By Orange Blossom Intern Grace, on June 18th, 2013
Marvimon is one of our favorite venues in Los Angeles, so we were thrilled when Caroline and mo asked us to coordinate their big day. One of our favorite things about this wedding were the ironwork signs created by the groom. I’ve never seen anything like them! Also, their square cake by our dear friends at Vanilla Bake shop was awesome! Thank you to all of the amazing vendors involved including Love Art Photography, A Rental Connection, Kelly Zhang Studio, Red Shoe, Tend Living, Vanilla Bake Shop, Ponderosa Roasting, Red Carpet Liquor, and Jeffrey Valet. Last but not least, another big thank you to Marvimon and Tact Management!
By Orange Blossom Intern Grace, on June 18th, 2013
Emily and Robert were such a joy to work with! They were married on a beautiful November day and an amazing team of vendors made the day go smoothly. Thank you to John and Joseph Photography Inc. for the photos, The Little Branch florist, Fantasy Frostings bakery, Emily Dawn Artistry for hair and makeup, and Red Shoe LA for making the reception such fun!
A special thank you to everyone at Tres LA and Carondelet for always being so awesome to work with!! Enjoy the photos!
By Orange Blossom Intern Grace, on June 13th, 2013
Before you get hitched, it’s crucial that you have a wedding movie marathon, am I right!? We’ve chosen our top faves and why we love them for you and your girls to watch together. Turn off your cell phone, pop some popcorn and get ready to laugh!
1. Father of the Bride (1991):
George and Nina Banks are the parents of 21-year-old Annie, who returns home from Rome with news that she’s getting married. George (Steve Martin) is completely taken aback, unable to wrap his head around the fact that his daughter is grown up and in love. From the moment Annie breaks the news, George goes insane. This movie is lovable, hilarious and never gets old! From Franc the wedding planner’s quirks to Steve Martin’s overly protective dad tendencies, this remake of Spencer Tracy’s classic will have you giggling the entire time.
2. My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997):
Julia Roberts (Julianna) realizes she’s in love with her best friend Michael when he breaks the news that he’s getting married. With only a short time before the wedding, she does anything and everything she can to prove that she’s really the girl for him. There are funny moments, sad moments, and moments when viewers feel intense secondhand embarrassment for Julia Roberts’ character. This crazy adventure is definitely a classic! “The moment I wake up, before I put on my makeup…”
3. Runaway Bride (1999):
 Richard Gere and Julia Roberts have done it again! We love this movie because it’s unlike any other. Maggie (Roberts) is a fun 20-something who has had 3 previous failed engagements, leaving her former fiances at the altar. She’s engaged to a football coach named Bob, and the film revolves around wedding arrangements for the couple. Ike (Richard Gere), a New York columnist, was recently fired for writing false information about Maggie’s love life, but is hired to find out the truth. He heads for Maggie’s hometown in Maryland for research, and she agrees to spend some time with him in order to get correct information published. What they didn’t expect were the strong feelings that grew between the two. We won’t spoil it for anyone who hasn’t seen it (which, if true, needs to change immediately!), but this movie is borderline perfect.
4. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002):
 Toula’s big, fat, Greek family owns a restaurant where she’s worked for as long as she can remember. The rest of the women in the family have families and children of their own, something that is highly expected of her by her parents and the Greek community. When she falls in love with a non-Greek man who makes her the happiest she’s ever been, she struggles to get her family to accept their love and let him into their hearts. “Give me a word, any word, and I’ll show you how the root of that word is Greek”
5. Bridesmaids (2011):
When we heard that there was a FULL movie coming out starring Kristen Wiig, we couldn’t wait. She is crying-and-laughing-at-the-same-time material. The movie did not disappoint, and is so quotable it’s ridiculous. Long story short, it’s about Annie’s best friend Lillian’s wedding and the competition between Annie and Lillian’s other best friend. Their encounters are fall-out-of-your-chair funny, and that’s just the beginning. This is a must see!
