Bringing the Roaring 20's to 2016

Jessica + Jonathan Chester and their Roaring 20’s Themed Wedding at Recreation Park Golf Course 18 in Long Beach, California

September 16, 2016

Art Deco wedding

Jessica and her Mother hired us on for our Day of Coordination package where we join the planning one month prior to handle the final details as well as coordinating the rehearsal and the entire wedding day. We were thoroughly surprised when we discovered our Bride-To-Be had a college degree in design and had just about every inch of her dream wedding planned out perfectly. She even designed and hand made all her signage for her big day!


Getting Ready

bridetobe
bride getting ready
weddingdress
bride with bridesmaids
bride with bridesmaids
bride with bridesmaids

Jessica chose to style herself and her bridesmaids in typical outfits, hairstyles, and accessories you would have found at a wedding taking place in the 1920’s.


The Guys

groom with groomsmen
groom on wedding day
groom with groomsmen
groom with groomsmen

Jonathan and his bridesmaids looked dapper with their traditional tuxedos.


First Look

first look
first look at wedding
couples first look
first look with lounge furniture

The soon to be wedded couple took some time before their ceremony to have a first look and it was magical! They took advantage of their vintage lounge set up and used them for additional props for their photos.

couples first look
couples first look
couples first look

Ceremony

wedding ceremony
ceremony arch
ceremony gazebo
wedding ceremony

Jessica and Jonathan had a very simple and touching ceremony with the most beautiful sunset behind them.

wedding ceremony vows
wedding vows
wedding vows
wedding ceremony
first kiss wedding ceremony

Wedding Party

wedding party
wedding party pictures
wedding party pictures

Their wedding party might have been dressed up but that did not take away from how fun they were!

bridal party

Couples Portraits

first look portraits
wedding portraits
cocktail hour
couples portrait session

Because of Jessica’s organization she made time in her schedule to include a good chunk of time for couples portraits. If you are thinking about sunset photos, do it!

wedding portrait session
wedding portraits
wedding portraits
Long Beach wedding

Reception

wedding reception
Long Beach wedding venue

This gorgeous ballroom was dressed up with touches of Art Deco decor and infused with hand made elements by the bride and her Mother.

wedding decor
wedding decor
first dance married
wedding reception first dance

The couple had a choreographed first dance

bouquet toss
garter toss

Mr and Mrs Chester

Being a part of The Chester’s special day and tons of memorable highlights was an amazing experience. We love detailed oriented weddings so much, especially ones with a good theme that is executed well. Since their big day Jessica and Jonathan have moved to Colorado and adopted a puppy. We wish them the best!

wedding rings
Art Deco themed wedding
wedding rings

Vendors:
Coordination: Rock n’ Willow Events / Photography: Emily Beth Photo / Venue: Recreation Park Golf Course 18 / DJ: Behind the DJ / Videography: Prismatik Films / Florals: Margaret Rose Floral Design / Linen: Dream Decor / Rentals: Bring the Charm / Cake: Torrance Bakery 

Same Sex Samoan Wedding in Utah

Adessa + Keki Soaia’s Same Sex Samoan Utah Wedding at Noah’s Event Center - South Jordan, Utah

September 2, 2016

lesbian wedding

About three to five years ago there was a surge in our friends getting married left and right. It just so happen to be at the beginning of our wedding planning career. While we knew we would always be our mutual friends bridesmaids we did not know however that one day we would be doing double duty and acting as bridesmaids AND wedding coordinator! That’s right yours truly planned, coordinated, and even set up our friend Keki’s wedding back in 2016. Not to mention, she lived in Utah while we were in California!

bridesmaids
wedding planners as bridesmaids

Pictured here, both members of the Rock n’ Willow team rushing down the aisle to gather friends and family for the portrait session during cocktail hour


Getting ready

getting wedding ready
getting ready
wedding veil
wedding dress

Adessa and Keki kept up with certain wedding traditions including not seeing each other before the big day. They got ready separately and saw each other again moments before saying “I do”.

bride getting ready
bride and her mother
wedding dress
bride on her wedding day
bride to be
alternative wedding shoes
wedding details
getting ready
bridal bouquet

The couple contributed many DIY elements to their decor. The only fresh flowers were Adessa’s bouquet and Keki’s boutonnière. The bridesmaids and bridesmen were adorned with paper flowers.

boutonniere
bridesmaids paper bouquet

Ceremony

wedding program

Keki’s nephews and best men serenaded the ceremony space with a live performance, our friend Wendy officiated the ceremony, and the coupled sealed their vows with a sand unity ceremony and a kiss of course!

14462790_10210577171215775_6371089783031818708_n.jpg
Utah wedding
unity ceremony
walking down the aisle
I do
unity ceremony
wedding ceremony
wedding ceremony
14590272_10210577108814215_5589340080019999940_n.jpg
first kiss
just married

Couples Portraits

wedding rings
first look
couples portraits
garter belt
couples portraits

During the couples portrait session Adessa changed her shoes into matching ones with Keki and a fun rainbow print sock as a nod to their celebration being a same sex wedding.

lesbian wedding

Wedding Party

wedding party
wedding party

With a large wedding party filled with friends from childhood and high school and family members anything could happen during the friends and family portrait session! These are the pictures that made it and were PG-13 :)

bridesmaids
bridesmaids

Reception details

last name marquee
wedding decor

Adessa and Keki had so much family and friends pour themselves into their wedding. We even gifted them our centerpieces from our wedding two years prior! The couple spray painted them to match their colors and touched them up with some gems.

wedding decor
wedding centerpiece
wedding ceremony
popcorn station

We were also kind enough to gift our besties with a popcorn station. Since we drove to Utah we filled up our car with all the yummy necessities. (Minus that beer captured here at the end of the table! How did that get there?)

diy popcorn table
popcorn station
popcorn station

Sadly, both of Keki’s parents passed away before her wedding so we encouraged her to have a memorial for them displayed at the wedding. Adessa surprised her bride with a priceless gift.

