Central Coast Wedding Caterers Heather & Russ make up the dynamic duo that is known as Two Cooks Catering. They make some mean meals with the freshest local ingredients possible. Russ went to Cal Poly and fell in love with Heather and the Central Coast after she got her BA from the University of Redlands. After spending some time in a San Francisco culinary school Russ returned to San Luis and started Two Cooks Catering. I’ve seen them serve plated dinners as well as family style; they can do it all. They offer fantastic service and artistic dishes!

First (music) album you ever bought?
H: Thriller/Michael Jackson; R: Colors Snd. Trk by Ice T

What or who continues to inspire you?
H: Reading food blogs & magazines — I’m obsessed with the printed word. And a pretty food picture doesn’t hurt either.

How do you normally begin your day?
H: Jump out of bed running and don’t stop until my 5 year old goes to bed at night!
R: 2 shots of espresso with a splash of milk and catching up with NPR on my iPhone.

Describe a pivotal moment that led you to be an artist.
R: Working with chef Elka Gilmore in San Francisco (Elka is a James Beard Award Winner and a pioneer in Asian Fusion cooking)

What is your favorite flower?
H: Roses.

Favorite movie or documentary?
R: Road Warrior

Favorite part of a wedding?
H & R: The food, of course.

What makes your business unique?
We make absolutely everything from scratch and we shop farmers markets for as many ingredients as we can.

What is your ideal couple?
Open minded, young, enjoys food, relaxed and fun.

Song that makes you get up and dance?
H: Anything by Michael Jackson or Lady Gaga

What do you enjoy doing on your day off?
R: Playing golf or disk golf.

What’s your personal business philosophy?
It’s all about ethical business practices for both of us. Be straight forward, open and honest with your customers at all times.

Why do you do what you do?
R: Obsessed with food.
H: running my own business is in my blood, I come from a family of entrepreneurs.

Favorite pastime?
R: Golf, fishing, re-organizing the garage, disk golf.
H: Haha watching Russ re-organize the garage.

First Job?
R: Dishwasher at a Mexican restaurant & cutting 100 lbs of tripe for Menudo every week.
H: checking irrigation on the oranges on my dad’s ranch during the summer.

Greatest accomplishment?
H: That would be greatest accomplishments — my marriage, my child, my business.

How do you sign off on your emails?
H: Talk to you soon! xoxo Later-H

If you had to move to a foreign country, which one?
H: Italy
R: Portugal

If you were an animal, what would you be?
H: Cat
R: Tiger

If you were in a band, what instrument would you play?
R: Lead guitar
H: Vocals

Nickname/s?
H: Pesco (it’s short for my maiden name — Pescosolido)

What’s your favorite wedding food?
R & H: Interesting appetizers.

Sunrise or Sunset?
H: Sunrise
R: Sunset

Wedding trend that you’re loving right now?
Buffet stations and the anything goes thought regarding the menu.

Wedding trend that will hopefully be out next year?
DIY anything.

Read the book or watch the movie?
H: Read the book.
R: Watch the movie.

Stranded on a desert island, what would you bring?
H: What wouldn’t I have with me? My dad was a Boy Scout troup leader for ever, I was raised to “Be Prepared”

Favorite song on your iPod playlist?
H: Junk of the Heart (Happy) by The Kooks

What’s one of your favorite quotes?
“This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.” Shakespeare

What chore do you absolutely HATE doing?
H & R: Cleaning the cat box

What sound do you love?
H: My daughter’s laughter.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
H: Own my own business.
R: A chef.

What would you name the autobiography of your life?
H: Figure Eights.

What was the last movie, TV show or book that made you cry or tear up?
H: Nope, I’m at a point if it’s going to make me cry I don’t want to watch it — I much prefer happy endings and non-tear entertainment.

What’s the greatest gift you’ve ever given or received?
H & R: Received — our daughter.

What do you miss most about being a kid?
Never ending summer vacation.

At what age did you really become an adult?
H & R: Not sure we’re there yet, but probably 34 when we became parents.

Where do you see yourself or business in the near or distant future?
Continuing to grow — we love what we do, and are so happy to do what we do here on the Central Coast.

