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Creative, Elegant Real Wedding from Jules Bianchi Photography – Denise and Patrick

January 11, 2013 | editorial team

segerstrom center for the arts wedding photo by Jules Bianchi | junebugweddings.com

One of the best parts of being a member of Team Junebug is getting to see all of the unique, personal touches that our couples incorporate into their wedding celebrations! We just love seeing couples put their own spin on their wedding day, and everytime a wedding filled with creative twists pops into our inbox, we’re just thrilled! Denise and Patrick are the perfect example. From their hexagon design motif that was both elegant and representative of several shared interests, to the interactive ceremony for their beloved guests, it was an elegant wedding day they describe as “geek chic”, but we describe as “wedding perfection”!

segerstrom center for the arts wedding photo by Jules Bianchi | junebugweddings.com

 

segerstrom center for the arts wedding photo by Jules Bianchi | junebugweddings.com

 

segerstrom center for the arts wedding photo by Jules Bianchi | junebugweddings.com

 

segerstrom center for the arts wedding photo by Jules Bianchi | junebugweddings.com

The Goals: First, it was most important to us that our wedding was an intimate and enjoyable event for the dear family and friends who have supported us as individuals and as a couple. It was difficult, but we kept our guest list close to 100. Second, we looked for a unique venue with a modern aesthetic, and fell in love with the streamlined architecture of Segerstrom Concert Hall. We loved the open interior, high ceilings, and making a grand entrance down that spiral staircase! Third, we insisted on hiring an incredibly talented wedding photographer. We are big fans of photography! It has the power to preserve so many beautiful moments.

segerstrom center for the arts wedding photo by Jules Bianchi | junebugweddings.com

 

segerstrom center for the arts wedding photo by Jules Bianchi | junebugweddings.com

The Vision: We wanted our wedding design to be modern and elegant while reflecting our personalities. Our wedding planner, Carolyn Chen, played a big part in bringing our vision to life. We chose a circular layout for our ceremony seating, in order to be surrounded by our loved ones and to play off the lines in Segerstrom. To capture our personalities, we embraced a playful geek theme. We chose the hexagon as our theme shape, inspired by our favorite board game, and our interests in chemistry (benzene rings) and computer science (hexadecimal). They showed up as the shape of the mens cufflinks, bridesmaids jewelry gifts, our stationery, wedding cake, rose petal aisle runner, card box, table runners, and more! Also, Patrick currently works at Google, so we dolled up two Android figurines with a bow tie and veil as cake toppers.

segerstrom center for the arts wedding photo by Jules Bianchi | junebugweddings.com

 

segerstrom center for the arts wedding photo by Jules Bianchi | junebugweddings.com

 

segerstrom center for the arts wedding photo by Jules Bianchi | junebugweddings.com

 

segerstrom center for the arts wedding photo by Jules Bianchi | junebugweddings.com

 

segerstrom center for the arts wedding photo by Jules Bianchi | junebugweddings.com

 

segerstrom center for the arts wedding photo by Jules Bianchi | junebugweddings.com

 

segerstrom center for the arts wedding photo by Jules Bianchi | junebugweddings.com

 

segerstrom center for the arts wedding photo by Jules Bianchi | junebugweddings.com

The Look: For my white gown, I wanted a dress that was modern with classic elements. I really love the trumpet silhouette, train and beaded lace appliques. I absolutely had to have a cathedral length veil because they are so classic and romantic. And we cant forget the geeky touch: I wore a bracelet and necklace inspired by the structure of DNA. During the reception, I changed into a qi pao, which is a traditional Taiwanese dress for special occasions like a wedding. I loved being able to honor our heritage and culture, and what more significant way than to wear the dress my mom custom designed for her own wedding? I paired this dress with two gold necklaces and bracelets that my maternal grandma had set aside for my wedding day from when I was a little girl.

