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

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!

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Getting Ready

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.

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The Guys

Jonathan and his bridesmaids looked dapper with their traditional tuxedos.

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First Look

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.

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Ceremony

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

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Wedding Party

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

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Couples Portraits

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!

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Reception

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

The couple had a choreographed first dance

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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!

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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

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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!

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

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Getting ready

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”.

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.

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Ceremony

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!

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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.

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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 :)

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Reception details

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.

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?)

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.

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Reception fun

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.

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cake, cake, 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.

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The End.

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!!

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Venue: Noah’s Event Center // Coordination: Rock n’ Willow Events // Photography: Meghan Hess Photography

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

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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.

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.

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GETTING READY

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First look

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ceremony

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.

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Couples portraits

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cocktail hour

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decor

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.

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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.

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Toasts

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Cake cutting

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Garter toss

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Dancing

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The End.

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!

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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

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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.

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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.

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A guest appearance by Chewbacca

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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

Cheers to the couple on a wonderful performance!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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.

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.

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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.

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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!

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

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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!

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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.

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

They paid tribute to a family member who had passed

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Holiday’s bouquet toss proved to be super exciting!

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

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

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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.

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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!!

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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Once Annie was ready she was off to the church!

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

St Margaret Mary Alacoque Catholic Church in Lomita, California

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

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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! 

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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.

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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

DJ Rage

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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. 

Cake by Great Dane Baking Co

Dog figurine by Sophie's Sweet Shop

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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! 

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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. 

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

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

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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!!

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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

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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

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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!

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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.

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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

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

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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!

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Catering is on site at Recreation Park Golf Course 18

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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! 

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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

Beach Themed Same Sex Wedding

Mayra + Angelica's romantic beach themed same sex wedding in the South Bay - with Ceremony at Los Verdes Golf Course in Palos Verdes California and Reception at Carson Civic Center in Carson, California. 10.25.2014

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Mayra and Angelica got engaged on their 9th anniversary as a couple and knew right away they were going to set their wedding date for their 10th anniversary. What a better gift to receive than a shiny ring! After much planning and budgeting they decided to have a split location wedding with the ceremony and reception in two different locations. They opted for the Los Verdes Golf Course site in Palos Verdes, California for their ceremony and the Carson Civic Center in their hometown of Carson, California for the reception.

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The beautiful ocean view from Los Verdes Golf course complimented the touches of their beach theme and tiffany blue color scheme very well. along with a bright, sunny October day the ceremony went off without a glitch!

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The couple chose not to see eachother prior to their ceremony which made for such an exciting first look. they actually return back to their ceremony site each year on their anniversary and recreate this photo below --->

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Look at all the cuteness!

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One of our favorite parts of the ceremony was when the photographers asked all the guests to form a giant heart, it turned out perfect!!

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As the guests traveled to the reception location we rushed over to help Choura Events get ready for cocktail hour.

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Mayra and Angelica spent a lot of time paying attention to detail and putting together their decor elements and it showed. Just look at all!

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They were welcomed in to the reception as the new MRS + MRS and definetly got the party started with the help of their DJ Vince West. 

After dinner it was off to do the traditional wedding things: First dance, Bouquet toss, Garter toss, and Cake cutting!

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Just look at this yumminess from Torrance Bakery! Oh and we surprised the couple with a custom memory bottle made by yours truly!! :)

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This wedding was a long and winding road to get to. Mayra + Angelica had to face many battles over their ten years together. those hurdles made their wedding day that much more special. They are coming up on their four year anniversary and have since welcomed a new pup to their family, Roxie Rose!

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Mayra + Angelica Sabatin with Angela and Silvia from Rock n’ Willow Events

Vendor Team- Coordination: Rock n' Willow Events Photographer: Sachiko Studio Ceremony: Los Verdes Golf Course Reception: Carson Civic Center Catering: Choura Events Flowers + Linen: Avalon Flowers DJ: DJ Vince West Cake: Torrance Bakery Videography: Joey Dones

Vintage Summer Garden Wedding in the Middle of Long Beach

Briana and Riley's Vintage Summer Wedding in the Middle of Long Beach at Recreation Park Golf Course 18, 07.11.2014

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Briana and Riley Peck came to us as a refferal (don't you just love when that happens!) and we had about eight months to put the entire wedding together. They were in search of a garden wedding venue local to them in the South Bay. After touring several properties we found a gem of a venue located in Long Beach called Recreation Park Golf Course 18.

