Whimsical Autumn Wedding at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu, CA|| Ivan & Susan @ Sun & Sparrow 2021 || Dreamy Wedding Photographers in Southern California

























































Whimsical Autumn Wedding at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu, CA|| Ivan & Susan @ Sun & Sparrow 2021 || Dreamy Wedding Photographers in Southern California
Birchwood Room at Calamigos Fairytale wedding // ©2019 Sun & Sparrow wedding photographers
We woke up both feeling super giddy and excited for our big day at Birchwood Room at Calamigos Fairytale wedding! We planned it so we would be well rested from the night before which I think helped us feel energized and ready for all the fun to begin. I was most looking forward to seeing Scott looking super sharp in his suit and having our first look. I loved spending the morning with my best gals surrounding me
and sharing all of my excitement with them but it wasn’t until I saw Scott for the first time, that all my nerves went out the window and I just felt a sense of calm and knowing. He looked incredible! And he’s always my rock when it comes to navigating high emotion situations. We’ve always said we can do anything if we’re doing it together.
Walking down the aisle was also one of the most powerful and impactful moments of the day. My dad walked my mom down first and circled back around for me so I ended up having a few minutes or so to myself as I watched the rest of the procession move ahead of me. It was definitely a moment where I was able to pause and really breathe everything in. I remember “Something” by the Beatles playing and then “Dear Prudence” coming after and knowing I was next. (The Beatles have always been significant to Scott and I’s relationship as our first date was the Beatles exhibit at The Grammy Museum). Once my dad came back to join me, we had a few moments together of getting ready and really soaking everything in. I told him his one job was to not let me trip, which he assured me I was good. We linked arms and again took a moment to pause once we approached the two beautiful birch trees. I was able to look around and take in so many smiling faces. The sun was shining through the trees and the moment just felt completely heavenly. It filled my heart with so much joy seeing all of our closest family and friends there to honor and support us. And then I saw Scott, and again, I felt that same calmness once we made eye contact and followed each others gaze until my dad and I reached him. After hugging my dad, Scott leaned in to steal a kiss from me… I later told him this was not standard, in which he said he couldn’t resist in that moment. Pure love and joy right there. I later learned he also hugged each one of the groomsmen as they walked up… again, just so much love, no one could resist sharing it with one another.
Scott describes his moment of watching me walk down the aisle as being “blown away and the happiest I’ve ever felt in my life.” (He’s not as descriptive as me ;))
There are sooo many!!!! First look, walking down the aisle, the musical interlude during the ceremony hand in hand with Scott (another great moment of pause), the recessional after being announced husband and wife and everyone cheering. We also both loved being re-introduced by our DJ after the cocktail reception. It felt like it was the moment we could really join the party and let the fun begin. We listened to “Let My Love Open The Door” on repeat at least five or six times the next day. Also loved our first dance to “Romeo & Juliet” by Dire Straits. We hadn’t practiced at all, but Scott took the lead and spun me a few times. We laughed and talked privately and just spun around the room as people watched, but it really just felt like we were the only two humans on earth in that moment. The speeches were also amazing! All three were so well written, thoughtful, funny, and incredibly heartfelt. I cried during all three of them… some of the most happy tears I’ve ever experienced. And then of course, the dancing! All the smiles and all of the excitement on the dance floor was so fun! I loved seeing people from all parts of our lives uniting on the dance floor. At one point Scott’s mom was dancing hand in hand with my best friend from high school from Chicago on one side, and my best friend from LA in the other.
The whole day and evening was just truly magical, from the joy and feeling of love in the room, to the food, to the carefully curated playlist, to the garden setting, and the beautiful romantic atmosphere. Every time we paused to look around, we felt like we had to pinch ourselves to wake up from a dream. The sparkling twinkle lights and hanging chandeliers left such a lasting visual impression. And I absolutely loved my dress… I had so many compliments and people asking if it was vintage, which I secretly loved because it was not, but it was 100% the vibe and look I was going for. All of the lacey details were so dreamy. Of course the most fairytale part however was my incredible new husband. I was just so joyful and grateful to be marrying the absolute love of my life and to experience all of the love and support from our favorite people as we took this giant step together.