memory table

Reception fun

grand entrance
first dance
true love

The Soaia’s rejoiced in their wedding celebration with a grand entrance and first dance. The formal wedding reception was soon turned into a circle around Adessa as she performed the Samoan traditional Taualuga.

traditional samoan wedding
money dance
island wedding
samoan wedding
first dance
samoan wedding
samoan wedding

cake, cake, cake!

wedding cake

Another nod to Keki’s Samoan culture was shown off in their cake. A gorgeous tribal print was painted across the bright turquoise cake with fresh local flowers.

tribal wedding cake
wedding cake details
cake cutting
cake cutting
cake cutting

The End.

couples portraits

Although planing a wedding from another state can prove its challenges and being a part of a wedding while also working the wedding can be a bit rough, we absolutely adore our friends and did not mind at all. We are so pleased to announce that since their wedding three years ago Adessa and Keki have welcomed the birth of their son Lian and have purchased their dream home. We are so proud of them and would do it all again in a heartbeat!!


Stylish Posh Wedding in Long Beach

Monique and Andrew Caldarella’s Stylish Posh Wedding at Recreation Park Golf Course 18 in Long Beach, California

July 23, 2016


Monique and Andrew were definitely the 2016 Kim and Kanye serving us all Hollywood royalty vibes complete with glamorous outfits, chic decor, and a sizzling wedding party. Monique found us in hopes to challenge how ‘Glam’ we could go and with every idea she had we took it on and served up a dazzling wedding in the end.

vogue style wedding party photo

The couple decided to have a first look before the ceremony and in preparation Monique got ready in the gorgeous bridal suite at Recreation Park Golf Course 18 in Long Beach. Her getting ready photos quickly turned into a whole glam photoshoot fit for Vogue Magazine!

Andrew cleaned up well himself, posing while getting ready as if he was shooting for GQ. Once the guys were dressed and ready to go they headed to the venue.

You know what the say about idle hands so in true guy fashion they quickly found the bar and the drinks started flowing! These pre wedding drinks made for some hilarious groomsmen portraits though!

While the guys were goofing off the ladies made use of their time to take more pictures of course! Their photographer Celina Kenyon kicked butt in the photo department delivering awesome shots of every priceless moment.


GETTING READY

bride getting her done for wedding day
bridal hair for bride's wedding day
black and white portrait of bride getting ready
bride in bridal robe getting ready
bride in white robe
bride on her wedding day

bride tribe
girls getting ready for a wedding
picture perfect bridesmaids
bridesmaids for life
mom getting daughter dressed
mother of bride getting bride dressed
glamorous bride on her wedding day

groom fixing his tie
groom getting ready for his wedding
groomsmen helping groom get ready
dapper groom anticipating wedding
groom putting watch and cufflinks on
groom putting shoes on
groom putting socks on

groomsmen drinking
groomsmen pre drinking before ceremony

drunk groomsmen pictures
groomsmen flashing socks
groomsmen portraits

stylish wedding party
posh bridal party at summer wedding
bridesmaids laughing
rental furniture for wedding
badass wedding party portraits

First look

groom first look
first look photos
first look moment
joyous first look
showing off first look
in love with their first look
romantic portraits

ceremony

ceremony at recreation park golf course 18

After their first look Monique and Andrew were ready to get married! The ceremony was held in the private garden at the venue that served as the perfect backdrop for their “I Do’s”.

Their couples portraits followed the ceremony and they truly captured how in love the Caldarella’s are. Their sunset session was timed out perfectly.

During the couples session Monique and Andrew’s guests enjoyed cocktail hour. There they had appetizers, drinks and lounge furniture from Striking Elegance.

procession
wedding procession
wedding party
flower girls
groom waiting for his bride
bride walking down the aisle
AMC_Wedding-271.jpg
father of the bride hugging groom
father of the bride giving daughter away
wedding ceremony
ring exchange
Philipino coin ceremony
first kiss
recessional
celebratory recessional
happy newlyweds

Couples portraits

bridal portraits
bride portrait
couples portrait
dark and moody portraits
moody portraits
sunset portraits
classic wedding photo
veil picture
veil shot

cocktail hour

welcome to the wedding
bar decor
place cards
gift table
instagram hashtag
card box
cocktail tables
cocktail hour
cocktail hour
lounge furniture

decor

centerpiece
wedding centerpiece
ballroom

Their venue is not normally draped this way. Monique hired Glam Event Stylist to drape the entire room to give that touch of elegance. Guests were definitely wowed when they entered the space.

Michael’s Flowers from Downtown Los Angeles provided the centerpieces and the stylish look was completed with a flower wall behind the sweetheart table.

Monique left no detail out! She included napkin ring holders that matched all the decor.

charger plates
flowers
wedding hall
ballroom view
flower wall
sweethear table

reception

Guests were not done being treated to an experience just yet. From an epic grand entrance to tear jerking parent dances followed by phenomenal toasts from loved ones the room was filled with laughter and good times.

The couple decided to not just have a regular cake table but to include the cake on a dessert table with the stand provided by Platinum Prop Rentals and desserts by Great Dane Baking Co and Munch Bakery LA.

Andrew surprised his bride with an exciting garter removal and toss in which he showed off his Magic Mike moves to “A Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin.

Friends, family, and the couple ended the night on the dance floor getting down to DJ Ace from Flawless Entertainment.

grand entrance
couples grand entrance
first dance
couples first dance
first dance as husband and wife
mr and mrs
father daughter dance
father daughter dancing together
father daughter dance
mother son dance
mother and son dance

Toasts

toasts
wedding toasts
toast to the newlyweds
toasting to the couple

Cake cutting

glamorous dessert table
candy bar
dessert table
dessert bar
cutting cake
cake cut
candy bar
feeding groom cake
wedding cake
wedding cake kiss

Garter toss

garter removal
garter
garter removal
garter
garter removal
garter toss
garter toss

Dancing

wedding reception
dancing
wedding guests dancing
wedding dance

The End.

newlyweds

We are so thankful that we go to live out our Princess wedding dreams through Monique and Andrew’s wedding. Not to mention we are so proud of all their accomplishments in the past three years since they wed which include purchasing their first house and adding another dog to their family. Monique even referred one of her bridesmaids, Amanda, to us when she was planning her own wedding. We often look back at their gallery and daydream about how much the Caldarella wedding was!


