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Krista & Michael: Lombardi House Wedding

Love is classic. Shining. Timeless. And sometimes, true love is effortless. That is exactly how Krista and Michael's love feels, and that's why their wedding day at Lombardi House in Hollywood felt so perfect for them.

When Gavin James performed "Book of Love" during the ceremony, the dreamlike perfection of the day could not have been more moving.

When Michael's brother stood to give his toast, he mentioned his brother's passion for finding the best of all things. These two clearly know they have found the best in each other. After that, it was time for one of the greatest parties we've ever witnessed. Have you ever seen a bride and groom crowd surf at their wedding reception??

I have to say that Krista and Michael's style is as effortless as their love. With a classic black, white, and gold palette, every part of this day shone with Hollywood glamour! In the welcoming green and white oasis of Lombardi House, it felt almost like stepping back in time.

Krista and Michael, thank you for including us in all of the heartfelt, tear-jerking, and flat-out rocking moments of your day! May every day ahead of you be just as effortlessly joyful and beautiful!

Soundtrack licensed via MusicBed:
"How About Forever" by Zach Berkman
"Soul Birds" by Ryan Taubert
"Under City Lights" by Awake or Sleeping

Cinematography: The Adventures Of
Photography: Candice Benjamin Photography
Venue: Lombardi House
Coordinator: Mandy Philp
Ceremony Music: Gavin James
Florist: Modern Flora
Makeup Artist: Dottie Palmer
Hair Stylist: Molly Shriver
DJ: Red Shoe
Catering: Wolfgang Puck Catering
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Stationery: Smitten on Paper

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

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!

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.

A Love Story in Santa Barbara: Chelsea & Brian

Today I am thrilled to introduce you to two of the sweetest, most eloquent lovebirds that we have ever had in front of our camera. Chelsea and Brian are incredibly smart, loving, generous people, and they both light up when they are talking about each other. It's easy to see why!

Chelsea and Brian met in Santa Barbara when they were both entering the same PhD program. Thanks to Brian's keen organizational skills, he and Chelsea got to stalk each other online (just a little!) before meeting each other. That initial spark became a strong friendship and a firm foundation for their blossoming love. Wait until you hear about the adorable breakfast proposal that Brian planned!

It was so much fun to hang out with Chelsea and Brian in Santa Barbara, hearing their love story and capturing their engagement photo session! Click here to check out their engagement pictures by Candice Benjamin Photography.

Photo Credit: Candice Benjamin Photography

Photo Credit: Candice Benjamin Photography

There's more where that came from! Come back tomorrow when I'll be posting highlights from Chelsea and Brian's wedding at El Encanto in Santa Barbara, featuring the most inspiring vows I have ever heard. Hint: Bring a tissue.

P.S. If you've been following us for a while, you might recognize Chelsea from her sister Victoria's wedding film: Victoria + Tim | Viceroy Palm Springs Wedding (To the Namkung family: We love knowing you and celebrating with you! Thanks for everything!)

DFTBA,
Kiera Faye