View PDF - Wildflower Linen

THE INSIDER’S GUIDE TO WEDDINGS WITH STYLE
100
fresh
beautiful
pages of
sensational
celebrations
amazing ceremonies & receptions
glamorous gowns
all of the gorgeous
details
cakes, flowers, décor,
and so much more
SUMMER 2011
accessories
&jewelry
dazzling
accents
110
celebrity stylist
Anya Sarre
makes backyard fêtes
chic and sophisticated
HAUTE
Summer
invites
Expert advice on
cultural traditions,
vows, and music
etiquette expert
Anna Post
keeps everyone on
speaking terms
70
|
InsideWeddings.com
INSIDEWEDDINGS
AL YSSA GR EEN & TOD D CHR IST E NS E N
AUGUST 7, 2010 DANA POINT, CALIFORNIA
PHOTOGRAPHED BY STEVE HOFFMANN
A COLORFUL AFFAIR
How do two busy professionals find time for love? Over dinner
and drinks to discuss business opportunities, naturally. After several
“working dinners” together, Alyssa Green and Todd Christensen
attended a charity benefit that left all of the guests out in the cold
when a fire broke out in the kitchen. “It was such a moment of relief
that we were alone together. From that night on, we ditched our
corporate suits and jumped into a beautiful relationship,” says the
couple of their early romance. A rose-fueled proposal soon followed
that blended the intimacy of the moment with a family celebration –
a theme that would set the tone for their upcoming nuptials.
While the couple was thrilled to say “I do,” their busy schedules
left little time for wedding planning – both Alyssa and Todd were
working full-time, and the bride was going to school at night to earn
her MBA. “Luckily I have a very understanding and loving mother
who was able to take over the planning,” shares Alyssa. “Todd and
I both knew that my mom has impeccable style and would create a
magical day for us both.” However, as easygoing as the couple was
about handing over the reigns, the location was very important to
them. “We both grew up near two things: a beach and a golf course.
We wanted to be able to see both from our venue,” says Alyssa. The
couple selected a well-known Tuscan-style resort nestled along one
of the most exclusive beaches in Southern California. It provided
everything they were looking for, including panoramic Pacific views
and an oceanfront golf course.
InsideWeddings.com
|
71
INSIDEWEDDINGS
Beauty
Design Visage
Bridal Designer
Rosa Clara
Bridal Salon
The White Dress
Bridesmaids
Jim Hjelm Occasions
Cake/Caterer
St. Regis Monarch Beach
Consultant
Once Upon A Time Weddings
Dove Release
White Flite
Entertainment
Angelica Strings - ceremony
Antix Entertainment - reception
Floral Design
Nisies Enchanted Florist
Formalwear
Calvin Klein
Honeymoon
St. Regis Princeville Resort, Kauai
Invitations
Style on a Budget
Lighting Design
Invisible Touch Events
Linens
Wildflower Linen
Mother’s Gown
Alberto Makali - MOB
Photographer
Hoffmann Photographer
Registries
Antique Cupboard
Bed Bath and Beyond
Macy’s
Rentals
Chameleon Chair Collection
Classic Party Rentals
Fusion Linens
Shoes
Benjamin Adams
Venues
St. Regis Monarch Beach
72
|
InsideWeddings.com
Three days of events led to the wedding itself, so guests were well
acquainted when they took their seats for the ceremony directly on
the hotel golf course overlooking the ocean. Against the backdrop of
the Pacific, Alyssa glided down the aisle in crystal-encrusted sandals
and a strapless lace gown with a mermaid silhouette, a tight cluster
of snowy orchids in her hands. Bridesmaids were cloaked in shades
of the sea, the cerulean palette contrasting beautifully with their
lush bouquets of calla lilies in deep purple. An uncle of the bride
conducted the service to place an emphasis on the couple’s love
of family. “Neither of us is very religious, and we wanted someone
special to begin our marriage,” notes Alyssa. To the delight of the
bride, groom, and their guests, Alyssa’s uncle also added a few unique
and unexpected vows: Todd promised to walk the couple’s “fuzzy
little dog” in the middle of the night, while Alyssa vowed to always
allow her husband to bet on sports. “As long as it was not in favor of
USC,” clarifies the bride, “because my uncle is a UCLA fan!” InsideWeddings.com
|
73
74
|
InsideWeddings.com
Following the laughter-filled ceremony,
guests were treated to an elegant sit-down
dinner amid a mix of rich purples and the soft
glow of lavender. Blues, greens, and sparkles
added to the stunning violet décor. Floral
arrangements of varying heights featured
hydrangeas, lilies, roses, and orchids in both
low rectangular vases covered in rhinestones,
and tall clear vases with crystals encircling the
bottoms. Tables were draped with pretty purple
linens, complemented by silver Chameleon
chairs with cushions of purple velvet.