The Dream Team:

Coordination: Rock n’ Willow Events \\ Venue: Recreation Park Golf Course 18 \\ Photography: Celina Kenyon \\ Flowers: Michael’s Flowers Los Angeles \\ DJ: Flawless Entertainment \\ Calligraphy: Ashley Fabrigas \\ Cake: Great Dane Baking Co \\ Desserts: Munch Bakery LA \\ Rentals, Draping, + Flower Wall: Glam Event Stylist \\ Lounge Furniture: Striking Elegance \\ Cake Stand: Platinum Prop Rentals \\ Uplights: DJ Willie Will \\ Officiant: A Moment To Cherish \\ Linen: Dream Decor

Colorful Same-Sex Summer Wedding in Long Beach

Tawny and Angelina Esquivel’s Colorful Same-Sex Summer Wedding at Recreation Park Golf Course 18 - Long Beach, California

May 21, 2016

same sex wedding in Long Beach

Tawny and Angelina’s wedding literally was the Best Day Ever! We tell just about every client all the positive steps in the right direction these two ladies took to ensure they would have a seamless day. From awesome vendors to understanding the need for punctuality, including fun but also touching moments, and for exuding so much love, these are the reasons they were able to pull off a memorable wedding.

two brides on their wedding day

Tawny and Angelina decided to get ready for their big day in two separate areas which led to such a sweet first look moment. Tawny got ready surrounded by her wedding party while Angelina had not only her wedding party but her mom and sister too.

wedding stationary
bride getting ready in Long Beach
bride getting ready on her wedding day
having fun getting wedding ready
bride in wedding dress
wedding dress
getting ready process
bridal attire
wedding candids
wedding heels
putting on wedding shoes

wedding ring picture
bride getting ready for wedding
getting ready pictures
putting on wedding dress
candid wedding shot
bridal shoes
getting ready wedding photos
wedding shoes
A guest appearance by Chewbacca

A guest appearance by Chewbacca


Tawny and Angelina planned a first look ahead of time and were set to arrive at the venue with enough time to celebrate this special moment. To our surprise they arrived even earlier than expected which allowed even more time for pre wedding pictures. We can not stop gushing over how stinking cute their first look was!

first look at a wedding
couples first look at a wedding
emotional surprise
emotional first look
best first look ever
sweet embrace
best first look at a wedding ever with two brides

Their wedding party shared the same spunk and humor the brides did which made for hilarious wedding party photos. The bright summer colors paired with those cool yellow parasols were perfect additions for the pictures.

wedding party photos
wedding party
bridal party
wedding party with yellow parasols
the sweetest wedding party photo
hilarious wedding party pictures
the best wedding party photos ever

With the extra time Tawny and Angelina accrued by arriving early they were able to take more candid pictures as they walked from one area of the venue to the other. Heck yeah!

not your average wedding photos
not your average wedding photo
intimate portraits at lesbian wedding
not your average wedding photo shot
lesbian wedding
lesbian weddings

For the ceremony the couple created a multipurpose program that served as informational and interactive. One side listed the names of the wedding party while the flip side had a cross word puzzle! And to top it off it also served as a shield from the sun for guests. Tawny and Angelina, along with members of their wedding party, created a custom paper pinwheel ceremony arch to attach to the gazebo at Recreation Park Golf Course 18. They had a sand unity ceremony and passionate first kiss!

best day ever
wedding program
wedding programs
ceremony gazebo
wedding processional
father daughter moment
waiting for her bride to be
walking down the aisle
at the altar
wedding vows
sand unity ceremony
exchanging of rings
first kiss
newlyweds
mrs and mrs

Cocktail hour consisted of an alternative guest sign in. Instead of having the typical book for guests to fill out Tawny and Angelina built a bench themselves, had guests sign their names and leave messages, then glazed it and have it to enjoy all year long at their house. Instead of favors guests got to enjoy a caricature artist, Joseph Yakovetic, capture their animated self portraits.

wedding signs
seating chart
sign in bench
guest bench
alternative guest sign in
caricature artist
caricature

Tawny and Angelina wowed their guests with a grand ballroom, upgraded floor length linen, and chivari chairs. In keeping with their circular theme they had paper lanterns for centerpieces and as well as various circle decor throughout the room.

Long Beach wedding venue
wedding table setting with grey linen
wedding lantern centerpiece
lantern centerpiece
fun wedding centerpiece
sweetheart table with fireplace

This duo had an exhilarating grand entrance into an epic choreographed first dance!

grand entrance
choreographed first dance
non traditional first dance
grand finale of first dance as mrs and mrs
Cheers to the couple on a wonderful performance!

Cheers to the couple on a wonderful performance!


After all that fun it was time for some seriousness. Father-Daughter dances are always such an emotional moment. We love to see which songs were chosen and like to bet on how many seconds in will the dads make it before crying. But Angelina and her father Anthony win the award for most tears shed during a Father-Daughter dance! Angelina selected Luther Vandross’ song “Dance with my Father Again” since Anthony was wheelchair bound. He was determined to stand up and actually dance with his daughter, which with the help of his wife and other daughter, he made possible.

father daughter dance
emotional  father daughter dance
father daughter dance with wheelchair bound father
father daughter dance with emotion

Did we mention this was one of our favorite weddings? Tawny and Angelina had the most thought out timeline that even had sunset photos scheduled in! While guests enjoyed dinner the couple got to sneak away for some awesome shots out on the private patio.

dancing with wife
lesbians in love
private moment
fountain wedding photo
courtyard wedding photo
best day ever may 21 2016
celebratory photo
abstract wedding photo

We all know that cake cutting has become a staple at weddings but not for all of our clients. Some opt out for dessert bars instead or even pie. These ladies went with Italian ice cream from Rita’s Italian Ice. Instead of their first slice of cake as a married couple they enjoyed their first bite of ice cream.

rita's Italian ice
ice cream flavors
Italian ice cream
first bite of ice cream
alternative cake cutting
kiss after ice cream

What a perfect way to end a perfect wedding. Choosing a sparkler exit was perfect for these two ladies who just radiate any space!

grand exit
grand exit with kiss
sparkler exit
kissing sparkler exit

best lesbian wedding in Long Beach

The Esquivels have been married for almost three years, have bought a home, and we are so excited to announce this: they are set to be parents in October of 2019!! We have planned and coordinated close to 90 weddings now and their wedding ranks Top 5, it may even be in the top position! Attention to detail is key but so is listening to the advice your coordinator or planner suggests. We wish Tawny and Angelina nothing but continued happiness and success in the future.