Patrick wore a Calvin Klein tux with an understated black ombre tie. All of the men wore hexagon shaped Swarovski cufflinks, and the girls wore clean, modern, and elegant custom designed gowns.

segerstrom center for the arts wedding photo by Jules Bianchi | junebugweddings.com

 

segerstrom center for the arts wedding photo by Jules Bianchi | junebugweddings.com

 

segerstrom center for the arts wedding photo by Jules Bianchi | junebugweddings.com

 

segerstrom center for the arts wedding photo by Jules Bianchi | junebugweddings.com

 

segerstrom center for the arts wedding photo by Jules Bianchi | junebugweddings.com

The Moments: Our ceremony was perfect. It felt so personal and thoughtful! We had a “ring warming”, where our wedding bands passed through the hands of all our guests as they briefly wished a blessing/prayer upon the bands. It really deepened the symbolic meaning of our rings. We also gave our guests the opportunity to voice a group vow, committing to be the support system and community that will help us uphold our marriage vows. On top of that, we honored our parents with a rose exchange while Diana Li performed the classic Taiwanese love song of Moon Represents My Heart.

Patrick and I also loved our first look – so romantic – and having a quiet snack together after the ceremony before the celebration began. We also loved booking the the top floor corner suite at the Westin South Coast Plaza as our wedding partys home base for the weekend. It was an amazing feeling hanging out and getting ready as a group the morning of our big day. I will never forget how content I felt; surrounded by the love, positive energy, and excitement of our parents and our wedding party.

The Pros: Please visit Denise and Patrick’s page in our Real Wedding Library for more information on the talented team brought the couple’s vision to life!

segerstrom center for the arts wedding photo by Jules Bianchi | junebugweddings.com

 

segerstrom center for the arts wedding photo by Jules Bianchi | junebugweddings.com

 

segerstrom center for the arts wedding photo by Jules Bianchi | junebugweddings.com

 

segerstrom center for the arts wedding photo by Jules Bianchi | junebugweddings.com

 

segerstrom center for the arts wedding photo by Jules Bianchi | junebugweddings.com

 

segerstrom center for the arts wedding photo by Jules Bianchi | junebugweddings.com

 

segerstrom center for the arts wedding photo by Jules Bianchi | junebugweddings.com

 

segerstrom center for the arts wedding photo by Jules Bianchi | junebugweddings.com

 

segerstrom center for the arts wedding photo by Jules Bianchi | junebugweddings.com

Thank you for sharing your fun wedding day with us Denise and Patrick! We love all the personal touches you incorporated!

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Creative Engagement Session in an Operating Theatre

January 10, 2013 | editorial team

Doctor's engagement photos in an operating room, by Jacki Bruniquel | junebugweddings.com

I just love this engagement shoot sent to us by South African wedding photographer Jacki Bruniquel! The photos capture Martha and Sbu’s love for each other as well as their obvious love for their lives and careers in such a unique way…

From photographer Jacki Bruniquel: When Martha and Sbus eyes met across a crowded nightclub their souls must have recognised something in each other that was more than just smoldering good looks. That fateful night marked the beginning of a love that has lasted despite long distances. A love that is rooted in a deep connection, a love that is going to be rooted in a marriage. Martha and Sbu are both in medicine and they both work in hospitals. Martha is a pharmacist in Canada while Sbu is a Doctor in Durban, so it seemed obvious to me that their engagement shoot had to be done in a hospital, and luckily for us Sbu had connections!

Doctor's engagement photos in an operating room, by Jacki Bruniquel | junebugweddings.com

Doctor's engagement photos in an operating room, by Jacki Bruniquel | junebugweddings.com

Doctor's engagement photos in an operating room, by Jacki Bruniquel | junebugweddings.com

Doctor's engagement photos in an operating room, by Jacki Bruniquel | junebugweddings.com

Doctor's engagement photos in an operating room, by Jacki Bruniquel | junebugweddings.com

Doctor's engagement photos in an operating room, by Jacki Bruniquel | junebugweddings.com

Doctor's engagement photos in an operating room, by Jacki Bruniquel | junebugweddings.com

Doctor's engagement photos in an operating room, by Jacki Bruniquel | junebugweddings.com

Doctor's engagement photos in an operating room, by Jacki Bruniquel | junebugweddings.com

Doctor's engagement photos in an operating room, by Jacki Bruniquel | junebugweddings.com

Doctor's engagement photos in an operating room, by Jacki Bruniquel | junebugweddings.com

Doctor's engagement photos in an operating room, by Jacki Bruniquel | junebugweddings.com

Want to see more creative engagement photos? Jump over to our Photobug blog engagement shoot archive!

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Chic, Rustic Wedding at Maravilla Gardens – Christine Bentley Photography

January 10, 2013 | editorial team

Jen and Chris’s gorgeous rustic wedding day was filled with sunshine, beautiful vistas, chic decor, and poignant moments. The couple planned touches that were both stylish and full of special meaning – from the robes made by Chris’s grandmother, to thoughtful remembrances that made Jen feel like her late mother was right there with her. The sunny yellow and gray color palette was the perfect compliment to Maravilla Gardens, and Christine Bentley beautifully captured it all!

