BLOG

Kyle & Michael: Elopement at Mount Hamilton Observatory

One of the best reasons I'm proud to be a geek - to be honest and enthusiastic about my passions and obsessions - is that you meet the most wonderful people! You never know what friendships and adventures are in store when you bond over your fandom.

Kyle and Michael are two fantastic Whovians (translation: fans of the long-running BBC sci-fi series Doctor Who) in love. When they discovered our styled wedding shoot in honor of Doctor Who ("Through All of Time and Space") they were inspired to celebrate their shared fandom - and what better way than to run off and elope at a 100 year old observatory?!

With the help of Jen at First Pick Planning, Kyle and Michael planned this incredible surprise. They would exchange personal vows in a private and beautifully designed ceremony, officiated by a dear friend, and would keep it all a secret for months (!!!) in order to surprise friends and family at a big celebration in Georgia. Fortunately we were there to tell the story, and to help share this intimate, emotional, incredible adventure with everyone when the time was right.

I can't get over those vows, and the thought put into every detail of this beautiful day. It was a real treat to be a part of this romantic escape - a whole day dedicated solely to two people in love!

We offer special discounts for elopements like this. If you are planning your wedding ceremony with less than 20 guests and no reception, let us know! (Bonus if it's in a unique location like this!)

I also can't say enough about the fantastic team that pulled this event together. The staff at Lick Observatory is so fun and helpful while taking care of this incredible historic space, Jen at First Pick Planning made sure nothing was overlooked, and Candice Benjamin Photography documented the day with incredible photos!

Kyle and Michael, I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of your adventure, and to give you the best of both worlds - a private ceremony just for you two, and a chance to share your love, your vows, and your celebration with all your friends and family! It may not be quite as exciting as the TARDIS, but video is a pretty fantastic time machine!

Soundtrack licensed via MusicBed: "Climb" by Michael Rossback

Cinematography: The Adventures Of
Photography: Candice Benjamin Photography
Coordination: First Pick Planning
Venue: Lick Observatory

Natalie & Eric: Downtown LA Wedding Fusion Film

Natalie and Eric's wedding was the perfect blend of elegance, tradition, and personality. Downtown Los Angeles and the L.A. Public Library provided a breathtaking backdrop as they exchanged vows - and planted a unity tree! - beneath a chuppah sewn by the bride's mother. These two are so much fun. They seemed to glow all day long with the excitement of the day! On top of it all, they made their choreographed first dance look effortless. I loved incorporating luminous photos by Candice Benjamin Photography into their wedding day fusion film!

We were so honored to see Natalie and Eric's fusion film featured on Style Me Pretty! Click on the image below to see many more of Candice's beautiful photos from this event:

Soundtrack Licensed via Musicbed:
"Tasting Sunshine" by The Rival

Cinematography: The Adventures Of
Photography: Candice Benjamin Photography
Coordination: First Pick Planning
Wedding Venue: Cafe Pinot
Floral Design: Sub Rosa Floral Design
Bride & Bridesmaid Dresses: Mon Amie Bridal Salon
Makeup: Kristy Levario Makeup Artistry
Hair: Hannah Samayoa
Officiant: Rabbi Michael Mayherson
Bridal Jewelry: Maria Elena
Cake And Catering: Patina Group
DJ And Lighting: Night To Remember DJS
Linens: Designer Specialty Linens
Rentals: American Rent All
Vintage Rentals: Found Vintage Rentals

Christy & Jasen: Phoenix, AZ Hacienda Wedding

Christy and Jasen are brilliant photographers* with open hearts. I've known them for years, so when Jasen executed the. most. epic. proposal. EVER. (seriously, ask them for the story some time) I crossed my fingers and hoped they would invite us to document their surely-just-as-epic wedding day. It was a joy to brave the hot Phoenix sun in order to take part in this intimate and moving wedding ceremony.

I'm naming Jasen this week's #MCM because a) his heart-tugging vows had absolutely everyone crying happy tears, including him; b) look at what an awesome dad he is; and c) he just looks great in that blue suit. Don't you agree?

...oh, and d) those dance moves!

Christy had some beautiful things to say about their film, that I think every couple should consider as you plan your wedding:

"I could go on and on for days as to why we knew having a videographer was a must at our wedding. But the main, most important reason was because we wanted our boys to have us and our love for each other to look back at and to have if something were to ever happen to us. I wanted them to remember our mannerisms and hear our voices. See where they get their awful dance moves from. In all of this I don't think I stopped and thought about how much it would mean to me. This is and will be one of the most cherished heirlooms I will ever own. This breaks me down every time I watch it. I had no idea it would bring me back to those exact moments, experiencing realtime emotions. I'm speechless and covered in thankful tears."

Jasen and Christy, I know this chapter of your love story is a precious one, and it was such an honor to capture this day so that you and your boys can look back on these moments as they grow. You have been through so many adventures together, and there are so many more ahead!

*Jasen and Christy are the founding creative force behind Moirae Creatives. Jasen specializes in bold wedding photography, while Christy creates uniquely real and beautiful family portraits. You should check them out!

Soundtrack Licensed via Musicbed:
"Dwell" by Tony Anderson

Cinematography: The Adventures Of
Photography: Hiram Trillo
Venue: Private hacienda in Phoenix, Arizona
Planning: Meant2Be Events

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

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.