InsideWeddings.com
|
75
76
|
InsideWeddings.com
In addition to the location, food was
of utmost important to the couple. “We
wanted our guests to be wowed and to
enjoy every moment,” says Alyssa. A choice
of tomato-crusted sea bass and soft polenta
paired with asparagus or roasted tenderloin
of beef with crusted baby potatoes and a
cognac-peppercorn demi-glace followed
a salad course of butter-leaf lettuce with
roasted tomato and crumbled feta. A
decadent trio of desserts included crème
brûlée, pecan brownies, and raspberry
mousse. A square wedding cake with three
beautiful layers was enjoyed as a sweet
finish to the evening. Each cake layer was
outlined in the same pale blue pattern
seen in the invitation suite, and decorated
with the same varieties of fresh florals in
shades of violet and green that topped
the reception tables. The contemporary
confection was perched atop a glittering
rhinestone-studded stand, adding just the
right amount of laidback glamour to the
night’s festivities.
InsideWeddings.com
|
77
78
|
InsideWeddings.com
Though the lovely touches were plentiful, the bride’s
favorite moment was when she floated down the grand
staircase to meet her groom before the ceremony. “With
only us and the photographers present, it was such a
special, emotional moment we will treasure forever. I also
loved walking down the aisle and seeing my handsome
groom at the end, with the ocean and golf course behind
him. The scent of the flowers and the feeling of the
sun on my shoulders was incredible.” Todd’s favorite
memories were summed up in a way that offers some
insight to every groom. “The most special part of the day
is celebrating with your close friends and family,” he says,
KELLY LEE
“and when your bride says ‘I do.’”
InsideWeddings.com
|
79
154
|
InsideWeddings.com
INSIDEWEDDINGS
T I N G S U N G & C HE WA NG
OCTOBER 1 0, 2010 PASADENA, CALIFORNIA
PHOTOGRAPHED BY VICTOR SIZEMORE
BY THE BOOK
As a young girl, Ting Sung often
passed The Langham Huntington
hotel nestled in a secluded area of the
charming California town of Pasadena
– and dreamed that one day she would
be married there. So, a week after she
and Che Wang became engaged, the
hotel was booked for their spectacular
10/10/10 wedding. The theme of
the wedding was based on the bride’s
favorite novel/movie saga; Ting wanted
her own nuptials to exude a timeless and
romantic feeling that was largely taken
from the descriptive romantic scenes in
the series. The color scheme consisted of
classic creams, champagnes, and taupes
with accents of blush pink and gold. “The
wedding [described in the novel] was a
beautiful event… just breathtaking!”
recalls Ting of her inspiration.
