LIGHTING BREAKDOWN

To further illustrate my post on lighting, here’s a breakdown of the different lighting techniques we commonly use to beautify our venues:

1. Overhead decorative lighting is almost always the most noticeable. For M&C’s Wedding, we mixed crystal chandeliers with rustic lanterns to create a more residential vibe and a soft, festive glow.

2. Pinspotting on the tables allowed the flowers to shine and highlighted the texture of each bouquet.

3. Uplighting draws attention to architectural elements and warms the space while distracting the eye from any eye sores of a space.

4. Candlelight is obvious. There’s nothing like that glow. We had hundreds of candles at this Villa Sevillano Wedding.

Above images by Samantha Cabrera.

5. If we have a band (like Amy & Jason’s 22 piece group), we love to make them shine by highlighting the musicians.

6. When in a space with amazing architecture, wood beams, beautiful chandeliers, a nice diffused textured lighting or soft wash draws your eye to the features of the space.

7. At this Vibiana wedding, we uplit the custom trees so we were able to see the texture of the branches, rather than turning them into dark shadows.

Special thank you to Samuel Lippke for this beautiful capture.

AMY & JASON: THE WEDDING: DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES

As promised, I’m back today with some beautiful images from Samuel Lippke of Amy & Jason’s big day. The celebration took place at Vibiana, the couple’s second stop on showing their guests the history of downtown L.A. In case you didn’t know, Vibiana was originally L.A.’s oldest Catholic Church. Vibiana kept all of the best bones of a gorgeous cathedral and added a modern spin. It’s a wonderful backdrop for any couple and was perfect for Amy & Jason given their vision for a black tie New York style affair meets a little bit of Hollywood Glamour. A 22 piece band with a full string section and a 6 course meal made it a night no guest will ever forget! We admittedly don’t get to glam events up that much and it was a blast doing so! Visit Style Me Pretty to see even more…

AMY & JASON: THE WELCOME PARTY: DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES

We love a good destination wedding anywhere in the world, but what we love even more is someone who knows how to show off their home! Amy & Jason are this amazing couple…the type I would die to be friends with…super intellectual, funny and know all about all of the best things in the world. Seriously, I love them. For their wedding, they knew there was no better place to celebrate than their home right here in Los Angeles. With a passion for history and downtown Los Angeles, they invited guests to explore a part of the city, even born and raised Angelenos don’t really explore. For the first night, we had a Fiesta meets Southern BBQ inspired celebration on LA’s first street, Olvera Street. If you haven’t been, it’s a hoot. We set up shop under a canopy of raw bulbs and papel picados and showed off the roots of L.A. And, yes, those are street tacos and fresh churros. It was a hit to say the least and the talented, Samuel Lippke caught it all on film…Come back tomorrow for a glimpse of the big day at another downtown L.A. beauty, Vibiana

END OF YEAR NOSTALGIA

Just like many of you, the end of the year brings about a certain amount of nostalgia. Looking back at all the amazing things we’ve accomplished over the year and the even more wonderful couples we’ve worked with. As we head into the new year, we wanted to say one last congratulations to the beautiful people we’ve been able to work with this year. You take us into your lives, often treating us like family members, giving us the opportunity to create a once in a lifetime moment for you and for that we will be forever grateful. It is because of you that I get to do what I love day in and out, all year round, this year and next! Thank you for allowing us to be a little piece of your worlds in 2011!

Jody & Patrick : April 2nd, 2011 : Bacara Resort : Santa Barbara, California : Photography by Max Wanger

Laura & Jeremy : April 30th, 2011 : Kona Beach House : Kona, Hawaii : Image by Steve Steinhardt Trudy & Rob : May 28th, 2011 : Hahn Estate : Santa Barbara, California : Image by Jose Villa

Tess & Peter : June 4th, 2011 : Private Residence : Bel Air, California : Image by Amy & Stuart

Amelia & Danny : June 18th, 2011 : Devil’s Thumb Ranch : Tabernesh, Colorado : Image by Steve Steinhardt

Rachel & John : July 16th, 2011 : Hummingbird Nest Ranch : Simi, California : Image by Jose Villa

Lindsey & Nick : July 2011 : Private Residence : Brentwood, California : Image by Steve Steinhardt

Bettina & Brian : August 13th, 2011 : Gull’s Way : Malibu, California : Image by Steve Steinhardt

Nicole & Matthew : September 3rd, 2011 : Hummingbird Nest Ranch : Simi, California : Image by Jasmine Star

Jessica & Chetan : September 10th, 2011 : Chateau D’ Esclimont : Saint Symphorien, France : Image by Janis Rietnicks

Jacey & Grant : September 24th, 2011 : Smog Shoppe : Los Angeles, California : Image by Lauren Ross

Nikki & Paul : October 16th, 2011 : Saddlerock Ranch : Malibu, California : Image by Jason Merrit/Wire Images, courtesy of US Weekly

Amy & Jason : November 12th, 2011 : St. Vibiana’s : Los Angeles, California : Image by Samuel Lippke

 Here’s wishing each of you a wonderful first holiday season as a married couple and to many, many, many more. Much love to all of you!