Contact Info:
Heather & Russell Thomas
Two Cooks Catering
805–776-3717
Email

Don’t forget to tell Heather & Russell you read their “Artist Interview” on The Wedding Standard!

Film makers CanaVP produced a short highlight video of our Launch Party.

It was incredible to see so many amazing Central Coast Wedding Artists including photographers, DJs / Musicians, Florists, Beauticians ect. coming together to support the mission of The Wedding Standard. We mingled, drank wine, ate appetizers, cupcakes, we laughed, we photoboothed, and we danced our trash off! In the middle of it all I got up in front of everyone and made a little presentation on the heart behind The Wedding Standard. I shared the history that has brought us to the launch of our new and improved Central Coast Wedding Standard. I highlighted the features of the new site and shared our dream to create the same kind of community in Santa Barbara and Ventura County. But most of all I emphasized the central factor that makes what we are doing so unique; the artist. It’s all about showcasing the heart of the artists behind the businesses and the love for what we do was what brought us all together. Mark Padgett did a phenomenal job of designing and setting up the entire event. When he asked about our theme for the party months ago we explained the purpose simply being wedding artists ‘Coming Together’ to celebrate the LOVE of what we do; the people we do it for and with! He worked so hard to create at look and feel that expressed that LOVE and he nailed it. Thank you Mark!!! The room was swimming with positive energy, creative minds, and passionate hearts. The barn at Holland Ranch was the perfect setting for our mingle/dance party. Judy from Dana Powers House and Embellish Vintage Rentals brought couches, chairs, lamps, side tables, and yellow & blue books to decorate. Grand Event Lighting lit the barn softly, creating a warm and electric atmosphere. Two Cooks Catering served tasty appetizers throughout the evening and we poured wine from three different local Paso Robles wineries; Robert Hall, Cass and Sculpterra. Trumpet Vine Catering provided fizzy non-alcoholic beverages while Baxter & Moerman provided Mark Padgett’s famous spiked Pear Punch. Enjoy Cupcakes supplied our sugar rush with their personal size wine infused cupcakes. April Flowers and Panacea Event Floral Design sprinkled the room with various vintage vases holding simple white florals.  The Photobooth Experience was open for business the entire night showing off their new ‘open air’ photobooth, big enough for group chaos portraits. Paper Sky put designed and created our photobooth backdrop. 805 Collective helped out with graphics for the presentation as well as designed our branding. Our business cards were letter-pressed by Sugarplum Invitations. My associates Alexandra and Megan snapped a few shots of the event while the boys from CanaVP video’d the action (coming soon!). And finally… Malik Miko and my business partner Josh Jones from Goodbeat Productions shared the turntables making it not just a really cool hangout, but an epic dance party! Many people kept coming up to me the night of congratulating me on all of this and I had to keep turning it back around. It really was the result of so many awesome Central Coast wedding artists who have so much talent and love that when they all get together it becomes a party. The Wedding Standard may have been the catalyst for the event, but it wouldn’t have been possible without the artists who make up The Wedding Standard.

  805 Collective | April Flowers | Baxter Moermon Fine Jewelry | Cameron Ingalls Inc. | Cana Video Production | Cass Vineyard & Winery | EmbellishVintage Rentals| Enjoy Cupcakes | Good Beat Productions | Grand Event Lighting | Holland Ranch | La Barbera Sound | Mark Padgett Wedding Design | Panacea Event Floral Design | Paper Sky | Robert Hall Winery | Sculptera Winery | Sugar Plum Invitations | The Photobooth Experience | Trumpet Vine Catering | Two Cooks Catering

Joe LaBarbera is a Renaissance Man if I ever met one. He surfs, skis, played football, danced ballet, practices yoga, and even spins music for some rockin’ Central Coast weddings! I have had the pleasure of working many events with the awesome LaBarbera Sound. Not only is Joe good at all of the aforementioned activities he also rules at managing the soundtrack, feel, and timeline of wedding receptions. It’s his passion for music and his love and respect for people that make him one of the top DJ’s on the Central Coast. He attacks a wedding play list with his heart; seeking to feel out the couple and their guests to accommodate their musical mood and style. Joe isn’t your typical cheesy DJ personality; he blends in and never make his time on the microphone about him. He is always professional and friendly. When you hire Joe you are banking on the fact that you are booking a seasoned professional who will serve you on your wedding day not because it’s his job, but because he clearly loves people, music, and life.

