Weddingbee PRO

This June wedding at the Walt Disney Concert Hall was a New York-inspired affair, full of personal touches and vibrant color. This couple was one of my favorites… and two of my biggest fans. Their devotion to my blog made me blush!! It's now their turn to shine here~

For the ceremony, we embraced a citrusy palette of colors including orange, yellow, and chartreuse green. Everything felt fresh and joyful! The actual ceremony took place in the Blue Ribbon Garden at the Disney Center, in front of a giant rose-shaped fountain made of mosaic delft tiles. Surrounded by the towering buildings of downtown L.A., the garden was a peaceful oasis. Of course the signature curvaceous lines of the Disney Center added a modern feel to the entire event.

All photos are courtesy of the ultra fabulous (and completely unpretentious), super star photographer Bil Zelman. He is renowned for his incredible portrait work (having shot many of my fave musicians, including Jason Mraz and John Legend) as well as his emotive, vintage-feeling wedding photography. I loved poring over these images; each one is brimming with so much emotion!

The ceremony site had a striking and completely modern focal point: three abstract, spindly, free-form poles covered in moss and exotic florals. I spy billy balls, hanging amaranthus, mango calla lillies, james storei orchids, button mums and protea, among other items! They were the handiwork of passionate floral visionary, Bobbe Vagell.

The officiant was so warm and hilarious! We could barely make it through rehearsal with all of his funny jabs and jokes. You also get a great view of those altar pieces, as well as a glimpse of the striking rose fountain.

Here comes the bride…

I looooove these two photos together. The first image perfectly captures the emotion on Carol's father's face: pride, love, tenderness… The second image communicates his respect and trust of David. So moving! (psst — I spy Carol's STUNNING bouquet of purple vanda orchids. Gorgeous!)

Wide view of the ceremony

Feeding each other honey. How sweet are they??

Carol's sister (and maid of honor) looks on during the ceremony. I love the contrast of their bouquets. David + Carol adopted a mix of gorgeous colors for their event, which I really adored. Why limit yourself to two or three colors??

Married!: their joyful recessional

I really heart this photo of Carol & her father. Both David and Carol had amazing families that could not have been happier for them. What a blessing.

The stylish flower girls carried brightly-colored parasols embellished with sprays of james storei orchids. Sooo charming and whimsical!

Cocktail hour

The New York skyline made an appearance at cocktail hour…

Escort cards were fashioned to resemble the New York subway metrocard. We nestled them in wheatgrass in front of a panoramic picture of the city. It was as if the grass continued straight out of central park in the photo.

I love these. So classic.

Welcome to the reception! The uplighting highlighted the dramatic curves of the honey-colored walls in BP Hall. You can see we repurposed the altar pieces near the sweetheart table.

Tables were named after subway stops in their beloved city. Each card featured a photo of the subway stop sign.

The centerpieces were absolutely glorious. These gigantic beauties were filled with james storei orchids, bells of ireland, protea, dahlias, callas, billy balls and hanging amaranthus. Half of the centerpieces were yellow (like this one), and the other half of the tables had orange/red florals.

Tables with yellow flowers had billy ball napkin accents. Tables with orange flowers had james storei orchids adorning their placesettings.

The cake was something to behold (and taste!). Nancy Kay Confections created this masterpiece, cloaked in chocolate and decorated with a geometric pattern made with truffles. It's a chocoholic’s dream come true. Bobbe dressed up the table by scattering orchids, candles and split limes underneath a plexiglass base.

A scene from their upbeat first dance to a Beatles medley. <3 <3 <3 I absolutely ADORED Carol's gown: a ruffled, tiered confection by my favorite designer, Monique Lhuillier. You can get a scale of the centerpieces by peeking in the back over the guests' heads. They were striking in size and impact.

The couple reclining at their sweetheart table. Note the quirky ball (made with mums!) that Bobbe created for soccer enthusiast David.

Polka dot projections added additional character and style to the space. Lighting courtesy of Carter Dyal of Dyal Productions.

I love the movement and tones in this one.

I have to end with this sweet duo of photos from their cake cutting. They are just so authentic and timeless. Adore!

Many thanks to the fantastic vendor team we had on board that day. in addition to all the aforementioned vendors, I also had the pleasure of working with 36zero Videography and my favorite dj & good friend Ian of Red Shoe la.

Of course, I am completely grateful for David + Carol entrusting their planning to me, all the way across the country. I miss our emails and phone conversations! You two make a beautiful pair, and I will never forget your kindness and love toward me. Your love for each other just overflows to everyone around you. Best wishes for a life filled with continued joy & passion.

xoxo, angel