26 09, 2013

El Encanto wedding Featured on Style Unveiled

By |2013-09-26T16:17:04-06:00September 26th, 2013|Featured|

Melisa and Robert were married at a gorgeous Santa Barbara wedding venue:  El Encanto Hotel.  I am in love with the photos by Style Unveiled adored member Melissa Musgrove … they are full of perfection as usual 🙂  This is only part I … part II will showcase one of the most beautifully decorated wedding receptions I’ve featured on this wedding blog … so get ready!!!

Also, on a personal note … I wore Pronovias on my wedding day, so I was super excited to read that Melisa also chose a Pronovias wedding dress for her day 🙂

XO~ Heather

A Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.comA Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.comA Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.com

My hair and make up was done by TEAM Hair and Makeup, a recommendation by my planner. They did a good job. My makeup was perfect and definitely made it through the night. I did a brief touch up myself at 10pm but that’s it.
One accessory was a crystal beaded hair pin. Being a brunette, intricate hair styling can get lost due to the uniform dark color, however a discrete accessory can definitely elevate the whole look. Mine was a small (3in) pin, slightly curved, organic leafy design. I wanted to give my sister, MOH, also a brunette, the same touch of sparkle, and selected a laced crystal headband which was gorgeous. Again very chic how it all came together!
A Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.comA Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.com

Our vision for our wedding was to create a classic, simple, elegant and intimate setting. We wanted to be in a unique locale outdoors in Santa Barbara. The El Encanto Hotel site and historic wisteria arbor/lily pond was perfect for us; the natural beauty of the grounds surrounding the brick colonnade and trellis arbor was a beautiful backdrop for our ceremony site as well as our reception. We decided to add very few details not to overwhelm the natural beauty.  The same thinking went into most details, including my lace wedding dress selection, the venue, the table setting, the flowers.

Although I wanted a classic chic black tie wedding, I also wanted it to feel modern and unique. I wanted my bridesmaids to look chic as well, so I decided to have them wear different colors but all within the same color palette, staying in the neutrals, blush tones. So my cousin and sister in law wore a champagne and rose colored strapless dress (Amsale, and J. Crew), whereas for my sister (Maid of Honor) I decided to have her stand out a little bit more from the other girls, and I suggested she wear Fuchsia (Azzaro). And the color palette altogether turned out gorgeous, everything I wanted to be. Although I was challenged by many as to why I would give so much flexibility in selecting a color and a brand, my thought was I wanted them to feel like they chose each their own dresses. My mom and my aunt were also in the same taste level, they each picked their own evening gowns and they managed to have picked peach and baby blue hues…. all of us in these beautiful muted pastels.

As I look back at the photos, I am in awe of how it all came together (especially if you look at the portrait photos which have our dog Molly and her ivory and fuchsia flower collar).
A Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.comA Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.comA Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.comA Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.comA Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.comA Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.comA Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.com

Melisa: My favorite moment is probably our entire wedding ceremony. Starting from the final preparations in my room (which had a glimpse view of the arbor ceremony), my father seeing me in my dress for the first time, my parents giving my bridal gifts, hearing Rob from my room call out for Molly (who had stage fright coming down the aisle), seeing Rob across the pond for the first time, walking down the aisle with my dad, stopping and deciding to kiss my mom, aunt, and uncle (completely unplanned), my dad who forgot his cue when I had to remind him it was time to actually give my hand away (which he wouldn’t let go the entire time), and finally the exchange of vows, filled with tears and laughter throughout 🙂

Rob: The ceremony in general. It started with our dog Molly not wanting to walk down the aisle and me having to go back to get her was endearing to all and really broke the ice. When Melisa came she looked beautiful across the arbors’ pond and it felt awkward just staring at each other so I gave her a big wave to break the ice and she waved back, to everyone’s laughter. The setting was surreal, the ceremony was loose and fun and we were the center of attention to all of our friends, family and loved ones. Unforgettable.
A Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.comA Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.comA Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.comA Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.com