Dream Team:

Coordinator: Rock n’ Willow Events \\ Venue: Recreation Park Golf Course 18 \\ Photography: Sergey Green \\ Videography: EAV Weddings \\ DJ: DJ Award \\ Ice Cream: Rita’s Italian ice \\ Caricature: Joseph Yakovetic \\ Rentals: Striking Elegance \\ Linen: Dream Decor \\ Dresses: Strut Bridal

Punk Rock & Baseball Influenced Wedding

Holiday + Ruben’s Punk Rock & Baseball Influenced Spring Wedding in Long Beach at Recreation Park Golf Course 18

March 12, 2016

coolcouplewearssunglassesatwedding

Holiday (yes, that really is her name!) and Ruben came to us about six months prior to their wedding with mostly everything planned. They just had their finishing touches left on their to-do list. As we sat down and had our initial consultation with them, we realized they were happy to be almost at the finished line with the planning but we could sense something was missing. You know that spark you are supposed to get in your eyes when you talk about your wedding? Yeah, that was missing!

We asked, well what made you two fall in love? What interests did you both have that led to dating? When the wedding is all done and you go back to normal weekends, what do you plan on doing? And that is when it hit them! They were planning a wedding keeping in mind what they thought their families and friends wanted and not what they wanted.


customrockpinsasfavors
angelsjerseyasguestsignin

Holiday and Ruben thought about it and they mentioned they love going to punk rock shows and baseball games and it was all uphill from there! Our creative juices started flowing and we got to thinking what do we love when we go to punk shows. Handmade made flyers, custom pins, cool artwork. The same thought process went into pulling ideas from baseball games. A fly ball, catchers mitt, jerseys, rally towels.

The couple decided to make flyer type invitations, custom pins as favors, and instead of table numbers they put the names of their favorite albums to show off their punk influences. To highlight the baseball aspect they got an Angels jersey with their last name on the back for guests to sign and Ruben got some really cool cuff links. Now they were all ready to get the show on the road!


Holiday got to get ready in the upstairs bridal suite at Recreation Park Golf Course 18, and let me tell you, it is fit for a queen!

wedding dress
wedding dress photo
bride getting ready
bride in wedding dress
bridesmaid getting bride ready
bride with veil
wedding shoes
bridal moment
bridal portrait

Ruben didn’t do too bad himself and cleaned up very well. A really touching moment was when Holiday wrote her groom-to-be a heart felt letter and Ruben teared up while reading it! Awww!

grooms gift
letter
groom getting ready
groom getting ready for wedding
Angels baseball cufflinks

As it became time for the ceremony to begin all the vendors and guests arriving could not help but realize what a beautiful Spring day it was. The colors Holiday and Ruben chose really complimented the season too.

LAdigitalPhoto-Tom-HolidayandRuben-444.jpg
recreation park golf course 18 in Long Beach
wedding ceremony
wedding party
wedding party
groom walking down the aisle
processional
wedding processional
You can see Silvia and my hand poking out from behind the bush! Silvia is laying out the veil and I am trying to crack a smile out of the Bride.

You can see Silvia and my hand poking out from behind the bush! Silvia is laying out the veil and I am trying to crack a smile out of the Bride.

groom awaiting his bride
bride walking down the aisle
wedding ceremony
newlyweds
ceremony
first kiss
just married

It is easy to see why a lot of Angelinos choose Spring as the season for their wedding. The couple had their portrait session done with a gorgeous sunset in the background.

couples portraits
funny faces
couples intimates
newlywed portraits
wedding rings
rings
so intimate
veil shot
young love

Their wedding party was pretty hilarious! What started off as a nice posed photo session quickly turned into a high energy, off the ground (literally) experience!

bridesmaids
groomsmen
wedding party pictures
wedding party with sunglasses
coolest wedding party

For Cocktail Hour the couple had simple vases with photos from their childhood and from various moments in their relationship over the years.

cocktail hour
cocktail hour
cocktail hour

Ruben got to take over the seating chart project and executed it beyond belief! He took inspiration from our first conversation when we mentioned to them to find ways to bring out their interests through their wedding. Instead of plain table numbers, he named each table after his favorite rock albums saving his favorite for the Sweetheart Table of course. Paying homage to their hometown of Long Beach, Ruben had the Queen Mary in the back of the chart. He even had a great idea to have the actual table numbers be mini records! How cool!

alternative seating chart
table numbers
centerpiece
table numbers
table numbers

As the reception was under way Holiday and Ruben started off with their grand entrance and moved into their first dance and a couple of toasts.

grand entrance
first dance
sweetheart table
toast
toast

After dinner Holiday participated in the Father-Daughter dance while Ruben had the opportunity to dance with his Mother.

father daughter dance
father daughter dance
father daughter dance
mother son dance
mother son dance
mother son dance
They paid tribute to a family member who had passed

They paid tribute to a family member who had passed


Holiday’s bouquet toss proved to be super exciting!

bouquet toss
bouquet toss
bouquet toss fight
bouquet toss fight
bouquet toss winner

Before heading on the dance floor they cut and served their first slice of cake as a married couple.

wedding cake
cuttingthecake
cuttingthecake
wedding cake
cake cutting

Holiday’s Mother had the extreme honor of putting together the candy table and it was definitely a hit with a the guests!

love is sweet
candy table
candy table
candy table
sweet table

The couple welcomed guests on to the dance floor with the traditional Money Dance in which some of the guests totally had a blast participating in.

money dance
money dance
money dance
money dance
money dance
money dance

happily ever after

Three years later Holiday + Ruben have moved in to their own place, adopted a dog named Otto, and Ruben has started his own brewing company Burning Bridge Brewing! We are always so proud of each and every accomplishment our couples accumulate and we know the future is bright for these two right here! Congrats Mr and Mrs Leon and Happy Anniversary!!


