©2015 Sun & Sparrow Photography // Bohemian inspired wedding at Calamigos Ranch
August 9th, 2015… our wedding day.
This day was everything we ever imagined and more, it was filled with smiles, laughter, and overflowing love. Looking back, we wish we had more time and wished things happened in slow motion, we even joke about wanting to do it all over again just minus the 9 months of planning. ADVICE: Live in the moment J
As soon as we got engaged we couldn’t wait to start planning. We had always envisioned a rustic, shabby chic, garden wedding. So next step was to start looking on our Pinterest boards where we had millions of ideas. All we had to do was narrow them down, find our favorites, and either DIY or find a vendor who could replicate that exact look and feel. From shopping locally in the south bay to ordering our incredible flower dresses from our favorite place to travel in Thailand everything came together. ADVICE: At the beginning planning everything will seem overwhelming, but if you take each step together you will start to unveil the dream wedding you always imagined.
Next big hurdle for us was to choose our vendors, which took multiple calls, Skype sessions, and even in person interviews to ensure we all had the same vision. ADVICE: As said by our DJ – Michael “If you are not getting the name on the door (one of the owners), then keep looking.” We can honestly say we couldn’t agree more, which lead us to the best! Between our coordinator/florist (A Touch of Lavender by Cindy Wu), our DJ (Ovation Entertainment by Michael McNeil), our fabulous hair and makeup team (Nicol Makeup Artistry by Kimberley Nicol, w/ Aubrey & Lindsey), and most of all our INCREDIBLE photographers (Sun & Sparrow by Tiffani & Elli). They all truly made our day flawless, beautiful and carefree!
We originally fell in love with Sun and Sparrow when Katie saw photos from her friend Larissa’s wedding on Facebook. The photo was incredible and they truly captured the love they had for each other. Once we met with Tiffani, we immediately knew we had to have them be a large part of our wedding. So we decided to have them shoot our wedding and engagement session. Both of their attention to detail and kindness make you feel like you are the only two people in the room. ADVICE: Taking posed photos is always awkward but not when you are with them. They are both so fun and thoughtful, which helps to ensure no hiccups along the way.
The biggest piece of advice we could give any Bride and Groom would be, DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF. All of the work leading up to the wedding, no matter how impossible it seems… it will all work out and be worth it in the end. Don’t loose sight of what your wedding is all about, the celebration of the two of you becoming one. The day is all about you so be selfish and remember it only happens ones. Your wedding day will truly fly by so try and absorb every moment.
Michael – “My favorite part of being married is, the smirk on her face when I call her my wife J”
Katie – “My favorite part of being married is, marrying the man who has the same vision in life as me and makes the best out of any and all situations. I am truly the luckiest girl in the world, I get to live life with my best friend, partner in crime and the man who makes me feel like I am the only woman in the room. Oh, and moving up in the alphabet ;)”
VENDORS // Wedding Dress: Katie May // Earrings: BHLDN // Garter: Etsy // Bride/Flower Girl’s floral wreath’s: A Touch of Lavender // Bride/Groom/Groomsmen Shoes: Steve Madden // Groom’s Tux: Express // Groom’s cuff links: Etsy // Groomsmen Tuxes: Friar Tux // Bridesmaid Dresses: BHLDN/Jenny Yoo // Flower Girl Dresses: Etsy // Hair & Makeup: Nicol Artistry // Bride & Bridal Party Robes: Etsy // Venue: Calamigos Ranch Malibu – The Oaks Room // Coordinator: A Touch of Lavender – Cindy Wu // Florist: A Touch of Lavender // Photography: Sun & Sparrow Photography // DJ/Entertainment/Lighting: Ovation Entertainment – Michael McNeil // Photobooth: Classy Booths // Wedding Cake: Hansen’s Cakes // Cake Cutting Utensils: BHLDN // Cake Topper: Etsy // Table Runners: Ebay // Hotel : Westlake Village Inn
DIY: Arbor, BAR marquee lights, table numbers, all wood signs, favors, lanterns, fabric curtain, place card doors, cake table décor, and much much more, couldn’t be completed without help from our amazing parents, sister in-law, brother in-law & bridal party.
