amanda & david – 7.10.10

Amanda and David had a beautiful wedding at Chateau Le Dome (the smaller, vineyard setting at my beloved Saddlerock Ranch) in July, and it was an event I will never forget.  Working with Amanda was a delight and we hit it off from the very start.  I also had the pleasure of getting to know her sweet mom (Hi Fran!) throughout the process and she sent me a card after the wedding that nearly made me cry!!  It was a joy seeing the plans for a rustic-inspired, colorful and cheerful wedding come to life.  The wedding was especially memorable, however, because it reminded me that not everything can be planned.  July in southern California — what do you expect weather-wise at the venue?  Probably idyllic blue skies, a clear and sunny day, and a comfortable Malibu breeze.  As Anna and I set up for the wedding, we reveled at the weather and even started to break a sweat.  If anything, the day was warmer than usual.  Then 30 minutes pre-ceremony what happens?  A single raindrop on my shoulder alerted me that the unexpected had arrived!!  With some quick thinking we immediately lunged for the menus set at each setting (everything is al fresco at Saddlerock, so the set-up was about to get wet!) and gathered paper goods so they wouldn’t be ruined in the rain.  A series of gentle showers ended up passing through but thankfully they were just that: passing.  Fran looked at me at one moment with a look that just said, “Huh?!”  But ultimately she (and the unfazed bride!) trusted that I would be able to deal with whatever happened… whether that was a straight up hailstorm (something I’ve faced and conquered!  See that wedding HERE) or  some unseasonal sprinkles.

As Amanda and David exchanged vows under the brilliantly blue skies that followed the rain, a stunning rainbow broke out.  Their friend (who was officiating the ceremony) jokingly commented that he’d arranged for all the weather drama to be consummated with that picture-perfect rainbow.  The rest of the evening was utterly perfect and I couldn’t stop smiling as I watched guests enjoy such a beautiful wedding.  Now it’s your turn to smile!!  Enjoy these positively joyful photos courtesy of my friends at Next Exit Photography…

Amanda is absolutely stunning.  She has this lovely girl-next-door vibe that is so alluring.

The tender first look…

David has a few inches on Amanda.  😉  I love this photo!

You can actually spy the raindrops in this pic!!

Beautiful flowergirl and ringbearer!!  They look like dolls!

This one makes me melt!!

I love the look being shared between Amanda and her father on the left.  I remember that moment right before I walked up the aisle on my big day (over 5 years ago!!)… so special.

We used split peas and lentils for various set-ups, including the escort card display.

Guests signed bottles of Saddlerock wines that Amanda and David will enjoy on upcoming anniversaries…

Scrumptious cakes + cookies…

The end of a very sweet evening…

{ Vendor Round-Up }

Wedding Planning & Coordination: Angel Swanson of Events of Love and Splendor

Photography: Next Exit Photography

Ceremony and Reception Location: Chateau Le Dome at Saddlerock Ranch

Catering & Rentals: Command Performance

Floral Design: Susan Winston of The English Garden (Susan is an absolute gem and I loooved working with her!)

DJ: my pal Tony Liebtrau of Red Shoe LA — My boys @ RedShoe ALWAYS pack the dancefloor!

Videography: Dirk of Studio West Video

Hair and Makeup Artist: Carlie Buys

Wedding Cakes: Porto’s Bakery

*Bride’s Gown & Bridesmaids’ dresses – J. Crew Bridal

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**ANNOUNCEMENT: The {elude} contest has ended and winners will be announced on the blog tomorrow (Friday, September 10th)!  Thank you to everyone who entered!  Winners will be selected via the List Randomizer on random.org

Enjoy your Thursday and see you tomorrow!!  xoxo, Angel