I had so much fun designing Melissa + Bernie's custom wedding invitations.  The inspiration for the design originated from the wedding venue Los Angeles River Center and Gardens in Los Angeles, CA.  I knew from the start I wanted to incorporate some elements of the architecture into the design.  I was also inspired by Rifle Paper Co. and new that I wanted to do something similar to that.  Lastly, what pulled it all together were the amazing linens by BBJ the minute I showed this table cloth to Melissa it was love at first sight.



Pulling all these elements into one invitation suite couldn't have happened without the help of my talented friends.  One of my childhood friends is not only a scientist but also an artist.  You can find her murals around the city walls or her art displayed in galleries.  Nuvia of Arte Crisol was able to bring this to life for us.  She captured every detail of the venue, the linens, the colors and both Melissa + Bernie's wedding attire.

 

Monica Majors of Paper Cut Industries, who is one of my primary graphic designers was then able to pull together all the elements from the painting and table cloths to design the rest of the stationery.   I love finding new ways to work with Envelopments products and decided that for this project we would do a booklet style invitation.

Melissa + Bernie's Wedding at the Los Angeles River and Garden Center this past weekend was by far one of my most favorite weddings ever.  I couldn't have imagined spending my holiday weekend anywhere else other than with Melissa and Bernie, no one parties better than these two.  

I want to thank Kristen and Rafael for introducing me to such a lovely couple.  From the very first consultation I knew that we would not only have a great time planning the wedding but we would definitely remain friends after the big day.  (I'm seeing her today, any excuse to keep her coming back)

Sunday's celebration at one of my favorite little hidden gems  Los Angeles River Center and Gardens could not have happened without the help of my partners in crime Deanne of Bella Fiore and Henry of Henry Chen Photography, this is one of many weddings The Wedding Clique will be working on together this year. 

This wedding is a perfect example of how you can use several colors without having it look like a skittles factory.  The focal point of the wedding were the Carlisle Lamour linens by BBJ Linens.  Everything from hand painted wedding invitations using that pattern, to all the table names, programs and signs were inspired by this table cloth.  

I feel honored and blessed to have been a part of such a special day.  What started out as an idea in my head and a year of planning all came to fruition.  The joy in Melissa's face when she saw it all put together is priceless. 

Vendor Highlight:  This DJ had the dance floor on fire.  Loved him. Luke of Premiere Events

Ceremony and reception locations: Los Angeles River Center and Gardens in Los Angeles, CA

Planner, coordinator, and stationery: NOZZA Studio

Officiant: Father Mike Javor

Dress: La Soie Bridal Shop #1

Florist: Bella Fiore

Cake: Rossmoor Pastries

Music: Ricky Rasura Harpist 

Transportation: Hilltop Limousine Service

I know it sounds like a cliche when as a planner we say that no two weddings are ever alike, but really no two weddings ever are.  The basics remain the same, the scheduling, the planning, and the execution.  However, the couples, family, and friends of those we work with are what make each wedding so special and unique.  This wedding was one that will always remain in my heart.  I remember meeting Rochelle and her mother for the first time and instantly formed a bond. 

After months of planning, preparing and getting to know her story it was apparent that this day would be special.  Rochelle was an LMU graduate and the year she graduated from college she also lost her little brother to cancer.  Her little brother always admired big sister and someday hoped to attend LMU as well.  Rochelle knew the minute she got engaged the wedding would take place at Sacred Heart Chapel and the Sunken Gardens of LMU.  It was an emotional day for the entire family.  A little angel was missing but he was remembered in so many ways that day.

Taek of Taek Photography captured every moment of this special day.  I had the pleasure of working for the first time with Michael of LA Event and Design.  We had so many wonderful design elements planned for the day, but one thing we didn't plan for and couldn't control was the wind.  After a full day of setting up we managed to tweak and change a few things and still deliver the overall concept.  A seaside blue and silver wedding day. 

I will always remember Rochelle and Bradley, their families and friends.  This truly was a special day.

NOZZA's wedding season couldn't have come to an end in 2009 any better than with Karen and Steve's wedding. It's always a great pleasure to work with wonderful clients but sometimes there are those clients that just leave a little imprint in your heart. Working with Karen and Steve from the very beginning was a complete ease.

Not only did they trust me unconditionally with every detail, vendor selection, and design they gave me complete creative control from start to finish. I remember one of our very first concept meetings when I said to them "wouldn't it be great if you did your engagement session in Paris, after all what more Art Deco can you get than France" and just like the Art Deco Divine design was create. What a perfect excuse to travel to France. Henry captured some amazing moments of the two of them in France. To see a glimpse of those you can visit Henry's Blog.

With the concept idea in mind the rest of the planning fell into place. We selected the beautiful Cicada Restaurant located in Downtown Los Angeles. The focal point of the wedding was the gorgeous chandelier that hangs from the center of the room. We created an intimate circular ceremony directly in the middle of the room. After the ceremony the staff at Cicada worked double time to convert the room into the reception. The room was set in tones of gold, creams, burgundy and shades of pink with touches of feathers throughout.

I'm extremely thankful to have had such a great 2009 but more so to have ended my season with Karen and Steve's wedding. I couldn't have asked for a more perfect couple to work with. Thank you for trusting me with one of the most important days of your life.

Custom stationery and Art Deco design created specially for Karen and Steve by NOZZA. Invitations, personalized wedding favors, personalized escort cards with poetry, table numbers, and menus.

Click Here ->Karen + Steve Wedding Photo Slide Show by Henry Chen

Ceremony and reception locations: Cicada Restaurant

Wedding Planning and Styling: NOZZA Studio

Photographer: Henry Chen

2nd Photographer : William Kim

Make-up and hair: Kelly Zhang

Florist: Bella Fiore

Cake: Helena Wirth Cakes

Music and Lighting: Black Tie Events

Stationery: NOZZA Press

Wedding dress: Mon Amie 

I had really great time working with Jasmine and Estevan.  They really took the time to budget their money towards the items that meant the most to them.  We choose flowers that were in season and kept the arrangement small to splurge on a signature drink "Mojitos" and favors to carry the theme out.  Each guest received a mojito glass and muddler set along with their signature recipe. The cake was made with love by her Aunt.

Congratulations to you both!

Ceremony location: Church of the Blessed Sacrament in Hollywood, CA

Reception location: Castaway Restaurant in Burbank, CA

Wedding stationery, styling and planning: Nozza Studio

Make-up artist/hair stylist: Abitd Hair Studiio (562-861-2281)

MC/DJ: Elegance Elegancia

Photographer: Henry Chen