The dream team

Coordinator: Rock n’ Willow Events // Photography: LA Digital Photo // Venue: Recreation Park Golf Course 18 // DJ: DJ Tempoe // Flowers: Christina’s Flowers // Cake: Rossmoor Bakery


Quirky Shenanigans Wedding - Featured on Offbeat Bride

Anna + Kliment’s Quirky Shenanigans Wedding at Recreation Park Golf Course 18 in Long Beach August 30, 2015

Featured on Offbeat Bride

fairytaleweddingbytaylormadephotography

Anna was referred to us by Katie Lowder, the former venue director at Recreation Park Golf Course 18 in Long Beach, California. She decided to reach out to us a barely a month prior to her big day!! She had a clear vision for her wedding and had already titled it “quirky shenanigans”. All she needed was for someone to come in and clean up her vision. She wanted to combine all of her childhood interests mixed with her eccentric personality and eye for fashion to pull off one of the most epic weddings we have been a part of to date!

uniqueweddinginvitationstamp
uniqueweddinginvitation

Anna, a former beauty queen, was set to marry Kliment and wanted to incorporate his Bulgarian traditions on top of all her ideas she already had in place. That is where we stepped in. Balancing all the ideas and executing them seamlessly. We organized her thoughts of a fairytale ceremony, quirky reception and a nod to Bulgaria all around. A prime example of this is when Anna ordered table numbers off Etsy in Bulgarian and “cheers” laser cut signs.

quirkyshenanigancircusweddingdiscoballcenterpieces
bulgarianlasercuttablenumbers
bulgarianweddingtablenumbers

Anna got ready on the newly remodeled bridal suite at the venue. The lights and mirrors worked wonders and enhanced her natural beauty!

princessbridelongbeachwedding
perfectprincessbride
glambridalsuiteatrecpark18
wedding shoes
wedding dress

Downstairs Kliment got ready and relaxed on the patio as we prepared for the start of the wedding.

traditionalbulgariangroomoutfit
groomboutonierre
motherofthegroom

Then as an array of Beatles songs started to play, one of the most magical ceremonies was underway. When the words “ Here comes the sun” were sang Kliment looked up and saw Anna walking towards him as if it was an angel .

weddingceremonyinlongbeach
groomawaitinghisbride
bridewalkingdowntheaisleatwedding
weddingceremonyatrecpark18inlongbeach

Their wedding ceremony was truly magical and the first time I cried during the vows! Anna said something that has stuck with me over the years. She said “You get me. You get all of me.” They are truly soulmates!!

unityceremonyatwedding
firstkissatweddingceremony
epicfirstkissatwedding
But first, let me take a selfie!

But first, let me take a selfie!

just married
husbandandwife

Instead of having one item being thrown at the couple as they walked back up the aisle, Anna prepared an assortment of fun things to blow, throw, shake, and wave.

blowbubblesoffun
blowbubblesoffun
waveyourwand
waveyourwand
lavendarpetals
lavendarpetals
tambourines
tambourines
yipeebanner

Anna and Kliment were such a humorous couple that we knew their couples portraits would be hilarious!

marriage certificate
couplesportraits
couplesportraits

As you can see, they were a hoot!

couplesportraits
couples portraits
funnycouplesportraits

newlyweds

There was no detail left out, even when it came to the cocktail hour. There was a gold globe for the guests to sign, gumboil machines, a quote from The Princess Bride, and a pinwheel seating chart.

signtheglobe
theprincessbridequote
guestsignin
goldgumballmachine
alternativeseatingchart
pinwheelseatingchart

In keeping with the Bulgarian traditions Kliment’s Mother was a part of the bread ritual. She broke off a piece of bread that has salt on it and gives it to the Bride and Groom to symbolize when life is “salty” and does the same with a piece of bread that has sugar on it symbolize the “sweetness” in life. It is also a metaphor for when there are going to be good and bad times the couple will face in their marriage.

Bulgariantraditions
bulgarianweddingtraditions
bulgarianbreadtradition

Then the Bride proceeds in one of the best traditions we have ever seen at a wedding, the water pot! This water pot represents two things: 1) wishing “smooth sailing” for the couple in their marriage and 2) the sex of their first born!!

bulgarianwatertradition
bulgarianreceptiontraditions
water celebration

The red flower represents if their future child will be a girl and the white flower represents if it will be a boy

bulgarianwedding

Everyone was pleased to find out that Baby Gounev would hopefully one day be a BOY!


Before continuing with the reception celebrations we have to share more of Anna’s creative and fun decor! Tons of signage, a princess card box, a gold wishing tree, sunflower seed favors, and glow sticks. Who doesn’t love to light up the night!

manzanitatreecardbox
wedding favors
wedding decor
letloveglow
sparkler exit

The couple took dance classes and choreographed their first dance

firostdance
firstdance
choreographedfirstdance
firstdanceromance
choreography

Of course Kliment had to have with their first dance!


A little dress change for Anna and then it was on to cake cutting!

cake cutting
Cake cutter and server by Kate Spade

Cake cutter and server by Kate Spade

dessert table
bobble head cake topper
bobble head

The couple tried to reenact this pose to look like their bobble heads


cake cutting
cake cutting
surprise cake

Anna surprised Kliment with a tres leches grooms cake but the surprise was on her when the cake accidentally said “Congrats MRS Gounev” instead of MR!!


bouquet toss
boquettoss
bouquet toss winner

Bouquet toss winner


garter removal
husband
garter toss
garter toss winner

Garter toss winner


After all the festivities were over it was time to dance!