6.The Wedding Singer (1998):
Wedding singer Robbie (Adam Sandler) and waitress Julia (Drew Barrymore) meet at a venue where they both frequently work and hit it off right away. The problem is that they are both engaged to the wrong people. Robbie is set to marry Linda, who leaves him on the day of their wedding due to the fact that his singing career hasn’t launched as she initially expected it to. Julia is engaged to a wealthy business man who doesn’t treat her right. Robbie is heartbroken after being left, Julia consoles him and their relationship grows throughout the movie. We’ll leave it up to your creative imagination to decide what happens next! This one’s a classic rom-com that needs to be added to the top of your watch list!
7. The Wedding Date (2005):
 Debra Mulling plays Kat, who pays Dermot Mulroney’s character Nick to be her date to her sister’s wedding to make her ex-fiance jealous. Her plan backfires through a whirlwind of awkward and embarrassing moments, but not all is lost: Kat realizes something about herself that brings her to a great new chapter in her life!
8. Wedding Crashers (2005):
 Alright people, if you’ve never seen this movie: IT’S TIME! Comedies today are hit-or-miss, and this one is all-around hilarious. From the relationship between two longtime best friends John (Owen Wilson) and Jeremy (Vince Vaughn) to their scheming and hilarious fake identities when crashing weddings, there’s really no part of this movie that isn’t funny. Even the small sad parts have some sort of humor involved. This one also gets an A+ for being so quotable you sometimes can’t stop and then you sound like an idiot because you just quoted a movie for 15 minutes (…or is that just me?). Either way, check it out because it’s a party!
9. The Hangover (2009)
 Even though The Hangover is more about a crazy bachelor party that would turn most of us into bridezillas, it still belongs here because it’s so laugh out loud funny. Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, and Zach Galifianakis wake up in Las Vegas after celebrating their best friend Doug’s bachelor party with no recollection of the night and no idea where Doug even is. Their search to find him is absolutely ridiculous and would never happen in a million years, but no one cares because it’s THAT good. “Would you please put some pants on? I feel weird having to ask you twice.”
10. I Love You, Man (2009):
Okay, this one may or may not have to do with my obsession with both of the main characters Jason Segel and Paul Rudd. They are the cutest movie best friends ever. The gist of the movie is that when Peter Klaven (Rudd) gets engaged to the love of his life, Zooey (Rashida Jones), he realizes that she has way more friends than he does. He has no friends whatsoever, actually. In order to find groomsmen in time for the wedding, he sets out to find some friends. His hilarious search ends up in some accidental gay dating, hanging out with weird guys and finally meeting Sydney Fife (Segel). “Slapping the bass! Slappa da bass! Slappa da bass mon! Slappa de bass mon!”
Happy viewing! XOXO, Orange Blossom
By Orange Blossom Intern Grace, on June 13th, 2013
Maria and Chris were married Saturday, June 8th at the beautiful Villa Mara in Malibu.
The ceremony was held outdoors in the side yard of the gorgeous home, followed by a cocktail hour and dinner.
As specialty drinks are becoming more and more popular to serve at weddings, Maria and Chris each offered their own version. Maria’s choice was called the “Blushing Bride,” a mix of vodka and Watermelon Aqua Fresca. Chris’ specialty drink was called the “Groom’s Highball”: whisky, ginger beer and lime.
The wedding consisted of 70 of the bride and groom’s closest friends and family. Thanks to Ian & Red Shoe LA, every one of the guests were on their feet dancing throughout the night to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter for Maria and Chris’ lives.
Primary Petals made this wedding very simple sheek, decorating tabletop arrangements featuring succulents, peonies and dahlias.
We also added hundreds of white candles ranging in size on the tables to give a more romantic feel. It was a night to remember and we wish Maria and Chris every happiness in their life together!
By Orange Blossom Intern Grace, on June 12th, 2013
Elizabeth and Yousi were married on Friday, June 7th at Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes. Being a couple that loves to travel together, their wedding was dotted with travel-inspired décor. Everything from the invitations to the menus were designed with a map pattern and a vintage feel. Their guests found their seat assignments on handmade paper planes rather than your ordinary card stock.
The wedding of 40 people was especially memorable for Elizabeth and Yousi because their families traveled all the way from Singapore for their big day!
The weather was peaceful and calm all afternoon, giving perfect light for photographers to capture each special moment. As the day went on and the air cleared, Catalina Island became more visible in the distance. After the beach ceremony, the group traveled up to the patio off the reception area for a cocktail hour, followed by a dinner and dancing through the night. Elizabeth will finish school with a degree in Marine Biology; so being near the ocean on her wedding day was an extra treat.
