Planning your actual wedding ceremony sometimes gets pushed aside {we see this with our clients often} as the details and the celebration aspect can take over the planning process. But isn’t this what a wedding is truly about? The celebration is a huge element {and something we love}, but the sweet moment of making it official shouldn’t be overlooked. While some of our couples are shy and aren’t all about that moment being prominent, saying I Do is why we’re all there. But it doesn’t mean the ceremony has to be elaborate or lengthy. So when thinking about how you’ll walk down the aisle or what to say, don’t be afraid to go against the grain.

One of our most memorable ceremonies ever was years ago where our couple told us they wanted a cocktail party where a wedding happened. So that’s just what we planned. The wedding was set at a funky warehouse space with limited seating and tasty gourmet food stations and bistro tables. Guests came and mingled and, out of the blue, our bagpiper started to play. The bride and groom walked out hand in hand and guests naturally formed an aisle and an altar. There was an officiant, but that was perhaps the most formal element of their ceremony.

Photo: La Luz Photography for Valley & Co.

Once they exchanged short and sweet vows the bagpiper serenaded and the party was underway. The best part: this was so them. Their guests loved it and it’s one of our most memorable ceremonies in memory.

What do you envision for your ceremony? Would you ever stage an impromptu ceremony?

Happy Post-Mothers’ Day, sweet readers. Did you have a lovely weekend? You know we love getting to share sweet bits of wedding goodness that speak to all varieties of couples, styles of weddings, formalities and visions, and today’s wedding fits that bill perfectly. Sent to us by our pals at Limelife Photography, this gorgeous Mexican destination wedding is relaxed romance at its best. The vibrant colors, mariachi band and tropical setting set the tone for this beautiful collection of images. 

The colors! The patterns! Loving all of these combinations!

Talk about a stunning bride. You can just feel the happiness in these images!

Of course, what destination would be complete without awesome local entertainment? A steel drummer for a Caribbean wedding, hula dancers for a Hawaiian soiree or a mariachi band for a Mexican weekend are the icing on the destination cake of fun.

Photos: Limelife Photography

Sweet vibrancy, isn’t it? What memorable entertainment made a mark at a wedding or party you attended?

Ah, it feels so good to be back! We took just a few days off from blogging + client work to enjoy some island time back home with family in Washington and to prep for a very special dinner event in a field {one long table family-style for 70!} in September. Boy, was it wonderful. Most of the time the sun was shining and we visited the gorgeous Port Townsend Saturday Market, feasted on Dungeness crab, and just enjoyed the beach. We’re back in gear prepping for a lovely garden-inspired wedding in La Jolla tomorrow and are in full planning {and advice-lending} mode!

So as we near the weekend we’re happy to share some of our words of wisdom about guest lists and the actual cost per guest. This is often a tricky {and sometimes dicey} subject to conquer with families as often they don’t realize what the total cost each guest equates to. Now when Aunt Suzy asks to invite her garden club friends or your brother asks to invite his friends you don’t know you’re armed with a per-head cost to help you make that decision. An important equation for those who have budget in mind.

This method of ours is tried and true and is an easy way to keep tabs on your budget and corresponding guest list: every 10 guests = 1 table {60″ or 72″ round or square}. Fill in the blanks:

10 chivari chairs = $___ each = $____ total

1 linen $____

1 centerpiece | candles $____

10 sets of hors d’ oeuvres $____

10 entrees $____

rental of 10 sets of glasses {wine and water goblets at least}, china and silverware $____

10 bar packages {or per-drink costs} $____

10 specialty napkins $____

10 favors $____

10 slices of cake or desserts $____

5-10 invitation suites $____ | 10 escort cards | 10 place cards | 1 table number $________

Finally, for every table of 10 there should be at least one server for a plated dinner. This then increases the labor total and is applied to a gratuity {often 18-22%}.

Now add all of these blanks up and you’ll see your total cost per 10 guests {at the minimum}. Divide that by 10 and you’ll get your per-guest cost.

Of course, if you have added elements like valet parking or other incidentals this will increase.

As you can see, there’s so much that really does go into calculating the true reach and cost of every group of 10. When you calculate in this fashion you should easily be able to trim guests whom you wouldn’t treat to dinner and don’t know well. Nick’s thought process is that if you wouldn’t take them to a $200-600 dinner {that’s truly what this can break down to} or invite them to dinner in your home, don’t feel obligated to invite them to your wedding. Of course, if your budget isn’t a concern {even our highest budget clients have budget on top of their minds}, then this might not apply. But it’s a great way to keep your list manageable.

