A Marriage Made
By on January 10, 2011 11:16 AM
Orange County is always on the cusp of fashion and creativity, and weddings in Laguna Beach are no exception. Three local wedding specialists share the top trends they’ve spotted in coastal OC weddings this year.
Many couples are ditching formulaic events for a wedding as unique as they are.
“Couples are creating more of an ‘environment’ rather than a traditional set-up,” says Jamie Puffer, a wedding specialist at Montage Resort.
Instead of a formal reception, couples are opting for a lounge feel and late night snacks for the guests. Ice lounges are also popular as furniture, sculptures, chandeliers and bar-ware made of ice make “striking statement pieces,” says Adina Verdult, event designer and owner of Fleur de Lis Events and the Event Loft.
Couples are also choosing a more intimate wedding, narrowing the guest list and refining the décor and design of the event instead, Adina says.
Hors’doeuvres served on edible spoons and in small plates displayed in tiers are very popular. Many couples are also opting for family-style or tapas-style meals, with ice cream bars and dessert tables displaying pies and tarts with “more of a homemade feel so people don’t feel a stuffy event is taking place,” Adina says.
Vintage looks from the 1930s and 40s are hot, with brides incorporating lace, headpieces and birdcage veils to their look. Many brides are also embracing full-skirted dresses reminiscent of the 1950s.
Elegant simplicity is also a top trend.
“Brides are wanting less-is-more,” says wedding planner Maria Lindsay.
Submersed flowers and numerous candles make elegant and cost-effective centerpieces, and many brides are choosing to upgrade the table linens.
“It’s almost like having the icing on the cake,” says Shani Mosley, an event specialist for CS Events, who adds that beaded linens are very popular this year.
Many brides are returning to roses displayed in a simplistic style, Maria says.
“Brides are also big on petals everywhere, either drenched or in a pattern down the aisle,” she says.
However, not much needs to be added to Laguna Beach’s unbelievable ocean views.
“We have to work with Mother Nature, who gives us a beautiful backdrop,” Adina says. “What we do is just the icing on the cake.”
Three for the Show
Here are three of Laguna Beach’s fabulous wedding venues that will help create a singular, unforgettable wedding experience.
Montage, Photo by Joe Photo
Montage Resort
30801 S. Coast Hwy.
(949)715-6000
montage@lagunabeach.com
From spectacular ocean views to personalized wedding details, Montage Resort specializes in pampering its brides and grooms.
“We’ll only ever do one wedding a day,” says Jamie Puffer, the resort’s director of catering. “Your wedding is all we’re doing for the entire day.”
Situated on a coastal bluff, Montage displays unobstructed views of waves, rocks and horizon. Weddings are held on lush green grass that has been treated so that brides can confidentially walk down the aisle in heels. After a sunset ceremony, guests are escorted into the resort’s ballrooms, which can seat up to 375 people. Couples can also book a wedding weekend, renting out the hotel for an extended celebration.
As soon as couples book their event, they are invited to enjoy a Wedding Surrender Package—a customized spa program complete with a personal therapist who works with them throughout their engagement. Celebrity hair stylist Kim Vó also lends his expertise to brides on their wedding days.
“Brides can be celebrities themselves,” Jamie says.
Tivoli Terrace, Photo courtesy Happy Photos
Tivoli Terrace / Tivoli Too!
31106 S. Coast Hwy.
(949) 499-2271
alisocreekinn.com
Nestled in Laguna Canyon, Tivoli Terrance and Tivoli Too! are the perfect venues for the eclectic, romantic bride. Surrounded by blooming flowers and greenery year-round, these venues add a little bit of southern Europe to Southern California.
“You feel like you’re in a whole different world at our locations,” says Bobby Fader, general manager of Tivoli Terrace.
Designed and hand-planted by owner Jane Neptune in the 1970s, these outdoor garden settings appear magical when lit by hanging candles and twinkling lights.
Tivoli Terrace is a French country garden that showcases a giant California sycamore tree, while Tivoli Too! is a European courtyard with a cascading waterfall. Weddings are the main focus of both venues, which have the capacity for more than 200 guests.
“A romantic European setting is what we do,” Bobby says. “If you like twinkle lights, candles and romance, we’re the place for you. If you like hotels, four walls, and fake chandeliers, we’re not that place.”
Surf & Sand Resort, Photo by Jim Kennedy
Surf & Sand Resort
1555 S. Coast Hwy.
(949) 497-4477
surfandsandresort.com
With the Pacific Ocean as backdrop, a ceremony at the Surf and Sand resort feels like a romantic destination wedding, even to OC natives.
“You feel like you’re on vacation, even if you’re a local resident,” says Lora Wesolowski, associate director of catering.
While couples can exchange vows in the sand, the resort also provides the feel of a beach wedding without the sand between your toes.
“On the terrace, you feel like you’re actually on the sand without being on the beach,” Lora says. “We provide comfortable elegance.”
The location is perfect for capturing stunning wedding portraits, both on the beach and by the gardens, water features and architecture scattered throughout the property. After pictures, the bride and groom join up to 180 guests in the ballroom, which features a wrap around patio with an ocean view on the south side.
