California Wedding Wave

{Photography by} Jim Kennedy Photographers

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Jake Maroutsos and Kiki Hanover met in 2000 at the University of Washington. They remained friends over the years and then reconnected nearly seven years later. From the moment they began dating, they knew this was it!  A year later, while on a family vacation in Hawaii, Jake asked Kiki’s father for his blessing. Jake and Kiki sat in bright blue Adirondack chairs on the beach as he proposed to her. He had also secretly commissioned a nearby couple to take photographs of the joyous event. Since her family was already there, the entire group celebrated the night away.

{Details of Distinction}

Personal and unique touches that reflected the couple were used throughout the wedding, including groomsmen’s socks with Greek exclamations, beach cruiser transportation and a Vespa departure vehicle.

Ceremony Site: St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church, Irvine
Reception Site: The Balboa Bay Club & Resort, Newport Beach
Photographer: Jim Kennedy Photographers
Wedding Consultant: Lisa Moon Events
Floral Design: Square Root Designs
Linens: Wildflower Linen
Rentals: Signature Party Rentals
Lighting: Swank Audio Visuals
Cake: Sweet Art
Transportation: OC Cruiser
Gown Designer: Ulla-Maija Couture
Bridal Shoes: Manolo Blahnik
Formal Wear: Stefano Ricci
Bridesmaid Dresses: Vera Wang

{Photography by} Epic Imagery Photography

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Jennifer Zins and Jian Boldi became acquainted through their close high school friends. The couple’s first date was every girl’s dream; a date to the prom at the Aquarium of the Pacific. With the help of family, including their pet dogs, Jian prepared the perfect proposal. Their home was filled with rose petals, champagne and chocolates. As Jennifer met the dogs for their evening walk, she saw that each was sporting a shirt. One read, “Will you marry my Daddy?” and the other, “Please say yes!”

{Details of Distinction} A dramatic sense of timelessness was carried throughout the elegant affair in the white flowers and gilded décor elements.

Ceremony Location: The Neighborhood Church
Reception Location: Trump National Golf Club, Los Angeles
Photographer: Epic Imagery Photography
Wedding Consultant: Mary Dann Wedding & Party Coordinators
Floral Design: The Hidden Garden
Linens: BBJ Linen
Lighting & Rentals: Level 4 International
Rentals: Unique Tabletop Rentals
Transportation: Classic Limos
Favors: Victory Cigars
Gown Designer: Priscilla of Boston
Bridal Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Bridal Jewelry: Irridesse
Hair: The Loft Salon
Makeup: Dollface
Bridesmaid Dresses: Badgley Mischka
Flower Girl Dresses: Us Angels

{Photography by} Jennifer Dery Photography

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Football may be his life, but little did he know Mike would find the love of his life after a football game. Mutual friends introduced Mike to Jessica after a Chargers game in 2007. They took the ball and ran! Although tough on the field, Mike’s tender side delights Jessica. From his romantic proposal to the sweet dance he shared with her grandmother at their wedding, Jessica and Mike keep their love central to their lives.

{Details of Distinction} Candlelight illuminated the reception filled with rich colors and gold accents. Guests danced the night away to the ever entertaining Wayne Foster Entertainment.

Ceremony Site: La Jolla Presbyterian Church, La Jolla
Reception Site: The U.S. Grant, San Diego
Photographer: Jennifer Dery Photography
Wedding Consultant: Ever After Events
Floral Design: Flowers by Annette Gomez
Linens: Wildflower Linen
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Lighting: PSAV Lighting
Stationery: India Ink Papers
Entertainment: Wayne Foster Entertainment
Gown Designer: Ulla-Maija Couture
Bridal Salon: M Bride Salon
Hair: Wendy McGill
Makeup: Marissa Freeman
Formal Wear: Ralph Lauren

{Photography by} Lawrence Crandall Photography

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Natasha Brick and Brandon Daguio are college sweethearts whose passion for living life keeps their relationship thriving. A deep faith, passion for travel and love of sports unite this couple. A snowboarding and skiing weekend in the mountains of Big Bear was the start to their engagement. Natasha and Brandon live in Corona Del Mar where she has co-founded M2W Eco Team, and he is the vice-president of Surf City Garage.

