Project Wedding Blog

Bonnie and Drew have the wildest how-they-met story…  And, with only three and a half months to plan, they pulled off quite the celebration in southern California.  I’m totally taken by their bright, citrus-ey, summertime style and these incredible photos by Rachel Thurston!

You see, it all started in college, in 2003.  Shortly before graduation, the two had a class together.  Bonnie only knew his first name and that he was from a small city in southern California.  Bonnie thought he was really cute, but they never spoke.  Fast forward seven years.  Bonnie was living in Los Angeles and became friends with a woman named Jenn.  For months, Jenn talked about setting Bonnie up with her brother.  Bonnie wasn’t exactly interested in a set-up, but after Jenn’s persistence, Bonnie looked up her brother on Facebook.  She was shocked and very excited that it was Drew, the fellow from her college class. He was living on the East coast at the time, but came for a visit a few months later.  They went on three dates in one week; Bonnie knew she was in trouble.  After ten months of dating long distance, Drew asked her to marry him.  Three and a half months later they did just that. 

After a private, morning ceremony at the LDS Temple in Los Angeles, they exited to find many of their close friends and family waiting to celebrate!  The couple and the wedding party posed for portraits on the temple property before heading to a backyard venue for a luncheon.  We’re just reveling in these bright oranges, sunny yellows, and vibrant greens!  A long and intensive search for the perfect semi-casual, inexpensive bridesmaid outfit led Bonnie’s sister to find these stylish, fitted skirts at The Limited.  The bride loved the contrast of the tight skirt with the loose top, accessorized with a fabulous little belt, and the ladies’ own pick of shoes. Bonnie’s darling, one-of-a-kind dress was made by Nina Dinh of Susan European Dressmaker. 

The day was filled with so many big emotions. One of Bonnie’s bridesmaids, Mehgan, was very sick and in the hospital at the time of the wedding.  After the ceremony, the couple stopped by the hospital- the day wouldn’t have been complete without spending time with her.  Since Bonnie and Drew were moving to the East Coast, they knew it was likely the last time they would see her.  Mehgan’s gracious family opened up their beautiful home in Thousand Oaks, California for the backyard luncheon.  

The reception featured so many unique touches… a citrus-lined walkway, catering by the Border Grill Food Truck and table games.  Truly, the focus was on spending quality time with their eighty guests before moving to the East Coast (Bonnie and Drew started the drive across the country that night)!  The celebration was vibrant and gorgeous, but mostly there is a tangible love that comes thru in their story and photos.  There’s just nothing better than that. ♥

Photos by Rachel Thurston

Florals by Hot Mamas Flowers of Camarillo, CA

Bridal Gown- Custom Design by The Bride and Nina Dinh of Susan European Dressmaker

Hair and Make-Up by Julio Romano and Vanessa Nicole of A Shampoolio Experience

Bridesmaids outfits by  The Limited

Reception Venue: Private Residence

Catering by Border Grill Food Truck

Cake by Yankee Doodle Bakery

Tags: backyard, citrus, orange, summer, yellow.

I hope you enjoyed checking out our creative collaboration yesterday… as we were pulling the pieces together, I thought it would be fun to document a little DIY project for making your very own rustic and organic tabletop… for wedding, party, or home!Step One. Decide on a foundation for the table:  the linens.  We used a woven, multi-colored runner that set the tone for the palette.  Warm, desert colors were our inspiration. Step Two. Gather florals, greenery, and in-season, accent fruits.  We used things like myrtle, seeded eucalyptus, two-toned roses, pears, richly-hued tangerines, and kumquats!  We also collected vases, simple white measuring cups, and a small porcelain cake stand to add to the mix. Step Three.  Arrange the flowers and greenery in vases.  Find ways to combine the organic elements with dishes and stands.Step Four.  Arrange vases and décor elements in a cluster at the center of the table, or down the center of a long table.  Try a few different set ups to determine which one you like best.

Step Five.  Embellish with extra greenery.

Photos by Katelin Gallagher

Tags: citrus, DIY, greenery, organic tabletop, pears.

By: Chelsea Fuss

Orangeries were small greenhouses filled with fruit trees and plants in the 17th century. Can you imagine having a lush table filled with fruit and greens for a winter wedding? Think beyond red and green for Christmas and display these festive centerpieces at your December wedding. The idea would look beautiful for a January wedding too. You could even add some paperwhites and tiny votive candles!

You’ll Need:

Bunches of greens (each table will take about 1/4 of a bunch). The best greens for this are: boxwood, oregonia, myrtle, pittosporum and bay.

A few pounds of oranges or tangerines (preferably with the leaves still on them)

White pitchers, bowls and vases

1 Myrtle topiary in a terra cotta pot

To Re-create this centerpiece:

1. Collect 4-5 white bowls, pitchers and vases per table.

2. Fill with water and casually arrange stems of greens in them.

3. Display in the center of your table with a small myrtle topiary planted in a terra cotta pot.

4. Place a few of the oranges or tangerines directly on the table.

5. Add candles or white flowers for a more formal wedding!

Afterwards, send your guests home with the fruit, greens and plants.

Photos and Project Styling by Chelsea Fuss.

Tags: centerpiece, chelsea fuss, citrus, DIY, orange, orangerie, tabletop.