“Flora & Moises wanted to cultivate a modern, yet hand-spun twist to their traditional Church wedding and enchanting garden party reception. It was important to the couple that their celebration felt easy and pretty with touches of clean elegance. One of our favorite details was the yellow tinted glassware paired with square plates and specs of gold sprinkled throughout their floral vessels and candle holders. Another one of our favorite aesthetics of the day was the DIY sweetheart table backdrop the couple crafted together from wax paper, string and wood. It was the perfect airy, chic handmade visual to frame the couple as they dined al fresco.” – Marisa Nicole Events
What is your favorite wedding day memory?
Hers: Our ceremony and reception venues were walking distance from each other, which allowed guests to enjoy Old Town Pasadena and visit some of our favorite local stops on their way. This meant that we arrived at cocktail hour shortly before our guests for a sneak peak. We walked in to a picturesque setting, where all of our ideas had come together. Months of imagining and our wedding had finally come to life in front of us! The décor perfected, the setting transformed. Moments later we walked back in and were introduced as Husband and Wife. The sight made even better filled with family and friends. Holding hands with my husband, this was my favorite moment.
His: After our ceremony, we were whisked away for pictures, something I had been nervous about since I’ve never considered myself photogenic. What I hadn’t realized, was that it would end up being a nice getaway in the middle of a busy day. We planned it so that we took solo pictures while our wedding party freshened up. This was my favorite moment. It meant that I was able to spend some time with my new Wife. You couldn’t wipe the smile from my face at that point. Photogenic or not, our photographer was catching me at the happiest moment in my life.
What did you DIY for your wedding?
Originally, we thought we would stay away from DIY because of our schedules and more importantly, our lack of creativity. But DIY really allowed us to make the night ours. Our main DIY project was the backdrop for our sweetheart table. It became a family endeavor that made for many stories. We had the frame cut from our choice of lumber at a local yard {who knew there were so many?!}, stained it to our liking and scoured the hardware store to put it together just right. The strands were made of tiny wax cones cut and strung by our parents, siblings and nephews. Laughter and tears were had trying to figure out how to avoid them wrapping around each other.
There were several other smaller DIY items we created. We printed our own programs, the welcome table held our “guest book” in the form of wooden letters painted black and a “couple’s advice” with decorated pencils and printed stationary. We also created a literal family tree and framed family photos that were placed around the big camphor tree in the middle of our venue. I spent hours compiling childhood memories, photos and songs, into a slide show to dedicate to my mom at the end of the evening.
Any advice for brides currently in the planning process?
The most important piece of advice is to surround yourself with a great group of people that you trust and to whom you can delegate work. From formal planners + designers, to family members, it’s all about positivity and making the best of the moment. When things get overwhelming, just remember, this is your wedding! Enjoy the moment! Even the smallest of decisions will contribute to something very special in the end. -Flora, the bride
Event Credits
Photographer: Amanda McKinnon Photography // Videographer: Alan Larsen Films // Ceremony Venue: St. Andrew Church // Reception Venue: Happy Trails // Officiant: Father Francis // Wedding Planner: Marisa Nicole Events // Florist: Enchanted Garden Floral Design // Catering: Happy Trails Catering // Wedding Cake: Vanilla Bake Shop // Invitations: Minted // DJ: Elevated Pulse Productions // Transportation: One World Limo // Rentals: A-1 Event Rentals // Engagement Ring: Geoffrey's Diamonds // Bride's Attire: Paloma Blanca // Bride's Jewlery: BHLDN // Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka // Hair and Make-up: Absolutely Beautiful // Groom's Attire: Suit Supply // Groom's Shoes: Stacy Adams // Groomen's Attire: Macy's // Seating Chart Template: Swell and Grand // Dinner Menu Sign: PS Printables // Dessert Menu Sign: Savvy Deets Designs