How’s that for some weekend food for thought? How are you tacking your wedding guest list and guest breakdown? We’d love to hear your two cents!

Happy Monday, all! Hope your week has been utterly fantastic thus far. It’s been a whirlwind of hard work and resulting goodness {last night’s #HolidayHQ Twitter chat was amazing and we announced our entertaining/summer design class at West Elm! Not to mention, we have a cameo in the new issue of the incredible goodness that is RUE Magazine}, but we’re ready to nap on the plane today!

Now…to polish off a great week, we’re sharing one of our favorite weddings in La Jolla, Katie and Brad’s own royal wedding. They tied the knot last April 29th {but they called the date far before Prince William and Kate!}. We’re so happy to finally get to share – their gorgeous bash graces a 4-page spread in the new issue of Exquisite Weddings Magazine, so we had to wait until now. Without further adieu….cue the nautical-inspired loveliness!

As Katie’s nod to the royal wedding, she donned a feathered navy and sapphire fascinator for the reception {and these polka dot Kate Spade stunners}.

We had such an incredible time planning with Katie and Brad. They planned their wedding while living in Germany and prepping to move to San Diego {Brad actually hired us on a visit to SD after clicking so well with Nick and he knew Katie and Aleah would hit it right off}, and we focused on a gorgeous venue overlooking the Pacific Ocean, delicious food, specialty cocktails developed by Brad’s talented mixologist expert brother Alex, and sweet blooms mixed with grape wood and succulents from Isari Flower Studio. It was all about the experience for guests traveling from afar. In fact, team Valley & Co. were the only ones present from San Diego!

It was all about the SoCal touches, too. Nick found the perfect vintage Woody, complete with a driver donning a Hawaiian shirt!

We initially provided sketches to include clusters of white and cream blooms nestled in between illuminated hurricanes. Tam from Isari added in towering springtime branches just blooming lovely buds and spiky air plants. We loved the end result.

Down to the last finishing touch, we had Jennifer from Pretty Pen Studio craft the escort cards, place cards and bar signage. We buried these escort cards in sand inside a darling wooden boat {the tables were all numbered in German}.

Katie provided Tam with vintage feathers she found in a Parisian flea market.

It was all about the finishing touches. The surprises here and there. Guests were shuttled from the church in La Jolla to Scripps Forum where specialty cocktails and a guitarist greeted them as they took in the view of the Pacific and the surfers catching waves. Once the doors opened into the dining room guests were welcomed to their seat with fruitwood chargers, navy napkins, a smooth rock {plucked from the beach by Katie}, more gorgeous calligraphy and nibbles at each corner of our square tables.

The mixture of dramatic taller branches and lower glowing candles and rose-studded centerpieces paired well with our sheer draping and understated blue uplighting that masked the lecture rooms up top of the space.

Katie and Brad’s guest book was actually a ping pong table {in blue!} that guests used to pen messages and well wishes. So fun, isn’t it?

It was such a fun day. The touches were stunning, the wedding itself so chic and timeless, and Katie and Brad were {and are!} just so fantastic. Happy nearly-anniversary, you two!

If you’re in Southern California you should scoop up the current issue of Exquisite Weddings Magazine – you can see this gorgeous spread for yourself!

Our team:

Planning + design: Valley & Co. | Photography: Llanes Weddings | Flowers: Isari Flower Studio | Rentals {chairs, linens, chargers, draping}: Concepts Event Design | Guitarist: Miles Moynier | Woody: Given Harrison | Catering and Desserts: Terra | Specialty Cocktails: Alex Day | Church: St. James La Jolla | Reception Venue: Scripps Seaside Forum | Calligraphy: Pretty Pen Studio | Katie’s Gown:

This week is off and running and full of goodness already! Enter: travel to Seattle, preparation for our entertaining and design evening West Elm San Diego {stay tuned for the invitation!}, lots of client work and wedding prep, a planning post over on OneWed today, and {of course}, fun. So to dive right in we have a positively delicious wedding to share with you today.

Not only is this wedding drop-dead gorgeous and timeless, but the photographers tell us it was a truly family-inspired celebration, with both the bride and groom’s siblings being part of the wedding party. The groom’s father also served as best man!

