Monica & Jonathan ~ Engagement Session ~ Viceroy Hotel

I was so excited when Monica mentioned that she and Jonathan would be having an impromptu engagement session with TinyWater Photography out of San Francisco. I was even more excited when she told me they were going to the Viceroy in Santa Monica. I just love pictures that come from the Viceroy...so much for the eyes to enjoy. Here are some of my favorite shots from the session.

Check out even more of the cool pics from their session on the Tinywater Blog.

We are so excited about Monica & Jonathan's May wedding!

Bella Blooms

There are so many reasons that I LOVE hydrangea...let me count the ways. I must have upwards of 15 plants throughout my front and backyards and in pots on my patio. I can't wait till they all begin to bloom in the next few weeks.

My love affair must have started when I was 7 or 8 years old, the house where we lived at the time had the most gorgeous blue hydrangea bushes that were taller than me and bloomed more profusely than anything I have seen to this day.

The hydrangea could be one of the most versatile wedding flowers around, the range of colors that the hydrangea comes in and the fact that is available year round makes it perfect compliment to many other blooms.

Courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings, this is a great image showcasing hydrangea bloom colors.

Love the lilac purple hydrangea in this bouquet, courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings

Photo courtesy of Meg Smith Photography, floral design by Ariella Chezar

Photo from Project Wedding

Photos courtesy of MiBelle Inc, floral designed by The Hidden Garden

I have been addicted to reruns of Jeff Leatham's Flowers Uncut on TLC, and it might just be how he incorporates hydrangea into so many of his amazing designs.

Just stunning

One tip when using hydrangea in your bouquets and boutonnieres, keep in mind the weather as hydrangea doesn't hold up well out of water on hot days. Be sure to discuss with your floral designer to ensure no surprises on your wedding day.

~ Frosting Friday ~

Recently I came across a fantastic bakery based out of London called Maisie Fantaisie Fabulous Cakes. Their name alone says fun to me, but when I looked through the gallery of cakes I was thoroughly impressed! Here are a few of my favorites:

I love ruffles!

Could this be a new cake trend?

Such a classic and elegant look.

And last but not least, I just love these jeweled "mini-cakes"!

photo courtesy of Maisie Fantaisie Fabulous Cakes

Yasmin & Casey ~ Terranea Resort, Rancho Palos Verdes

We are so excited to be sharing the pictures from a wedding from one of our new favorite venues ~ Terranea Resort. Yasmin and Casey had an amazing October wedding day, and their friends and family were in love with the venue that they selected. Here are some of our favorite shots of the day!

The difference between the ladies getting ready and the men getting ready! The ladies are actually getting ready for the hours we schedule, the men usually take about 15 minutes and the rest of the time is spent relaxing.

Yasmin and her bridal party. The saris that Yasmin chose for the girls were the perfect compliment for the beautiful blue skies at Terranea

A couple of detail shots ~ I was in LOVE with these shoes when I saw them. I think I need a pair of my own!

The flowers were designed by Jill at M's Flowers

How gorgeous is the Catalina Point ceremony location?

We headed off in one of the property golf carts to get some shots before sunset.

Yasmin & Casey we wish you a lifetime of the love and happiness you shared on your wedding day! Thank you for allowing us to share in your journey!

Yasmin & Casey Wedding Trailer from TownHouse Media Group on Vimeo.

We want to thank the amazing team we worked with to create Yasmin & Casey's wedding:

Venue ~ Terranea Resort

Photographer ~ Vahe D'ala Photography

Videographer ~ TownHouse Media Group

Florist ~ M's Flowers

Cake ~ Jamaica's Cakes

Entertainment (Trio & Band) ~ David Burrows Entertainment

Hair & Makeup ~ Pro Beauty to You

Officiant ~ Rev George Honn

Bella Blooms

What a weekend! That extra hour gave me time to catch up on so many things around the house. I was finally able to sit down and read through a stack of my alumni sorority magazine. Susan and I are both members of the same sorority, and used to be very active in the alumni community, which is how we initially meet many many moons ago!

The flower for our sorority is the white carnation....I know, you are thinking carnations, those just can't be amazing enough to use in weddings. I used to feel the same way after remembering a single bloom wrapped with a red ribbon, but wow how an amazing florist can turn this simple bloom into amazing and lush romantic pieces perfect for a wedding celebration. Here is homage to the carnation, that I promise can look so amazing it is worth considering for your floral design.

An example from one of our own events!

Florals by JL Designs, Photography by Ryan Phillips Photography

Bouquet and Cake found on Martha Stewart Weddings

Above images found on Wedding Paper Divas Blog

I hope that this has provided the inspiration to think outside of some of the traditional wedding blooms.