The Little Branch provided the beautiful flower arrangements and Lukas and Suzy Van Dyke were the photographers.
Cheers to the happy couple, Mr. And Mrs. Yousi Ng!
 Elizabeth getting ready with the help of her mom (http://www.LukasandSuzy.com)  The couple's first look! (http://www.LukasandSuzy.com)  Congratulations to Elizabeth and Yousi (http://www.LukasandSuzy.com)
By Orange Blossom Intern Grace, on June 11th, 2013
Christina and Tom were married on December 8, 2012 in Santa Monica at the Annenberg Community Beach House.
Take a look at their special day!
 - Christina’s beautiful wedding dress by JIm Hjelm
- The Little Branch’s pretty little arrangements
 - The Annenberg Community Beach House
 - Christina and Tom’s First Look!
 - The blushing bride
 - The kiss!
  
 - They did it!
  
 - Beautiful centerpieces by The Little Branch
 - “& they lived Happily Ever After”
Credits
Photography Kirsten Ellis for Beaux Arts Photographie
Floral The Little Branch
Dress Jim Hjelm
Location The Annenberg Community Beach House
By Orange Blossom Intern Grace, on June 5th, 2013
This is the very first issue of “Wedding Wednesdays,” where I, Grace the Intern, get to brag about the gorgeous wedding I was able to experience the weekend before.
Seeing as Kate & Eric’s Big Day was the first wedding I’ve been to in years and the first wedding I’ve ever worked, I couldn’t help but tear up a couple of times as it was so unique to their personalities. They were probably wondering who the stranger crying in the back was, but I’m okay with that! I hope they viewed it as a compliment.
When I got to Marvimon House at 2 o’clock in the afternoon just hours before the wedding and looked around at tables shoved in each corner and decorations still in boxes, I panicked. This is what as going on in my head: How will we put all of this together in just a couple of hours? Where are the flowers? Why isn’t anything done yet? Why isn’t anybody else freaking out right now?
Luckily, my boss Brooke is a master at her job and has done this a hundred times before. I shadowed her and did whatever I could to set up the reception area in time, and before I knew it the bride and groom were moments away from their “first look”.
(The first look is a more modern wedding tradition, which allows the bride and groom to see one another on the day of their wedding before they exchange vows. There are many reasons couples choose to have a first look. They might want a few photos to be taken of them at this time so as not to miss cocktail hour, when they can mingle with friends and family. Another reason is that they might want a few relaxed moments together after a hectic day of getting ready and making sure everything is in place for the wedding. Whatever the reason, the first look is a fun and exciting moment that can be done in any setting that the bride and groom choose.)
 The First Look! Kate came out of the bridal room smiling from ear to ear. She snuck up behind her nervous groom and the talented photographer Taso Papadakis got a few shots of her making funny faces behind him before Eric finally turned around to see his bride. Tears were involved. It was a really beautiful moment.
After the first look, family and close friends arrived for a fun photo shoot. Once guests started to trickle in, a short cocktail hour (starring Eric’s very own specialty cocktail recipe!) began. Everyone was dressed in bright, summery colors.
The ceremony began around 7 pm. Kate and Eric met years ago when Eric composed music for the LA Contemporary Dance Company, which Kate is co-founder and Artistic Director of, so to bring their own personality to the ceremony, Kate’s dancers moved down the isle to music Eric had composed specifically for the wedding. Following that, Kate and Eric’s close friend and Officiant asked the couple’s parents to stand in order to honor and thank them for their love and support throughout the years.
As if that wasn’t special enough, their tearful vows perfectly mirrored their harmony as a couple.
 The Happy Couple!
- When the ceremony was brought to a close, everyone in the crowd began clapping and cheering loudly. The rest of the evening was filled with laughter, delicious food and lots of dancing.
 Sprinkles Cupcakes, anyone? “Kate and Eric, may you dance a million miles”-Marlo, Kate’s best lady
By Orange Blossom Intern Grace, on June 3rd, 2013
Wherever you decide to travel with the love of your life, you’ll make memories that will last forever. After some detailed (and really interesting!) research, we’ve found some of the best places to travel as honeymooners. Take a look! You won’t regret it.