Traditional Bulgarian folklore dance called the Horo

Traditional Bulgarian folklore dance called the Horo

dancing
reception dancing
husbandandwife

coffee

Guests got to take a break from dancing and enjoy a tasty treat from Urban Espresso


group photo

Not a single guest was sitting down at the end of the night, partly because of the amazing DJ Trego and partly because Anna and Kliment had such a great group of family and friends!


moon photo prop

It has been 3 and 1/2 years since the Gounev wedding and we are so happy to report that Anna and Kliment welcomed a baby boy Hemingway Hunnicutt in 2017. Looks like their prediction on this day when Anna kicked the water pot and out flew the white carnation came true after all!


The Dream Team:

Coordination: Rock n’ Willow Events // Venue: Recreation Park Golf Course 18 // Photographer: Taylored Photo Memories // DJ: DJ Trego, Vox DJ’s // Cake: Rossmoor Pastries // Cake cutter & server: Kate Spade // Florist: Good Flower Shop // Linen: Dream Decor & Hobby Lobby // Coffee: Urban Espresso // Wedding Dress: Marchesa // All signs and decor: Etsy

Featured on Offbeat Bride —> www.offbeatbride.com

Venues we are DYING to work at in 2019

Our list of venues we can not get enough of and are just dying to work at in 2019!


Being Southern California natives there are just so many awesome, cool, historic, fun, gorgeous venues to choose from. We have narrowed down our list for our top picks that we hope to work at next year. Brides and Grooms getting married in 2019 LISTEN UP! If you happen to book one of these listed venues and hire us on as your planner/coordinator you will receive 20% off your total package!!


Photo taken from www.homeaway.com of The Houdini Estate - Yes, you can rent this for a nights stay!!

Photo taken from www.homeaway.com of The Houdini Estate - Yes, you can rent this for a nights stay!!

Our Number One most sought after venue in 2019 is The Houdini Estate! It makes the list not because of its growing popularity but for the amount of tedious work the planner who works here has to endure. If we worked at the estate it would challenge all that we know and have learned over the years and executing a wedding here would be such an accomplishment for us!


We have grouped our favorite venues by separate areas in Southern California to keep this list looking so fresh and so clean clean :) First up, our hometown! Can you believe we have not yet worked at these venues listed below?! To show how much we love our community we are offering 25% off for our local couples if booked between January - March 2019 for a 2019 event.

South Bay

  • Smoky Hollow Studios, El Segundo

  • South Bay Customs, El Segundo

  • Redondo Beach Historic Library, Redondo Beach

  • The Catalina Room, Redondo Beach

  • The L’Cheriyve Studios, Gardena

  • Southcoast Botanical Gardens, Palos Verdes

  • Catalina View Garden, Palos Verdes

  • Crafted at the Port, San Pedro

  • Brouweij West, San Pedro

Photo taken from www.gipephotography.com of Smoky Hollow Studios

Photo taken from www.gipephotography.com of Smoky Hollow Studios


Long Beach

  • Howl

  • The Loft on Pine

  • Ebell of Long Beach

  • Queen Mary

  • Rancho Los Cerritos

  • MOLAA

  • Long Beach Museum of Art

  • Aquarium of the Pacific

  • Earl James Japanese Garden

Photo by www.spostophotography.com of Howl

Photo by www.spostophotography.com of Howl


Orange County

  • The Hacienda, Santa Ana

  • Heritage Museum OC, Santa Ana

  • The Estate on Second, Santa Ana

  • The 1912, Santa Ana

  • Hangar 21 North, Fullerton

  • Hangar 21 South, Fullerton

  • The Muckenhaler Mansion (Cultural Center), Fullerton

  • The Summit House, Fullerton

  • White House Banquet & Event Center, Anaheim

  • The Vintage Rose, Anaheim

  • The Colony House, Anaheim

  • Oak Canyon Nature Center, Anaheim

  • Casa de Lago, Orange

  • The French Estate, Orange

  • The Jones Victorian Estate, Orange

  • Rancho Las Loms, Silverado

  • The Wilcox Manor, Tustin

  • The Franciscan Gardens, San Juan Capistrano

  • The Newland Barn, Huntington Beach

Timothy Bibb Photography from www.wedding-spot.com of The Hacienda

Timothy Bibb Photography from www.wedding-spot.com of The Hacienda


San Diego

  • Britt Scripps Manor

  • Brick

  • The Thursday Club

  • Luce Loft

  • Moniker Warehouse

  • The Lafayette Hotel

  • Twin Oaks House

  • El Cortez (Don Room)

Photo taken from www.sdbj.com of the Britt Scripps Manor

Photo taken from www.sdbj.com of the Britt Scripps Manor


Greater Los Angeles Area

  • Villa del Sol d’Oro, Sierra Madre

  • Hummingbird Nest Ranch, Santa Susanna

  • Kimberly Crest House & Gardens, Redlands

  • Edwards Mansion, Redlands

  • Enchanted Forrest Weddings, Fallbrook

  • The Lodge at Malibu Lake, Malibu

  • Adamson House, Malibu

  • Newhall Mansion, Piru

  • Inn of the Seventh Ray, Topanga Canyon

Photo taken off www.yelp.com of Villa del Sol d’Oro

Photo taken off www.yelp.com of Villa del Sol d’Oro


Los Angeles

  • The First Congressional Church of Los Angeles

  • Heritage Square Museum

  • LA River Center & Gardens

  • Ebell of Los Angeles

  • Oviatt Penthouse

  • Alexandria Ballroom

  • Carondelet House

  • Vibiana

  • The Maxwell House

  • Noor

  • Wilshire Loft

  • The Holding Co

  • HNYPT

  • 440 Seaton

  • Seventh Place

  • The Unique Space

  • The Fig House

  • The York Manor

  • Ruby Street

  • Cassita Hollywood

  • SmogShoppe

  • Valentine

  • Milliwick

  • Grass Room

Photo taken from www.fccla.org of The First Congregational Church of Los Angeles

Photo taken from www.fccla.org of The First Congregational Church of Los Angeles


Central Coast and Northern California, we are not opposed to traveling to you! We had our hearts set on booking a wedding at the Madonna Inn next year but we actually just booked a wedding there for February 2019!! Wooo hooo!! After our recent trip we are now obsessed ( literally OBSESSED ) with Hearst Castle! Any takers??

