Vintage Villa Wedding by Julie Harmsen Photography

You may remember this wedding from Wedding Chicks last fall. This first time I came across these photos I was instantly smitten with the lovely details, the unique colour scheme and of course the insanely gorgeous photography by Julie Harmsen. While I usually don't share weddings that are exclusive elsewhere, I just had to show this one off because it turns out, my May bride that you had the pleasure of 'meeting' yesterday (and my husband!) went to high school with Julie. I am absolutely thrilled to be working with both of these girls next month so I thought I'd show off a little bit of Julie's mad skills with one my faves of hers; this charming vintage California wedding. Seriously how fabulous are these photos? Be sure to catch all the details below from Nicole, the stunning bride!

{Nicole and Patrick's Love Story} Patrick and I met at a New Year's eve party 2006 turning into 2007. My girlfriend and her husband arranged the whole thing and it was at a club downtown San Diego. As soon as my friend Nicole and I entered the private area where the party would be held we sat next to two single guys (one of which was Patrick) and introduced ourselves. I remember thinking Patrick was very cute! Since I am very social it wasn't long before I was up and running around chatting to other people. People kept introducing Patrick and I over and over again and finally I said to him, I think people want us to meet. From that moment on we spent the entire night together talking, dancing and laughing with friends. At midnight we kissed and that was the beginning of us.

{Advice to Future Brides} As hard as it seems try to enjoy the planning process. Stop and remember it is supposed to be fun and it's about you and your fiance. Use the anxiety as positive energy to get organized and get things done. Our biggest obstacle while planning was making sure to include both families in the planning process and making sure everyone's needs are met. Everyone has a different idea of how they see the day and you need to do your best to listen and communicate your desires. Then you can compromise :)

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Photographer: Julie Harmsen Photography / Ceremony Site: St. Catherines of Siena, Laguna Beach / Reception Site: The Villa, San Juan Capistrano / Videographer: Couture Motion / Dress: Modern Trouseau / Bridesmaids Dresses: Amsale / Bridesmaids Jewelry: Wendy Mink / Mens Suits: J. Crew / Catering: Ramos House Cafe / Cakes and Cupcakes: It's All About the Cake / Flowers: Stacey Fitts, Floral Occasions / Vintage Decor: Stephanie Stevens / DJ: Allen Ward, Mi Media / Guestbook Tree: bleudetoi on Etsy 

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Gorgeous Winery Wedding by Jill Thomas

One of my most favourite things about the blogging world, is connecting with incredible people who are warm, kind and super easy to chat with. Even better, is finding other bloggers who share similar passions as you do. I recently connected with Liz from Portland to Peonies (well we met via the net but I remember finding her blog many moons ago and am not sure why we have taken so long to connect until now!) Liz got hitched this past summer to the love of her life and since she's so sweet and had the loveliest wedding ever, I asked her if I could brag about her wedding here. Thankfully she said yes :) The fabulous Jill Thomas captured the big day which was infused with incredible details, the most perfect simplicity and of course lots and lots of love.

Can I just admit how much I adore mix matched bridesmaids dresses?! Gah, why didn't I think of that?! The flowers were done by family members and the bride's mother designed and handmade the brides gorgeous lace gown. Liz told her Ma she wanted cap sleeves and heavy lace and she got this dreamy one of a kind gown that fit her to a T. Combined with her soft curls, flower hair pin and incredible looks; oh Liz! You looked just beautiful! Not to mention your bridesmaids are pretty gorg too.

The couple also opted for a first look prior to the ceremony and Liz has nothing but incredible things to say about the experience. Thanks to the extra time the first look provided the two love birds were able to take lots of fabulous portraits together amongst the incredible scenery of the winery. I love love love the above image (for more drool-worthy pics of the first look and portraits you must go see the full recap Liz did over at her blog!) And as a first-look bride myself I have to admit it's quite the magical experience.

 

I love the long wood tables and organic flower bunches that perfectly tie in with the other rustic elements. Every little touch is absolutely perfect. Liz says that the way the tables were set up meant her and her new hubby could sit back and watch the rest of their guests enjoy their food and the company of one another. This allowed them both to soak in the fact that their big day had finally arrived after all of those months of planning. She also said that the food was to.die.for. And I have to admit I am a tad jealous of the super rad fry truck that came as a surprise at the end of the night. I tried so very hard to get a fry truck to stop by our venue the night of our wedding but policies in our contracted prevented us from doing so. Liz, I will just live vicariously through you and your fry truck :)

Congrats Liz and Corey! Here's to many more fabulous years of happiness and lurve! Liz thanks for sharing your big day and for being such a lovely new blogging friend. 

{Vendors}

Catering: Voila Catering

Venue: David Hill Winery

Invitations: Cricket Printing
Cake: Michelle's Custom Cakery
Photographer: Jill Thomas Photography
Brides Dress: Bride's Mom, Elizabeth Kollo

And to all the rest of my readers, I hope everyone is having an amazing week so far. Apb is visiting me on Thursday and it's the first time I have seen him since our honeymoon. I think it's going to be a great weekend :) xo P.S. thank you for the kind words and messages on my post yesterday guys. I have the sweetest blog friends ever! 

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