When I first met Khali and Potsch for their consultation with Anna, I got a major ab workout.  Anna and I maintain that their consult holds the record for most laughter. Khali and Potsch are simply two of the sweetest, most generous, kind-hearted and UTTERLY.HILARIOUS people you will ever meet.  I loved every interaction I had with these two… from the sweet emails to the giggle-fest meetings.  It was a joy to come alongside them as they planned an incredibly personalized wedding filled with DIY touches.  Anna was the lead coordinator on this wedding, which means she (and darling Michelle) ran the show on the day-of.  But, because I was managing all the planning before the big day (and had become so attached to K&P!), I couldn’t stay away from the wedding.  😉  I came for a little set-up, the ceremony, and cocktail hour.  Everything was perfect and I was blown away by the (countless) unique, gorgeous projects that Khali and Potsch put together.  From hand-sewn runners and napkins to a wooden cupcake stand complete with tiny figurines (we had the best time dreaming up funny stories about the characters…), the wedding had a whimsical, almost dream-like quality.  Enjoy these photos, courtesy of the insanely talented Kelty of Steep Street.

Stills from the silent film they made & debuted at the reception.  INCREDIBLE!!  Make sure you WATCH IT HERE.

Khali & Potsch — WOW do I love you two.  🙂  Thank you for inviting us into your lives at such a special time.  It was so inspiring to watch your creativity come to life, and it was an honor being a part of the big day.  I was so moved during your ceremony… I sat on the grass under a big tree and just reveled in the amazing power of your love. You are surrounded by so many wonderful people, too — what a blessing!  I miss you madly and can’t wait to get together soon.  And Khali: are we still going into the shoe biz together???  LOL  xoxo

{fabulous vendors}

We have another exciting feature to share with you in a day or two, so keep your eyes peeled for that!  Hope you all are having a marvelous week!

xoxo, Angel

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