Photo taken from www.visitcalifornia.com of the Historic, World Famous, Hearst Castle

Photo taken from www.visitcalifornia.com of the Historic, World Famous, Hearst Castle


Well there you have it, lets throw some good luck into the air and manifest some destiny up so we can hopefully book a wedding or event at one of these California gems! We are looking forward to an epic 2019 wedding season all thanks to you awesome clients and potential clients who trust us with your special day.

Angela + Silvia, Rock n’ Willow Events


All photos are not owned or taken by Rock n’ Willow Events and are not Copyrighted to our knowledge. If so, please inform us and they will be removed immediately. - A+S

Vintage D.I.Y. Wedding in Southern California

Annie + Israel Navarro's Vintage D.I.Y. Wedding at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque and El Dorado Park Golf Course 08.15.2015


eldoradogolfcourselongbeachwedding

Before the blush pink and succulent trend started to be number one on Pinterest there was Annie and Israel Navarro and their futuristic wedding ideas! Their wedding took place on the hottest day of the summer during a heat wave at St Margaret Mary Alacoque Church in Lomita, Ca with the reception at El Dorado Park Golf Course in Long Beach, Ca.


Annie opted out of getting ready at the venue or hotel. Instead she got ready in the comfort of her home surrounded by her Mother and Sisters. That made the process much more small and intimate.

weddingdress
bridesmaidsdress
motherdaughterveilattachment
motherdaughtermomentsouthbaywedding
bridegettingreadysouthbaywedding

Once Annie was ready she was off to the church!

goingtothechapelandwearegonagetmarried

Annie and Israel stayed true to their religious routes and had a gorgeous Catholic church ceremony in the heart of the South Bay! 

walkingdowntheaislelomitawedding
stmargaretmaryalacoquechurchwedding
catholicchurchceremonylomitacalifornia
stmargaretmarychurchlomita
firstkissaouthbaywedding

At St Margaret Mary's there was a perfect stone backdrop to snap a few pictures on the way to the reception venue. 

stmargaretmaryalacoquelomita
southbaylomitaweddingatstmargaretmary

While the ceremony was underway we were at the reception venue across town. As the guests traveled from Lomita to Long Beach we were setting up all the D.I.Y. aspects Annie and her family created. Israel's Mom hand made each and every chair bow, and did we mention there was about 240 guests? Wow! 

vintageblushweddinginlongbeach
diyweddinglongbeach
handmadechairbowslongbeachwedding
sweethearttablelongbeachwedding

Annie was ahead of her time with her wedding vision. Dressing the tables in blush linen from Stephanie’s Linens was not the only future trend she was setting. She also inluded succulents as favors and a ton of vintage decor.

succulentweddingfavors
vintageweddingdecor
diyrusticseatingchart
beourguestseatingchart

Guests were welcomed into the cocktail hour with a live performance by the Downbeat LA group AMFM and accompanied by DJ Rage for the reception.  Then it was time for their epic grand entrance into the first dance.

Downbeat LA - AMFM
grandentranceatlongbeachwedding
grandentrancelongbeachwedding
firstdancelongbeachwedding

Dinner was catered by the on site restaureant at the venue but their gorgeous wedding cake was provided by Great Dane Bakery. Annie surprised her new husband with a groom's cake from Sophie's Sweet Shop with his favorite football team, USC. The couple had a recent dog pass away which they paid tribute to on their cake with a dog figurine by Sophie's Sweet Shop too. 

Dog figurine by Sophie's Sweet Shop

Dog figurine by Sophie's Sweet Shop

greatdanebakingcocake
groomscakesophiesweetshop
uscgroomscake

After cake and dinner was digested it was time to start the festivities! The couple started with dancing with parents then the bouquet toss and a very unique garter toss. The bride did not feel comfortable with the traditional garter toss so they warpped the garter around a football and the groom tossed it to his eligible bachelors. It turned out to be a really fun idea we still recommend to all our couples! 

fatherdaughterdanceatwedding
mothersondanceatwedding
bouquettossatwedding
bouquettossatwedding
footballgartertoss
footballgartertoss
footballgartertoss

The cultural money dance typically starts off the dancing portion in the Hispanic community. With over 200 Latinos ready to party they were eager to give the Couple money with wishes for their prosperity. 

dollardanceatwedding
dollardanceatwedding

Adding more D.I.Y. elements, Annie used props form her bridal shower and made her own Photo Booth area.

diyphotobooth
diyphotoboothprop
diyphotoboothwithprops

We love how their photographer Erica Adams snuck the couple away from the reception to capture some sunset photos.

susnetweddingphotos
susnetphotosateldoradoparkgolfcourse

mrandmrsnavarro
husbandandwife

It’s been three years since Annie and Israel’s special day and they have since welcomed the birth of their daughter Jayla. The Navarro wedding will always hold a special place in our heart not only because of all the firsts we experienced, but because of the warmth both sides of the family expressed towards us. Annie even assisted Rock n’ Willow Events for a short time prior to her pregnancy! We miss you dearly and wish you and Israel nothing but the best!!


golfcoursewedding

Vendor Team: // Coordination: Rock n’ Willow Events // Venue: Ceremony- St Margaret Mary Alacoque Catholic Church + Reception: El Dorado Park Golf Course // Photographer: Erica Adams Photography // Videographer: Wedding Video Pro // DJ: DJ Rage // Band: Downbeat LA // Linen: Stephanie’s Linen // Furniture: Striking Elegance // Cake: Great Dane Baking Co // Groom’s Cake: Sophie’s Sweet Shop // Flowers: Lily’s Flowers DTLA

Sleek & Sophisticated Golf Course Wedding

Nancy and Jorge Chavarria's Sleek & Sophisticated Wedding at Recreation Park Golf Course 18 in Long Beach, California 05.24.2015


recreationparkgolfcoursewedding.jpg

Nancy and Jorge's wedding was our first full on glam wedding and it was definitely magical! Nancy was one of the first weddings at the venue that got to use the newly remodelled bridal suite which made for excellent getting ready pictures.

