I met Ashley through her beautiful family , who are also event industry colleagues (and now, quite honestly, family) of mine. She always said she wanted me to be her wedding coordinator if she ever got married and even when she got engaged, I told her that I did not want her to feel obligated in case she would rather work with someone else. To my delight, she was still insistent that I work with her in helping her orchestrate the day of her wedding and I was so honored. And so, the journey of being brought into the folds of her and her fiancé, Chad’s, family even deeper began. And I wouldn’t have had it any other way. You see, Ashley is also one of my Lead Associates for my own business and helps make me shine with my clients, as well. She is also one of the most beautiful girls on earth, her radiance coming from her joy that always shines and touches everyone with whom she comes into contact. So it was only extra thrilling that I was given the opportunity to be of service to her, her (now) husband Chad and their beautiful families for a gorgeous wedding celebration in the mountains of Ojai.
The wedding and reception were held at the gorgeous Taft Gardens in the mountains of Ojai with one of my favorite full-service caterers of all time Lorraine Lim Catering , providing a decadent meal and impeccable service working with Ventura Party Rentals, Bella Vista Design, Floral Designs by Roni, Greg Finnerty of Premiere Event Production, Casey Robinson Hair and Makeup (making the bride’s glow last from pre-ceremony photos until late in the night), Photographer Stephanie Hogue (whose images grace this BLOG), DJ Bruce Barrios, Harpist Xavier Montes, Live Band Hard 6, PhotoBooth In the Pix, and Jump On the School Bus bringing the guests to the site in style – and FUN.
This wedding was not just a ceremony with some food and drink for guests. Ashley, Chad and their families provided a genuine celebratory experience that delighted guests with little fun surprises and decadence from start to finish. Ashley and Chad even added some of their personal whimsical taste and infused their love of legos into her bridal bouquet, Chad’s cufflinks and wedding cake topper. Upon arrival, wedding guests enjoyed some light refreshments while they signed a rather unconventional “guest book” by throwing on some silly accessories and had their picture taken in a photobooth. When cocktail hour was over, guests found their assigned dining table on charts that were attached to an old vintage door; the wedding dinner buffet was sumptuous and plentiful while DJ Bruce Barrios provided background music and kept the energy up and folks engaged. After dinner, guests rocked out to the band Hard 6, one of the most professional bands with whom I have ever worked in the planning stages and also provided an incredible vibe and got the crowd pumped up and out of their seats. At 10pm, the whole feel of the wedding celebration shifted when the dancefloor was converted to “Club Dub” (Club “W”, the first letter of the last name of the bride and groom) and the whiskey and cigar bar opened, the lights went even lower and DJ Bruce Barrios segued the mood to that of a fabulous nightclub. If guests wanted, comfortable lounge furniture was available indoors with soft candles for some more quiet relaxation and nearby was a lavish dessert buffet which opened after cake-cutting.
At the end of the evening, Ashley and Chad quietly snuck off to their private honeymoon cottage on property while the full moon gave them a nod and a wink to set them off to their happily ever after.
awesome photos. Lovely venue.