I want to become a society lady Rockin' a new rock?!

Real Weddings:

Atva and Samir’s wedding in Morocco

featuring Raisa Zwart

Atva and Samir’s destination Morocco wedding is absolutely breathtaking. Set at Kasbah Bab Ourika just outside of Marrakech, the multi-day, multi-cultural event blended the couple’s traditions with celebrations and ceremonies staged against the stunning backdrop of the Atlas mountains. The couple enlisted multi-talented planner, Best Day Ever Events, for the planning, styling and florals—all with a subtle modern, bohemian flair. We’re loving the fresh invitation suite by Mark van Wijk and the floral-dressed naked cake by Amandine Marrakech. But it’s photographer Raisa Zwart‘s stunning images that truly make Atva and Samir’s day feel like an advertising campaign for Moroccan nuptials. 

Click to expand for more

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

I think what made it us was the fact that we were able to capture the best of both Western and European wedding traditions and it blended perfectly on both days. The Henna night did have a traditional Morrocan dress – although less dramatic and traditional wedding djelleba for Samir. Our entrance was accompanied with traditional Berber folk music and dance. We also served shared Tagines and desserts as you typically see in Moroccan weddings, and of course Henna but for everyone not only the bride. Which was a huge success. Our wedding day was more traditional western with my dad walking me to the aisle, a western ring ceremony, photo shoot and toast,  but with Milk and Dates for prosperity and fertility before the ceremony and of course sugar – or candy – throwing at the end of the ceremony topped off with traditional Moroccan (and from Samir’s childhood). Pulo Duro – 50cent ice cream cones for our guests.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

For Samir his moment was me walking down towards him on Jacob Banks Silver Lining. Slightly nervous and stressed but so beautiful. For me it was the brief moment we (finally) sat together before dinner when you realize this great man is now my husband!

Tell us how you became engaged.

Samir proposed to me when I didn’t expect him to do so anymore (to be honest I was hoping for it for quite some years). We just had a very romantic holiday in Mozambique, we just celebrated our 14 Year anniversary and nothing. So one random Saturday morning, when I was just desperate for coffee he asked me to sit down and he gave me a gift to unwrap. It was a traditional Moroccan sugar cone with a note that said will you marry me?

Samir + Atva / Wedding in Ourika, Morocco (4K) from The Dreamers on Vimeo.

Photography: Raisa Zwart // Event Planning, Styling & Floral Design: Best Day Ever Events // Floral Design: Le Kiosque a Fleurs & Theun & Bloemen // Stationery: Mark van Wijk // Venue: Kasbah Bab Ourika // Cake: Amandine Marrakech // Officiant: Marry van’t’ Zelfde // Videography: The Dreamers // Makeup Artist: Rob Peetoom // Wedding Dress: Pronovias // Henna Dress: Selma Benomar // Bridal Accessories: Jimmy Choo & Astley Clarke &  Isabel Marant // Groom’s Apparel: Oger // Rings: Tiffany & Co

 

We like
our sponsors

We think you will too.

Real Weddings:

Monica and Mack’s wedding at Elliston Vineyards

featuring Kristine Herman Photography

Monica and Mack’s wedding at Elliston Vineyards is a lovely wine country wedding with a rich pink, red and purple palette. The look is introduced by an painterly invitation suite by Mich Design Studio while florals by Kimmie’s Floral Design add romance and color at every turn. We’re loving the way the wind catches the beautiful raw silk ribbon by Tono and Co and how  Kristine Herman Photography captures it and every beautiful moment in these lovely film images.

Click to expand for more

What made the wedding special and unique?

It is hard to pinpoint exactly what made our wedding feel special, because the entire day felt so special with our closest family and friends. Choosing a wedding venue that was tucked away in the hills and within 20 mins from our home made it very special for us. It will always be a place where we pass by every once in a while and can visit easily.

