Lucy and Nathan's Intimate Southern California Wedding
What was your wedding venue (ceremony & reception) and why did you choose there?
Our wedding was in my parents’ backyard in Pasadena, CA. We chose to have our wedding there because we wanted a homey, intimate vibe. Their backyard is green, lush, and quintessential Southern California. Having it in our own personal space allowed us to have full creative control which was exactly what we wanted. I grew up in that backyard, so getting married there was completely surreal and magical.
Did you have a wedding theme/style? If so, tell me about it please!
Simple, fresh, natural and uncomplicated. We wanted it to feel like an elevated backyard evening garden party.
How did you and your now Husband meet?
We met through mutual friends at a long New Years Eve weekend in the mountains.
What is your proposal story?
Nathan proposed to me in Deer Valley/Park City Utah. He planned a romantic ski weekend and popped the question when we were alone in our room. It was perfect.
From where did you purchase your gown?
Lovely Bride – NY.
What do you love most about the gown?
I loved how beautifully uncomplicated it was. I wanted something classic and modern with no frills, something timeless and romantic. It fit and moved with my body seamlessly and was the perfect balance of sexy, elegant, effortless, and refined.
Are there any special details about your wedding that you would like to share? (A particular reason you chose the venue, or the date, or did you have a special ritual in your day that was important to you?)
We wrote our own vows and I was so happy that we did. The ceremony can feel overwhelming and is over before you know it – we felt that doing our own vows made it feel like it was just us up there, even if for a fleeting moment. After the ceremony, we took 10 minutes to decompress and have a moment alone together in a private room before heading into the craziness of picture taking, first dances, etc. It was probably my favorite 10 minutes of the entire day.
Were there any details that you (and friends and family) made yourselves?
Nearly everything! Our amazing event team even hand sewed and stuffed the pillows in the “lounge” area. I designed and printed the menus, table number, name cards, and programs myself. It made everything feel like much more special.
Finally, Do you have any words of wisdom for couples planning their big day? This can be to do with any part of the wedding – eg, planning, budget, or the day itself.
Decide on what details and moments are most important to you and your partner and make sure you communicate that to your wedding planner, events team, and family. But most importantly, don’t compare your wedding to others or feel like you have to stick to convention.
This is your day, it should feel unique and true to you. If you don’t like cake, then don’t have a wedding cake. If you don’t feel strongly about wearing a veil, go without. If you don’t care about flowers, do succulents and spend the money and energy elsewhere. Have fun with it and don’t be afraid to go against the norm.
Wedding Vendors
Photographer / Videographer: Mary Liz Omel
Instagram: @marylizomel
Hair & Makeup:
Hair: Jessica Swanson
Instagram: @jess_swanson
Makeup: Jacob Peck
Wedding Co-ordinator: Melia Ishihara
Instagram: @silverbirches
Catering and Cake : Whoa Nelly Catering
Instagram: @whoanellycaterers
Whoa Nelly is the best. We wanted the food to be amazing, unlike typical wedding food, and Whoa Nelly made it happen. Every single person commented on how good the food was.
Bar: The Whaling Club
Instagram: @thewhalingclub
Hire/Prop furniture hire: Silver Birches
Instagram: @silverbirches
Bridesmaids Dresses: Zimmerman, V. Chapman, Shona Joy
Groom & Groomsmen’s Suits: Suit Supply
Band/DJ: Jordan Music Entertainment
Instagram: @Jordanmusicentertainment
Best live band ever. I loved working with them and everyone commented at how amazing they were.