Rustic chic wedding at Maravilla Gardens - photo by Christine Bentley Photography | junebugweddings.com

The Couple: Jen and Chris

The Wedding: 9.16.12 – Maravilla Gardens – Santa Rose Valley, CA

Rustic chic wedding at Maravilla Gardens - photo by Christine Bentley Photography | junebugweddings.com

 

Rustic chic wedding at Maravilla Gardens - photo by Christine Bentley Photography | junebugweddings.com

 

Rustic chic wedding at Maravilla Gardens - photo by Christine Bentley Photography | junebugweddings.com

 

Rustic chic wedding at Maravilla Gardens - photo by Christine Bentley Photography | junebugweddings.com

 

Rustic chic wedding at Maravilla Gardens - photo by Christine Bentley Photography | junebugweddings.com

 

Rustic chic wedding at Maravilla Gardens - photo by Christine Bentley Photography | junebugweddings.com

 

Rustic chic wedding at Maravilla Gardens - photo by Christine Bentley Photography | junebugweddings.com

 

Rustic chic wedding at Maravilla Gardens - photo by Christine Bentley Photography | junebugweddings.com

What are some adjectives best describe your wedding? Rustic, chic, and casual elegance

What was your wedding color palette? Yellow and gray

Rustic chic wedding at Maravilla Gardens - photo by Christine Bentley Photography | junebugweddings.com

 

Rustic chic wedding at Maravilla Gardens - photo by Christine Bentley Photography | junebugweddings.com

 

Rustic chic wedding at Maravilla Gardens - photo by Christine Bentley Photography | junebugweddings.com

 

Rustic chic wedding at Maravilla Gardens - photo by Christine Bentley Photography | junebugweddings.com

What inspired your personal wedding style, and how did you incorporate your style and personalities into your big day? One of Chriss only requests was to have a completely outdoor venue for both our ceremony and reception. I loved the idea of having a casually elegant wedding and as soon as we set foot onto Maravilla Gardens property, we both instantly knew this was our wedding venue. We selected the yellow and gray palette before choosing our venue and allowed the rustic charm of Maravilla Gardens barn, corn fields and flowers set the tone for the rest of the wedding style. We purchased our first home a few months before the wedding and it was important to us to make use of the personalized details for both our wedding and new home, which fostered the personalized and subtle chic ambiance we were looking to create.

Rustic chic wedding at Maravilla Gardens - photo by Christine Bentley Photography | junebugweddings.com

 

Rustic chic wedding at Maravilla Gardens - photo by Christine Bentley Photography | junebugweddings.com

 

Rustic chic wedding at Maravilla Gardens - photo by Christine Bentley Photography | junebugweddings.com

Looking back, what are the moments, decisions or memories that you love the most about your wedding? I loved the handmade bridesmaid gifts that Chris’s Japanese grandmother, made. They were beautiful kimonos that she created to match my Victorias Secret Bride robe. Chris found the perfect yellow and gray fabric. The best part is that I jokingly told her that we should go into business and make personalized kimonos, but we would have to create tags for them. She surprised me and made tags for the kimonos with hand-stitched Japanese characters, reading love and happiness.’

The other decision that meant a lot to Chris and I was incorporating my late mother in every detail possible. She was a florist, so the flowers were a huge element to me. Hannah with Modern Bouquet was so patient with my ever-changing vision and quest for floral perfection. Our family likened my mom to a hummingbird, and I found the perfect homage in the form of a rhinestone hummingbird that was included in my bouquet. One of our favorite musicals was Wicked, which we had the fortune to see at the Pantages Theatre together. I absolutely felt the lyrics from For Good beautifully described our mother-daughter relationship. Therefore, it was only appropriate to dedicate our ceremony to her with the lyrics at the bottom of our program reading So much of me is made from what I learned from you. You’ll be with me like a handprint on my heart. And now whatever way our stories end, I know you have re-written mine. My sisters also read a poem about love that my mom had written years ago, which I had never seen until the night before our wedding in an amazing gift of letters and pictures my bridesmaids put together for me. Lastly, I had a heart cut out of her yellow robe and placed on the inside of my wedding dress, directly over my heart.

