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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

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

An Anniversary AND A Wedding! | Seattle Pike Place Market Elopement

I'm going to advise that you get the tissues out RIGHT NOW because today we're featuring THREE videos of one amazing couple, and you are going to need that kleenex.

In 2011, exactly one year after they started dating, Kim took Jodi to Santa Monica and proposed to her on the top of the ferris wheel. They tell the story much better than I do:

One year ago today - on 12/12/12 - Jodi and Kim got married at Boojum Tree Hidden Garden in Phoenix, Arizona. They declared their union with the coolest glowing unity ceremony ever, and their "neon and bling" celebration was featured on Offbeat Bride. It was a beautiful, emotional day full of love!

But as perfect as the day was, there was still something missing. While their marriage was 100% real in their hearts - and in the eyes of their loved ones - it was not legally recognized. On September 6, 2013, on a business trip to Seattle, Kim took Jodi to Pike Place Market and made their dream come true with another surprise proposal.

Yep, Josh and I even got to act as official witnesses! Surprise wedding FTW!!

Congratulations, Jodi and Kim, on the first of MANY happy anniversaries! As many of your friends have expressed, you two are an inspiration, and a perfect example of what a loving marriage looks like. I am constantly amazed by all the ways that you support and celebrate each other! Josh and I feel so blessed to be your friends, and to tell your story!

DFTBA,
Kiera Faye

Leave a comment of congratulations for this awesome couple!