Wedding Reception Ideas

In our world, this wedding reigns as queen.

Irene and Aaron are high school sweethearts that dated for an impressive ten years. They wed at breathtaking Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu wine country, California. A venue that is quite literally a zoo; it’s full of amazing animals like zebras and emus.

The couple chose the venue because of their love for nature. Irene explains, “We got engaged in Napa, so we wanted to run with something that emphasized the outdoors and nature. Despite growing up in LA, we both attended college on the East Coast and learned to appreciate any rare sunshine and warmth that came our way – the second we saw Saddlerock, we knew that this would be the perfect place to share with our close friends and family, and emphasize our love for the outdoors and sun.”

Aaron and Irene chose to have a private moment before the ceremony, so they decided to do a first look.

The duo followed their first look by saying their vows in a beautiful field.

“Some of our groomsmen are amazing singers (although shy) – they serenaded my bridesmaids as they walked down the aisle, and also sang when my dad and I walked down the aisle. To see some of our closest friends pull out all the stops for us was so wonderful and special to us.”

“The ring bearer walked down the aisle with a sign that said, ‘Run, Aaron, Run’ he was adorable and obviously had no idea what was going on, and dropped the sign before getting to the end, but the guests loved it.”

The reception was held under the trees, which had crystal chandeliers and lights hanging from the branches. Irene explains how the styling was executed by her planner, Amanda Auer, “She did a great job with monogramming details and keeping everything consistent, with the dance floor, bar menu, and everything else – so consistent, that people were amazed by how classy the beer pong looked (with monogrammed cups and tables). The signature drink menu was gorgeously done, as well as the directional signs for the guests – small details that were amazingly photographed by Ian!”

Ian Grant Photography captured the day and commented, “While shooting portraits out in one of the many fields some local horses decided to come investigate what all the commotion was about. Simply sniffing around wasn’t enough and one of the horses decided to start munching on Irene’s gorgeous dress! We all had a good laugh for a while with that one – a new wedding first.”

And, finally, thank you to the lovely couple for sharing your wedding photos and story with One Stylish Bride.

Irene and Aaron’ s Style Guide

Photographer: Ian Grant Photography / Venue: Saddlerock Ranch / Caterer: 24 Carrots / Event Planner: In The Now Weddings & Events / Cinema & Video: Stillmotion / DJ: SoCal-DJ / Makeup Artist: Elaine Chou / Thanks: Two Bright Lights

Today we’re in the mood to examine some seriously delightful table settings!

These table settings were designed by P.S. & Associates Event Planning and are all about trends and colours for 2012. But as you can imagine, putting together such pretty table settings involves collaboration. The other delightful vendors were Town and Country, Rosebud Floral Design, Invitations by Ajalon, and photographer Aaron Gil from FotoNuova Photography Studio.

Here’s what they came up with:

The “Ultra Modern” Table Setting

This table setting is for the bride that likes clean lines, pops of colour and lives a little on the edge.

The table setting includes glass tabletops sitting on lit cubes, Panton chairs, Calvin line glassware, chargers in silver with white and glacier glass plates. Then to give the table texture the vendors used burlap napkins in Oyster, and finished with flatware.

The flower centerpiece includes many small flower arrangements in different heights to make one great floral display. Bright colours were added as well as deep dark tones to give a variety of colours to look at. Lastly, a little extra was added to the table setting by placing a menu on top of each setting.

The “Versace Chic” Table Setting

This table setting is for the bride that likes opulence with a modern twist. Here you have a beautiful table setting with gold flatware and gold-rimmed glassware on top of a powder blue linen.

The charger is a Gold Band Obscura charger with St. Petersburg China. The chairs are your basic gold chaiavari, which come in many different colours and finishes. The champagne crush napkins are gathered and stuffed in a beautiful gold napkin holder that looks like a crown, which is a fitting piece for this opulent table. The centerpiece is built on a gold candelabra, and made with a variety of flowers, some white hydrangeas and gold leaf accents.

The “Urban Edge” Table Setting

This table setting is for the bride that has an edgy style with a flare of funkiness.

The grayish taupe linen plays as the “canvas”. The charger is a Antique Pewter charger which is then layered with their White Rimmed Double Platinum China and glass plate. The natural “Raw Mud” burlap napkin adds depth and texture to the arrangement. Giving this table its flare is the Golden Amber Phantom Plexiglas chair. The vendors carried the yellow tones into the floral arrangement, made from roses, Billy balls, and hydrangeas and yes, even lettuce! This floral masterpiece will give your guests a great conversation piece.

The “Succulent Paradise” Table Setting

This table setting is for the more rustic and earthy bride.

The table setting is set on a natural burlap linen with a succulent terrarium centerpiece and aloe vera leaves surrounding. Bringing cactus and other succulents into any arrangements gives it the rustic feel. The plates are layered on a Antique Copper charger with the Gold Oplulence china. The vendors added the Morocco line of flatware and Rustica line of glassware to give it extra warmth and richness. The table setting is then finished with a few cigars and Dark Gold Velour chairs to bring a touch of opulence to the table.

Vendors

Photography: FotoNuova Photography Studio / Rentals: Town & Country / Flowers: Rosebud Floral Design / Stationary: Invitations by Ajalon / Table design: P.S. & Associates Event Planning

Now here’s a wedding we’d love to be a part of!

Katrina and Charlie had an absolutely gorgeous wedding at Howell Family Farms in Arlington, Texas, United States. We love that every single little detail was unique.

We especially love that the bride is a horse lover and vintage lover, which included special touches like horseshoes. The horseshoe was hung with the ends pointing upwards, as it is said to act as a storage container of sorts for any good luck that happens to be floating by.

The couple also chose to add rustic flowers and delicious meringues instead of a traditional cake.

Congratulations Katrina and Charlie and thank you for sharing your chic and rustic wedding pictures with One Stylish Bride.

Katrina + Charlie’s Style Guide

Photographer: Havi Frost Photography / Hair Stylist: TC Makeup Studio / Event Planner: Evco Events / Reception Venue: Howell Family Farms / Equipment Rentals: Period Charm Rentals / Bakery: Moore Joy Meringues / Thanks: Two Bright Lights