We’re so excited to show you all the amazing details in this Kate Spade inspired bash. Our lovely production assistant Morgan got married to her long-time best friend Chris amidst polka dots, blush tulle, gold accents, and pops of fuchsia! Her wedding was featured on Grey Likes Weddings, if you want to take a peek!
Morgan will guide you through her wedding day and all the moments that made it special….
A collaboration of incredible vendors were assembled to make our day perfect, and no one let us down. From the beginning I worked with Yelena Johnson of The Stylish Soiree, and our styles were so in sync that I trusted her completely. Caroline (being my awesome boss) was also a first vendor pick, so between these two ladies I already felt like the magic was beginning to happen. I’ll dish more about all the details below!
My dress was by Lazaro, and was a magical serendipitous moment that fell in my lap! Right before Chris and I were set to go on vacation to Disneyland for a few days, I got an email that a trunk show was going on only a few minutes away from where we were staying – I dropped in for an appointment and immediately fell in love with a “sherbert” colored light peach tulle creation that was unique from anything I’d seen before. I even got to meet Lazaro Perez (he’s a really nice guy!), and he gave me a signed sketch of my dress! The alterations team at the MON AMIE BRIDAL SALON in Santa Ana are so talented; they somehow tackled hemming those yards and yards of tulle!
Bride headquarters was in a giant suite at the Sainte Claire facing out toward the downtown circle of San Jose. We could see people coming and going from the hotel all day! FYI: the Sainte Claire’s rooms are all beautiful with a lot of original 1920’s details. We have guests who still mention how much they loved the hotel.
Nicole Nyugen of Blush SF was such a trooper – she battled morning sickness and did an incredible job on my hair and makeup as well as a mini-makeover for my mom. Even though I changed up my hairstyle from what we did at my trial, she busted out a half-up half-down romantic look that I loved.
I searched high and low for just the right wedding shoes, and even though so many Kate Spade shoes called out to me, these Valentino bow kitten heels stole my heart.
I fell in love with my bouquet the moment I saw it. An eclectic mix of florals I’d never seen before in vibrant hues (with a few gold monkey tails thrown in!) was a modern and colorful addition to my wedding day look.
Even the Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom boutonnieres had their own flair! Little blooms wrapped with polka-dot ribbon were beyond perfect.
Chris can be a dapper dude when he really puts his mind to it – and he definitely wanted to stand out on our wedding day. His guinea fowl bow tie from Brackish and onyx and gold cufflinks impressed even me!
Chad, my new brother-in-law, brought along some stout for a pre-ceremony toast! The gold and black safety razor and badger brush were Chris’s way of telling his groomsmen they’d better clean up for the walk down the aisle! (just kidding, he was just sharing his love of straight razors)
Once he found out what a boutonniere was, Chris protested against flowers. I didn’t know how Linnea was going to pull it off, but the gold monkey paw was the most wonderful, modern design! It was one of my favorite elements of the day.
The only time we cried was when we saw each other for the first time! After that the day was nothing but giant smiles.
A girl needs a good princess dress to twirl in!
My girls were all in Alfred Sung bridesmaid dresses in classic black. They had little copycat versions of my bouquet, and I let them choose their own shoes. Two of my bridesmaids were roomies from college, and two are my cousins.
The boys! Men’s Wearhouse outfitted this group of jokers, and they all looked quite handsome! From the left is Chad (the best man) Duncan, Chris (the groom!) and my brother Carter.
Our ceremony space was the atrium adjacent to the Sainte Claire’s ballroom. It’s full of light, with tall columns and ceilings. We decided to do a flowered hedge, and Yelena made the awesome striped aisle. Black Chiavari chairs were the final touch.
Since one of our groomsmen couldn’t make it, Duncan filled in with two girls on his arms! I don’t think he minded.
Lee, a good friend of Chris’s family, was a wonderful officiant. It makes all the difference having someone who knows you as a couple reading your vows.
Married! Time to party!
Our seating charts were on adorable pink frames on a giant hedge.
For a guest book, we had guests write words of advice for different anniversaries. We’ll be opening the first envelope next April!
There were so many awesome decor pieces that really tied the whole event together. Yelena must have put in a lot of hours sourcing all the odds and ends!
The bar was hopping all night, and we chose a signature drink! Custom straws and dotted votives added a little flair.
Our lounge area adjacent to the bar was a total labor of love. The LOVE sign was actually a giant DIY project my parents did for us!
Pretty linens from La Tavola were on the cocktail tables (and later in the night in the ballroom) and on the right is my drink of choice – Malibu Rum and coke!
I was against it at first, but Yelena had the amazing idea to have one long “royal” table down the center of the room with smaller circular tables surrounding it. Immediate family and the bridal party took up the big table, while friends and family took up the smaller ones.
Gold, pink, and stripes take over the ballroom! Beautiful centerpieces and candles made each table magical.
I created the menu cards – don’t they look adorable on those gilded chargers?
Sweet Tooth Confections created our gorgeous cake – Yelena sketched out the design for them. It totally embodied our wedding! Plus it was passionfruit cake with lemon curds and raspberry merengue – yum! The rest of the spread was an assortment of cake pops, macarons, and mini cheesecakes.
This was actually the first time we’d ever danced! It took me eight years to get this boy on a dance floor.
Fil Lorenz was the most incredible live band, and everyone danced through the night. I’d highly, highly recommend them to anyone in the bay area.
My maid of honor busting a move!
Giggle and Riot Funbooths showed up and was a total surprise hit! Everyone went home with instant memories and the photos took over Facebook while we were on our Honeymoon.
It was by far the best, most incredible day I’ve ever had, and it was exactly as we dreamed it would be. Full of love, joy, and the best friends and family to share it with!
A giant, giant thank you to all my lovely vendors and to Caroline and Don for capturing every second!
Vendors:
Photography: MILOU + OLIN //
Coordinator: Yelena Johnson of THE STYLISH SOIREE //
Venue: THE SAINTE CLAIRE HOTEL //
Florist: Linnea of ASIEL DESIGN //
Makeup + Hair: Nicole Nguyen of BLUSH SF //
Linens: LA TAVOLA LINENS //
Cake + Desserts: SWEET TOOTH CONFECTIONS //
Band: FIL LORENZ ORCHESTRA //
Catering: IL FORNAIO //
Photo Booth: GIGGLE AND RIOT //
Dress and Belt: Lazaro, via MON AMIE BRIDAL SALON //
Veil: BRIDAL GALLERIA SAN FRANCISCO //
Shoes: VALENTINO //
Earrings: HAUTE BRIDAL COUTURE //
Rentals: CLASSIC PARTY RENTALS and A PARTY PLACE //
Tuxedo Rentals: MEN’S WEARHOUSE //
Rings (both): SHANE CO. //
Groom’s Bowtie: BRACKISH //
Save the Dates:MINTED //
Invitations: THE AERIALIST PRESS //
LOVE sign: DIY (bride’s parents did it!)
Love, love, LOVE!!! Everything was so gorgeous! I am in love with the striped aisle runner. Where did you find it?