Courtney & Chas’ Lake Tahoe Wedding in the Mountains

How do you find a beautiful destination venue? Well, if you’re looking for an outdoor space with trees and a VIEW, like Courtney and Chas were, look no further!

The Resort at Squaw Creek is a luxury venue in Lake Tahoe, California. A resort that offers an idyllic mountain setting with tall pine trees and lush meadows. This venue became the perfect place for Courtney and Chas’s wedding!

We met Courtney and Chas because the bride happened to be a sister of one of my long time friends in Fresno, where I was born. Although we had one postponement of their wedding due to the pandemic, when we rescheduled the wedding, we wanted them to have an entire weekend of fun! Courtney and Chas’s main focus of the weekend was to celebrate with their closest friends and family, and to dance the night away.

The wedding ceremony was on the Golf Greens which had a sweeping view of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Even though it snowed the week prior and SNOW was still on the mountains, the weather could not have been more perfect! We then proceeded to a cozy cocktail hour with fireplaces outside.

After cocktail hour, we moved to the tented Reception space. We originally tented the Reception for the aesthetic, but we were so glad we did because it started to rain. I was told by locals brief showers like that are common, and within ten minutes, a quick storm moved in with thunder and lightning, then left. Luckily everyone was already in the tent by the time that happened. 

One of my favorite and proudest parts of the reception was the head table, where the Couples’ friend had made a backdrop wall to display their beautiful florals and a neon “The Rowlands'' sign. And the entire reception was filled with a fun night of music and dance, just like the couple envisioned! 

I want to say how wonderful the vendors were, because everyone worked really hard to make it an amazing weekend! And to my best friend, Lisa, who also assisted me and took behind the scenes photos, I appreciate and love you dearly. We added a little time in our drive home to stop and capture some fun photos, and see my parents who were nearby too!

Vendors: 

• Venue: @resortatsquawcreek

• Photography: @jessicalynn_photo

• Planning: @jamisonevents

• Florals & Decor: @love_and_lupines

• DJ: @modernsymphonydj

• Videography: @rebi.films

• Makeup: @makeup.by.dara

• Hair: @gianna.hoov

Wedding With a Puppy?! Becca & Nick’s Los Robles Greens Wedding

How do you make a dream wedding happen when you have to find a whole NEW venue? Well, when you are connected with amazing vendors like Los Robles Greens, anything can happen! 

Los Robles Greens is a golf course with a stunning wedding venue in Thousand Oaks that offers an unequaled locale for extraordinary weddings and creates one-of-a-kind weddings. Not only did they step up to host Becca & Nick’s wedding, but they offer many amenities, services and recommendations that I am a fan of.

Although the pandemic caused them to have to find a new venue, I have to say Becca was one of the most organized brides I’ve ever worked with! She was so on top of her tasks during the process, and it’s not everyday you meet a bride who has a wedding planner mindset.

This is also the second wedding in a month that the photographer, Kate Van Amringe, and I have done together and she was amazing to work with again! All of the photos you see here are due to her beautiful talent.

During some beautiful first look pictures, we helped bring out Becca & Nick’s GOLDENDOODLE to the photoshoot! This cute little puppy’s name is Stanley!

The couple had a beautiful ceremony in The Gardens outdoor ceremony of Los Robles. There was a beautiful backdrop of vines at the altar, but those weren’t the only plants in this wedding…Yamaguchi’s Florals created the most incredible pieces for the couple! They even custom built Becca & Nick’s cake stand to match all of the floral designs in the wedding.

As the ceremony was ending, Becca had a surprise for her Groom! A bagpiper came into the end of the ceremony playing a beautiful tune and led the couple to their Grand Entrance. The rest of the reception was filled with dancing and one last surprise that Becca & Nick had for their guests....an In-n-Out Truck!

It felt amazing to be back working with the Los Robles Greens team, they always do a great job. And a huge thank you to all of the vendors for being on top of their game and working together to give Becca & Nick the greatest day.

Vendors:

• Photography: @katevanamringephoto

• Planning: @jamisonevents

• Venue: @eventslrg

• Floras: @yamaguchisn

• Video: @mr.lokiproductions

• Entertainment: @thetotalpkg

• Hair & Makeup: @cheektocheekartistry

• Cake: @sweetartbakeshop

• Photo Booth: @voxdjs

• Lighting: #wendeesoccasions

The California Wildfire that Nearly Crashed Ashely & Nick’s Rustic Wedding

 After planning Ashley & Nick’s dream wedding for over 2 years, due to the pandemic and postponements, we never expected a wildfire to show up the day of the wedding!

But let’s not get ahead of ourselves here, I need to start at the beginning of this crazy story... 

I met the bride and groom through a childhood friend of mine who works with the bride, Ashley, at Cedar Sinai. Although we’ve been planning their wedding for gosh, over 2 years, we were finally able to celebrate their special day. The bride and groom were truly the most kind, and patient human beings to work with. Through every step, they kept saying to me, “we just want to have the best day together, with our closest friends and family.” 

