Are you in search of some spectacular wedding ideas to make your day shine? Catherine and Lorraine's big day had many to choose from! With adorable wedding programs that doubled as escort cards AND celebration flags to wave at the end of the ceremony, not to mention their funky rainbow color pallet. Plus a centerpiece that we couldn't help but show you how to create!
Keep scrolling, you'll find a budget, this adorable couple's love story, and a few more helpful hints. Don't forget to stop by the full gallery here to see even more of this Smogshoppe wedding day captured by Chaz Cruz Photographer.
From the Bride:We wanted our wedding to have a rainbow theme but staying away from a flamboyant palette, we decided on pastel rainbow colors. Lorraine’s bridesmaids wore light gray dresses with rainbow colored sashes and my “groomswomen” (one boy) wore light gray pants with matching rainbow colored bow ties and Converse shoes. We even tried to match color with personality!
“Location, Location, Location.” We immediately fell in love with the Smogshoppe. Lorraine fell for the living-plant wall and I loved the big smog shop doors. It was a perfect combination of out-of-the-ordinary and beautiful scenery within city walls; and best of all, it was a fine representation of who we are.
As the date neared, same sex marriage was legalized in California. Suddenly, our intended simple celebration became more meaningful and of course, brought on more stress. Luckily for us, our event planner and stylist, Bellz & Whistlez, came to the rescue. Was it not for Charmae's guidance, expertise, and boundless creativity, our wedding would not have been as beautiful and successful as it was.
We absolutely love these little mini succulent and cactus gardens that Catherine and Lorraine used as their centerpieces! In fact we loved them so much we thought we would give you a few tips on planting your own live garden centerpieces. How about that! Not sure how to plant or water something like this? No worries, we have some great tips for you if you click on the Read More tab at the bottom of this post!
Things you will need:
An assortment of mini cacti and succulents A fast-draining, sandy mix, such as cactus potting mix A shallow container about 3in (8cm) deep Decorative pebbles or small stones Directions:
1. Fill the dish half-full with potting mix.
2. Remove each plant from its pot and place in the new dish. Use your fingers to spread the roots over the mix, if necessary.
3. Once all plants are in place, add more mix to fill the container leaving about 1/2 in (1 cm) space below the rim of the container to allow for watering.
4. Spread small stones or pebbles on the top of the soil after planting to give it a finished look.
Then came one of the most essential parts of a wedding, the dessert table! Both Lorraine and I have a very active sweet tooth and we were spoiled on this night with a macaron tree along with home-made baked goods; none taking away from the simple but elegant wedding cake. The night was so much fun that we barely recall having any sweets, which is rare for us.
Get a closer look at this rainbow wedding at the Smogshoppe by watching the wedding video from Ren & Rob Films below.
https://vimeo.com/72528932
Budget:We thought we could give the top 4 expenses as these are what sticks in our heads most.
Wedding site: $9,600But for Smogshoppe, we had to do it. The site is simply gorgeous.
Food & Drinks: $11,500We love to eat and so do our friends & family.
Photographer & Videographer: $6,000We debated whether to have both and decided that in 40 years, all we would have are the pictures and videos so we indulged.
Rentals: $4,000This was the unexpected expense as it added up quickly.
Their Love Story:
From Catherine:From the very beginning, our relationship had been showered with excitement. Lorraine and I met playing basketball against each other and needless to say, the competitive sparks came first. But soon thereafter, all other sparks flew wildly. Keeping with the theme, I proposed at the end of a basketball tournament weekend in San Francisco, a city that we both adore.
Mini Succulent and Cactus Garden Tips:
Some suggestions on placement:
Use 1 or 2 taller plants to give the arrangement a focal point. place taller plants in back if arrangement will go against a wall/corner and in the center if it will be seen from all sides.
Don't overcrowd. Giving your plants some space will also allow for growth and good air circulation.
How to water:
After your dish garden is planted, water succulents right away with room-temperature water. Wait a few days to water cactus plants, watering lightly for the first couple times.
If you plant succulents and cacti together, keep in mind that cacti need watered less often than other succulents.