Some brides just love a challenge; and our next one just might be obsessed with them. Not only did Chelsea and Brian plan their wedding 2000 miles away from where they live she also decided to design her very own wedding stationery as well! So keep on scrolling to find out how this handcrafted destination wedding in pink and gold turned out!
Oh and before you run off be sure to stop by the full gallery. It is chock full of gorgeous images from Marisa Belle Photography, you might say we are a little obsessed!
From the Bride: Being a graphic designer/illustrator this was a personal challenge I knew I wanted to take on. I love a good deadline, but I pushed myself to the limit on this one. The week I wanted to start printing them I didn't have any artwork I liked. Thankfully I finally painted something I liked and was able to create my invitation suite fairly quickly once I got a style narrowed down.
Since it was a winery wedding I knew it had to be watercolor. I wanted soft, feminine artwork with some gold detailing. Next, I found a script font that wasn't overdone (graphic designer problems haha). It all came together for me with the Ponte property watercolor I did for the info card. I digitalized the artwork, added the text and printed them myself; I also added the gold shimmer gouche on each card by hand. The suite was tied with a dainty baker's twine with a gold detail and the envelopes were sealed with a custom initial pink wax seal.
From Marisa Belle Photography: The bridesmaids wore lovely blush, sleeveless Donna Morgan gowns, the groom and groomsmen in perfectly tailored royal blue suits by Charles Tyrwhitt. Each bridesmaid held a stunning rustic winery inspired bouquet from Soleil Flowers full of garden roses, peonies, dusty miller, eucalyptus and blush hydrangea. The star of the day was obviously Chelsea in her classically beautiful Madison James dress, her beautiful crystal earrings and Jimmy Choo flats finishing off her perfect bridal look.
Now back to Bran and Chelsea... I came home to our condo and there was a Chanel box on the kitchen table – and not a small one, the size that holds handbag type-of-box (eek!). He said he wanted to do something thoughtful for me for being there for him. I was so surprised! I opened the box and there was a caviar leather black quilted bag with a gold chain! He told me to look in all of the pockets – and I did, but was in a hurry to try it on in the mirror. As I'm standing there he comes over and says that I missed a pocket (of course) and proceeds to pull out a diamond ring and get down on one knee! As if my night could get any better. I can't remember exactly what nice things he said, I just remember how excited I was. He also had a beautiful bottle of champagne and glasses to toast with. I don't think I slept at all that night; I was so happy.
When I researched some wineries out in Temecula I fell in love with Ponte Family Estate Winery. I had a feeling this had to be it! I loved the idea of an outdoor ceremony and a barrel room reception – it fit our vision perfectly. Brian and I visited it and cancelled all of our other tours after seeing their property. We where thrilled to find a venue with a beautiful inn on property. The best weddings we have been too involve a weekend getaway with family and friends and that was something we really wanted to include in ours.
Start early. Since you don't have the option to go to the venue/location often you want to make sure you're organized with your to do list when you're there!
Sleep on decisions. There are so many decisions to make and you can start to drive yourself crazy. I found more clarity when I took the time to think it through and ask opinions. Your gut, and possibly your mom, is always right.
Make a packing list. It makes the day before panic better.
Ship things to your venue. If you can, have any large items shipped to your vendor or venue to hold. I had my cake stand delivered to my bakery so I didn't have to drag it on a plane.