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Candice & Jay: Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse Wedding

Today is a very special anniversary post celebrating one of our favorite destination weddings ever: the wedding of our great friends Candice and Jay! Yep, that is Candice of Candice Benjamin Photography - you've probably seen her photos from the many weddings we've documented together, and featured in our fusion films!

Happy Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary!

Candice and I met at a networking event, and became pretty much instant friends when someone brought up the TV series Firefly. Jay worked with Josh and was part of our theater "techie" family. They both became regulars at our weekly "Taco Night" (where we invented the quesa-taco and watched nerdy TV shows) and before we knew it, they were dating. No seriously, they literally hid the fact that they were dating just to see how long it would take us to ask. Punks.

At least they included us when marriage came up! Josh and I were on hand to secretly film Jay's proposal to Candice, and we got to be a part of the crew for their amazing destination wedding at the 200-year-old Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse, north of Santa Barbara. It was a full week of incredible scenery, great friends, crafty scheming, and one of the most memorable weddings we have ever been a part of. 

The ceremony was particularly personal, as it was officiated by our mutual friend and fellow Taco Night regular, "Reverend" Brett. (Don't you think he should do this for a living?)

The Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse is way off the beaten path, but worth the drive for its cozy accommodations and breathtaking views. It was an incredible setting for a wedding filled with creative handmade touches. I love how the wild and whimsical florals by Studio Ooh La La complemented the rustic charm of the farmhouse. Candice's experience as a wedding photographer definitely contributed to the gorgeous styling of this event!

I love the mix of rustic, wild, romantic, and geeky influences that were present throughout this day! Truly fitting for this awesome couple.

Candice and Jay, we love you... and we miss you since you decided to move to beautiful Colorado! I feel really, truly privileged to have seen your friendship blossom into romance as everyone realized just how perfect you are for each other. Thanks for sharing so many adventures with us - especially this one!

Soundtrack Licensed via The Music Bed
"The Rest of My Life" by Holley Maher
"Two" by Analog Heart

Coordinator: Jen Bergmark, First Pick Planning
Venue: Figueroa Mountain Farmhouse
Cinematographer: The Adventures Of
Photographer: Natalie Williams
Florist: Studio Ooh La La
Bar: Night Owl Productions
Cake & Dessert Bar: Sweet & Saucy Shop
Dress: Hope Stanley, Marry Me Bridal
Bride's Sash: Tessa Kim
Hair & Makeup: Evelyn Lui, Serene Bridal Beauty
Catering: DIY/the groom's family!

Adrienne & Chris: Boardners Hollywood Wedding

In honor of Throwback Thursday, I get to share one of my very favorite weddings from last year! This event had all of the drama and class you'd expect from an Old Hollywood soiree - and a love story that belongs on the silver screen.

Adrienne and Chris wanted their wedding celebration to be a grand one-of-a-kind party, full of surprises and personality. They enlisted the help of Rebel Belle Weddings, whose skills in pulling off jaw-dropping unconventional events definitely came in handy. The dark and luxurious accommodations at Boardner's Hollywood provided the perfect setting for this lavish wedding. The celebration was full of many surprises, from our SlowMo Booth and a silhouette cutter providing entertainment, to a grand entrance filled with confetti and clown noses!

With the gothic interior of Boardner's sparkling with candlelight and filled to the brim with family and friends dressed to the nines, this night focused on a bride and groom whose love for each other shines with a unique elegance - just listen to those vows.

 From Adrienne's sparkling gold gown (with a breakaway skirt) and wrist bouquet, to Chris's formal kilt, to the lavish candlelit setting, the style of this wedding was absolutely stunning. Everything sparkled - even the cake, a model of the Golden Gate and Brooklyn bridges, was covered in lights!

Adrienne and Chris, we love the way that you live and love boldly! You two are brilliant hearts, who shine even brighter together. Happy Anniversary! Here's to many more years of love, celebration, and surprises.

If you are looking for a wedding planner who will go the extra mile to make your personal wedding fantasies a reality, you must contact Rebel Belle. Laura and her team work tirelessly for their clients, and no dream is too big for their planning prowess!

Soundtrack Licensed via The Music Bed
"Particle" by Louis
"Introduction" by Benjamin Dunn

Coordinator: Rebel Belle Weddings
Venue: Boardner's Hollywood
Cinematographer: The Adventures Of
Photographer: Ray Anthony Photography
Slow Motion Booth: SoCal SlowMo Booth by The Adventures Of
Florist: Flowers by Leah
DJ: DJ Darren (via Boardners)
Cake: The Butter End Cakery
Silhouette Artists: Sylvia & Darci
Bagpiper: Eric Rigler
Rentals: Town & Country Event Rentals
Stage Rental: Party On Rentals

Lisa & John: Montage Laguna Beach Wedding

Today is an anniversary post! Exactly one year ago, we had the extreme pleasure of celebrating Lisa and John's wedding at Montage Laguna Beach, along with their loved ones who had traveled from all over the world to witness a uniquely moving celebration of love. The international flavor of the day was especially fun, particularly when John's friends from Oxford reflected on his uniquely American take on life and love (watch the film and you'll see what I mean!).

Lisa and John opened their hearts when they recited their vows to each other, and I am still moved to happy tears when I see how adoringly they look at each other. "We are better together and because of each other." These two take such joy in nurturing the spark of love they hold!

