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Ashley & Grant: Belmond El Encanto Santa Barbara Wedding

When classic romance meets clever, nerdy references, my geeky little heart skips a beat - so of course Ashley and Grant's wedding day had us all a-flutter! Belmond El Encando in Santa Barbara provided the ideal backdrop for a celebration full of soft, romantic beauty and lots of personal touches... including a few Doctor Who references! These two opened their hearts to us, and the experience was breathtaking.

Every word and moment of this day, every detail, spoke so much about this couple and what they admire and love about each other. It's exactly those days and that celebration that make me love love LOVE what we do, and the gift that film can bring for every love story.

Ashley and Grant, you love brilliantly. You share so much between each other that it spills out into the world and those around you, and like that Santa Barbara sunlight it illuminates so many beautiful things! Thank you for sharing your love story with us!

For more details from this beautiful day (and some great planning insight and tips!), check out the feature on Wedding Chicks!

Soundtrack licensed via MusicBed:
Nothing to Fear by Dexter Britain
Launch by Ryan Taubert

Cinematography: The Adventures Of
Planning & Coordination: Tealight Events
Photography: Allie Lindsey Photography
Flowers: These Buds A Blooming
Hair & Makeup: LunaBella Makeup & Hair
Bridal Party Gowns: Bella Bridesmaids
Venue: Belmond El Encanto
DJ: Red Shoe LA
Calligraphy & Paper: Coppia Creativa
Lighting Design: Bella Vista Designs

Johnny & Shannon: Green Gables Estate Wedding, San Marcos

When love makes you pack your bags for an unknown city, when you can't lock eyes without smiling and laughing, when your friends can hardly contain their excitement for the moment you say "I do," you know you've got something special. All of that and more made this wedding at Green Gables Estate in San Marcos a day of pure romantic bliss.

Just before Johnny saw Shannon in her bridal gown for the first time, I asked him if he remembered the first time he ever saw her. All at once I saw his face just struck with emotion, like he was watching that moment play back in his mind and reflecting on how much had happened since then, bringing them both to this moment. And then his bride came walking toward him, and again they saw their love for the first time...

What a fantastic celebration! One of my favorite moments was seeing the entire bridal party erupt in cheers of joy for their best friends when they were pronounced husband and wife. Shannon and Johnny, I hope that every day of your marriage is this full of amazement, dancing, and happy laughter! I hope that you always look at each other with this same expression of "How did I get so lucky?" You have a lifetime of joy ahead of you.

Soundtrack:
"We Have Love" by Clemency, licensed via Musicbed

Cinematography: The Adventures Of
Photography: Vis Photography
Venue: Green Gables Wedding Estate
Floral Design: Flora Glamor
DJ: Earl Henry, My DJs

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

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

Lindsay & Anders: Saddlerock Ranch Malibu Destination Wedding

I can think of no more perfect story to kick off this new Journal for The Adventures Of. When Alex at Sterling Engagements first contacted me about this wedding, she said the bride and groom were "super fun, kinda quirky" and had a fantastic story. That was a huge understatement.

Lindsay is from California. Anders is from Denmark. Each would describe the other as a "wild child" with extreme wanderlust and an adventurous spirit. They met at a wildlife sanctuary in Namibia, and have gone on to explore the world together. The incredible serendipity of their story led many guests to comment that day that we were witnessing the happy ending of a real life fairy tale. I think this is only the beginning of the downright magical adventures that these two are sure to have.

The sweeping views of the Malibu hills from Chateau le Dome at Saddlerock Ranch provided a breathtaking backdrop for a sweetly personalized ceremony. The groom's brother officiated over the union, which included some beautiful symbols of Lindsay's Jewish heritage (although when it came time to break the glass, somehow it was nowhere to be found!).

Tissue warning: These are some of the most moving vows I've ever heard! Are all Danish men this poetic, or is it just this lovely family?

 

 

The special traditions that surround weddings are always such a delight - between the hora, the Danish wedding waltz, and cutting the groom's socks and tie, this wedding was full of traditions that were celebrated with joy! Josh and I are so grateful to have been a part of such a joyous and personal celebration for such generous people. Lindsay and Anders, we wish you many many years of love and adventure to come!

What's your favorite moment from this fun and moving wedding film? Leave a comment!

DFTBA,
Kiera Faye

 

P.S. I have to give a special mention of the soundtrack in this film. When I asked Lindsay about the type of music they listen to, she sent me a link to this awesome music video by Radical Face. I was so in love that I wrote to the artist and he was kind enough to let me license the song. Then Chris Bartels of Anthem Falls Music composed the perfect ambient track to tie it all together.

 

 

Soundtrack:
"We're On Our Way" by Radical Face
"These Moments Live" by Chris Bartels

Cinematographer: The Adventures Of
Event Coordinator: Alexandra at Sterling Engagements
Venue: Chateau le Dome at Saddlerock Ranch
Photographer: You and Eye Photography
Floral Design: The Little Branch
Cake and Sweets: Fantasy Frostings
Hair and Makeup: Stephanie Navarro
Officiant: Kristian Mouritzen, Groom's Brother
Vintage Rentals: Pretty Vintage Table
DJ: Chris at Hey Mister DJ
Catering: Contemporary Catering
Hotel and Shuttle: Sheraton Agoura Hills sheratonagourahills.com