Photography: Frenzel Photography |Event Planner: Jill Dahlson Events | Venue: South Coast Winery + Resort  | Desserts: Sweet & Saucy Shop | Stationery: Posh Paperie | DJ: Battleson Entertainment

 Positively dreamy, isn’t it? What’s your favorite blushing touch?

Happy Thursday! We’re this close to the weekend and, once again, we have lofty plans and a jam-packed weekend, which you know we thrive on! What do you have plotted out for the weekend? We’re getting a jump on the weekend and sharing a delicious design we brought to life a few months ago in Seattle. The lovely ladies of Wedding Chicks recently featured this and we’re excited to share it with you now!

Inspired by 1920s Parisian romance-meets-a rural French market brimming with gorgeous blooms, decadent cheeses and wines and the breath of another era, this table top radiates a relaxed glamour. We’re suckers for painting the picture of an unforgettable evening that guests, male or female, old and young, can enjoy.

Something that will excite them with unexpected turns and surprises at around every corner, a setting that will induce wows and smiles by transporting guests to another time and into a true experience. 

 The goal for this table top shoot was to create an effortless, yet incredibly dramatic setting nodding to vintage Paris, a la Midnight in Paris. French script was prominent on our stationery from the menus to the invitations signaling a Parisian-inspired evening. Fresh plums adorned each guest’s place setting, welcoming them with a pop of color. The juxtaposition of gold specked chargers and ornate candelabras against white hemstitch napkins and our hand-dyed ombré napkin bands created an eye-catching setting. Foie gras, honeycomb, fresh French 75 cocktails, and endless chocolates and cheeses added to the décor.

 When planning your wedding style consider what you and your fiancé truly love. If you’re looking to our inspiration shoot pull bits and pieces that you can replicate over and over again for your guests with original touches, like ombré napkin bands and personalized menus. Going the extra mile and greeting your guests with cocktails and fruit atop their place setting will set the tone for a thoughtful evening. Place small vintage plates with cheeses and fruit slices atop each table as well for guests to nosh on pre-dinner. This will cue the conversation and ambiance before dinner is served. It’s all about filling a table with beautiful elements that are creative and beautiful and will set your wedding apart

Design and Concept: Valley & Co. |  Photographer: Amber French Photography | Venue: Palace Ballroom by Tom Douglas
Flowers: Floressence | Stationery: Izzy Girl | Prop or Furniture Rentals: Pedersens

 So, lovelies…what do you think about our vision? Does it have you dreaming about midnight in Paris?

Happy Wednesday, sweet readers. What a week it’s already been. So far this week has been a sprinkling of sharing fun photos and how-tos {like our Palm Springs shoot for Exquisite Weddings Magazine}, some crafty DIYs and a delicious citrus granita recipe, amidst some wonderful projects and client work. Though the question remains: how is it nearly May?

Nonetheless, we’re happy to share this darling rustic wedding sent our way by ZoomWorks Photography. What we love: the positively timeless details and the hints of rustic charm like the daisy on the cake and the wine cork escort card display. Not to mention, the couple is radiating joy. Enjoy!

Photography: ZoomWorks | Reception Venue: Brasstown Valley Resort

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Hooray! We’re so excited to dive right into a fresh week and share one of our favorite photo shoots with you – our modern glam Viceroy Palm Springs shoot featured in the new issue of Exquisite Weddings Magazine! What we love: the vibrancy and contrast of watercolor, the stunning mountains, the grounds of the Viceroy and the incredible cakes and gorgeous flower creations…

We dreamed up this vision after visiting the ultra deluxe hotel – Aleah’s parents have a second home in the Palm Springs area, so we’re familiar with the abundance of mid-century modern goodness that’s understated but accented with natural surroundings and color. We knew just the team to bring on board to execute our vision but to bring their own extra special dose of creativity and artistry.

Exquisite Desserts in Palm Springs created our mini mod cakes and they exceeded our expectations – we LOVE what they created. Don’t you just want to dive right in with a fork? The cakes are mod-meets-whimsical!

Our go-to gal for hand-painted goodness, Kristy from Momental Designs, brought it with her gorgeous hand-painted watercolor place mats and table runners. The pastel tones contrasted so well with our sunny canary, fiery oranges and melon sprays.

