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Ryan & Kristin: Triunfo Creek Vineyards Wedding

When we talked with Kristin and Ryan about their wedding, they wanted to make sure we weren't expecting anything "sappy" - they wanted one big party for all of their loved ones! I think you can see that a party is what they got...

But of course, it's more than just a party. This day was overflowing with beauty and joy and heartfelt emotion, and it was such a perfect celebration of the love that surrounds Kristin and Ryan. Some of my favorite moments were Kristin and Ryan reading personal vows to each other during their first look, the tequila toast in memory of Ryan's dad, and the ice cream sandwich bar instead of a cake cutting.

Kristin and Ryan, I hope that the years ahead of you are "SO GOOD!" - just as full of celebration and joy and dancing and love!

Soundtrack licensed via Musicbed:
Gold by Tiny Houses
The World Is Ours by Volunteer

Cinematography: The Adventures Of
Planning & Coordination: Little Grey Events
Photography: Vitae Weddings
Venue: Triunfo Creek Vineyards
Flowers: Little Grey Events
Hair & Makeup: Page Beauty
DJ: Red Shoe LA
Catering: Command Performance Catering
Rentals: A Rental Connection

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

Rebecca & Bryan: Rock Opera Wedding

Backup Singers. Custom Leather Jackets. Confetti Canons. The tagline for Rebecca and Bryan's wedding was "We're doing it our way!"  - and they did just that: by writing a totally original, 8-song rock opera and performing it on stage in front of their friends and family.

Rebecca Bortman and Bryan Garza, who are the lead singers for the bands Happy Fangs and Scissors for Lefty, respectively, first met in 2012 at San Francisco's historic Bottom of the Hill, where Rebecca was doing a show. At the time, Rebecca and Bryan talked about collaborating on songs together, but as the couple admits, "We got distracted by falling in love." Today, the duo forms the rock band Love, Jerks and some of the songs they produced together for their wedding will become part of their upcoming album and live tour.

And producing a spectacular rock show in place of a typical ceremony was no small feat: In addition to all the normal wedding planning, they only had 10 months to write and compose the music, write the script, memorize and rehearse lines with their cast (aka the bridal party) while in different parts of the country, and at the end: put on a kick ass rock show. Every detail was carefully planned out. Instead of a church, they were married on stage. Instead of a wedding coordinator, they chose a stage manager. Rebecca even designed all-access passes for the wedding guests. What tied it all together was the venue: the whole event took place in a San Francisco concert venue aptly named The Chapel. There was nothing about this wedding that didn't rock.

Explicit Language: These two wanted to make sure everyone knew they really meant it when they said "I do!" We love their enthusiasm - just be aware when you hit play!

To say we had fun filming this jaw-dropping, spectacle of a wedding would be a severe understatement. Witnessing the pure and adoring love in the eyes of the bride and groom as they recite their vows to each other was the most beautiful moment of the ceremony. For them to then share their love and their story with us and all of their guests in fun, electric rock opera ballads and upbeat punk rock numbers was absolutely a fitting tribute to their love for each other and the passion they both have for music and performance.

Rebecca and Bryan's opening song contained the lyrics "We definitely don't do things the typical way" and we are so glad they didn't! The show, that is, the wedding, was a beautiful, rockin' celebration of love, music and fun. Thank you, Rebecca and Bryan, for giving us the honor of capturing it all on film. Please stay tuned later this year, as we will be unveiling the entire show from start to finish! We hope you love it as much as we loved creating it.


Original Music by Love, Jerks
Bands: Scissors for Lefty (Bryan's Band), Happy Fangs (Rebecca's Band)
Cinematography: The Adventures Of
Venue: The Chapel 
Wedding Photography: Matthew Leland
Concert Photography: Amber Gregory
Stage Manager: Sam Sharkey
Stage Visuals: All Of It Now
Dance DJ: Cosmic Amanda
Hair: Onika Simone
Makeup: Mystie Rodriguez
Wedding Dress: Emerald City Gowns
Bridesmaid Dresses: Rent the Runway

UPDATE: We are so excited that this story and trailer were featured on E! Online (Entertainment Tonight) and BRIDES.com 

Want more? Check out the photos featured on Offbeat Bride!

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

Kellen & Val: Birch Aquarium Wedding

A wedding at an aquarium. Vows referencing Mario Kart and Harry Potter. A home full of souvenirs from adventures around the world. Kellen and Val are geeks after our own hearts!

I loved starting the day with Val at their apartment, seeing all the personal touches - photos and postcards from travels - that form a sort of portrait of these adventurous souls. Between that and the guys playing Super Smash Bros., you get a good sense of how fun these two are, and the experiences and people that are important to them. This day was all about sharing the fun and the love that defines Kellen and Val!

Birch Aquarium provided a unique backdrop - and a beautiful view! - for this celebration. We also had a great time partying with all of the guests (plus an orange octopus and a few inflatable fish) in the SlowMo Booth!

Kellen and Val, you have many battles, many races, many adventures ahead of you, but you are an unstoppable team and together I know that it will be smooth cruising, and always a great story!

Soundtrack licensed via Musicbed:
"Midnight Ride" by Gentlemen Writers
"Halcyon" by Longlake
"Everything" by KAPTAN

Cinematography: The Adventures Of
Photography: Candice Benjamin Photography
Coordination: Maryssa Stovall of Hannah Smith Events
Venue: Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Floral Design: In Flower
Hair & Makeup: Amy Hsu of Beauty Creator
Guitarist/Singer: Mason James
Cake & Catering: Culinary Concepts
DJ: Chris of Vario Productions