Modern Anna Karenina Styled Shoot

Modern Burgundy Russian Inspired Shoot // Anna Karenina // The MacArthur LA // Anya Kernes Photography // Lucky Day Events Co.

From the minute we set eyes on the 2012 film adaptation of Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, we knew we wanted to recreate all of the opulence we saw. Design for weddings and events can come from any inspiring moment and the period film had us wanting to design the incredible scenes with a modern edge.

From rich velvets, to warm ruby colors and gilded accents throughout, the style of 19th century Imperial Russian aristocracy was at the forefront of our design vision. When we met Russian photographer Anya Kernes living in LA, we knew she would be the perfect fit. In the movie, the love story unfolds on a literal stage. With that in mind, we chose The MacArthur in Los Angeles as the backdrop for the style shoot. Dripping with chandeliers and full sized stage, there couldn’t have been a better location!

We opted for rich merlot tones with linens from Mod Mix Studio to complement the dishes from Dish Wish on our remake of an aristocratic wedding dinner. Mixing colors, patterns and glassware together alongside the velvet runner was a styling dream enhanced by dramatic florals from Inessa Nichols Design (who also happens to have Russian roots and speaks Russian), A fun detail came through the Russian tea leaves lining the bottom of the glass tea boxes with each guest’s name at their indicated place setting. A traditional tea table adorned with classic Russian desserts lends a nod to the Old World elegance. As the vendors spoke Russian to each other and the “bride” model, Olia, we felt like we were transported back in time to a wedding fit for royalty. Check out our features on Southern California Bride and Inspired by This!

Venue: The MacArthur LA
Photography: Anya Kernes Photography
Styling/Coordination: Lucky Day Events Co.
Florals/Tabletop Decor: Inessa Nichols Design
Tabletop Rentals: Dish Wish
Furniture Rentals: LA Salvage Co.
Runners: ModMix Studio
Calligraphy: Honeycomb Collective
Stationery: Swell Press Paper
Menswear: b.spoke style
Jewelry: Excalibur Jewelry
Ribbon: Tono + Co.
Stationery Calligraphy: Sea Calligraphy
Dress Designer: Jinza Bridal Couture
HMU: Ashley Gannon
Ring Box: The Mrs. Box

Xx, Chelsea + Tatiana

Real Wedding // Mindy + Jeb // La Quinta

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Mindy + Jeb’s classic Tradition Golf Club wedding took place in one of our favorite California locations: the stunning La Quinta landscape near Palm Springs. We had the opportunity to work with this couple for over a year, bringing their vision to life. Living in Seattle but with both families in La Quinta, the wedding needed to exude a classic California casual vibe. Punchy citrus colors and bold anemones, along with soft ivories and blushes to kept with the classic theme. Collaborating closely with Smitten on Paper, the invitation suite beautifully mimicked their florals, with elaborate stacked invitations for the weekend events.

To further personalize the wedding weekend, Mindy + Jeb provided guests with customized welcome baskets. They incorporated Washington wine and Starbucks coffee along with the couple’s favorite mints from Trader Joe’s (where Jeb works). A Spanish tile commemorated La Quinta and a sweet note describing the significance of each item was placed on top of other small amenities.

The wedding day could not have been more perfect. It was such an honor to get close to Mindy + Jeb’s family over the planning process and we were just as excited for the party ahead. They said “I do” inside of a soft semi-circle of blooms by the talented Luna of Arrangements Floral and Party Design adorned with kumquats and bright garden roses. Photos of the couple were taken at Tradition Golf Course between rows of palms and in rugged hillside. The groom’s two daughters opened up the wedding reception with a heartfelt prayer leaving tears in all the guests’ eyes. Then the party was officially started by the rocking band, Gold Standard of Downbeat LA. The wedding party sipped on Washington wines and dined on California cuisine under canopies of twinkling lights and the upbeat performances by singers and guests alike.

It was such a magical culmination to the planning process and we wish Mindy + Jeb nothing but the happiest of wishes!

Smitten On Paper custom citrus wedding invitations

Custom Citrus calligraphy sign for wedding

Venue: Tradition Golf Club, La Quinta
Photographer: Cami Jane Photography
Florist: Arrangements Design
Tabletop Rentals: Classic Party Rentals Palm Springs
Linens: La Tavola Linens
Calligraphy: Honeycomb Collective
Ceremony + Cocktail Hour Harpist: Erica Powell
Reception Band: Gold Standard of Downbeat LA
Cake + Desserts: Exquisite Desserts
Hair + Makeup: Studio M
Dress: Vera Wang from Marcella’s La Boutique in Seattle, WA

Xx,
Chelsea + Tatiana

Featured on Inspired By This // Valerie + Ryan // Los Angeles Loft Wedding

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We were thrilled to learn that Valerie + Ryan’s Downtown Los Angeles Hudson Loft Wedding was featured on Inspired By This! Read on for Valerie + Ryan’s touching story:

Most couples hope for cloudless skies and warm weather for their wedding day. Some couples expect bumps in the road and others are ready for last minute guest list changes, but none would expect West Nile Virus in Downtown LA to postpone their wedding entirely.

