Just when you imagine that this day of gorgeous events from Elizabeth Messina could not possibly be topped, it gets topped in a major, major way. An elegant, crazy beautiful kind of way masterminded by Merryl Brown Events with flower combos like you wouldn’t believe by Mindy Rice set against the prettiness of Ojai Valley Inn & Spa and all finished off with a French Patisserie. Phew, it’s A LOT but I promise you it’s so worth a good long look. Have a peek at all the beautiful imagery captured by Elizabeth, including some sweet as can be family portraits right here.
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From Merryl Brown Events… Our bride and groom’s amazing wedding ceremony took place in the intimate Ojai Valley Inn Herb Garden. Cozy, with family and friends and the couple’s baby in her antique, flower-draped pram, we created a ceremony site that was perfect for the garden setting. Two antique urns on beautiful pillars held dramatic floral and fresh greenery, adding a beautiful depth and texture to the ceremony site. Situated on the sprawling green grass in the field below the ceremony was a classic white tent, draped in taffeta, with generous curtains pulled back with garlands of rich, peachy-golden toned floral. The peach tones floral arrangements were stunning, as they meandered down each table in a variety of antique vessels, enhanced by the natural amber glow of candle light. The room had a warm and romantic tone, and was particularly sweet with the grass below… a welcome juxtaposition to such a stunning and elegant tent. The custom wood and linen pillars and inset linen ceiling were fabulous and unique décor elements. The dark wood dining chairs were lovely, particularly at the end of each oval table, which held two chairs with a custom ruffled linen slipcover to match the table drape. Those slipcovered chairs were such charming elements.
The piece de resistance of the event was a patisserie and a charcuterie. The patisserie was every girl’s dream… while the charcuterie, every man’s. What an amazing and original reveal it was when these two beautifully designed boutique “stores” were revealed to guests’ delight after the cake was cut! The lighting and interior of each made them seem as if they were plucked from a tiny street in France.
The Patisserie had a tall, white display case, flanked by two elegantly framed gilded mirrors. Three crystal chandeliers hung from above, illuminating the soft pink draping on the walls of the shop. Cloches of fresh baked goods, truffles and macaroons all made by former Martha Stewart Food Editor Elizabeth Colling were bountiful. Staggeringly beautiful cakes and cupcakes were presented in an array of flavors and muted colors by the uber talented Robyn Loves Cake. Antique porcelain dishes were stacked high, allowing guests to help themselves or be served by the adorable white and pink frocked Patisserie attendants.
The Charcuterie/Fromagerie was more on the rustic side… as if you walked into a sixth generation family owned store. A tall armoire flanked with large chalkboards listing the ‘menu’ and an old French table with marble blocks displayed an array of worldly cheeses. French bread baskets hung on the walls, filled with fresh baguettes; sliced cured meats and olives were piled high on the table for guests to sample. Simple white dishes were stacked behind the apron clad servers ready to accommodate the requests of the “customers”. This was a wedding that was so incredibly charming and love filled from beginning to end. The video really helps to bring all of these images to life.
Photography: Elizabeth Messina | Design and Production: Merryl Brown Events | Videography: Isaac Hernandez | Draping, Furniture and Décor: Rrivre Works Inc. | Floral and Decor: Mindy Rice | Venue: Ojai Valley Inn & Spa | Linens: La Tavola Linen | Collateral: The Stationery Collection | Ceremony Music: Aurora Ensemble | Officiant: Soaring Starkey | Reception Band: Jumpstart | Sound and Lighting: 721 Productions | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Dance Floor: Barker Décor Service Inc. | Patisserie Desserts: Elizabeth Colling | Patisserie Cakes: Robyn Loves Cake | Wedding Cake: The Butter End Cakery| Hair: Travis Jay Hazzard | Makeup: Tomiko Taft | Wedding Dress: Claire Pettibone
- See more at: http://www.merrylbrownevents.com/blog/2013/08/16/santa-barbara-wedding-planning/#sthash.JvIxyUhN.dpuf