{Details of Distinction} The rotunda at The Resort at Pelican Hill became a focal point for the ceremony and the couple’s first dance.  Elegant hues of crimson, amethyst and blush flowers accented the natural beauty of the resort.

Venue: The Resort at Pelican Hill, Newport Beach
Photographer: Lawrence Crandall Photography
Wedding Consultant: A Divine Occasion
Floral Design: Nisie’s Enchanted Florist
Linens: Wildflower Linen
Rentals: Lounge Appeal
Lighting: B.I.G. Productions
Cake: Fork in the Road
Gown Designer: Monique Lhuillier
Bridal Shoes: Novecento
Hair & Makeup: The Vault Salon
Formal Wear: Hugo Boss

{Photography by} Duke Photography

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{Photography by} Duke Photography

Sharon and Karl attended dental school together in New York City. For all intents and purposes, Sharon had planned on returning to California to live after graduation, until the night of the concert. One of her friends had to back out at the last minute, so Sharon had an extra ticket. She asked several colleagues and classmates to join her, but they had plans. Sharon bumped into Karl, a classmate she had just recently met and asked him to join her. They hit it off. Living in New York City provided them with many opportunities for a romantic courtship. It’s even better when you want to propose. A day at Central Park ended with the glorious question every girl wants to hear, “Will you marry me?”

{Details of Distinction} The pretty in pink and gray décor created a beautiful Sofreh-ye Aghd and luxurious backdrop for a seamless blending of cultures and traditions.

Venue: Sherwood Country Club, Thousand Oaks
Photographer: Duke Photography
Wedding Consultant: Stacy Porras Wedding Consulting
Floral Design: Shirvan Design
Linens: Luna Party Rentals
Rentals: Hayden Dance Floor
Gown Designer: Maggie Sottero
Hairpiece & Veil: The Bridal Collection
Hair & Makeup: Beau Image Salon
Formal Wear: Gucci
Bridesmaid Dresses: Melissa Sweet
Honeymoon: Four Seasons Maui

{Photography by} Chris Humphrey Photographer

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Ashton Decker’s best friend was dating John Giarratano’s best friend when they attended school at the University of Colorado. By default each began to hear more and more about one another. From this came a mutual admiration. It wasn’t until after John moved to San Diego that Ashton’s best friend did a little nudging to join the pair. After two years invested in the relationship, a trip to New York City at Christmas brought them even closer. While watching tourists skating at Rockefeller Plaza and taking photographs of the festive tree, John turned to Ashton and said, “Babe, will you marry me?”

{Details of Distinction} Rich burgundy and reds sprinkled with lush greens elaborately saturated the expansive room of the venue filling it with a vibe of warmth and romance.

Venue: St. Regis Monarch Beach
Photographer: Chris Humphrey Photographer
Wedding Consultant: Champagne Taste
Floral Design: Nisie’s Enchanted Florist
Linens: Wildflower Linen
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Lighting: Shine!
Invitations: Eitak Design
Gown Designer: Ines Di Santo
Bridal Salon: M Bride Salon
Bridal Shoes: Stuart Weitzman
Hair & Makeup: Vogue Salon
Formal Wear: Friar Tux
Flower Girl Dresses: Dijana Barlow

{Photography by} Samuel Lippke Studios

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He IS just that into you! It took Chippy Zuniga a couple of dates to realize that Josh Wassung really did want to get to know her better. It must have been the creative chemistry that each of them has that drew them to one another. Chippy is a dance instructor devoting her time to teaching underserved youth, and Josh owns two production companies in the film industry. Josh’s creative eye came in handy when he took Chippy on a trip to Spain. In Sevilla while watching flamenco dancing, Josh insisted that he and Chippy have their photo taken in the breathtaking setting. As they finished a retake photo, Josh called out to her, “Mi vida, mi amor, mi todo! Will you marry me?”

