Safoura and Michael - Rancho Las Lomas

Lions and Tigers and Zebras...OH MY!

We had such a fun day with Safoura and Michael. They are such a sweet couple, and the blending of their cultures resulted in a truly unique event. The Persian customs included the ceremony in front of another georgeous sofreh, great music with a drummer, and traditional dancing. The Filipino customs included special performers and musicians, and traditional dancing.

Coordination by one of the best...Lisa Moon!

Here's a highlight clip form their day.

Erin and Jack - The Island Hotel Newport Beach

These two had a beautiful wedding ceremony at St. Joachim Church in Costa Mesa. The officiant had married Erin's parents 30 years ago, so it was a very touching ceremony.

Then the reception at The Island Hotel followed. Check-out the AMAZING decor, designed by Larrissa of Inviting Occasion. What was super cool about their reception was the flow of events. There was a quick grand entrance, and then the band started-up with non-stop music for the rest of the event. Food stations were open the entire evening, and there were individual lounge set-ups around the room for guests to sit and eat. PARTY TIME with dancing, food and dessert stations, and a cigar lounge!

Nili from Rancho Las Lomas coordinated the event with the help of Lisa Moon.

The photographers were the always FUN Joe and Mirta of Barnet Photography.

Sasa and Arif - Rancho Las Lomas

Another fantastic wedding at Rancho Las Lomas!

Sasa and Arif had a Persian wedding ceremony which included a BEAUTIFUL Sofreh. The Sofreh is where the ceremony takes place, and is decorated with very symbolic items. Each item represents qualities that the couple will bring into their new life together. Some of my favorites are the large mirror and candles, representing purity, light and fire. Honey, which the couple feeds to each other representing sweetness in life. Walnuts and almonds representing fertility.

The ceremony also has other traditions including the Kalleh Ghand. They are two sugar cones which are rubbed together over the couples head to shower them with sweetness! Sasa was asked three times for her hand before she said yes! It's a fun moment where all the guests pretend the bride is busy elsewhere...collecting rosebuds, or the bride is thinking about it!

Afsaneh Sargordian creates these beautiful Sofreh's.

There were so many special moments throughout their day...one of my favorites was Sasa's father Hamid's toast. It is definately one of the most sweet, poignant, and fun toast I have ever heard.

The event was coordinated by the awesome Jill Watson. And photographed by Chenin Boutwell.

Here's a highlight film from their wedding production.

Michele and Emin - Pelican Hill Resort

Pelican Hill Resort is such a beautiful place to get married! From the bridal suite and Villas, to the Italian Rotunda ceremony site with stunning panoramic views of the ocean, and the georgeous Ballroom...it really is magical. And the staff does such a great job.

Everything about Michele and Emin's day was perfect! After filming Michele and her girls getting ready, we set-up for their first glance. Of course tears all around, and more when Michele saw her father looking at her! The ceremony was so sweet...just the way these two looked at each other said it all. Once Emin figured which finger to put the ring on (!) they were officially anounced husband and wife.

The ballroom was so pretty with the late afternoon sun streaming thrrough the windows. I really loved their choice of colors...lots of red roses, black bridesmaids dresses...very elegant!

After a fun first dance, with lots of audience participation (!) a belly dance group performed some wonderful dances. I wish I could belly dance, it's so cool! Great toasts followed, some of which you can hear on their highlight clip here. So many wonderful memories and moments were shared by everyone this night. Thank you Michele and Emin for the complete honor of filming your wedding celebrations!

Annette and Jesus - Santa Rosa de Lima Church and Double Tree Hotel

Ok...I don't say this about everyone, but Annette and Jesus are just one of the sweetest couples we've ever met!

After filming Annette getting ready, we headed over to the church for what was a truly beautiful ceremony. It included a Mariachi band that played all of the traditional Catholic ceremony music.

Guests were treated to a fun cocktail hour with a photo booth and the same Mariachi band from the ceremony. The ballroom was draped and had a cool lighting scheme that changed throughout the night. After their grand entrance, Annette and Jesus began their first dance during which all the guests waved small lights...it really looked like stars twinkling all around them!

Every toast included tears from everyone. One other TOTALLY unique feature was the short bridal veils Annette gave out to all the single ladies for the bouquet toss. Such a fun idea!

Just a beautiful day filled with much love for these two. Congratulations Annette and Jesus!

Lisa and Chris - Rancho Las Lomas

Here's a clip showcasing the beautiful grounds of Rancho, some of the MANY great spots for your photo shoot, and the awesome lighting available if your reception is happening outdoors.

It's one of our favorite places to film!