CDs, records or iPod?
While DJ’ing I use my Mac Book Pro.  Cd’s is what I primarily used when I started. Then it was all about CD’s. I have an extensive CD collection but now that collection is on my Mac Book and iPod. It depends on what I’m doing. I love records but only listen to them at home.

I’ve noticed that you like to browse your music collection at weddings  -tell me about that.
I select music for a reception by being spontaneous. I like to feel it out and see what is happening in front of me. I like to look for moments and match the music accordingly. Sometimes while I am looking for a particular album I run across another song I also want to play. That inspires me to play other music I hadn’t previously thought of so I put it in the playlist. It works really good for me. 

What’s music is in your car right now?
In my car… Joni Mitchell –an old compilation. I love it; it’s cool!

Who is your favorite artist?
I don’t think I have one. I just really love music and I think because of that it would be so hard to just pick one.

What band had the greatest influence on the music you play at weddings today?
Hmmm… Good Question. I’m not sure if I can say. Well, the Stones are classic! (It’s a trip they came to my mind). They have stood the test of time and still keep up. I also really like soul. I am most drawn to that. Aretha and Marvin Gay. I like that sound and the feel that it inspires.

How many gigs do you do a year?
I like to do about 35. Between 30 and 40 is good for me. I want to give my best to each client as well as myself. I don’t want to be burnt out by the end of the year.

Your favorite part of the reception?
I really get emotional when I hear a really good toast. Some are really lame but others are thought out and heart felt. I came from a really big Italian family and when I see that love and hear those genuine toasts it can be a real emotional experience. I laugh at myself because sometimes I do get teary. That’s the kind of feeling I want at my parties. That all translates into the party after the toasts into the energy on the dance floor.

How long you been doing this?
17 years.

How do your years of experience benefit you on the wedding day?
Clients wouldn’t know it but I know it –I still get a nervous anticipation on the wedding day. I think it’s healthy to still get excited before a wedding. A healthy nervousness. I think that my years of experience really does help. I do things on the wedding day to reduce the level of stress or save something that needs to have attention taken away from it and sometimes help something happen that otherwise wouldn’t have and that only comes from raw experience. I really try to be a buffer and serve so that the day is seamless for the bride. I thought that my experience was paying off when I was 7 years in and then again at 10 years and even now. I just keep learning year after year. It helps me to handle things calmly.

What do you love about music?
I love the way it makes me feel inside and how it alters my mood. A lot of times if I hear the right music it inspires me.

How did you get started doing this?
I got started by a fluke. When I got married the DJ flailed, which was a big disappointment for me because music was really important to me and most important on my wedding day. Also at the time I was working internationally and I got laid off. I wasn’t sure how I was going to make my mortgage; it was a scary time. I remembered the DJ disappointment and that I loved music and I was a dancer before. So one day I had jury duty, and there was this lady there who was really involved with the wedding industry and she was actually the florist at my wedding. She said I should do it and that I would be great at it. So I contacted some friends from the Hollywood area (I grew up down there) that did sound for films and television and they helped me get my sound system set up and collect all my gear. I put it together and fell into it just like that.

Now you say you used to dance… –what’s up with that?!
That was a fluke too! I was a football player, surfer, skier in High School and after High School I got an ankle injury while surfing. In the recovery I was on crutches. At the time I was dating an actress/dancer and she suggested that I go to one of her dance classes because it would be good for my ankle and my recovery. I walked into the class on my crutches and thought “Phfffft!!! This was the time of year I would normally have my face in the dirt and in the locker room with a bunch of smelly football players!” I walked into the class of dancers and there were 30 beautiful women in tights. I was one of the only guys and the other one was gay so I thought this was great! I loved it because dance led me to body alignment through the ballet technique.