While Jorge used the old bridal suite that was turned into the groom room and the patio area for detailed shots


While Nancy and Jorge were getting ready, we were busy setting up their decor. We love how the couple showcased their wedding colors but did not do it in an overpowering kind of way. They definetly kept with their Sleek & Sophisticated theme!

recreationparkballroom.jpg

When it came time for the ceremony to start Recreation Park Golf Course's private gazebo and garden served as the perfect backdrop on a gorgeous Spring day.

recreationparkgazebo.jpg

As they day moved along, their photographer from DJ Bros was able to capture some great as well as funny group pictures.

The couple with their Officiant, Allan Katz from Great Officiants

The couple with their Officiant, Allan Katz from Great Officiants

This golfer was kind enough to let the couple have a funny moment!

This golfer was kind enough to let the couple have a funny moment!


rocknwillowevents.jpg

As the reception started the DJ portion of DJ Bros carried the night away from the Grand Entrance, to First Dance and Cake Cutting not leaving out the garter and bouquet toss!

rocknwillowevents.jpg

Catering is on site at Recreation Park Golf Course 18

Catering is on site at Recreation Park Golf Course 18


recreationparkballroom.jpg

Jorge and Nancy with their coordinators Angela and Silvia from Rock n' Willow Events

Jorge and Nancy with their coordinators Angela and Silvia from Rock n' Willow Events

Since their wedding day the couple has added a brother to their daughter and we wish this growing family the best! 


Coordination: Rock n' Willow Events || Venue: Recreation Park Golf Course 18 || Photography & DJ: DJ Bros || Officiant: Great Officiants || Rentals: Striking Elegance || Linen: Dream Decor || Florals: Christina's Flowers || Cake: Great Dane Bakery

 

FEATURED on Bespoke Bride!

Hip hip, Hooray! Our Punk Rock inspired styled shoot tittled "Love is not Dead" was featured on Bespoke Bride!!

loveisnotdeadstyledshoot.jpg

What an honor it is to have been featured by Bespoke Bride, a blog from the UK that started in 2011 as a personal way to journal quirky and creative wedding photography, decor, and DIY's. The colorful duo behind the blog focus on creating a blog that will inspire couples to design a wedding that is creative, crafty, and full of character. Our styled shoot definetly screams color and tons of character!!

punkinspiredstyledshoot.jpg

Jade Elora from Jade Elora Photography and Angela Mortez from Rock n' Willow Events (tee-hee, that's ME!) came up with the idea of a bright, colorful, punk rock inspired styled shoot concept that was quickly dubbed "Love is not Dead" - a play on the slogan "Punk is not Dead". Along with Alexis Farris from Alexis Designs Things we came up with fictional character names for our Bride and Groom. Kim and Thurston were a real life married couple from the 1984 punk band Sonic Youth! Alexis totally ROCKED the stationary department and Jade flatlay slayed!!


We started off the shoot with a couple of intimate shots of our Bride and Make-up artist, oh AND hair stylist Autumn Skibinski and her real life boyfriend and model Aaron Garrett. 

styledshootyorkmanor.jpg

And then moved outside to The York Manor's outside ceremony or cocktail hour option and of course their iconic red doors!


We started adding florals from Nadia Guzman at The Flower Shop and showcasing our mock table with tons of goodies from DaviD at La Pinata Party Rentals. Jade and her crafty husband made the custom table number "one" that matched Alexis designs and typograhy so well! All together with that killer table runner made by our assistant (shout out to Pearl Bash!) we think our visions really came to life!

lapinatapartyrentalsandlaspeakeasy.jpg

Vincent and Iveth from LA Speakeasy made sure everyone at the shoot were properly hydrated with their yummy and so so fresh cocktails. They make their own mixers and are so innovative with their ingridiants. Plus, these two are so warm and approachable and will leave your guests with a great laSting impression!

laspeakeasyattheyorkmanor.jpg

Nicole from Nicole Bakes Cakes added the sweetest cake that contributed to the overall theme perfectly. Our couple loved pretending it was their actual wedding day with this grafiti inspired design.

nicolebakescakesstyledshoot.jpg

Jade had some left over temporary tattooes that she ended up not using at her wedding so we decided to throw those into the shoot by having a DIytattoo station! Our Groom got to place one on his new Bride and it was such a fun moment!

JadeEloraPhotographydiytattoo.jpg

Let's not forget to mention the generous venue that allowed us to host our styled shoot. The York Manor is a gem located in Highland Park (Los Angeles, California). Its white walls, large natural light windows, awesome stage are all wonderful qualities of this venue but we were particuraly excited for their new speakeasy underneath the venue. It is perfect to host an after party there!

speakeasyattheyorkmanor.jpg

Highland Park did not disappoint with its eclecticness. Check out these fun graffiti walls around the neighborhood!


On behalf of myself and my team of awesome vendors that turned up and rocked out, we would like to thank Jess and Emily from Bespoke Bride again for the amazing oportunity to featured on your blog! 

featuredstyledshootatyorkmanor.jpg

Check out the blog post here at Bespoke Bride!


Planning & Coordination: Rock n' Willow Events || Photography: Jade Elora Photography || Venue: The York Manor || Rentals: La Pinata Party Rentals || Stationary: Alexis Designs Things || Florals: The Flower Shop || Cake: Nicole Bakes Cakes || Cocktails: LA Speakeasy || Hair/Make-up/Bride: Autumn Skibinski || Groom: Aaron Garrett