wedding planner

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!

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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

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getting ready
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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”.

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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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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!

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I do
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Couples Portraits

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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

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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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bridesmaids

Reception details

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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.

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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?)

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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.

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Reception fun

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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!

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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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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

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groomsmen pre drinking before ceremony

drunk groomsmen pictures
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badass wedding party portraits

First look

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romantic portraits

ceremony

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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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dark and moody portraits
moody portraits
sunset portraits
classic wedding photo
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veil shot

cocktail hour

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place cards
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cocktail hour
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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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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.

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Toasts

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toasting to the couple

Cake cutting

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cutting cake
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feeding groom cake
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Garter toss

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garter removal
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garter removal
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garter toss

Dancing

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dancing
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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

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


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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.


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! 

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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.

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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. 

Dog figurine by Sophie's Sweet Shop

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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dollardanceatwedding

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


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

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!


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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

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

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!!

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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!!

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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. 

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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!

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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!

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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! 

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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

 

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

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!!



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.



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.


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 -


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!


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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photographybybrodriguezphotography

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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

Cake by King’s Hawaiian Bakery in Torrance, California


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