Do you have a recommended first dance song?
I do not. I really shy away from questions like that. If a couple really presses me I would come up with a few suggestions but I really try not to. Music is so broad and music is so individual. I encourage them to spend time and energy to find something that is for them. Even when clients want to come to a gig to see how I work or want to come to a wedding if they are not sure if they want to hire me or not, I don’t like to do that. I know a lot of wedding magazines or wedding tips encourage to do that so you can ‘try out your DJ’, but everybody’s party is individual and I don’t think it’s a good way to make up your mind. I know first impressions are a big thing and if people are requesting polka because that’s the bride’s favorite music I would hate for a couple to walk up at that moment to hear me playing polka and judge me because I am playing what the bride and family likes. Haha!

What sets you apart in your industry?
Many DJ’s come into the profession from the technical side; really liking electrical equipment. Having grown up in a large Italian family that owned a very well known restaurant –I spent years in LA catering and assisting Hollywood parties and functions. I came into being a DJ from the angle of the entertainment industry. This has really influenced the “way” I work at weddings. I learned that timing was everything. Also, being seamless and virtually invisible makes the party seem as though it was happening on its own. The music creates the tone but the DJ sets the stage.

Another thing that makes me unique is for 10 years I have seriously studied Yoga. My wife Catherine teaches it but I too have studied with a well known and respected master of the art. I’ve traveled to India to learn and currently continue to spend many hours weekly continuing my yoga practice. How does this translate to LaBarbera Sound? I am able to be sensitive to the “feel” in a room. As we know sometimes weddings have moments of stress. The yoga has helped me learn not to feed into the stress.

Any recommendations for couples searching for the perfect DJ?
I think the best way to find a good DJ is to ask around. I think photographers are always good people to ask because they are actually at the reception. (Not many wedding vendors are at the reception.) Ask your married friends. Meet the potential DJ or talk to them on the phone. You need to feel good about them. You have to click with them, you should really like them because it will decide the spirit of your day.

Contact Info:

Contact Info:
Joe LaBarbera
LaBarbera Sound
(805) 773‑0860
Email

Don’t forget to tell Joe you read his “Artist Interview” on The Wedding Standard!

Gina Jones of Lola Video is one of the sweetest persons you will ever meet. She’s soft spoken, genuine, and packed to the brim with creativity! What makes her powers extra special is her love for all things vintage; including and especially film. I’m not talking 35mm camera film, I’m talking Super 8 Movie Film straight from the 60’s. This stuff is so chock full of raw emotion and instant nostalgia, you need to check your pulse if you don’t feel anything while watching one of her films! Gina can be found year round bouncing around the globe shooting destination weddings and cruising the Santa Barbara/Ventura swap meets on her off days. She has such an obsession for antiques she even collects and sells them on Etsy shop (Rescued From Wasteland). She is also wife to Josh Jones; my partner in The Wedding Standard! Read on and get to know the wonderfully talented Gina!

How did you get your start?
Well with having a husband in the wedding industry (Josh of Goodbeat Productions) I was assisting him so I got familiar with weddings. Eventually I saw the need for good filmmakers in the wedding industry and thought I’d give it a try.

What or who continues to inspire you?
Music has a big influence as it puts me in the right mood. Also all the awesome people I personally know in the wedding industry…like ones I follow on Twitter. When I see their work, it inspires me to do well too!

Describe a pivotal moment that led you to be an artist.
Not sure I ever really had one. I was always encouraged at a young age by my parents to do art in some form or another. In high school I did have teachers that encouraged me as well to pursue my art.

What makes your business unique?
Film for sure! Living in the digital age it’s almost foreign to some people as they may not have grown up with film.

How do you normally begin your day?
Cup of coffee for sure, Instagram, Twitter, FB & emails.

First (music) album you ever bought?
When in Rome

What is your favorite flower?
Orchids!

Favorite movie or documentary?
The Wedding Singer — Ironically loved it before I got into the wedding industry

Favorite part of a wedding?
Right after the ceremony. Everyone is so happy & ready to have fun!

What is your ideal couple?
The kind of couples that are so relaxed and down to earth that nothing can ruin their wedding day. And of course the kind that love music like me

Song that makes you get up and dance?
“Blue Monday” by New Order

What do you enjoy doing on your day off?
Teaching others about the Bible.