For the explorers: The Caribbean Islands
Bordering the Caribbean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean, this honeymoon spot is #1 in our book for couples who love to try new things. There are tons of possibilities while you’re in The Caribbean with your love including swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, cliff diving, and relaxing on the beach! If you’re not so much into exploring in your physical abilities but still want to try new things as a couple, Caribbean cuisine is both adventurous and delicious!
A mixture of African, Amerindian, European, East Indian and Chinese influence, you’ll get a fusion of tastes like none other when you try a traditional Caribbean meal. Due to the many cultures in the Mediterranean, rice, plantains, beans, cassava, chick peas, cilantro, bell peppers, sweet potatoes and coconut are among the most popular ingredients used in these dishes.
 You won't ever want to leave this paradise! For Art and History Enthusiasts: Budapest and Vienna
These two cities are bursting with culture and rich history, and are a must-see for those who make an effort to learn about cultures outside of their own. First stop, Budapest!
Hungary’s capital must-see and do’s include the Vistas of Heroes Square, The Matthias Coronation Church, the Citadel on Mount Gellert, the panoramic view at Fishermen’s Bastion, St. Stephen’s Bascillica, ad the Budapest State Opera. Budapest’s lively bar scene and world class dining might also tickle your fancy while getting a feel for this lovely city. This is a very intimate location for your honeymoon. There are numerous spas and baths for those who need some R & R after cramming so much sightseeing into their trip! Once you see the breathtaking city views for yourself, you’ll dream about returning for years to come!
 Hungary's beautiful capital at night After you’ve gotten your Budapest fix, head to Vienna by train (about a 3 hour trip one-way). Taking the train is romantic in itself due to the nostalgic vibe and beautiful scenery throughout Europe. Once you’ve arrived in Vienna, you’ll be captivated by the city’s amazing architecture. The best time to visit Vienna is in late Spring and early Fall-the summer months can become uncomfortably hot, and who wants to be uncomfortable on their honeymoon?
Why you’ll love Vienna: Schönbrunn Palace, which includes the imperial palace, the park and fountains, statues & architectural features (Palmhaus, Gloriette) and zoo, is a must-see. This is the #1 tourist attraction in Vienna, and is home to multiple powerful families in history including the Habsburg rulers. In each of its wings and halls host beautiful pieces of history including century-old ceiling paintings and government documents.
 Visit Vienna's most popular tourist attraction, Schönbrunn Palace Among other sightseeing locations are the Naturhistoriches Museum and the Convention Center, where many concerts and banquets are held. Simply planning romantic dinners followed by a concert or opera will be enough to make your heart flutter in this remarkable city. Traditional foods of Vienna include Apfelstrudel (an apple-filled pastry), Palatschinken (Viennese crepes) and Wiener Schnitzel (deep fried and battered veal).
Finally, no other city in the world has more land used for vineyards within their boundaries than any other in the world. Not only is Viennese wine delicious, but you can feel good while drinking it because it’s large market contributes to Vienna’s image along with the people’s well-being and economy. Cheers!
For Everyone and Anyone: Hawaii
First things first. The people of Hawaii? They. Are. Wonderful. They love visitors, as you’ll see the moment you get “lei’d” upon your arrival. Hawaii is romantic, traditional, beautiful and fun and has so much to offer. I’m pretty sure anyone would love just sitting on the beach all day and taking in the beauty of the islands, but really you’ll find that Hawaii offers something for just about anyone! Sight seeing volcanoes, learning to hula or surf, whale watching, going on four-wheel drive adventures, fishing, windsurfing, and making new friends with the locals are just some of the many options Hawaii offers. Their travel website even has an entire page dedicated to romance!
All-inclusive resorts are the way to go when visiting the Hawaiian Islands. Do some research and choose which islands best suit you, and once you’ve reserved your stay just sit back, relax and sip on one of Hawaii’s traditional cocktails!