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

My mom and I decided to make a last minute appointment at BHLDN in Beverly Hills while we were visiting LA just to check out the dresses, not really thinking of actually purchasing yet. At first both my mom and I thought a dress with sleeves or wider straps would be more flattering on me, but after a couple dresses the stylist could tell I still wasn’t really loving any of them. The stylist gave me a separate top and skirt and I absolutely fell in love even though they only had tiny thin straps. Goes to show that you never know until you try it on, and props to the stylist I had to figure out what I liked!

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

Mack got me a monkey from Build-A-Bear a month into dating and we decided to have our ring bearer use the monkey to walk our rings down the aisle instead of a traditional pillow.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

Trying to read our vows through our tears of happiness during our ceremony was the most memorable and I will never forget that.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

Mack and I met back in college in Fall 2009 in a philosophy class. After class ended one day, he decided to walk up to me and introduce himself before I left. We realized that we actually went to the same high school and had a lot of mutual friends, but we just missed each other in high school since he graduated the year I started.

Mack proposed on my birthday trip to Vegas with a couple of our close friends in November 2015. We really wanted to go to the High Roller Observation Wheel and check out the view of the strip at night. The lights were so pretty on the way up, I remember telling Mack to just enjoy it and take it all in. I was oblivious to the fact that he was about to propose. Once we reached the top with our friends, he pulled me to the center of the pod and got on one knee and proposed! To be honest, I have no idea what he said to me and I had to ask him later to tell me again!

Photographer: Kristine Herman Photography // Florals: Kimmie’s Floral Design // Invitations: Mich Design Studio // Venue: Elliston Vineyards // Dress: BHLDN // Ribbon: Tono and Co // Bridesmaid dresses: Adelyn Rae // Bridal shoes: Marc Fisher // HAMU: Urban Beauty Loft // Film Lab: Photovision Prints

 

 

Real Weddings:

Amy and Josh’s Dairy Farm Wedding

featuring Melissa Jill Photography

Amy and Josh both work at the local dairy co-op, so as the mother-of-the-bride says “milk brought them together!” The couple wed on the bride’s family farm in an event planned by Wild One Events filled with meaningful nods to family heritage and the dairy business. Dutch blue accents paid homage to the father of the bride’s upbringing in Holland, antique painted cow bells acted as table numbers and milk + cookie take-aways were totally adorable. The white tent reception too place under perfectly blue skies and of course we’re completely smitten with the super-colorful and amazing florals by Posies Floral and lucky for us Melissa Jill Photography was on hand to capture every last detail and we’re happy to be sharing all the joyful images with you today.

Click to expand for more

What made the wedding special and unique?

From the mother of the bride, Jody, “Amy and Josh both work out of our dairy co-op so you could say that milk brought them together! That’s one of the reasons it was so meaningful that the wedding was held on the dairy farm where Amy was born and raised. There were special nods to the dairy business in the decor, including painted antique cow bells as table numbers, and linen bags of chocolate chip cookies with a message to “add milk” as favors.

“The bride’s father, Pieter, grew up in Holland on a dairy farm and we were blessed that so many of our Dutch family members were able to travel to Arizona to attend the wedding. Everyday touches of the bride’s Dutch heritage, like the wooden shoes at the door of the home, were joined by wedding details, like Dutch blue accents and a Delftware cake topper.

“Another special touch was the horse-drawn carriage that brought the bride to and from the ceremony. And at cocktail hour, a baby grand piano was installed in the field where the guests had gathered. A talented cousin of bride played the piano as the guests enjoyed cocktails and lawn games.”

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

Mother of the bride Jody says, “Before dress shopping, Amy wasn’t sure what her wedding gown would look like, but she knew it WOULDN’T be strapless or have a train. When she fell in love with Enzoani’s strapless, lace “Khloe” gown (with the longest train in the boutique), she proved herself wrong. Amy found her dream dress at Uptown Bridal boutique, where we were blessed with a private session with the most personal and loving service. The consultants (who are now our friends) went above and beyond for Amy and we are so grateful.”