I love the timeless feel that comes from real vintage Super 8 footage. Perfect for the classic, romantic style of this wedding.

To be honest, I'm usually more excited about the people and the emotions than I am about the design details of a wedding, but this day was a special case, because Lisa had poured her heart and keen design sense into the calligraphy details that defined the look of the day, and the whimsical flower-and-driftwood centerpieces. The personal touch was really fantastic, and the style was perfect for this sweet seaside celebration. Don't you love the cake table display??

Kudos again to the bride, and to Carolyn at The Special Day for organizing an event with such effortless style! Happy Anniversary, Lisa and John! I know that you have many years of love and laughter ahead, and I hope that you celebrate each and every day.

Soundtrack licensed via The Music Bed
"Watching From the Roof" by Dexter Britain
"Only Human - Instrumental" by Parade of Lights

Event Planning & Design: The Special Day
Photographer: Victor Sizemore
Venue & Caterer: Montage Laguna Beach
Custom Linens/Table Runners: Wildflower Linen, Mylk & Honey
Floral & Event Design: The Vine’s Leaf
Lighting: G2 Audio & Lighting
Rentals/Decor/Furniture: Chiavari Chair Rentals, Found Rentals, Archive Events
Hair/Makeup: Kelly Zhang
Stationary: Cherish Paperie
Invitations: Rifle Paper Co.
Officiant: JP Reynolds
Entertainment: Karla Ross Productions, Hey Mister DJ

DFTBA,
Kiera Faye

Dawn & John: A Pirate Wedding in Santa Barbara

One of my favorite things about weddings is how much you can tell about a couple from experiencing their wedding celebration. Whether it's a simple backyard gathering or a grand ballroom occasion full of cultural traditions, I appreciate couples who approach their wedding with intention, and I always hope that when you finish watching our films, you feel like you know the couple... just a little bit.

Today, I get to introduce you to an awesome couple via their amazing handcrafted wedding. We have known John for years because he's the brother of one of our best friends (and Josh's groomsman!). When Dawn entered John's life, it was clear that she was someone truly special, because there was magic happening when they were together. These two unlock such amazing things in each other, and in turn this magic spreads to those around them.

Inspired by their love of history and fantasy, Dawn and John decided on a pirate theme for their wedding, which would take place in Godric Grove at Ellings Park, Santa Barbara, with a sweeping view of the ocean. You'll see what I mean by magic right away - the details are all handcrafted, the guests (and the photo and video teams!) arrived in elaborate pirate garb, the wedding party - ahem, I mean their crew - displayed sashes of purple for the bride or green for the groom with their vastly different outfits, and even learned a period dance for the celebration! This couple crafted a one-of-a-kind ceremony that included their community of loved ones and all sorts of happy surprises. And their vows?? Like I said, magic.

It takes a pretty awesome couple to rock a historical pirate wedding theme with this level of class. I am amazed by the care and craftsmanship that went into every single detail. Don't you love the custom necklaces that the couple had made? What a beautiful and meaningful alternative to wedding rings!

Soundtrack licensed via The Music Bed
"Like Ships Need the Sea" by Emily Hearn

Venue: Ellings Park, Santa Barbara
Cinematographer: The Adventures Of
Photographer: Candice Benjamin Photography - Click here for gorgeous photos!
Hair & Makeup: Fairytale Hair and Makeup
Cake Artist: Jean Fields
Catering: DJ's Catering
Everything Else: DIY!

Dawn and John, thank you for sharing your creativity, your playfulness, and your love in such bold and beautiful ways! Your wedding was one of our favorites not because it was "different," but because it was a reflection of your personalities, and because of the joyful and enthusiastic participation of all your friends and family! You are clearly surrounded by an awesome community of loved ones, and your love story is just beginning.

Chelsea & Brian: El Encanto Santa Barbara Wedding

Yesterday we shared Chelsea & Brian's sweet Love Story film, and you got a taste of just how beautifully these two express their love for each other. Today, make sure you've got a tissue on hand, because this classically romantic wedding at the Belmond El Encanto in Santa Barbara includes some of the most moving, eloquent vows I have ever heard!

I'm not going to say too much about this wedding, because nobody could say it better than the bride and groom...

This Santa Barbara wedding had it all: classic style, an emotional ceremony, a gorgeous location, and a joyful party crowd! Can you believe that Brian designed the invitations and printed details?

Chelsea and Brian, thank you for your openness and your generosity, for opening your hearts and sharing your love - and your love story - with the world. I am inspired by your words of love and by your dedication to each other. I know that you will only grow in love as you face your next adventure together!

Soundtrack licensed via The Music Bed
"Choose Happy" and "Light Me Up," both by Katrina Stone

Coordinator: A Charming Occasion
Photographer: Candice Benjamin Photography - Click here for the wedding photos!
Venue: Belmond El Encanto, Santa Barbara
Florals: These Buds a Blooming
Print Materials: Brian {the Groom}
Cake: Aaron Lesch of El Encanto
DJ/Lighting/Photobooth: Ams Entertainment
Makeup Artist: Tomiko Taft
Hair Stylist: Savannah Weninger
Wedding Dress: Allure Couture from Panache Beverly Hills
Bridesmaids Dresses: Von Vonni

DFTBA,
Kiera Faye