When my friends and family ask me, “Ash, hat has been one of your most favorite weddings this year”, it is often difficult for me to respond with just one wedding. But Brooke & Jawad’s wedding DEFINITELY made it in my top 3 favorite weddings of 2009, for many, many reasons that I’ll get into shortly…
First, Brooke and Jawad are truly wonderful, sweet and enduring people. That came across the minute I met them and as I left that first meeting I secretly hoped and prayed I’d have the opportunity to work with them on planning their lovely wedding. I have been truly blessed to work with such nice people, but there are usually only a handful that I get to say that they have become friends. Well, this has become true in my relationship with Brooke and I am excited to spend more time with the two of them over the years to come.
Secondly, it makes planning a wedding a whole lot easier (and honestly more enjoyable and less stressful) on me when my clients choose my favorite vendors to work with. As in this case, Brooke & Jawad selected the gorgeous Nixon Library for their reception. And of course the East Room is dressed to the “nine” in December. Truly amazing as you’ll see in the pictures below. They also selected Carcano DJ (who doesn’t love Mike & Stef!?!?!). Their expertise in music selections and lighting for the East Room made the party a truly festive occasion. White House Catering, who ALWAYS does a fantastic job with not only great food, but also fantastic service. Lake Forest Limos, who provided the transportation for all the Bridal Party the day of the wedding. And last but not least, Magnolia Designs for the flowers. As you can tell by all the florals, not only does Brooke has superb taste, but you couple that with Michele from Magnolia Designs skills and eye for style, and you have a perfect floral combination. The wedding florals were truly stunning and lovely!
Thirdly, when I get to work with some absolutely amazing new vendors! Elysium Productions, their videographer was not just fantastic, but extremely creative and what I loved most about them is that they blended in. You didn’t even know they were around as they never were obnoxiously in your face or that of the guests. Layla Belly Dancers, came and performed later in the evening, right before the Bride and Groom were going to depart, and boy oh boy, did they have the crowd going crazy! Truly a group of very talented young women. Seaside Strings, who provided the background music for the cocktail hour. Such a delight! Shadi Shayeh and his wonderful live band who got the crowd jumping and dancing the night away. A Cake Design Studio, who made the delicious cake! St. Johns Lutheran Church in downtown Orange, was the perfect start for their lovely holiday wedding, fit with a gorgeous Christmas Tree and other holiday decor which tied all into Brooke’s elegant color palette. And honestly I couldn’t forget the very talented and sweet Frank Salas, from Frank Salas Photography. Frank was so on cue and captured some very artistic images, as you can see from the ones in my blog. He’s definitely not a photographer to miss out on meeting!
Fourth, Brooke put a ton of attention to detail and made little things like keeping her wedding stationary consistent from the simple and elegant invitations to her ceremony programs and place cards all in the same palette. Truly divine!
Lastly, they created a party even they enjoyed as guests! In my opinion, Brooke and Jawad used their time best the day of the wedding. They didn’t waste any daylight time, and captured all their formal portraits before the ceremony, when daylight hours are great for photography. They didn’t race over to the church to get married, but arrived in plenty of time to freshen up and start their ceremony on time. Then afterwards, they took a few photos and headed back over to the Nixon Library for a few remaining shots, but then enjoyed cocktail hour and socializing with their guests and bridal party. Simply put, they enjoyed their own party!!!!
Brooke and Jawad, thank you so very much for blessing me with the opportunity to work with the two of you. It was such a blessing and I look forward to many more wonderful “parties” together through the years!