The outdoor ceremony setting around the historic arbor and lily pond, nontraditional dual aisle (bridesmaids and groomsmen separate aisle) made for a very unique entry to the ceremony spot.  More importantly having our sweet English Cream Golden Retriever Molly as our ring bearer decorated with my mom’s collar (with theme flowers) and pillow.  We also had our great friend Ira singing during our ceremony as a solo with his guitar.
A Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.comA Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.comA Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.com

The landmark El Encanto  or “The Enchanted” hotel located on the majestic Riviera of Santa Barbara, perfectly nestled into the hills, which otherwise is a primarily residential zone, has sweeping ocean views overlooking the lower downtown Santa Barbara. The hotel was originally built in the 20’s and was a main destination/ playground for the rich and powerful, hosting president Franklin D. Roosevelt, John Kennedy Jr., and stars such as Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, Hedy Lamarr, Leonardo DiCaprio, Gwen Stefani, Barbra Streisand. The hotel shut its doors after the sudden tragic death of its owner during a polo accident. After seven years of planning, discretionary reviews, and construction it finally reopened March 2014. Our friend Emre Balli, previous head Sommelier for the renowned San Ysidro Ranch, had just started working for the new Orient Express El Encanto Hotel last fall when he suggested it as a potential wedding venue. Although the project was still under construction, it didn’t take much imagination to truly see the beauty beneath it all. The grounds were lush, the views were enchanting. That’s when I knew we had found the perfect venue, so as long as we could have the wedding reception outside within the beautiful historic structure of the arbor and lily pond.  For our guests travelling from all over the world (Turkey, London, Canada, UAE, Egypt, Brazil) and all over the US, we wanted them to enjoy and explore the beauty of Santa Barbara, and this venue genuinely offered that.
A Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.comA Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.comA Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.comA Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.com

We originally had a different photographer booked for our event, and due to some last minute mishap, we had to resort to finding another photographer within a month of the wedding! Our misfortune turned out to be a blessing in disguise, leading us to Melissa Musgrove, a well-established professional photographer, much admired by our videographer, and in most high-end hotel’s shortlist of preferred wedding vendors in the Santa Barbara industry.
A Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.comA Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.com

Photography: Melissa Musgrove Photography

Reception Venue, Catering, and Wedding Cake: El Encanto Hotel

Cinematographer: Jennie Reinish

Floral Decor: S.R. Hogue

Wedding Coordinator: Central Coast Memory Makers

Wedding Stationery: William Arthur

Reception and Ceremony Music: Ground Control – Ira Gonzalez

Bride’s Dress: Pronovias

Beauty: TEAM Hair and Makeup

Floating Lanterns: Wish Lanterns

Officiant: Barbra Mousouris

A Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.com

A Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.com

A Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.comA Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.com

A Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.comA Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.comA Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.comA Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.comA Santa Barbara Real Wedding at El Encanto Hotel / Melissa Musgrove Photography / via StyleUnveiled.com

29 01, 2013

Biltmore Wedding Featured on Style Me Pretty!

By |2013-01-29T13:41:36-07:00January 29th, 2013|Featured|

Santa Barbara Wedding from Lacie Hansen Photography

Santa Barbara is sort of my happy place. Though I’ve never been there. But sitting in my chilly, snowed-in Boston office, Santa Barbara just seems like warmth and happiness and everything beautiful in the world. And I’m pretty sure that if the universe is listening, it will pick up my house and move it right plop in the center of this little slice of heaven. Hmm, you’re probably right. Next best thing? Living vicariously through a Santa Barbara wedding as pretty as this one and the inspiring photography of our sweet friend Lacie Hansen. Then soaking up the incredible, is-this-real-life? film by one of our besties and cinema genius, Joel Serrato and of course, hitting up the galleries for far more lovely.

From the Bride… Brandon and I met the night of my 28th birthday through a mutual friend at a bar in West Hollywood. Just as we walked in, he happened to be standing right there, and worked with one of my best friends. There, we were introduced, however, I was out with a gaggle of girlfriends and meeting a guy was the last thing on my mind! He did manage to get my number and asked me to dinner for the following week. The hostess on our first date told us that “we were a very cute couple.” We never looked back.