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

Wedding planner Jackie with Wild One Events says, “There were little details and nods throughout the day to the couple’s relationship and background. Simple elements such as vintage cow bells used as numbers, chocolate chip cookies for the favors, and cow hide rugs in each of the lounges were all simple ways to recognize the dairy farming background without taking the farming concept too far. Other details that touched upon the bride’s Dutch heritage and family were incorporating various shades of blue in the design and bringing in a piano so that her cousin could play during cocktail hour.”

What was the most memorable part of the day?

The most memorable part of the day was the private time with future husband and wife during the intimate ” first look” moments. Josh & Amy felt so connected to one another in that time together, and it reaffirmed their love and commitment.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

Amy & Josh both work for the United Dairymen of Arizona, and they both come from dairy families. For a long time, Amy only really knew Josh as the cute guy she sometimes saw at work. Eventually they were introduced by mutual friends, and they became friends themselves before falling in love.

On their first date, Josh & Amy learned how truly compatible they were. They went to Blue Wasabi, but it wouldn’t be truthful to say they went out for sushi. You see, they got SO caught up in talking that they forgot to eat … all the way until the restaurant closed for the night. They had to be asked to leave; hungry but happy, and still talking.

Their joy in spending time together never faded, and Josh knew that he wanted to spend his life with Amy. When their families gathered together for a birthday dinner, Josh saw the perfect opportunity. Surrounded by their closest family, he got to one knee just before dessert was served and asked Amy to marry him. Her “Yes!” was sweeter than the cake!

Photographer: Melissa Jill Photography // Wedding Planner: Wild One Events // Florist/Decor: Posies Floral // Stationery: Roots and Rain Creative // Venue: Van Rijn Family Dairy // Dress: Enzoani // Bride/Bridesmaid Dress Shop: Uptown Bridal // Hair & Makeup: Amanda Victoria Beauty // Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse // Bridal Bouquet Ribbon: Silk & Willow // DJ: Welter Entertainment // Officiant: Shane Sanchez // Rentals & Tenting: Event Rents // Specialty Rentals: Glamour & Woods // Specialty Rentals: Prim Rentals // Piano Rental: Safe & Sound Piano // Linens: La Tavola // Catering: Robert’s Catering // Videographer: Simply Cinema // Photo Booth: Rendezbooth // Ceremony Detail Ribbon: Tono + Co. // Carriage: Walking M Farms

 

Real Weddings:

Leanne and Nick’s Backyard wedding in Santa Barbara

featuring Rachel Solomon Photography

Leanne and Nick’s big day is a backyard wedding with a twang. Married in the backyard of their historic 1910 home known as “The Farmhouse” in downtown Santa Barbara, they wanted to keep with the theme of their favorite sentiment “Home is With You” and maintain the “backyard” welcome feeling throughout their celebration. Planned and designed by Rani Hoover Inspired Weddings & Events, everything from the curated craft cocktails, locally sourced ingredients, vendors all dressed in denim, the local entertainment and custom details all created an atmosphere of family, friends, and a truly beautiful love story. Florals are by Riley’s Flowers, event calligraphy and signage by Ranchera Letters, and metal signage by J. Woeste are stunning and all the details are captured beautifully by Rachel Solomon Photography.

Click to expand for more

Tell us how you met and became engaged!

From the bride: “Boy next door meets girl next door; after being neighbors for over two years on the Mesa in Santa Barbara, and multiple near misses with mailboxes while checking each other out while driving down our street, we were finally formally introduced by our dear friend Suzie Clark. She was convinced we would be the perfect pair. Following our first date (where we closed down the Boathouse restaurant), we both had the feeling that we might have just met “the one” (especially when Nick showed up in cowboy boots). Beyond just our general outlook on life we shared many similar interests including our love for Montana, running our own companies, country music, and best of all…fly fishing. Our instant connection was deep, natural, and real. Being around each other – even right from the start – felt like home. 6 months after we met we were engaged! Nick proposed in Montana on Whitefish Lake where we now have a little cabin together. Leave it to Nick to propose on his birthday, because he is the most giving and selfless man I know. He said ‘Marrying you was the greatest gift of all. That’s why I proposed on my birthday. And I knew I’d never forget the date!'”