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This venue provided their ceremony space, cocktail hour, and reception ballroom while also including on site catering and bartending. That is not all! Most golf courses may include tables, banquet or garden chairs, and house linen. What a steal!!

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When Briana and Riley came to us and described how they envisioned their wedding day they expressed how they wanted the perfect garden wedding but with hints of their English and Irish culture and of course incorporating aspects of their nerdiness! They had an English Knot ordered via Etsy straight from England, a sixpence inside the bride's shoe, Harry Potter cufflinks, and a Dr. Who garter belt.

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Briana's brother-in-law made a custom wood sign in shadow box entirely from scratch, even going to a nearby glass manufacturer to get the glass part cut and fit to shape. These can be seen all over Pinterest these days and even in some craft stores but back in 2014 this was ahead of its time!

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Looking back, Briana and Riley had one of my most favorite first dance 'til this day. They selected "How Long Will I Love You" by Ellie Goulding. 

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Since this warm sunny day the couple has welcomed the birth of their son, Atticus, who just celebrated his second birthday! Fun fact, the grooms Uncle was actor Gregory Peck from the motion picture To Kill A Mockingbird. Briana and Riley selected their sons name as a way to pay homage to the character he played in the movie, Atticus Finch.

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Planning + Coordination: Rock n' Willow Events, Venue: Recreation Park Golf Course 18, Photography: Wedding 64, Flowers: Romero's Orchids, Cake: Torrance Bakery, Dress: David's Bridal

Lemons and Lace Wedding in Paramount

Sami and Alex's Lemons and Lace Wedding at Progress Park West in Paramount, California 06.14.2014

Let's take a trip down memory lane shall we? With this being our second blog post we have a lot of catching up to do! We thought why not start from the beginning and highlight some of weddings along the way -

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If you did not already know, Rock n' Willow Events started in May 2013 as Different Events. Our first year was full of promoting our butts off!! We were planning and coordinating quinceaneras, baby showers and children birthday parties left and right just trying to get our name out there. Before we knew it we booked our first weddings!! So here is where we begin our journey back in time to where it all started, to where we started!

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Our first weddings were partial day of coordination for Brittney + Ben Huang and Jose + Tasha Cortez. We did not know what we were getting ourselves into and did not even offer full day of coordination or planning yet. Brittney and Ben had the catering staff from Sea Empress to help and Jose and Tasha had an intimate wedding at the Albertons Chapel so we definetly had training wheels on in the beginning. But that all changed when we booked our first back to back full planning clients. Thanks for trusting us and putting your whole wedding in our newbee hands by the way!

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Samantha + Alex Mendez were married at Progress Park West in Paramount, California as a nod to Samantha's Grandfather who was previously Mayor of Paramount. They came to us with a date and venue and we helped secure the rest of their wedding details. This included making our own lemonade stand inspired dessert table. We came up with a Lemon & Lace theme based off their vision for their big day. Centerpieces were filled with limes and the dessert table had lemon flavored treats. This was definetly our big welcome to the wedding world when we were faced with our first wedding emergencies. Beverages that were nowhere to be found leading to the caterer scrambling to purchase last minute drinks and one the bridesmaids fainting during the group photo session, the slideshow wouldn't play, oh and a guest spilled red wine on the carpet, whoa!

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We could have quit right then and there and walked away from event planning but no! We went back home that night and let it all sink in and remembered that feeling when the couple thanked us in front of all their guests, or when the guests praised us for a job well done. My best friend was a guest (yea, no pressure at all right) and she was amazed at our ability to coordinate the wedding so smoothly that she did not even notice all the hiccups that occured that day!

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Well there you have it, our first wedding and the trials and tribulations we endured and learned from. Always remember where you started and humble yourself, learn from mistakes, and continue to grow! There are highs and lows to any event and we are so grateful for the learning experiences we were given. The couple has since welcomed the birth of their first son, Zander, in January 2017.

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Cake by King’s Hawaiian Bakery in Torrance, California

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Planning + Coordination: Rock n' Willow Events / Photography: B. Rodriguez Photography / Cake: King's Hawaiian Bakery / Flowers: Romero's Orchids

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