What’s your personal business philosophy?
To make films that clients will love to show to others & watch year after year.

Why do you do what you do?
I love the fact that I am documenting peoples memories on one of the most important days of their lives.

Favorite pastime?
Going to the swap meet, thrift stores looking for cool vintage items!

Something that moved you deeply at a wedding or with a couple recently?
It’s always touching to see a bride dance with her dad especially when they have a close relationship.

First Job?
Working at an embroidery shop.

Greatest accomplishment?
Dedicated my life to God.

How do you sign off on your emails?
Thanks!

If you had to move to a foreign country, which one?
New Zealand — I hear it’s pretty.

If you were an animal, what whould you be?
That’s easy — a cat.

If you were in a band, what instrument would you play?
Upright bass — always wanted to learn.

What’s your favorite wedding food?
Anything — I’m happy when I do get to eat.

Sunrise or Sunset?
Sunset

Wedding trend that you’re loving right now?
Vintage

Wedding trend that will hopefully be out next year?
Same day edits.

Read the book or watch the movie?
Watch the movie.

What question do you always ask the bride & groom?
Do you know what Super 8 is?

Stranded on a desert island, what would you bring?

My husband, cat & sewing machine.

Favorite song on your iPod playlist?
Mirrorball by Everything but the Girl.

What’s one of your favorite quotes?
“All you need is love” –the Beatles.

What chore do you absolutely HATE doing?
DISHES

What sound do you love?
My kitty’s purr.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
A responsible adult.

What would you name the autobiography of your life?
“Nobody Knows Me At All”

What was the last movie, TV show or book that made you cry or tear up?
The movie — “the Help”

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do?
Put my cat to sleep when she was dying.

What’s the greatest gift you’ve ever given or received?
My last anniversary gift was a suprise class on how to blow glass. That was my favorite gift!

What do you miss most about being a kid?
All the free time & carefree attitude.

What’s in the top 5 of your bucket list?
1.Learn the art to blow glass well
2. Finish all my unfinished projects
3. Travel more
4. Get more photos of me & Josh together.
5. See “Everything but the Girl” in concert

What is something you learned in the last week?
I found out about a new awesome local fabric store, if that counts?

At what age did you really become an adult?
30

Where do you see yourself or business in the near or distant future?
I see another editor on board, namely my husband. He’s just got to stop resisting.

Contact Info:
Josh & Gina Jones of Lola Video
805.258.1777
Email

Central Coast wedding photographer, Michelle Warren is a fine art photographer in every sense. She is one of my few photo friends I know who actually went to camera school to learn the ins and outs of photography. However, she didn’t go to school to learn to take good pictures; I believe that is something she was born with. She has an eye for natural beauty and candid emotion. Her style is timeless, rich with reality and elegant. She truly captures the essence of her subjects through playful movement, quiet stillness, and with her arsenal of cameras. Michelle shoots on everything imaginable; 35mm, medium format, vintage polaroids, digital; you name it –she’s probably shot someone with it. Her husband Ben is an incredible partner and compliment to her fine art style. He is a savvy business manager when it comes to customer service and has an adventurous spirit. He second shoots for Michelle at most of her weddings and is often seen juggling her plethora of cameras while Michelle works with her subjects. I’m thrilled to feature Michelle as our first interviewed Central Coast photographer on The Wedding Standard; enjoy!

How did you get your start?
I first fell in love with photography printing in the darkroom when I was 14. I became a “professional” when I graduated from Brooks Institute of Photography in 2003 and started my own business.

What or who continues to inspire you?
Life and family. Relationships. Love. Kindness. Honesty. Realness. Other artists…not just photographers.

How do you normally begin your day?
At 5am when my 2 year old jumps into my bed and climbs all over me saying “wake up mommy”! Which is then quickly followed by about 3 cups of coffee.

Describe a pivotal moment that led you to be an artist.
One of my best friends was killed in an accident when I was 15 and I had just taken some beautiful b&w portraits of her that they used in the funeral. It was at that moment that I felt the true power and gift of photography. I was extremely sad and confused but I was able to produce a beautiful piece of art to give her parents that I’m sure they felt was priceless.