Leanne and Nick spend a lot of time at their home in Montana where they love to fish, hike, bike and explore the great outdoors. But their true home is Santa Barbara and it is here where Leanne and Nick both run their businesses. Leanne has owned and operated a boutique, luxury, vacation rental company since 2005 and Nick owns and operates a Water Well drilling business in town – hence the handsome muddy cowboy boots! Leanne is very active in local philanthropy. Nick is an avid surfer, outdoorsman, successful business man, and is becoming a pilot.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal? 

Guests arrived to craft cocktails from the Good Lion Bar featuring honey from Montana (Leanne & Nick’s favorite summer getaway) and fresh herbs and citrus from their own garden. All served out of Leanne’s daughter Lila’s actual Lemonade Stand and the back of a vintage truck featuring their theme, “Home is with You.”

At the ceremony, the large 100+ year old oak tree served as a remembrance of Leanne’s father who has passed, complete with photos, prayer beads and his favorite fishing hat.

The Groom’s boutonniere featured “flies” from his favorite pastime, and made as a child fly fishing in Montana, the bridal bouquet featured a locket photo of her father. The Groom’s ring is vintage and belonged to Leanne’s father.

Leanne & Nick wrote personal vows to exchange under the eaves of their front porch.

 

The cocktail hour and reception were filled with twinkly lights and the warm glow of torches as guests sipped cocktails and dined on cuisine from the Catering Connection featuring locally sourced greens, pistachios, strawberries, locally baked artisanal breads, Watkins Ranch grass fed beef and cage free chicken, and McGrath Farms butternut squash.

“I Only Have Pies for You” Pie Station featured organic local ingredients in each homemade pie by the Bakery Farmstand in Los Olivos. The guests feasted on multiple slices insisting on trying every traditional flavor!

The invitations featured a hand illustration and watercolor by Moment Maps and were hand calligraphed by Ranchera Letters.  Ranchera Letters also created all of the custom paper and chalkboard signage including the bar menus, “Soulmates” runner and the beautiful dinner menus at each setting.

Leanne worked with Ranch Gear to create custom embroidered denim jackets for herself, Nick and Lila featuring the “Girl and Boy Next Door” sayings since they met as neighbors while living on the Mesa in Santa Barbara.

The Bryan Titus Trio and DJ Jon Harris kept the guests dancing all night under the stars and even planned a special bouquet toss where during the countdown, all of the ladies melted away so Leanne’s (single) grandmother could catch it!

The night ended with take away cold-pressed hangover-cure green juices from Leanne and Nick’s favorite juice guru, The Juicy Life.

Lila’s dress was created from Leanne’s old wedding dress from her wedding to Lila’s father.

Photography: Rachel Solomon Photography // Planning Coordination & Design: Rani Hoover Inspired Weddings & Events // Flowers: Riley’s Flowers // Invitation Design: Type A Creative // Letterpress: Folio Press & Paperie // Calligraphy & Calligraphed Signage: Ranchera Letters // Custom Watercolor Images & Map: Moment Maps // Dress Designer: Olvi’s // Wedding Dress Boutique: Panache Bridal // Hair & Makeup: Brianna Stewart // Lighting: Spark Creative Events // Vintage Truck: Vintage Truck Rental // Bar cocktails: The Good Lion Bar // Catering: The Catering Connection // Pies & Cobbler: The Bakery Farmstand // Custom Denim Jacket Embroidery: Ranch Gear // Custom Metal Signage: J. Woeste // Band: The Bryan Titus Band // DJ: JSH Music // Ring Box: The Mrs. Box // Rentals: Town & Country Event Rentals // Vintage Rentals: Otis & Pearl Vintage Rentals // Guest gifts “Hangover Cold Pressed Green Juice”: The Juicy Life  // Shuttles: SB Limos // Officiant: Randall Day // Rehearsal Dinner: Cold Spring Tavern

 

Real Weddings:

Shirley and Jason’s Wine Country Wedding

featuring Lori Paladino Photography

A stunning warm-hued palette with punchy coral accents shines in Shirley and Jason’s wine country wedding at Cornerstone. No detail was left untouched in the event design by Going Lovely—from the round calligraphy signage Blush Type Design, to the custom wedding crest, to the oversized escort card easel to Twigss Floral Studio‘s incredibly romantic arrangements and accents oat every turn. Fresh, joyful casual elegance radiates throughout the garden ceremony followed by the lantern-lines, round white tent reception. Lucky for us,Lori Paladino Photography was on hand to capture all of smiles and special moments of Shirley and Jason’s big day!