{Details of Distinction} Shimmering light hanging beneath the canopy of trees at dusk romantically showcased the natural beauty of the vineyard setting.

Venue: Saddlerock Ranch, Malibu
Photographer: Samuel Lippke Studios
Wedding Consultant: Kimberly Bradford Event Planning & Design
Floral Design: Square Root Designs
Rentals & Lighting: Smart Party Rents
Cake: Sweet Lady Jane
Entertainment: Gabriella Charter School Company Dancers
Gown Designer: Liancarlo
Hairpiece & Veil: Renee Pawele
Bridal Shoes: Manolo Blahnik
Bridal Jewelry: Nordstrom
Hair & Makeup: Rhonda Cota

{Photography by} Paul Barnett Photographics

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Kelly Fluharty and Lane Fukuda have been inseparable for the past eleven years. After all this time together, Kelly could not imagine Lane would ever be able to surprise her, but he did! Early on in their relationship, The Beach House in Cardiff was one of the couple’s favorite places to relax and get to know one another. Lane took her out for an evening of appetizers, wine and reminiscing when he suddenly got down on one knee and told her she was his best friend and wanted to love her forever.

{Details of Distinction} Rich hues of green and orange flourished in the abundant blooms, décor and bridesmaid dresses.

Venue: Four Seasons Aviara, Carlsbad
Photographer: Paul Barnett Photographics
Wedding Consultant: Victoria Weddings & Events
Floral Design: Kathy Wright & Co.
Lighting: Coastal Audio and Visual Productions
Invitations: Daydreams Invitations
Entertainment: Inside Out
Gown Designer: Priscilla of Boston
Bridal Salon: Chez Bride Moderne
Bridal Jewelry, Hairpiece & Veil: Justine M. Couture
Bridal Shoes: Christian Louboutin
Hair & Makeup: Paula Mayer
Formal Wear: Men’s Wearhouse
Bridesmaid Dresses: Melissa Sweet
Flower Girl Dresses: Alfred Angelo

{Photography by} heidi-o-photo

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Sara Stark and Josh Beaton chose the gorgeous shores of La Jolla to exchange their vows. The journey to this quintessentially California beach wedding came by way of both Iowa, from which Sara hails and Canada, home to Josh. They have made California their home together where fun loving Sara works as a nurse, and Josh tours the country playing hockey.

Ceremony Site: La Jolla Shores
Reception Site: Sheraton La Jolla
Photographer: heidi-o-photo
Wedding Consultant: Kenneth Day Weddings
Florist: San Diego Wholesale Flowers
Transportation: Old Town Trolley

{Photography by} Robert Evans Studios

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One wedding brought Angela Pennington and Anders Folk to their eventual future together. A weekend filled with festivities in Hawaii for their mutual friends allowed them to meet at a karaoke club. The following day, Anders made a beeline to Angela at the welcome reception. Although the couple has never lived in the same city; Angela is vice-president for Classic Party Rentals in Los Angeles, and Anders is the Assistant U.S. Attorney for Minnesota in Minneapolis; they managed to make time for their relationship. While Anders was on business overseas, he crafted a beautifully written, heartfelt letter to Angela. He read it to her. The last line said, “Will you marry me?”

{Details of Distinction} Cobalt blue damask linens brought a casual, beach like feel to the reception. The comfortable lounge area replete with contemporary white furniture allowed guests to mix and mingle in refined elegance.

Venue: Montage Laguna Beach
Photographer: Robert Evans Studios
Floral Design: Square Root Designs
Rentals & Lighting: Classic Party Rentals
Cake: The Cake Studio
Entertainment: West Coast Music
Gown Designer: Vera Wang
Hairpiece & Veil: Saks Fifth Avenue
Hair & Makeup: The Studio Agency
Formal Wear: Men’s Wearhouse
Bridesmaid Dresses: Bella Bridesmaid
Mothers’ Dresses: Andrea’s Fashions