Ashley & Nick’s wedding was held at The 1909, a hidden gem built into the Topanga mountains that you’d never know was there right off the main street. The aesthetic of their wedding was Rustic Boho with traditional aspects, which I thought fit the venue perfectly.

Their wedding had the most beautiful details and decor, even personalized vases from the Groom’s aunt, who was a potter! She made these gorgeous centerpiece vases for guests to take home with Ashely & Nick’s names engraved in them.

From the start of the ceremony, I had seen wildfire smoke in the distance, which is all too common for California. Summer is unfortunately the SEASON of wildfires for California. This wildfire turned out to be a pretty large fire…

Remaining as calm as possible, we continued to carry on with the wedding and make sure Ashley and Nick enjoyed themselves, but that everyone was safe too. During dinner, the DC-10 and helicopters were working hard to keep the fire away. Right out front of the venue was a Command Center for the LACo Sheriff's department who I became good friends with to ensure they knew we were having a wedding and to inform us of any issues.

More towards the end of the night, as a surprise for the couple, a bridesmaid ordered 40 pizzas to be delivered as a late night snack. But, due to the main road being shut down, the pizza man COULDN’T DELIVER THE PIZZA! So, I (with the Bridesmaid) went out and convinced the Sheriff’s Department to offer the pizza guy an escort, up the shut down road, to deliver the pizzas. I swear I’ve never heard a bigger cheer from the guests when the pizzas FINALLY arrived.

Knowing that we might have to get evacuated soon, I pushed the important traditions up to ensure they got all of their photos and memories in, with time to dance. Then 1 hour before the end of the event, we were informed that we needed to evacuate. Everyone, including the Couple were extremely understanding. 

Amazingly, we all had a great time and were safely evacuated. Even driving home, I had the Wedding Party & the Couple calling to tell me it was an amazing day! 

And and huge thank you to all of the Vendors for Ashley & Nick’s wedding celebration!

• Venue: The 1909

• Planner: Jamison Events

• Production Assistant: To Be Loved Events

• Photographer: Kate Van Amringe

• DJ: CheckOne2 Enterprises

• Hair and Makeup: Blushing Beauty

• Florist: Petite Bouquet

• Cake: Christina Cakes It

• Bartending: Steel Hammer Bar

Julie & Mike's Fairytale Westlake Village Inn Wedding

A couple years ago I met who is now one of my best work friends, Samantha of To Be Loved Events. We now often work in conjunction or assist for each other when the time allows. It offers us both needed help from someone we know well and is experienced and insures every event we manage is smooth, The same was for Julie and Mike’s Wedding in November 2020. I had the honor to take the lead in planning for their amazing day and it was perfect.

While we were still in the midst of the pandemic, the Westlake Village Inn made their wedding easy and flawless. Every vendor worked exceptionally hard and as you can see by their photos, it was beautiful too! With socially distanced seating but still a little dancing during the reception, the day could not have been better!

Jackie & Juan's Huntington Beach Wedding

Like all of our weddings in 2020, the situation with COVID caused several stumbling blocks to Jackie and Juan’s big day. BUT also like all of our weddings, the outcome was so amazing and worth it.

Only a few weeks from their wedding Jackie and Juan had to find an alternative location for their big day. Moving from a venue in Los Angeles County to Huntington Beach, the restrictions were less rigid in Orange County. The Waterfront Hotel in Huntington Beach proved to be an amazing space to host their wedding. Right on the beach, the sunset view during their Ceremony was incredible. Jackie and Juan are truly good people, with amazing full hearts. It felt so good to get them married and fufill their dream wedding!!

Each of their vendors ensured and incredible experience for the couple and their guests. All outdoors and properly socially distanced, the day could not have offered better weather and the served buffet dinner was truly yummy. I’m so thrilled with these beautiful light and airy photos!

Involved Vendors

Venue-https://www.waterfrontresort.com/

Photography- Claudia Hurtarte https://claudiahurtarte.com/

https://www.xoandfetti.com/

Planning- Jamison Events

(joint planning with To Be Loved Events) - https://www.tobelovedevents.com/

DJ- DJ Reflection

Flowers- https://www.instagram.com/yessi_events/

J and B's 2020 Intimate Wedding

After moving their original wedding date due to the pandemic, Blair and Jon decided to stick with their 2020 date and say their vows with their immediate family present. It was an incredible day and we were so lucky to have a close friend with a beautiful and lush backyard space. Blair’s Hayley Paige Wedding Gown is one of my favorites, so I was SO excited to see it in person and it looked like it was made just for her! Plus, the Ceremony was extra special with the Bride’s Dad performing the special Jewish Wedding Ceremony.

While we are all excited about their upcoming celebration in 2021, I’m so proud their intimate day was perfect for just them!!

