All You Need Is Love, Part 2

Stepping into the reception...

In keeping with the stars and guitars feel, guests were asked to sign a classical guitar the couple could then take to showcase in their house! I always love unique ways to create a lasting memory in lieu of the standard guest book.

Did we mention that we loved Nick's Ted Baker suit jacket? These are the kind of groom's that we just can't get enough of...the ones that are hip enough to pull of this look and brave enough to go for something different! Love it!

We suggested Rancho Valencia to Missy and Nick as the perfect, intimate venue to compliment the great Spanish vibe that worked so well with the inspiration guitar pin. The tiles, as well as the incredibly colorful crawling bouganvilla that covered the walls, were also inspiration for their entire wedding.

From the beautiful custom bougainvillea invitations that April of True Impressions created (hand-beaded and all!) to the escort cards, table names and the Spanish tile menu...everything was given a special touch.

Nick and Missy chose their favorite artists, and songs from those artists, as their table names. It was really fun to see some of their favorites, which included Otis Redding, James Taylor, Carole King and Chaka Kahn just to name a few. During dinner, Nick had the DJ play "A Soul Tribute to the Beatles" as background music. It was very cool and set the mood. My assistant Stephanie couldn't resist and bought the cd afterwards :)

The couple loves coffee and had their favorite brew shipped in from their favorite coffee shop in Chicago. We placed the coffee in bright coral coffee mugs as favors for their guests. While assembling them, the whole room filled with the smell of coffee, and wow did they smell amazing! :) We even put some spare coffee beans in the base of our candle votives. We also had Courtney Scowby of Brightly Designed, custom make the labels which read "Blended with Love" on the coffee bags.

We brought in Spanish-style lounge furniture that guests enjoyed throughout the evening, but especially as the night went on into the late evening. It was such a nice night, guests could grab a drink and sit under the stars if they wanted a break from the dance floor.

April of True Impressions helped us paint the custom backdrop we built to sit behind the head table. "All you need is love," a simple, classic John Lennon lyric, was painted across the musical staff. A timeless phrase we all felt was so fitting for the couple on their wedding day.

The whimsy design on the cake was done by the lovely ladies at Sweet Cheeks and was a replica of the intricate detail on the guitar pin . We decided to take it outside for a photo on the stairs. It's always a little scary to move a cake...but with Twigg's added flowers, the sunlight and the tile background, it really made for a great shot! Thanks Natalie for always working so hard to capture it just right!!

We continued with the stars and guitars feel and hung the paper stars throughout the entire reception room. At night, when all of the stars were lit, the room completely transformed. We also had various guitars displayed throughout the room.

Missy and Nick, it was such a pleasure to work with you! Your LOVE and your style was so incredibly inspirational for us, and truly reminded us that all you need is love.
Again, many thanks to Natalie Norton Photography . I am loving these images!