Fairytale wedding at Calamigos Ranch // ©2017 Sun & Sparrow – Los Angeles fairytale wedding photographer
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Thinking back about the day still gives me joy. I did not sleep much the night before my wedding day, because there were so many thoughts and emotions running through my head. From the moment I woke up we began checking things off my list, and it became clearer that my moment was almost here. Hair, makeup, photos, dress, all were being checked off my list, one by one. While everything moved around me I remember feeling an inner peace. It was as if someone whispered, “everything would be perfect”. Everything felt right in that moment.
Butterflies filled my stomach, and on came my song. My brother walked our dogs Sadie-Rae and Scout down first, and then my father escorted me down the aisle, handed me off to my “husband” and our ceremony began. I remember seeing him for the first time, waiting for me at the end of the aisle. It’s a difficult moment to describe, but when you see forever waiting for you it is overwhelming. In that moment, we held hands. Holding Joeys hands and looking into his eyes was one of the happiest moments in my life.
We finished the ceremony, had our first kiss as Mr. and Mrs! For the first time we were announced as husband and wife! I couldn’t believe it! We had decided early on that we wanted a more intimate to do communion after the ceremony, with only us and the pastor. We felt this was our vow before the Lord. It gave us time to let everything set in and a moment of silence to thank God for all that He has given us.
Not long after our vows and the pictures, the party began! We started our party with an amazing dinner, speeches, dancing, dessert bars, photo booth fun and a late night espresso bar! Before my wedding I was given great advice from my sister-in-law to just enjoy and take in every moment (anticipated or not), because it is over in a blink. I love being a wife and, looking back, would not have changed a thing about our wedding! I am so appreciative to everyone who helped our fairytale wedding play out.
What was your favorite moment from your wedding day? // Walking down the aisle and seeing Joey for the first time. We both felt strongly that we wanted the first time seeing each other to be when I walked down the aisle. And Joey’s only request was that the aisle be long enough for him to take the moment in.
What inspired you while planning your wedding & decor? // I wanted simple timeless elements, lace, pearls, roses, and diamonds combined with the natural rustic elements in the venue.
MY VENDORS:
Venue: Calamigos Ranch, Redwood Room www.calamigos.com // Coordinator: Kylie Raache from Wish Wonder Dream wishwonderdream.com // Photographer: Sun & Sparrow www.sunandsparrow.com // Videographer: Rayne Films www.raynefilms.com // Florals: White House Florals www.whitehouseflower.com // Invitations: William Arthur from Nantucket Press nantucketcrossing.com // Desserts: Vanilla Bakeshop www.vanillabakeshop.com // Wedding Gown Designer: Stella York www.stellasbridal.com // Wedding dress boutique: Bridal Elegance www.bridalelegancesalon.com // Ring: Robbins Brothers, Simon G www.robbinsbrothers.com // Hair & Makeup: Kelly Zhang kellyzhang.com // Bride Shoes: Badgley Mischka www.badgleymischka.com // Groom Suit: Men’s Warehouse www.menswearhouse.com // Groom Details: Rolex // Groom shoes: Magnanni // Bridesmaids dresses: Bari Jay www.barijay.com // Groomsmen suits: Men’s Warehouse www.menswearhouse.com
To see more photography from Calamigos Ranch venues, click on any of the links below.
The Oak Room | The Redwood Room | The Pavillion | The Birchwood Room
Romantic RedWood Room Wedding at Calamigos Ranch // Neil & Estelle @ 2020 Sun & Sparrow // Malibu Wedding Photographers
Beautiful wedding at Calamigos Equestrian // ©2016 Sun & Sparrow wedding photographers
FROM THE BRIDE // There were so many wonderful memories that I have from our wedding day that it’s impossible to pick a favorite! I loved all the moments that Peter and I shared. I’ll never forget Peter’s reaction to seeing me during the first look or the incredible intimacy I felt when he read his vows during our ceremony. Even though we were standing in front of all our friends and family, it felt as though it was just the two of us.
One piece of advice I would give to brides is just go with your gut and don’t second guess yourself when it comes to making decisions. I am such a bargain hunter that even after I bought something, I would still look for a better deal and it just added unnecessary stress. My first decision was almost always the best decision!
Vendors:
Venue: Calamigos Equestrian http://www.calamigosequestrian.com/
Videography: Royal Films http://royalfilms.net/
DJ: Edge Entertainment http://www.partyontheedge.com/
Florist: Kate Baker Florals
Photobooth: Make it Last Events https://www.makeitlastevents.com/
Hair and Makeup: Cathy Shih http://cathyshih.com/
Wedding Dress: Pebbles Bridal http://www.pebblesbridal.com/
Officiant: Jacob Jurado http://www.jacobmarries.com/
Wedding Favors: Pie Bar http://thepiebarlongbeach.com/