 The beautiful sunset on Oahu Island, Hawaii will take your breath away Happy and safe travels from all of us at Orange Blossom! XOXO
By Orange Blossom Intern Grace, on June 2nd, 2013
When your man proposes and it’s time to start planning your special day, it’s crucial that your bridal party is as “in-the-loop” as can be throughout the entire planning process. Of course, you’ll call your best gals and giggle over the news that you’re getting married (!!!), and while they will most definitely be happy for you and excited to take part in your big day, sometimes being part of a bridal party can be, well…awkward. There are many reasons for this. Maybe you felt guilty and gave in, asking your hubby-to-be’s quiet sister who doesn’t totally approve of you to be a part of the occasion. Maybe your childhood best friend and your college best friend vie for your attention and can’t stand each other (does the scene from Bridesmaids when Annie and Helen sing “True Colors” for Lilian at her engagement party ring a bell?).
Maybe you don’t have any problems within your bridal party whatsoever and just want to make sure your wedding is the event of the year (who doesn’t?). No matter your situation, we at Orange Blossom Special Events have some great tips to bring your bridal party closer together to make sure their experience is just as memorable and fun as yours is!
1. First things first: Popping the Question! As excited as you are when you’re telling your best friends all of the details about how your guy proposed, try to keep it at that. Don’t ask immediately if they’ll be in your party. They’ll most likely assume they will be if you’re close enough, and, hey-this is your night to be adored! Wait until you think of the perfect way to ask your favorite girls to be a part of the best day of your life. Maybe you like the fun, quirky cards that say “I promise a cute dress, if you say yes!” or “Now it’s MY turn to pop the question, will you be my bridesmaid?”. Maybe you like the idea of sending ring pops in the theme of proposals, or maybe you’re super creative and have your own way already planned out! To keep things from getting awkward or uncomfortable, think about the possibility of sending along a list of who else will be in the group. No matter what, it will be a fun way to begin this journey you’ll all be on together! Weddingbee has a great discussion board with more ideas for asking your bridesmaids to be in your wedding.
2. Make a cute little planner for each girl in your party.These can be from the Dollar Store, even (hey, we’re on a budget aren’t we?). This DIY should include dates and times of any and all things “wedding” that you want them to be a part of. You can spice it up by adding stickers and brightly colored handwriting. This is a cheap and fun way to get the ball rolling on your wedding planning.
3. Create an email chain to keep your bridal party updated with everything wedding related as you go along. You can either do this yourself or ask your Maid of Honor to do this for you! Either way, start the chain with a quick thank-you to the girls for coming along this what will surely be an amazing experience.
4. This one’s important! Make sure each girl in the party gets the same amount of attention from you throughout the wedding-planning process. Hold the inside jokes (or at least keep them to a minimum) unless they’re something everyone understands so no one feels left out. No one cares how long you’ve known one girl or how you and your sorority sisters have an unbreakable bond that no one else could understand. That stuff is good and fine to talk about in private, but it’s not fun to be on the outside of that “unbreakable bond”. Every one of these girls is special to you in some way, and you wouldn’t want to make them uncomfortable or unhappy, this is supposed to be fun! Thank them not only in words but also by making sure everyone’s included. This will really help in making everyone feel equal.
5. Host a casual brunch at your house or somewhere you’re sure everyone would enjoy. If you’re having it at your house, then it’s your responsibility to cover the bill, but if you’re going out, it’s ok to ask them to pay for themselves. This is a casual event and there will be plenty of pampering and dining on your dime in later months when the wedding date is getting closer. During this brunch, surprise them with a fun “get-to-know-you” game. For example, you could write down 3 things for each girl: a memory, a personality trait you love, and a fun fact that no one would likely know about her. Then you could have the others try to guess who the 3 things were about. Once you’ve gone through and everyone’s identity has been revealed, there will be an excited conversation flowing between your best gals. Here are some other game ideas.
If you follow these tips, we promise you’ll be the coolest bride on the block! For more tips regarding your bridal party, go here. This girl sure knows how to throw a wedding! Don’t hesitate to comment your ideas below. The more tips the merrier. Happy planning! XOXO,
The Orange Blossom girls
By Brooke, on December 20th, 2012
Nicole & Phil were married in May 2012 and it was an absolute joy to be a part of their special day. Nicole knew from the beginning that she wanted a classy event and the Four Seasons in Westlake Village was the perfect location. With touches of purple and gold, this white wedding was absolutely beautiful! Photography by the uber-talented Marianne & Joe Sanada of Marianne Wilson Photography and lighting by Bella Vista Designs. Enjoy!
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