(fun table assignments)

(fun table numbers)

(fun cakes)

(fun dress)

(fun menu idea)

(fun bridal style)

(fun food cart action)

(fun dessert table)

(super fun altar)

(fun signage)

(fun {more like gorgeous} table scape)

(via these amazing men!)

I am going to start with something totally off topic: it is WAY too hot for the end of September. Seriously.

Ok, so our reception! It was fun, went by way too fast, and even though I did everything I could to eat I still left hungry! We had a lunch time cocktail and appetizer reception at Cannons Seafood and Grill in Dana Point, California.

Our reception turned out just how I had hoped it would. It was relaxed, there was great food, flowing alcohol, a fun place for the kids (to come in a later post), and an amazing view!  Suzy was amazing to work with as their event coordinator. She took care of everything, was super laid back and was just good at what she does. I really can’t recommend Cannons enough. Although having an evening event there can be a little pricy (renting out the restaurant), they are closed at lunch so the prices are very reasonable. I will do a post on food and cakes later The view is what sold us, and lucky for us July 18th was a clear and gorgeous day! And didn’t the balls turn out great!?  I was so happy that Christa agreed to set everything up for us, she really pulled the whole look off! I of course supplied her with pictures and lists and diagrams… but she followed them excellently!

Tips: Think outside of the box when it comes to reception venues.  I actually found Cannons on The Knot. I had never eaten there and really hadn’t thought of it as an option.  Of course, once I realized that was an option I started thinking outside of the box a little bit more. “well if Cannons is a venue, maybe the Ocean Institute is too?!” (It is, it is just more expensive)  Really think outside of your ‘wedding venue’ box. You would be surprised where you can throw a party! (and remember, that is all you are doing. Throwing a party.)

If you are on a budget, seriously consider doing a lunch time reception. You save so much money, it is ridiculous.

Remember, your guests are there to see you get married. Everything after the ceremony is a bonus. Back in the day, cake and punch receptions were the norm.  I feel like weddings have gotten so huge, and yes, it is ok to want the big party, to want to dance the night away and have your names projected on the dance floor and an ice sculpture replica of your dress (ok… that was taking it too far. sorry). If that is what you want, then by all means, it is your wedding. But if you don’t want all of that, if you just want to get married to the one you love and have a little celebration afterwards, then do it!  I know that we were extremely blessed to have my parents pay for the wedding and only pull the “I am paying so I get my way” card once or twice, and that not everyone can just do whatever they want while having someone else pay…  but… um… (sometimes I wish I was better at putting my thoughts into written words)

All I want  you to know is that you shouldn’t worry about what your guests will think, want, desire… They are just happy to see you tie the knot. And if you feed them something and hang out for a bit, then that is cool too. Just… just do what you want to do!  It is your day! You are getting married to the one you love! Yay!

I’ll get off my soap box now!

Oh and for those who asked, I got the H & B letters at Michael’s… I think!  They were white and Bryan painted them!

All images thanks to Miah and Mike from Studio 7.

(in this next picture… the priest had just likened me to the Virgin Mary.  !)

We were married at the Mission Basilica in San Juan Capistrano.

Tips: I don’t really have any since every church/ceremony venue is different. If you have any specific questions regarding it though, let me know in the comments section and I will answer them the best I can!

Images by Studio 7 Photography. They were awesome!!

(image from here)

1. I love her makeup

2. Is that a kids choir in the back? And if so, do they cost extra?!

3. I am thinking a few big floral pieces like this would be cool. Maybe a little lower… and in white vases?

4. We were told no flowers on the pews. Those, my friends, are flowers on the pews. Is it because I’m not Catholic? Oh well, it is cheaper to go without the pew flowers… it’s just strange…

5. How gorgeous is the inside?! I can’t wait

All images by the very talented [b]ecker.

Ok, enough mushy mushy I am going to start today of with one of my favorite things. Finding pictures of other people at your venue! These images were taken in the gardens of the mission, shot by the very talented Amelia Lyon.

So gorgeous!  I’m not sure how many posts I will get up today… I am hoping the boss man will let us leave early, but who knows. It is such a waste of a day. To get off yesterday and not today… annoying. At least I am in jeans and eating a donut! (but I took the stairs up to my office on the 3rd floor, so I am still being healthy ) 

Happy New Year!