Our wedding was just over a year later on June 9, 2012 at the Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara, California. Having grown up just north of Santa Barbara in the Santa Ynez Valley, that hotel has always been one of my favorite spots and was special to us as it was the location of our first weekend getaway together. We knew we wanted the wedding to feel very romanitic and warm with a touch of easy elegance. We also played off of the classic Spanish architecture of the hotel. The ceremony was interfaith with a Rabbi and Minister who worked perfectly together. We loved taking traditions from both Jewish and Episcopalian religions. The ceremony was held on the beautiful Monte Vista Lawn surrounded by palm trees and gorgeous views of the Santa Ynez Mountains. The bridesmaids wore coral, blush or champange dresses and chose their own style by the same designer. I definitely wanted them to do what they wanted and wear what they loved! During cocktail hour in the Palmera Garden, guests sipped on some of our favorite snacks and refreshments including fresh blood orange margaritas, vodka gimlets dusted with mini gold stars, and little patron bottles filled with homemade margaritas, and accompanied by bit sized tacos.

We then moved into the Loggia Ballroom decorated with an abundance of peonies, cabbage roses, hydrageas, viburnum and dahlias, hundreds of twinkling candles, and a soft glowing fire in the fireplace. The tables were of various shapes and sizes and shared hues of blush and champagne, with pops of coral and hints of gold. The 12 piece band was incredible, specializing in Motown, but playing everything from Foster the People to Van Morrison to Madonna. After the dinner and dancing, Brandon and I exited under a trail of sparklers, and led the way across the street to the Mardis Gras themed after-party at the ocean-front Coral Casino. There, our guests donned boas, beads and masks, and dined on sliders, mini shakes and fries while dancing away to a DJ spinning tunes into the wee hours. Some guests even woke up in the sand to the sunrise! The day and night could not have been more perfect. By far, the most special moments were being around all of our best friends and family, spending the day getting ready with my bridesmaids and mother, walking down the aisle on the arm of my father, and most of all, marrying the most wonderful man and the love of my life.

Swirl1Wedding Photography: Lacie Hansen Photography / Wedding Venue + Catering + Cakes: Santa Barbara Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara, California (Ceremony : Monte Vista Lawn + Reception: Loggia Ballroom) / After Party: Santa Barbara Four Seasons Coral Casino / Wedding Planning: Liz Brown of Central Coast Memory Makers / Event + Floral Design: Kate Holt of Flowerwild / Wedding Cinematography: Joel Serrato Films / Ceremony Officiants: Rabbi Arthur Rosenberg and Reverend Gary Dickey / Wedding Stationery: Crane & Co.Letter Perfect / Ceremony, Cocktail + Reception Band: Side Effect (West Coast Music) / After Party DJ: Everett Wong / Party Favors: Mother of the Bride’s Homemade Strawberry Preserves / Wedding Dress:”Emma” Dress by Monique Lhuillier / Bride’s Veil: Monique Lhuillier / Bride’s Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Amsale (Champagne, Coral + Blush – various silhouettes) / Hair: Michelle Mason / Makeup: TEAM Hair and Makeup / Groomsmen Suits: “Ludlow” by J.Crew / Linens: La Tavola Linen

Joel Serrato Films, La Tavola Fine Linen Rental and TEAM Hair and Makeup are members of our Little Black Book. For more information on how members are chosen, click here.
Amsale, J.Crew and Monique Lhuillier are members of our Look Book. For more information on how members are chosen, click here.
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16 04, 2012

Featured on: One Lovely Day

By |2012-04-16T11:19:32-06:00April 16th, 2012|Featured|

Luxe Elegance at the Four Seasons {A Real Wedding by Michelle Warren Photography}

Posted on March 26th, 2012 by Kate. Filed under Real Weddings.

