https://vimeo.com/110956606
My husband, Hunter and I got engaged in Lake Arrowhead at my family’s vacation home. AKA, our happy place. It was only natural that we get married there, and little did we know just how much meaning that house, venue, would deliver. We all dream of our weddings as young girls, but only when you meet that man in those dreams do you actually bring your vision to life. The dress, the flowers, the venue, all essential elements that make that day special, but for me, for us, it was the (happy) place and the people who made it perfect. My man and family transformed our ordinary driveway into an enchanted garden, using their own bare hands to cut trees, move stones, plant gardens and develop this sentimental setting into a whimsical wedding venue. It was a true labor of love to see them come together to create this dream for me, for us, and that in itself was a gift. Getting ready with my family in our home was another element so special, and something I strongly encourage for any of you brides to be who might have that option. You’re lucky if you do, so take advantage of it.
On to the fun part! The Gatsby inspired black-tie event graced the grounds with accents of white garden roses, olive trees and wait for it…leave it to La Boheme Events, Jesi Haack Design and Stella Bloom who added in a sequin aisle to take it that level of glam. Guests sat on handmade benches as Forrest Gump Suite played during the processional. I wore an Inbal Dror lace fitted backless gown that had a twenty foot train (okay, I’m exaggerating but it was the first dress I tried on, needless to say I was pretty obsessed-talk about love at first sight!). I wore Jimmy Choo slippers, and family jewels including Hunter’s grandmother’s bracelet and my grandmother’s pocket watch around my bouquet. I was also honored that day to be given her wedding band as my own (she passed away before the wedding but as you can imagine, her spirit was present in so many ways). My bridesmaids wore Two Birds dresses and my flower girl a custom made couture dress by Doloris Petunia. My handsome groom and his men suited up in dramatic black tuxes and the ring bearer and “Best Dog” similar bowties. My uncle married us, we wrote our own vows, and planted a “unity tree” making the ceremony incredibly intimate. Our recessional danced back down the aisle to “Ho Hey” – our engagement song from our save the date video you might remember (seen here: http://www.stylemepretty.com/2014/08/08/adorable-la-engagement-film-wiup/).
As for the partay…we served BunBun Bellinis and Kenihan Kocktails during cocktail hour and guests dined on our favorite hors d’oeuvres including an artisan cheese plate and crab cakes, with a surf and turf lobster and steak duo for dinner. Our carrot spice wedding cake was adorned with 20’s pearls and the groom’s cake, an Australian flag in honor of his side of the family from the land down under (we actually cut the cake(s) with the Australian Family sword which really excited the guests, or maybe it was the mini cake-fight that got them all riled up). We all danced through the night and my groom and I finally left around 1am to enter honeymoon world, with our first stop at Chateau Marmont in LA, and then on to Fiji. It was a fantasy, and although I managed get out 500 or so words explaining the best day of our lives, there really is no text that will ever justify the joy and love felt in our hearts. We’re still feeling it…enjoy!