What is your favorite flower?
Peonies, dahlias, and ranunculus. Ok, that’s three I know.

Favorite movie or documentary?
The Professional

Favorite part of a wedding?
I love seeing happy tears and witnessing when people become so present in a moment and realize the amazingness unfolding before them.

What makes your business unique?
I am me. I don’t try to be anyone else and I’m real with people. I’m down to earth and humble and people feel comforted by that. By being honest, true and fun I often hear from clients after an event that they thought I was just another friend enjoying their wedding with them.

What is your ideal couple?
Couples who are also down-to-earth, honest, humble and fun. I love the amazing big weddings with the dripping details just as much as any other photographer but sometimes the best weddings are the smallest, sweetest little events where the couple’s very closest friends and family attend and the true meaning of the day beams through in every moment.

Song that makes you get up and dance?
HAHA…currently my son and I dance to “i like to move it! Move it!” from the movie Madagascar. I guess my life is a little consumed by a wonderful toddler right now!

What do you enjoy doing on your day off?
Driving around with my husband and our boys enjoying the central coast.

What’s your personal business philosophy?
Take great care of your clients and vendors and work will always keep coming your way. 100% of the work I get comes from referrals of past clients and vendors I work with. I don’t advertise. Also, KISS (keep it simple stupid). And keep it small. I never want to be so booked up that I can’t give my clients the attention and quality they deserve.

Why do you do what you do?
Photography is my life. It is as much a part of me and my family as anything. There is no separation between my business and my life.

Favorite pastime?
When I’m not shooting, working or caring for my children and when I have OTHER personal time (which is rare) I like to crochet. It calms my nerves. I can’t watch TV or read…my mind just moves too fast and I often can’t slow down.

Something that moved you deeply at a wedding or with a couple recently?
I photographed a couple who had lived long distance for years while the fiance is a captain in the Air Force. He flew home for 7 days to have a sweet little ceremony with his wife and it was the most beautiful little 6 person ceremony I have ever witnessed. We all cried. The day and the photos were so meaningful and powerful.

First Job?
My first “paid” photo job was photographing houses for an interior designer. My first “real” photo job was assisting wedding photographer Tom Styczynski while I was attending Brooks in Santa Barbara and shortly after I worked for Jose Villa.

Greatest accomplishment?
My Children. My Family. Succeeding at being a “working mom”.

How do you sign off on your emails?
Usually with a lot of

If you had to move to a foreign country, which one?
Canada

If you were in a band, what instrument would you play?
Piano

Nickname/s?
Shell or Shelly or at times, Shell Bell

What’s your favorite wedding food?
Anything hot and edible that is actually served when the guests are eating so I can eat too (rather then being served when everyone’s done and I have no time to eat it).

Sunrise or Sunset?
Either; I’m awake for both since my munchkins prefer I never sleep in.

Wedding trend that you’re loving right now?
Honestly I’ve never been a fan of trends. I love classic and beautiful. Timeless and original.

Wedding trend that will hopefully be out next year?
Balloons and goofy props that have absolutely no meaning to the couple.

Read the book or watch the movie?
No time for books.…or movies unless they’re cartoons that my kid will watch!

Stranded on a desert island, what would you bring?
My husband.

Favorite song on your iPod playlist?
Too hard to choose. I have lots of favs.

What’s one of your favorite quotes?
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

What chore do you absolutely HATE doing?
DISHES

What sound do you love?
Click, Click, Click! Especially the clicks that come from actual FILM cameras like my contax or rollei.

What do you want to be when you grow up?
An amazing mom.

What was the last movie, TV show or book that made you cry or tear up?
I cry at everything. It could have been a silly commercial.

What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do?
Give birth.

What’s the greatest gift you’ve ever given or received?
LOVE.

What do you miss most about being a kid?
Nothing. I didn’t like being a kid or a teenager or even 21 for that matter. Adulthood is way better. But I LOVE watching my kids be kids! They make me laugh and smile all day, every day.

What’s in the top 5 of your bucket list?
ITALY. Photographing for more non-profits that are directed towards helping children and families.

What is something you learned in the last week?
Picking up the phone is always better then e-mailing.