Favorite moments – I was so giddy and nervous that I tried kissing Chris before the official Mr. and Mrs.s kiss and he pulled back, everyone had a good laugh which broke-up the seriousness of the ceremony. I also loved the sunset pictures that Christine Bentley suggested. I thought breaking away from the party might not be ideal, but it was nice to have that time with my new husband. I had the opportunity to showcase my beautiful veil that I forgot to wear for the ceremony, and the cornfield pictures are some of my absolute favorite memories.

Rustic chic wedding at Maravilla Gardens - photo by Christine Bentley Photography | junebugweddings.com

 

Rustic chic wedding at Maravilla Gardens - photo by Christine Bentley Photography | junebugweddings.com

 

Rustic chic wedding at Maravilla Gardens - photo by Christine Bentley Photography | junebugweddings.com

 

Rustic chic wedding at Maravilla Gardens - photo by Christine Bentley Photography | junebugweddings.com

 

Rustic chic wedding at Maravilla Gardens - photo by Christine Bentley Photography | junebugweddings.com

 

Rustic chic wedding at Maravilla Gardens - photo by Christine Bentley Photography | junebugweddings.com

 

Rustic chic wedding at Maravilla Gardens - photo by Christine Bentley Photography | junebugweddings.com

What piece of advice would you give to a bride planning her wedding today? Dont let anyone tell you that the details dont matter. If they matter to you, they are important and make your wedding your own. I did not have a wedding planner but had a lot of experience in event planning due to the nature of my moms profession. I solicited the help of Pinterest, family, friends, and an amazing day-of coordinator (Jen Loller with Maravilla Gardens). I was attending medical school at the time of my wedding and wouldnt have been able to pull-off such a personalized event without a lot of help from loved ones. Dont be afraid to ask for help – your family and friends are wonderful sources of support! Also, weigh the cost-benefit ratio of renting versus purchasing wedding items. I was able to save a lot of money by purchasing decor for the wedding and reusing it in our new home!

Rustic chic wedding at Maravilla Gardens - photo by Christine Bentley Photography | junebugweddings.com

 

Rustic chic wedding at Maravilla Gardens - photo by Christine Bentley Photography | junebugweddings.com

 

Rustic chic wedding at Maravilla Gardens - photo by Christine Bentley Photography | junebugweddings.com

 

Rustic chic wedding at Maravilla Gardens - photo by Christine Bentley Photography | junebugweddings.com

 

Rustic chic wedding at Maravilla Gardens - photo by Christine Bentley Photography | junebugweddings.com

 

Rustic chic wedding at Maravilla Gardens - photo by Christine Bentley Photography | junebugweddings.com

 

Rustic chic wedding at Maravilla Gardens - photo by Christine Bentley Photography | junebugweddings.com

The Wedding Team:

Photographer: Christine Bentley Photography
Day-of Coordinator: Jen Loller, Maravilla Gardens
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Maravilla Gardens
Videographer/Film Maker: Heather Productions
Officiant: Matt Pittman
Invitation Designer: By Invitation Only
Catering: Command Performance Catering
Florist: Modern Bouquet
Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes
Grooms Cake: Jennifer Rodriguez Hutson – Simply Cake
Wedding Dress: Enzoani Fabi; Blush Bridal Couture
Bridal Accessories: Veil – Blush Bridal Couture; Earrings – Nadri; Shoes – Christian Dior; Garter – Emily Riggs Bridal
Bridesmaids Apparel: Bari Jay
Groom & Groomsmen Apparel & Accessories: Pants and Vests – Alfani Red by Macys; Shoes – Sperry Topsider; Ties: J. Crew; Belts – Kenneth Cole
Hair & Make-up: Privé Beauty Group
DJ: Elegant Events
Musician: Jason Sulkin
Transportation: American Luxury Limousine and Road Runner Shuttle
Favors: Sunglasses from 4imprint
Rentals: Maravilla Gardens and Command Performance Catering
Signs/Chalkboard art/table names: Jo Meyers; Dogwood Party Rentals
Rings: Hers – Robbins Brothers, His – Jewels by Joseph
Ceremony Programs: Design the Details
Flower Girl Dresses: Atutudes

Thank you, Jen and Chris, for sharing the details of your sunny, oh-so-happy wedding!

For more California wedding planning resources, don’t miss the professional recommendations in our Plan Your Wedding section!

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