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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

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
 

The R2 Wedding: Kauai, Hawaii

We truly believe that every love story is an adventure, but this one takes the vegan cheesecake. Last year we experienced the most amazing love story unfolding on the island of Kauai, and I am so excited to share it with you!

Renee and Robin - also known as The R2 Studio - are brilliant photographers and an all-around incredible couple. Years ago, when it seemed impossible that they could ever celebrate their love openly with an official, legal wedding, they exchanged rings and promises on a beach in Hawaii. As the tides turned in favor of equality and love, they knew they wanted to return to Hawaii with their closest loved ones to declare their commitment in a wedding ceremony that exceeded their dreams.

If you've got 20 minutes and a few extra tissues, you should definitely start by watching Renee and Robin's Love Story Film FIRST. Featuring a helicopter ride over the Na Pali Coast, a surprise proposal, and reminiscing on seven years of falling in love. (or skip to the wedding film below)

After a full week of hanging out with the "R2 Ohana" and going on adventures, it was time for the main event. Renee and Robin decided to forego the typical beach wedding (nothing about these amazing women is typical or boring!) and instead got married in a taro field near Hanalei Bay, against a mountain backdrop that is unmistakably Kauai. The brides walked down the aisle to "Couldn't Love You More" by My Plastic Sun - played on the ukulele, of course - escorted by their son Austin.

I can tell you that Renee wasn't the only one crying during that ceremony! It was such an emotional moment to see this family publicly declaring their love and unity. The conch shell that you hear in the video was blown by a neighboring farmer, as a spontaneous show of support and celebration. He said that witnessing these two brides saying vows to each other was a beautiful thing, and in that moment he knew it was right.

The whole week we spent in Kauai was incredible, and we were so honored to be welcomed into this group of loving people who know the true meaning of ohana - family. Renee and Robin, thank you for bringing us into your ohana, and for allowing us to tell your amazing story! This was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure... and I'm sure you have many more ahead of you!

Soundtrack:
"Couldn't Love You More" by My Plastic Sun, used with permission
"These Are The Days" by Zach Winters, licensed via Musicbed
"Together Forever" by Gio Galanti, licensed via Musicbed

Cinematography: The Adventures Of
Photography: Dan Dalstra
Makeup Artist: Lenea Sadler Makeup
Helicopter Tour: Island Helicopters Kauai
Canal Tubing: Kauai Backcountry Adventures
 

Lauryn & Andrew: Graf Barn Wedding

In honor of #ManCrushMonday, we'll be starting the next few weeks with a tribute to our favorite grooms - the ones who aren't afraid to wear their hearts on their sleeves! When I see a groom tear up upon seeing the love of his life, or hear his voice shake during his vows, my heart just about bursts.

Not only is Andrew the most stylish groom I have ever seen, he just could not hold back his feelings for Lauryn. When he read his note to his bride on the morning of their wedding, it was all over. Sorry Andrew, I know you were trying so hard to stay stoic, but I think it says so much about your strong heart and your incredible love for your "favorite person!"

FAIR WARNING: This film contains one swear word, and one playful rude gesture. In case you're watching with the kiddos or you're bothered by that sort of thing.

Add one gorgeous - and also tearful! - bride with pink highlights, and our favorite California wedding venue, Graf Barn, and this day could not have been better. From the rich rustic florals everywhere, to the smartly dressed wedding party, to Graf Barn's unique details (and food), this wedding has plenty of eye candy, as well as tons of heart. I have never seen a more enthusiastic celebration, or a more perfect couple!

Lauryn and Andrew, there is no question that you truly are bashert - meant to be together. While you are both clearly strong and talented in your own right, you complete each other in a way that is totally new and totally amazing. You will surely go on to do amazing things and enjoy incredible adventures together! I hope every day of your lives is as much of a celebration as your wedding day!

Cinematography: The Adventures Of
Photography: Kelsey Stewart, Ken Kienow Photography
Venue: Graf Barn, Oxnard, California
Florals: A Beautiful Day Productions
Cake and Catering: Laina Graf, Graf Barn
DJ: Steve Stock