For Frank and Marbella, their stunning, coral and gold wedding was like a dream come true.  We’ll say, for us too!  We’re sooo in love with their album.  It’s easy to tell that every detail was perfectly planned and executed by Liz at Central Coast Memory Makers…from the vibrant palette to the cocktail reception overlooking the ocean.  Many thanks to the talented Michelle Warren for sharing these amazing photos with us! The day started with pampered beauty in the bridal suite by TEAM Hair & Makeup.  Marbella’s best gals helped her into the exquisite Amalia Carrara gown, which was fit for a princess.  The bridal party lit up the photos in coral colored statement dresses with pleated ruffle hemlines.It was an unforgettable ceremony at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Montecito, followed by a cocktail reception overlooking the beach on the terrace of La Pacifica Ballroom at The Four Seasons Resort in Santa Barbara.  The reception was the picture of luxury and elegance, indoors at The Four Seasons.  Camilla Svensson Burns designed the most incredible florals- the room was decked out in pale pink and gold tones.   Read the bride’s story just below and catch the full feature in our Real Weddings Gallery!

Photos by Michelle Warren Photography

Event Design by Central Coast Memory Makers

Bridal Beauty by TEAM Hair & Makeup

Bridal Gown by Amalia Carrara

Florals by Camilla Svensson Burns

Paper Goods & Favor Boxes by Letter Perfect & Paper, Ink.

Ceremony Site: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church

Reception Venue: The Four Seasons Resort, The Biltmore

Cake by The Four Seasons Resort, The Biltmore

From the Bride: They say if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plan. We were introduced by mutual friends. A month prior on Frank’s 39th Birthday celebration, he announced that he would never get married, it simply wasn’t for him. I was too busy trying to finish my MBA degree and wasn’t interested in finding love just yet. Upon introduction, Frank claims he fell in love instantly and swore to himself that if he didn’t marry me, he would never marry anyone. I inevitably fell in love with Frank’s romantic style, AMAZING personality, and wonderful sense of humor – anyone who knows Frank knows there is never a dull moment!

One week before our Wedding, the weather in Montecito was gloomy and cloudy. However the day of our wedding, we couldn’t have been blessed with better weather, it was beautiful, and sunny!  The day started off with the hair and make-up team arriving to do all the ladies hair in the Bridal Suite. I didn’t worry about a single thing; Liz (our wedding coordinator) took care of absolutely everything!

The ceremony took place at the most beautiful little church in Montecito. I was walked down the aisle by my 94 year old grandfather, with a small picture of my Father in the bouquet. The Mariachi Band played the traditional Mexican wedding music. It was a beautiful ceremony by Father Edward Jalbert.  When it was time for us to kiss, Frank took my face in his hands and our foreheads met for what ended up being a brief, yet unforgettable moment full of emotion. The day was truly a dream come true for us both.

The reception was absolutely stunning. The cocktail reception was held overlooking the ocean on the terrace of  La Pacifica Ballroom at The Four Seasons Resort, The Biltmore.  It is months later and we are still overwhelmed with comments of that beautiful cocktail reception. Traditional music was played by the Mariachi, a Trio, and then to get the party started, the wonderful “Impulse” Band played. The dance floor was never empty! We danced our first dance to “At Last.”  Frank forgot everything we had rehearsed for our first dance, except for the beginning and the end, so we just improvised!  It turned out to be a beautiful dance.

The best man’s speech was so well presented by Frank’s brother, Lieutenant Governor Abel Maldonado. The maid of honor’s speech by my twin sister made everyone laugh and then cry right after, starting off with “Hey, that’s not fair, he does this for a living” and ending with the following words addressed to Frank: “Frank, I can’t ask you to treat her well because that’s all you’ve ever done. I can’t ask you to take care of her because I know that you will. I can’t ask you to love her any more because I’m pretty sure that’s impossible. The one thing I ask is for all of that to never change.”

After that heartfelt speech, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. The rest of the night was full of fun with the photobooth and all the dancing, starting with the song “Tonight’s gonna be a good night”- the song people would catch Frank singing whenever he was going to take me out in the months we were dating.

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