Tuesday, November 25, 2008

a crowning event: Brian & Andrea

Okay, so I know I have been terribly slacking these last couple weeks at keeping up with the blog...but I am so going to try and make it up to you with lots of pictures (and I mean LOTS) from Brian& Andrea's wedding that took place at the Prado at Balboa Park. Leo Patrone gave us so many great images it was hard to choose. Thank you Leo! I can't wait to get this wedding up on my featured weddings section on my website so I can even share more.

So without further ado...you have seen the inspiration board (filled with crowns and Spanish flair, inspired by the bride's time spent in spain)..here are some of my very favorite details.

Bridesmaid dresses from BCBG and spanish fans
vintage crown postcard holder that we put to good use holding postcards and escort cards for the guests.

A Spanish guitarist for the courtyard of course
Hundreds of red carnations floating in the fountain. This was absolutely gorgeous as it greeted the guests at the entrance.
The overall large ballroom with a crown gobo we had customized for the dance floor. The chandeliers just happened to be shaped as crowns as well. How perfect was that?
Each table was named in Spanish and translated to such things as my queen, my treasure, my family, for always, etc. This one pictured, "Mi Cielo" or my heaven, sat at the Bridal table.
The beautiful bride herself in her breathtaking lace and silk dress by Alvina Valenta

Crowns adorned the centerpieces as they sat on custom made velvet pillows and beds of flowers. Twigg Botanicals used lush spanish roses in varying shades of corals, peaches and deep reds that was vibrant against the teal covered tables.
Godiva chocolate boxes sat at each seat tied with red ribbons and customized letter-pressed monogram tags by Pretty Handsome Paper.



The cake...oh, I loved the cake! We of course had to add a little crown to the top to tie it all in.



We had customized postcards made from vintage embroidered Spanish cards I found. Courtney Scowby Designs did an amazing job...really making these look authentic.
We added vintage stamps of course to the backs of the cards (notice they're crown stamps)...and Yes, the bride and groom did handwrite a personal memory to each guest on the back that was carefully placed at each seat. This was such a wonderful and thoughtful way to honor each guest and remind them how much it meant to have them there.



The parents of the bride catching a glimpse of the first dance. I love this picture.

A late night treat and a Spanish tradition...Churos and Hot Chocolate...so tasty and a big hit.
The getaway...The Bride handed out long stemmed red roses as she said goodbye to her family and friends. They rode away in a pedi cab as guests saw them off.
One last kiss! Andrea and Brian you are truly divine in every way. Your kindness and love makes the world more sweet. What an elegant and beautiful day it was! Thank you for trusting me with something so special and for allowing me to share in all the fun. Love to you both!

Inviting: Minna Designs



Minna of Minna Designs just sent over some of her work and is offering all our readers 20% off of her design fee for the full month of December! What a fabulous deal! If you are looking for unique invitations or announcements be sure and stop by and visit her site Here! Thanks Minna for sharing some of your beautiful designs with us!

Friday, November 14, 2008

all things vintage...

Stop by the Tiara room this weekend for discounts on beautiful vintage jewelry and all things sparkly.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Labor of Love




Yesterday was one of those moments that will stay with me the rest of my life. One of those moments that remind you what life is all about and how miracles really do happen everyday. They happen when you sometimes may not even expect it or when you have almost lost hope, when you think you just may not be able to hang on one more day or push through one more contraction. :) It's easy to forget that they really are everywhere...until you witness the birth of a baby and then you cannot possibly forget.

When this 6 pound, 14 ounce and 20 inch long beautiful baby boy entered the world, he brought so much joy with him...maybe lots of pain and recovery too ( sorry Jewels)...but So Much Joy! I could not contain my emotion. He came into the arms of two of my very favorite people and from the second I saw him I loved him just as much as I love them.

Jewels, I am so very proud of you. You have amazing strength and faith. Long before you were a mother, you taught me lessons of how to be a better mother through your friendship and love. What a lucky little boy he is! I am a better person for knowing both Ben and you. I love you. Welcome into the World little Barker Baby(who still needs a name)! :)