Click to expand for more

What made the wedding special and unique?

Jason and I LOVE going out to eat and trying new restaurants, so having really good food at our wedding was a big priority for us. We loved our caterer, Sage Catering. They helped us come up with a customized farm to table style menu, which featured many of our favorite foods such as an heirloom tomato and burrata salad, herb crusted hanger steak, pan roasted sea bass, and Bellwether ricotta ravioli.

We also had Hog Island Oyster Co. shuck fresh oysters for our guests during cocktail hour. It was a huge hit and I think that our guests really loved that we didn’t have a typical wedding menu.

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

I found my Vera Wang Nisha gown at Glamour Closet in San Francisco. They sell designer samples off the rack, and had a great selection in my size and within my budget.

One of my best friends picked this dress out for me to try on. I had my reservations because it was mermaid cut, strapless, and ivory — I had always pictured myself in a white A-line dress with sleeves — but I was quickly reminded that you don’t always know what you want. It was important to me that my dress fit my personality, and I loved that the front was classic and conservative, while the back — with big bows, tulle, and silk flower details — was unique and fun!

Having a good friend with me who knew my personality and style, who would give me her honest opinion, and who pushed me to take a few risks was so important, especially since this was the first place I went to and I bought my dress that same day!

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

We recently added our puppy, Kingston to our family and one of our ceremony readers recited a passage titled “How Falling In Love Is Like Owning A Dog” by Taylor Mali. It was fun hearing our guests laugh along with us because it really was so relatable!

We love wine, so we knew we wanted to get married in wine country.  For our table numbers, our planner collected wine corks over the course of several months and used them to display our table numbers in brass candlestick holders. I thought that was a fun and pretty way to incorporate our love of wine.

I loved the custom watercolor crest our wedding planner had designed for us. It was incorporated in our invitations, day of signage and stationery, and she even got us customized corn hole boards for the cocktail hour lawn games that we took home as a keepsake and for future entertaining!

What was the most memorable part of the day?

Jason and I hadn’t really talked about our vows before the actual ceremony, so hearing his made me tear up. Wedding planning did not bring the best out of either of us (even though we had a great planner!), so it was special to me that both of our vows described why we love one another and that we both love our differences more than anything else.

Seeing all of our friends and family in one place was also so special! It was very surreal, as a lot of memories would come to mind with each familiar face I saw. More than anything, our wedding reminded me how lucky Jason and I are — we have so many great people in our lives, more now than ever as we’ve combined our makeshift families.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

In true Silicon Valley fashion, Jason and I met online through an app that connects you via mutual friends! We hit it off on our first date, and soon after we were exploring new restaurants, discussing pop culture, traveling, and meeting one another’s friends and family.

Jason proposed in Shanghai during our trip across China. It was very special because he’d arranged for both sets of our parents to be there with us to celebrate before we headed off to Beijing as an engaged couple!

 

Photographer: Lori Paladino Photography // Event Planning: Going Lovely // Floral Design: Twigss Floral Studio // Venue: Cornerstone // Caterer: Sage Catering // Make Up Artist/ Hair Stylist: Beauty by Chau Nguyen // Videographer: Alex Win Studios // Cake Artist: Susie Cakes Marin // DJ: One Final Touch // Beverages: Mills Wine Group // Party Rentals: Bright Event Rentals / Encore Events Rentals // Linen Rentals: La Tavola // Signage: Blush Type Design // Ring Box: The Mrs. Box