Participating Vendors:

Photography- https://www.instagram.com/stillgettingthere_/

Planning- Jamison Events

Flowers- https://lanativeflorals.com/

Wedding Dress- https://www.jlmcouture.com/Hayley-Paige

Makeup- http://www.theheartofmakeup.com/

Rentals- https://trioeventrentals.com/

Bento Boxes- https://www.katsuyarestaurant.com/

Plates- https://www.sophistiplate.com/

Jenn and Sam's Spanish Hills Club Wedding

2020 didnt stop these two! Even though we had to ensure a bit of social distancing and move outdoors, Sam and Jenn’s Wedding was special. I gained a true new love for my Weddings (not being able to host weddings for a while), so when they happen in 2020, to me, that’s a HUGE deal!! We only had the first dance (no dancing was yet allowed in California) but that was ok with the Couple. Instead we focused on amazing food, service and time with loved ones. All of the participaing vendors stepped up to ensure every detail to their day was perfect. These photos have me!! Jessica Lynn is one of my new favorites and I know we will be working together lots in the future!

Venue- https://www.spanishhillscc.com/

Photography- http://jessicalynnphotography.com/

Planning & Coordination- Jamison Events

Entertainment- https://www.gtzentertainment.com/

Florals & Decor- https://www.occasionaldays.com/

Hair and Makeup- https://www.fairytalehairandmakeup.com/

Cake- https://www.portosbakery.com/wedding-cake/

Videography- https://yourstrulymedia.com/

Scroll to see this fun Bridal Party Grand Entrance!

Monica & Jentsen's Wedding Day!

Elementary School Best Friends… Monica and Jentsen have been together since they were teenagers!! The best part about their Wedding was that the whole experience felt like family, being together that long meant their families had also been together for a long time.

Just like all of our 2020 Weddings, theirs was unique. Only three days prior we were told by their Church and the State that we would be able to take their Ceremony from 10 people to 100! So, we jumped on the opportunity.

With masks on, hand sanitizer and temperature checks at the door. These two were married at the most beautiful Church in Camarillo, CA. After we enjoyed a family Reception at their home. This was unique because we did “timed invitations” to ensure we never had too many guests at once. Going into it, I wasnt sure how it would work, but like everything this day, it was smooth and their family and friends were amazing about all of the unique procedures.

Not only were Monica and Jentsen amazing, so were their vendors. Everyone stepped up to ensure this day would be perfect for them both. Even with last minute changes. They also rented and Air B&B close to their home with a view, to allow for some amazing Wedding Photos!

Wedding Vendors

Church- Saint Mary Magdalen Chapel- https://www.smmcam.org/

Planning- Jamison Events

Photography- Califonia Wedding Studio/ Andrew Mori Photography- www.californiaweddingstudio.com

Videography- The Sure Shot- www.thesureshotpro.com

DJ- SB Paradise Music- http://sbpmdj.com/

Florist- Yamaguchi’s Florist

Hair & Makeup- LA Glamm- https://laglamm.com/

Cake- Bread Basket- http://www.breadbasketcake.com/

Catering- Bamboo Bistro- https://bamboocuisine.com/

Rentals- Amigo Party Rentals- https://amigopartyrentals.com/

Drapery Rentals- Dreams America- http://www.specialtytablelinens.com/

Joana & Colin's Summer Wedding

Along with many other couples, Joana and Colin had to work through the lockdown/COVID situation. Postponing their Wedding once they made the decision to move their Wedding from a beautiful ranch and instead host an incredible day at a family friends home. Joana is truly the sweetest soul, so it felt so good to make them happy and get them married! I personally did everything I could to make sure this day was smooth and it was filled with ;pve and sentimental moments.

One unique touch was the seating cards which instead were hand sanitizer bottles with the guests name and table number! We also took everyone’s temperatures at the door, social distanced and wore masks! No matter how many of these we do, remaining safe for all involved was a top priority!

Meaghan & Scott's Santa Barbara Nuptials

If you know me, you know the Riviera Mansion in Santa Barbara is one of my favorite venues. My Brother was married here, so its special. When Meaghan and Scott reached out about their special day, I was so excited. Their dream was to have a Wedding that felt like an intimate party with 200 of their closest friends, and OH was it just that! The day prior Meaghan and Scott said their vows at the iconic Santa Barbara Courthouse with just their immediate familes and the next day was the PARTY! When I think back to this special day, I just remember how in love these two were/are the way they looked at each other, how gracious they were to each other and how happy they were. It was incredible and so well deserved. Here is a small glimpse into their special day!

Also a quick mention- Scott C. (the Groom) is an incredible artist who creates paintings, illustrations and comics with celebrity clients! Check out his creations here- https://www.scottc.com/

Amazing Vendors

Venue - Riviera Mansion, Santa Barbara - https://www.rivieramansionwedding.com/

Photographer - Stephen Tang Photography - https://stephentangphoto.com/

Planning - Jamison Events

DJ & Trio Band - Dart Collective - https://dart-collective.com/

Florist - Primrose and Petals - https://www.primroseandpetals.com/

Cake - Crush Cakes, Santa Barbara - https://www.crushcakes.com/

Hair and Makeup - Cheek to Cheek Artistry - https://www.bookcheektocheek.com/

Hotel Accomodations - Belmond El Encanto - https://www.belmond.com/