At what age did you really become an adult?
15

What question do you always ask the bride & groom?
What their top priorities are on their wedding day. What and who are most important to them on their day.

Where do you see yourself or business in the near or distant future?
In a beautiful house on a couple acres with lots of room for the kids to play, a big beautiful garden and with a detached studio for my office and my own real film darkroom.

Anything else you want to add that we didn’t ask?
I heart FILM.

Michelle Warren Photography
Email

This romantic Morro Bay wedding is nothing short of stunning! Photographer Michelle Warren captured every sweet moment between Tommy and Rachelle. Set atop an avocado orchard covered hill at the bride’s parents home the wedding guests had panoramic views of Morro Bay’s shoreline. It was a stunning private location to take in all the couple’s charming details. Truly fairy-tale-esk, this wedding will satisfy your eye’s sweet tooth. We are thrilled to feature this ravishing wedding! Here’s more from Rachelle our bride about her special day; enjoy!

My style was started with the dress, which I found at The White Dress boutique in Corona del Mar.  My mom and sister helped me to pick out the veil and belt embellished with crystals. I was so lost when it come to those details. My mom is OBSESSED with Zappos. She loves how easy it is to return things if you aren’t happy with them. I came home one weekend to work on wedding planning details and found that my mom had ordered several shoes for me to try on.  She has a great eye for fashion. The pair I chose seemed most like me. They were beautiful but man oh man were they uncomfortable! Melanie Mulvaney from The Crown on Court did my hair and makeup. Oh my goodness –I have never felt so pretty. I think I should have my hair and makeup professionally done more often!

I can’t say I really ever chose a “theme” for our wedding. I just tried really hard to work with the surroundings and make the colors work with the style of the wedding. (Black suits would have felt too stuffy…so we went with tan suits). My dress was the first thing I picked out, and then the bridesmaids dresses (on FINAL sale at JCrew). But I knew the color was PERFECT! I think everything else just fell into place.

Im not sure the wedding ever would have happened or that any decisions ever would have been made without my wedding planner Amy Northcoat from Fancy’s Events in SLO…  She was incredibly patient and understanding. More professional than I could have asked for. Her and her staff were so dedicated the entire process. She was THE BEST!!!

I was so impressed by my florist Jenny Mcniece. I can’t imagine what my wedding would have looked like without her very special touch. I was so impressed with her arrangements when she showed up at my parent’s house. I could not stop admiring all of the beautiful flowers. And the bouquets were HUGE; just incredible! The flowers were my most favorite part of the decor by far. My new in-laws are flower growers on the Central Coast. They were so sweet to offer anything I wanted. I think my florist was able to find some pretty special touches from the farm. I loved the poppy seed pods in the bouquets. Jenny was able to put together the most amazing arrangements without much help from me at all. I didn’t know exactly what I wanted — I only knew what I DIDN’T want, which I could imagine was not very helpful for her. She read me really well though and somehow put together arrangements that I only could have dreamed of having at my wedding.

My family grows avocados (the wedding was at their house on the avocado ranch). They were free favors and unique at the same time! What could be more perfect when planning (and paying) for a wedding?!

I know that everyone says this but I felt so loved having so many people come from near and far to witness out wedding. It was so special to see how many people we had between the two of us who cared so much for us. My twin sister wrote the most amazing speech and delivered it so well. I have never been more proud of her. She was not looking forward to speaking in front of so many strangers, but you never could have guessed by how at ease she was. She read aloud a quote that had once brought tears to my eyes and describes exactly how I feel about Tommy: “You know it’s love when forever doesn’t seem long enough.”

Wedding Artists | Venue: Private Residence | Photographer: Michelle Warren | Event Planning & Design: Fancy’s Event Services | Florals: Jenny Mcniece | Caterer: Cowboy Flavor | Cake: Solvang Bakery |  Ceremony Music: Jonathan Sorbello | DJ: Phase 1 Mobile DJ | Reception Music: JD Project | Makeup: Bladerunner Salon | Hairstylist: Melanie Mulvaney | Dress: Watters | Dress Shop: The White Dress | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaid Dresses: JCrew | Groom Attire: A Heart’s Desire | Invitations: Citrus Press |