Sandy & Pete – Runaway Bay, Jamaica destination wedding

This destination wedding on a villa in Runaway Bay [Jamaica] was within walking distance from the beach, and provided a perfect tropical garden setting. The couple incorporated Jamaican traditions into their wedding such as mothers of the newleyweds unveiling the cake prior to the cutting of the cake, as well as the bride and groom feeding each other cake by mouth like litle birds do. Fire dancers and african drummers provided the entertainment during cocktail hour. One of my favorite moments was when guests were asked to put on pirate patches and earrings, monkey masks, oversized glasses, and flower leis while dancing the night away…Photography by Hicks Photography.

A Soolip Wedding – Bridal Show in Los Angeles, California

A Soolip Wedding is a modern bridal event presenting a collection of L.A.’s unique and most distinctive bridal resources. The event was held at the historic Vibiana building in downtown Los Angeles, which was once a cathedral. How shall I sum up the experience? Imagine being surrounded by beauty. The ambience was created by the talented musicians of String Theory Productions [Note: Please visit their website - click on Music/Scoring , then Classical link to listen to music played at the event]. The floral decor, including handcrafted succulent garden panels painstakingly created over a 4-day period, was designed by Krista Jon Couture Designs. Some of my favorite catered food were the ravioli with truffle shavings, bite-sized beets, and homemade lavender ice cream by Wolfgang Puck Catering; as well as the foie gras and doughnuts by Grace Restaurant.  The spectacular fashion show featuring Monique Lhuillier bridal gowns epitomized the breathtaking and unforgettable experience! Please enjoy the gorgeous images below courtesy of Docuvitae.

Lovin’ the Bridesmaid Dresses by Simple Silhouettes

Who says a bridesmaid has to look unflattering? If you truly love your bridesmaids, wouldn’t you want them to look and feel pretty too? These bridesmaid dresses [and maternity, junior bridesmaid, and flower girl dresses]designed by Simple Silhouettes are so fabulous in color and cut…..ooh la la, I just can’t get enough! It’s like eye candy!

Association of Bridal Consultants – luncheon at Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, California

The South Bay (Los Angeles) chapter of ABC held its luncheon this month at the luxurious Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. I had the pleasure of assisting Kate Kenny [ABC director of the south bay chapter] with the planning of the event by handling the coordination of the tuxedo models. My husband, Lloyd Chamberlain [business manager and co-founder of Weddings à la Mode], happily agreed to become one of the tuxedo/suit models. All tuxedos/suits were provided by Lauren Meskell [business development manager] of Friar Tux Shop. The location of Terranea Resort is a must see for any person/s looking for a spectacular wedding or special event overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The event was catered by the hotel - the food and service exceeding my expectations! Live music was performed by the Jon Gibson Band, a soulful Christian band. Jon Gibson has performed with such musicians as Stevie Wonder and Justin Timberlake. For me, the highlight of the event was the chance to see some examples of wedding first dances, which can be learned in a few days. The dances were performed by representatives of You Can Dance Studio [associated with Dancing With the Stars]. Please enjoy the images below of the event.

Alternatives to Flowers – Terrariums With Air Plants and Succulents

If you consider the idea of cut flowers wasteful, yet still want a beautifully decorated wedding or event, why not opt for a uniquely green approach? Decorate your wedding or event using vases repurposed as terrariums with blooming air plants and succulents. Images provided by Fernseed, the Oakland, California based refab shop.  

pre-owned bowl with tillandsia air plant designed by Fernseed founder, Kristine Dang

air plant in repurposed, non-italian votive holder

mini terrariums (3″ high) consisting of repurposed vintage pressed-glass hurricanes, new sand, reclaimed river or glass stones

succulents in repurposed salad bowls

succulent gardens in repurposed goblets

succulent and air plant garden in repurposed red goblet

reclaimed and repurposed tequila bottles with air plants designed by Oakland-based professional gardener, Kate Bailey

reclaimed and repurposed apothecary jars with miniature gardens designed by Oakland-based professional gardener, Kate Bailey

air plants in pre-owned designer vases

Jondela Design, Our Website Designer

We [Lloyd and I] are so lucky to have found Jean De Lataillade of Jondela Design to design Weddings à la Mode’s website. We knew that we didn’t want a “template” style website for our wedding and event planning business. After reviewing Jean’s online portfolio, it was obviously apparent that his body of work contained original and beautiful, yet effective websites. Jean has been a pleasure to work with, maintaining his professional composure and patience throughout the website design process. He handled all of our requirements and requests with grace and respect. We cannot thank him enough for “delivering the goods”, and highly recommend him to all of our family, friends, and business acquaintances.

Annabel & Steve – Sand Rock Farm Wedding

Sand Rock Farm, naturally the perfect intimate setting for an outdoor wedding, is surrounded by redwood trees, beautiful flowers, and ivy vines. Steve and Annabel’s wedding couldn’t have been more perfect – see images below provided by Angela Lang Photography. The bride looked stunning in her J.Crew gown and custom made veil. The groom wore a smart and stylish Hugo Boss suit. Twila, their nine year old daughter, was the ring bearer. I especially enjoyed their wedding favors – Parisian macarons which were purchased from Paulette, a french bakery located in San Francisco, California. Congratulations to the newlyweds, and thank you for letting me help plan your unforgettable wedding.