Real Wedding - California
ABC Member Planner: Katie Webb, CMP, Intertwined Events, Irvine, Calif., Katie@IntertwinedEvents.com, www.IntertwinedEvents.com.
Photographer: Studio EMP.
ABC member businesses: Studio EMP (photography), Nisie’s Enchanted Florist, Flawless Faces (hair/makeup), The Emotion Picture Studio (videography).
Non-member businesses: Fusion Linens (linens/chairs), Where's The Party (stationery), Terranea Resort (venue), Sweet and Saucy Shop (cake), N'Demand Entertainment (band), PSAV (lighting), Lounge Appeal (lounge furniture).
The couple: Sam and Vanessa met at a dive bar in Newport Beach—one that smells of old beer, has peanut shells on the floor, and walls covered with alcohol memorabilia. For a girl who loves designer shoes, dressing up, and the finer things, it's an ironic place to have met the love of her life. Sam is a veteran and Purple Heart recipient who is an all-around amazing guy. Vanessa, who works in the finance industry, has a spunky personality and has an incredibly generous, kind heart. Together, they are dynamic, fun, and so in love. The moment we met, I knew it was going to be a fun planning process. Sam wanted to ensure Vanessa got her dream wedding. They also incorporated a bit of his personality—and included their dog, too!
Wedding date: Sept. 6, 2013.
Inspiration: Vanessa is a “girly girl.” We wanted to incorporate her design aesthetic into the wedding’s look. We could not include enough sparkle, bling, and candlelight into the day. Everything was shiny and glowing.
Color palette: Blush, gold, and white.
Budget: $100,000.
Guest count: 150.
Most unique design element: The reception décor was a combination of patterns, textures, and other elements—from lace accents, sparkle linen, and satin draping to pearls, roses, and feathers. These feminine elements combined in a romantic and elegant way to make the ballroom shine.
Biggest challenge: The biggest challenge was ensuring the couple’s dream wedding without allowing them to make bad financial decisions. Vanessa's mom would have gone to the end of the world for her, which is admirable. As the planner, though, I wanted to lead them in the best and smartest direction. Trying to balance a mom who wanted to give it all to her daughter with a checkbook that had some limits, was difficult, but also worthwhile.
Learnings: Vanessa and her mom were partners in everything throughout this planning process, and Sam supported them. The three were involved in every aspect; we always met together. It was a unique experience planning with three people. I realized the importance of listening, hearing from all parties, and talking out the pros and cons of each person's thoughts to get everyone on the same page. I played a mediator role in the planning process, but it ended up turning out even better with all parties involved. It was very important to me to ensure that everyone felt heard and that his or her vision of this perfect day was met. In the end, it was awesome to see how important the three of them were to one another. Sam married Vanessa that day, but also inherited a mother-in-law who loved him like her own. I think he feels the same way. Their relationship was one I admired and part of a planning process that I will never forget!
