Tuesday, September 25, 2012

A Midsummer's Eve Inspiration Shoot

 The beginning of fall just beckons for a romantic, rustic wedding...doesn't it? We're always interested in creating inspirational shoots for our prospective brides because it allows one to see the infinite possibilities at Hidden Valley. Originally, we wanted to create an inspiration shoot that conveyed a theme with bohemian accents, but when we met with our friends at The Bee and the Bobbin and Chris Wojdak Photography, we found a new theme for inspiration: A Midsummer Night's Dream.

  What better way to celebrate the transition from summer to autumn than with woodsy elements and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Rich color schemes, lush floral arrangements, and romantic lighting transformed our property into a landscape worthy of any Shakespearean sonnet. Fading sunlight set the trees aglow and enhanced the natural beauty of the surroundings. Every detail hearkened back to a time when woodland fairies and young love ruled the world.

  Take a look at the amazing work of all of our vendors and see the entire gallery on Style Me Pretty's Little Black book blog!








Venue: Hidden Valley Retreat and Spa 
Photography: Chris Wojdak Photography 
Concept, florals, and event styling: The Bee and the Bobbin
Linen: La Tavola Fine Linen Rental
Rentals: Pow Wow 
Cakes: Cake Ball Love 
Dress: Lovey by Isha 
Paper: Paper Scissors Print 
Bride’s Jewelry: Mimi & Lu

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Ana & Gina's Wedding


 Every once in a while we come across a couple that exudes love in every sense of the word. Ana and Gina are two people who not only deeply love one another, but perfectly complement the other in every way.


  As a couple planning a wedding from a distance, certain aspects can seem insurmountable. However, Ana and Gina knew exactly how to incorporate their DIY vision throughout the property.

 They incorporated unique elements into every aspect of their wedding day through the use of bright colors and festive decorations. Paper lanterns and giant tissue paper flowers adorned the wedding stage as well as the reception space in the event center.


 Handmade fans had the program printed on one side and their engagement photo on the other. Nestled among the seats were parasols that guests could use if the midday sun became too hot. Both ideas helped everyone stay cool outside and they also served as mementos from the day.

Guests were welcomed into an inviting and intimate atmosphere with the set up at the wedding stage. Instead of being placed in straight lines, the chairs were arranged in a semi-circle. This allowed guests to share in all parts of the ceremony. 


Summoning their inner crafty gurus, these two made use of existing items on the property very well. A vintage clothing rack magically transformed into a seating card display with the help of some crepe paper and creativity.  It became a beautiful and functional focal point in the gallery that reflected the overall theme of the day.


To add ambiance, Ana and Gina draped round bulb lights throughout the gallery and forum. This made for some great sparkle late at night, but enhanced the room during the day, too.


  One of the best ideas was converting our wood armoire in the forum into a dessert buffet. A homemade bunting, crocheted flowers, and photos of the happy couple made this more than just any old dessert table. Colorful treats were tucked away among mason jars filled with wildflowers. Tissue paper flowers and mini lanterns added a bit of whimsy to each shelf, too. All the elements came together and enhanced the most important part of all: the wedding cake!


 Ana and Gina had many creative ideas for their wedding, but to make them a reality, they enlisted the help of their wedding planner, Elisa Suter. She was able to use existing items to solidify a theme that was carried through the entire wedding.

Here are other talented vendors that helped to make the weekend magical:

Wedding Planner- Events by Elisa
String Trio- Ocdamia Strings
DJ- DJ Wong
Photographer- Kaysha Weiner
Caterer- Silvia Stover
Rehearsal Dinner Caterer: Phil's BBQ
Florist- Carlota Garcia, friend
Cake- San Diego Desserts
Cupcakes- Calculated Whisk
Ceremony MC- Paulina Davis, friend
Party Rental- Affair Party Rentals