Jessica and Ryan’s wedding was held in the Versailles Garden at the resort which is surrounded by glistening white columns and sculptures. A 12th-century Augustinian cloister crowns the terraced steps of the gardens which overlook the resort’s veranda and pool. Large urns of roses in various shades of pink flanked the ceremony site and rose petals lined the aisle. Jessica and Ryan said their vows just as the sun began to go down on the magnificent setting. After the ceremony, the couple and their families celebrated into the night. The long dinner table was draped in layers of pink linen in different hues and elegantly dressed with massive arrangements of roses. A wedding dinner menu created by the chef at the resort featured local dishes like crab cakes with guava marmalade and freshly caught red snapper. The two-tiered wedding cake was topped with a large script crystal “L” monogram.

Friends and family gathered at Ted’s Garage on the auspicious date of 11-11-11 for Jessica and Ryan’s Birmingham reception. Jessica wore her wedding gown for the first part of the evening and then changed into a shimmering silver beaded dress so she could join her guests on the dance floor. The party went on into the night as everyone danced and toasted the happy couple.

fancy something unusual? Follow this bride’s lead and get your florist to make you a strawberry bouquet!

florist & photographer: W O O K I E at www.wookieflowers.com

See more of Natasha and Chris’s awesome Colony Palms Hotel wedding HERE

About the venue

Costanoa is more than a lodge or a retreat center – it is a piece of complete tranquility nestled into the base of the Santa Cruz mountains. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Costanoa offers the perfect setting to celebrate your marriage with family and friends. Surrounded by endless acres of untouched wilderness, rolling coastal hills, rugged bluffs, and secluded beaches, this eco-adventure resort inspires awe.

The facility is complete unique – unlike anything we have ever seen. The coastal retreat center has four different venues for use for wedding and celebrations. You can take you walk down an aisle that is either lined with giant redwood trees or possibly have the sun descend into the pacific against the backdrop of crashing waves – I’m glad I am not the one who has to choose!

Ask the Experts

If we didn’t know any better, we’d think that this wedding was an inspiration shoot. The lush greenery, stunning sky, and quaint lighthouse seem almost too picturesque and perfect to be real. And yet, they are.

Laurie Levenfeld and Jessica Epstein of Zoom Photography were able not only to capture these gorgeous surroundings but also the sincere emotion between the bride and groom exquisitely. The soft, diffused lighting and dramatic landscapes are a photographer’s dream and will make for absolutely magnificent wedding photos worthy of hanging in a museum.

The peaceful air, serenity, and calmness inherent in the location is absolutely breathtaking and suits the wedding perfectly. We love how the simplistic décor adds to the natural surroundings rather than detracting from it. The ceremony arch with its natural wood elements and sweet florals is effortlessly beautiful against a backdrop of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Everything about this wedding seems so effortless and serene – yet so lovely too.

I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Laurie Levenfeld and Jessica Epstein of Zoom Photography, Florist – Sheri Hermone, Cake – SusieCakes.

Ariela & Kevin’s beautiful Alexandria Virginia Wedding at the Morrison House.

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More on the blog HERE

Venue:  Della Terra Mountain Chateau

Planner:  Save the Date Events

Cake:  Intricate Icings

Florist: Boulder Blooms

Catering: Footers Catering

Tammy and Tad had a gorgeous wedding in September 2010, at the Prado in Balboa Park, San Diego, CA. Tammy loves Anthropologie and was inspired by the store as she dreamed up her decor.  She added creative, eclectic, personal touches to showcase her own sweet whimsical style (check out the teal shoes!) and to tie in her and Tad’s mix of Thai, Chinese, and Japanese traditions. Tammy commissioned her nurses in her office to assist her with making 1000 origami cranes that we hung in strings from the Prado’s balcony.  Cultural Fact: Japanese brides often make 1000 paper cranes  for their wedding day to represent a hope for a happy marriage.