All vendors on board agree that Valerie + Ryan were a dream couple to work with from the get-go. Valerie had a modern vision of what she wanted for her wedding; an “urban jungle” with lots of greenery adorning the brick walls of the Hudson Loft in Downtown LA. Hanging fern chandeliers, a postmodern feel to her rentals and an intimate dinner and dance party were everything she dreamed of. As coordinators, the closer we got to their big day, the more excited we became. Two weeks away from saying the “I Do’s,” the guest list was being finalized and the Circa Rentals were ready to go.

On Sunday of the week of the wedding, Valerie sent us an email. Expecting to be updated on more logistics, we opened it to find that they were en route to the ER. Ryan had been experiencing flu-like symptoms and not responding to antibiotics. Our hearts sank and we hoped they would give him a new prescription and send him on his way. With positive thoughts, we proceeded with all wedding details and continued printing their timelines for the wedding now six days away. On Tuesday evening before the wedding, Valerie called us again from the hospital. Not only was Ryan not responding to medication, but he wasn’t eating, couldn’t walk and was thought to have Viral Meningitis that they strongly believed was West Nile Virus.

This is a virus you hear about on the news, not something that happens ever to someone you know. We were in total shock and immediately went into crisis management mode. Valerie was faced with the terrible position of concern for her fiancé’s life on top of deciding whether to proceed with the wedding. Praying for the best, we waited another day before we made any judgment calls. On Wednesday night, with Ryan’s health on the line and Valerie in the hospital alongside her fiancé, we made the difficult decision to postpone the wedding. The process of contacting all the guests, canceling flights, postponing the honeymoon and notifying the 13 wedding vendors began.

We could go into the details of what postponing and moving a wedding looks like. Or explain in length the amount of emails and phones calls exchanged to friends and family. But what we took away from all this and what we hope all those around did too– is that no matter what hurdles both Valerie and Ryan faced and no matter how dire those circumstances looked at one time, their dedication to one another never wavered. Seeing the unconditional love these two had made everything else background noise. Ryan made a full recovery and thankfully was released from the hospital back to his love and his life the following week. Seeing all of their incredible vendors rally alongside these two and have full flexibility and support in moving plans around was such an amazing experience to be a part of.

Valerie + Ryan were married on March 12, 2016. Oh yeah…their wedding was pretty kickass too 😉

Downtown Los Angeles Loft Wedding // Gregory Ross Photography // Lucky Day Events Co. // Hudson Loft

Venue: Hudson Loft
Photography: Gregory Ross Photography
Film Processing: The Find Lab
Florist: Inessa Nichols Design
Catering: Forage Catering
Rentals: Circa Vintage Rentals
Lighting: Classic Party Rentals LA
Sound & DJ Equipment: Cosmos Sound & Lighting
Cocktails: The Whaling Club
DJ: DJ Travis Holcombe of Dream the End & KCRW
Photo Booth: Snap Yourself
Hair: Christina Gonzalez of Román Salon LA
Makeup: Italia Pierfederici of Let’s Makeup with Italia
Dessert: Coolhaus Ice Cream Sandwiches
Dress: Karen Willis Holmes

Xx,
Chelsea + Tatiana

Featured on Carats & Cake // Erica + Brett // Malibu

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Combine one gorgeous couple, beautiful wedding decor, and a stunning Malibu location like Calamigos Ranch and you’re bound to have photo magic. Photographer Allie Lindsey gave us all this and more when she shot Erica + Brett’s wedding at the Oaks Room. We couldn’t stop scrolling through every single gorgeous image she shot on film. Custom wooden name seating arrangements brought the natural elements indoors and neutral colors allowed the beauty of the venue to shine. Two stunning dress changes completed Erica’s vision for her perfect wedding day.

The party got started with tiny shots of Fireball poured for each guest’s table in mini copper mugs and continued onto the dance floor for one wild night. Erica + Brett were completely surrounded by all those they love most and to see the amount of support and excitement for these two was such an incredible day. Cheers to the Woolstons!

Venue: Calamigos Ranch in Malibu, CA
Photography: Allie Lindsey Photography
Videography: Morgan Hydinger
Florals: Friend Patti Rocha
China: Dish Wish Rentals
Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen Rental
DJ: Jason Jass of Visions Entertainment
Hair + Makeup: Danielle Castro
Dress: “Carina” by Karen Willis Holmes, bought at Love and Lace Bridal Salon
Cake: Frost It Cakery

xx,
Chelsea + Tatiana

Featured on Grey Likes // Romantic Outdoor Wedding Inspiration

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When the lovely Devon Donnahoo came to us with the idea for a romantic wedding shoot in mind, we immediately said yes. Wanting to incorporate the natural beauty of the historical San Juan Capistrano Mission along with deep garnets and rubies, we collaborated on a gorgeous concept to bring you the pretty below. Juxtaposing elements of mixed metal, soft lace and lush florals creates the feeling of a classic affair with a modern twist. We love how you can almost feel all the texture in each stunning photo. Check out the images below and be sure to hop on over to Grey Likes Weddings for the feature!