InsideWeddings.com
|
155
INSIDEWEDDINGS
Beauty
Joyce Luck Style - hair & makeup
Bridal Gown
Vera Wang
Bridesmaids
Vera Wang
Cake
Cakes by the Pound
Consultant
The Special Day
Entertainment
Strings by Reiko - ceremony
Jordan Music Entertainment - reception
Favors
Godiva Chocolatier
Floral Design
Nisie’s Enchanted Florist
Formalwear
Hugo Boss - groom
Friar Tux Shop - groomsmen
Hair Accessories/Veil
Erin Cole
Honeymoon Hotel
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
Invitations
Gen X Designs
Jewelry
Bailey Banks and Biddle
Lighting Design
G2 Audio and Lighting
Linens
Wildflower Linen
Photographer
Victor Sizemore
Rentals
Arriba! L&H
Barker Décor Service
Classic Party Rentals
Shoes
Christian Louboutin
Stationery
Paper Girl
Venue
The Langham Hotel, Pasadena
Videographer
Elysium Productions
156
|
InsideWeddings.com
The bride admits she loves to entertain
and be a good host, so much of the wedding
planning involved securing amazing vendors
that would produce the type of affair that
would be memorable for loved ones. “I wanted
my guests to be fed well, have plenty to drink,
and be happily entertained,” she explains. To
accomplish this, Ting – with the help of her
wedding consultant – arranged for two open
bars, a five-course dinner service, a trendy disc
jockey, and an exhilarating 10-piece band to
accent the celebration.
The ceremony was held in an idyllic garden
of the hotel, which paired perfectly with the
ethereal décor of the nuptials. Luxuriant
fabric hung from a canopy that included fresh
florals and sparkling crystals suspended from
satin ribbons. Aisleways were highlighted
with romantic birdcage arrangements set on
wrought-iron stands and adorned with strands
of pearls and roses in muted colors. Bridesmaids
wore graceful golden gowns and carried
cream-colored roses, ranunculus blooms,
and gardenias. A string quintet performed
one of the bride’s favorite love songs directly
excerpted from the film chronicles. “The
wedding party walked down the aisle to the
melody – it was beautiful,” says Ting. As a
nod to Che’s heritage, the women from the
groom’s maternal side dressed in traditional
Korean hamboks for the celebration. After
all had made their way down the frothy white
aisle, Ting appeared wearing a gorgeous fitted
gown with a tiered, trumpet hemline and
carrying a rose bouquet in blush and ivory
hues. A heartfelt service was performed by
a reverend close to the groom. “It was very
special for me to be married by someone that I
respected and was a part of my life rather than
a stranger,” explains Che.
InsideWeddings.com
|
157
For the reception, live trees were brought in to give the ballroom
the feel of an enchanted forest. Crystals, pearls, and roses garnished
wrought-iron chandeliers, and dreamy candlelight illuminated the
area. Cappuccino-colored draping enveloped the striking ballroom
and complemented the intricate architecture of the space. “The first
time I got to see the room, I almost cried,” remembers Ting. “It
looked so beautiful, I couldn’t believe that it was my wedding.”
Custom fawn-colored linens graced reception tables that boasted one
of four centerpiece styles. The first composition featured tall mercuryglass vases with crystals, pearls, and lace adornments holding ivory
roses and hydrangeas; the second, custom iron “trees” with mounds
of roses and hanging tea lights. The third type of arrangement focused
on a variety of roses and hydrangeas packed in low vases of mercury
glass; the last, a tablescape of medium and short vases with cream
roses and hydrangea blossoms. Chairs were also covered in custom
fabric in hues of champagne and taupe finished with ivory bows. Blush
napkins fastened with cream satin ribbons were secured with beautiful
vintage-style crystal napkin rings reminiscent of the Victorian era.
As favors, Godiva chocolates in white boxes embellished with pearl
accents were set at each place setting. After guests enjoyed a delicious
sit-down dinner service, they danced the night away on a seamless oval
dance floor with personalization on its gleaming bronze surface.
158
|
InsideWeddings.com
InsideWeddings.com
|
159
160
|
InsideWeddings.com
The couple’s Victorian-inspired six-tiered
wedding confection was displayed on a tented
stage. The cake design was modeled after
the customized table linens and chair covers
that incorporated ruffles, ribbons, and lace.
Handmade sugar roses and pearls adorned the
edible masterpiece, which featured cake layers
of red velvet and luscious Valrhona chocolate.
“I loved the way everything turned out,”
shares the bride. “I would turn the wedding into
an all-week event just so it could last longer!”
The groom adds, “It’s the one day you declare
to the world who you want to be with forever –
so enjoy each minute of it.” NICOLE PALACIOS
InsideWeddings.com
|
161