Erika from Delphine knows us so well. Her designs always gel with our vision and then some. She provided the darling stationery and Cheers coasters and they added a cheery pop of color. Our napkins were cinched with white rope we found and added an extra interest to the modern place settings.

David Madison from Madison Workshop West is a gem. He is such an awesome designer {and the nicest guy} and jumped on board for the magazine party we planned and designed the night before and for this shoot. His works were so created and the contrast of garden blooms with white branches, citrus and fire plants was out of this world beautiful.

Concept + Design: Valley & Co. | Photography: White Haute Photography | Flowers: David Madison for Madison Workshop West | Venue: Viceroy Palm Springs | Stationery: Delphine | Placemats and Runners: Momental Designs | Cakes: Exquisite Desserts | Glasses: Cost Plus World Market | Chairs, linens, plates and napkins: Signature Party Rentals

Are you feeling our mango and melon watercolor-meets-vibrant citrus color mixing and matching? What’s your favorite bold detail?

Good afternoon, lovelies! How is your week thus far? It’s certainly flown by in a flurry of gorgeous images, special projects, brainstorming bits here and there, and some incredible goodness we can’t wait to share.

Speaking of goodness, today we’re sharing some sweet details from our clients’ Hotel Del Coronado wedding from our talented pals Llanes Weddings. While we’re protecting the privacy of our bride and groom, the eye candy is in the details, starting with our dreamy and sweet ribbon display of suspended glowing candles under the white wooden gazebo for the ceremony. It was perfectly lovely.

Dusty miller and tones of blush, cream and off-white set the tone for our gorgeous bride’s bouquet. LaVonne Crawford for Adorations Botanical Artistry created the definition of garden sweetness with these stunners.

For the details it was all about texture, scents, colors, and aethetic. From the letterpressed invitations to the textured napkins and linens and  scents of jasmine, abundant candlelight and whimsical fonts, the stage was set for a regal-inspired celebration. Gorgeous, isn’t it?

Our awesome team: Planning + Design: Valley & Co. | Photography: Llanes Weddings | Venue: Hotel Del Coronado | Flowers: Adorations Botanical Artistry | Linens: Concepts Event Design | DJ: Daniel Peterson | Dress: White Flower | Letterpress invitations: Illume | Day of stationery: Dolldine Designs | Cakes: French Gourmet

What are your favorite finishing touches and sweet details at weddings?

Happy Wednesday, sweet readers. Did you fare through tax season okay? As we know many of you might be in search of post-tax eye candy, we’re sharing a delightful shoot today. Our friends at Limelife Photography are so talented {and not to mention, quite adorable, right?} and we’re thrilled to kick off a special series featuring their work and some fun insight into what fuels their creativity. Meet Jesse & Becky:

What’s your favorite time of day?

Becky: About 7 am. I’ve had my tea. Cranked through a good chunk of work. And the world is still pretty quiet.

Jesse: Anytime after 9:30 am. The world just doesn’t make sense before then.

Cake or cupcakes?

Becky: Brownies. But if I had to play by the rules, cupcakes.

Jesse: Cupcakes for sure!

What’s your favorite thing to photograph? 

Becky: People. Laughter. Anything that makes me smile or gives me butterflies. I also have a weakness for twinkle lights.

Jesse: I LOVE shooting people just being themselves, being with the ones they love or doing something they are passionate about.

How long have you been a photographer? 

Becky: Socially, since high school. Professionally, since 2006. Limelife-ly, since 2009.

Jesse: My addiction started when I got my first camera at 16.

Where is your favorite location to shoot?

Becky: Unexpected places full of texture, like alleyways, abandoned buildings and under bridges. No, I’m not a serial killer. I also can’t seem to get enough color, so anywhere bold, bright & full of life.

Jesse: The beach… JUST KIDDING!  Although the beach and I are pretty good friends, I love to shoot at unique locations that our clients dream up and we get make a reality.
What an awesome duo! As a special bonus here’s some gorgeous eye candy from an urban engagement shoot!

Becky tells us that bride-to-be Lauren loves color, so a funky store, Urban Barn, became the backdrop for their engagement shoot.

Loving this look! Total happiness!

 Photography: Limelife | Location: Urban Barn Escondido, CA | Bouquet: Katrina O’Donnell Custom Florals

Hoping you enjoyed today’s loveliness! Hop on over to Wedding Chicks, too – our vintage rural French-inspired designs are featured!