I‘ve certainly have had great luck and joy in working with some truly kind and beautiful couples on their wedding day. Amanda and Andrew, long time loves, are no exception; in fact ask anyone who knows Amanda and they will instantly tell you she is one of the most genuinely kindhearted humans you’d be lucky to encounter. And that is every bit true, although I’d expect nothing less from a teacher and fellow plant/nature lover. Amanda and Andrew’s early July wedding was every bit a classic wedding showcasing the lovely beauty of a lush green and white garden, the timeless lux of an all black and white bridal party all while incorporating their own personal unique touches seen in their beautiful watercolor invitations, fun bridal accessories, the one of a kind love and honor they share with their families and fun surprises for all to enjoy throughout the night!
See all of Amanda and Andrew’s beautiful wedding details, and photos captured by the team of Gabelli Studio below …
Amanda’s love of nature and flowers was the first thing one saw when opening up the gorgeous watercolor invitations custom made by Momental Designs, designed with flowers that would be used on their wedding day and a darling painting of the ceremony location, Queen of Peace Church. My favorite detail too precious, almost too dainty and easily missed, was the tiny Monarch Butterfly fluttering atop.
As mentioned above, Amanda and Andrew’s wedding was the epitome of a classic wedding, but that is in no way a reason not to showcase your personal style … just look at Amanda’s fun and modern sunglasses, purse and evil eye bracelet as one of her “something blues.” In her gorgeous lace gown and veil, she was a vision! Andrew, the ever so dapper, equally kindhearted and stylish groom that he was, opted for the oh-so cool Louboutin spiked loafers and treated his gents to a proper getting ready with touch ups from his favorite barber.
Amanda and Andrew’s wedding was nothing short of fun surprises, starting with their darling white trolley that transported their bridal party from the ceremony to the reception at Nanina’s in the Park. Queen of Peace Church has been one that Amanda’s family has attended much of their lives, and so it held a special significance. More than a Gift made the grand church’s altar feel like an intimate garden with billows of greens in various eucalyptus and lamb’s ear, along with endless white flowers ranging from ranunculus, baby’s breath, tulips to roses and more.
But the funniest, and yet sweetest surprise, was one I worked closely with one of Andrew’s best men, Cameron, who unfortunately wouldn’t make it from China to attend. What does one do when you can’t make it to your best friend’s special day? … You get a life sized cutout of yourself, who so happens to be casually waiting at the first pew so your friends know how much you love them and hate that you’re missing their special moment in person. Life-size Cameron made his mark at the reception for fun photo ops, even a second pose for the dance floor and despite being on the opposite side of the world, made sure he sent in a thoughtful and cherished message for Amanda and Andrew. It’s these raw elements of love I simply, well love about weddings.
The love, honor and respect Amanda and Andrew share for their family is hard to miss. They embrace that love fully, and it was extremely special to witness and be a part of the Chinese Tea Ceremony held after their church ceremony and before the reception, for their closest loved ones. A Chinese Tea Ceremony traditionally is where the bride and groom will kneel before their elders and serve tea to their parents, in-laws, and other cherished family members — symbolizing the union of two families in a meaningful way. One of the most beautiful things one can do at your wedding is incorporating your culture, even more so when it involves the blending of different families and customs; Amanda being Portuguese and Andrew, Chinese. It was an intimate and utterly beautiful moment watching this exchange of love and tradition.
With Nanina’s in the Park’s classic antique aesthetic and even more of More than a Gift’s floristry adorning each tabletop with clouds of flowers and gracefully making a grand statement along the staircase; the rest of the decor was kept minimal. A vintage white mirror with calligraphy as their welcome sign alongside gilded frames of family wedding portraits, vintage inspired chalkboard signs as their Drink Menus, black and white escort cards atop the black piano, table numbers of gold calligraphy on antique looking paper and a simple large scale print of their wedding date which served as the guest book for all to sign. And Nanina’s European inspired gardens were a picture perfect backdrop for Amanda and Andrew’s bridal portraits … they are almost fairy-like magic …
Upon entering the reception ballroom, the simplistic beauty was the star but so was all the fun waiting to be enjoyed! The lively DJs and entertainers which included the iconic steel drum beats from Crystal Percussions, kept the dance floor enthusiastic all night long! By Brittany Branson quietly captured all the magic and love as she painted the night away in her corner, creating a piece of art Amanda and Andrew have cherished since. For those who fancied a break outside and appreciated a hand rolled cigar, they were treated to ones by The Mobile Cigar Lounge. But the fun didn’t end there, as guests began leaving and grabbing their wine bottle favors, they were also met with the adorably glam Cupcake Carriage and Tennille handing out individual boxes of her yummy cupcakes outside! Amanda occasionally works with Tennille in the truck for events, just another sweet personal detail they incorporated into their wedding. It also made for the cutest late night portraits of Amanda and Andrew!
How quickly a year has passed from this special and love filled wedding of Amanda and Andrew. Here’s to many more years of celebrating these moments together …..
Day of Planning + Styling :: Dreamery Events || Venue + Catering :: Nanina’s in the Park || Photography + Videography :: Gabelli Studio || Flowers :: More than a Gift ||DJ + Entertainment :: LJ DJs + Crystal Percussions || Live Painter :: By Brittany Branson || Cupcake Truck :: The Cupcake Carriage || Cigar Bar :: The Mobile Cigar Lounge || Makeup :: Carolyn Makeup Artistry || Hair :: Ana’Hella Bridal Hair Studio || Transportation Shuttle + Rolls Royce Phantom :: Moonlight Limousine Service || Trolley :: Shooboo Shuttle || Invitations :: Momental Designs ||
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