Wedding Day Photography: Len Cook
Wedding Portraits: Elevenorchids
Make-up and Hair: Cristal Saville
Dress(es): Alfred Angelo
Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture
Groom's Tux-Magnoli Clothiers New Zealand
Flower Girl Outfits - Dresses, shoes and wreaths from Nordstrom, Us Angels collection
Venue - Wildwood Acres Resort, Lafayette CA
Jelly and toast
Above: The rehearsal and Natalie in her rehearsal dress .
elevenorchidsNatalie is one of my favorite models and a dear friend who recently tied the knot in Lafayette, California. Natalie and Dave have that special chemistry. Whenever he'd accompany her on photo shoots I'd pick up on that real love and devotion thing going on between them that goes beyond any words. Having access to some of the best talent in the bridal/fashion industry, they decided to have a couple of photographers: one for the wedding day shoot and another for their wedding portraits. Natalie already had her dress when I met her. However, she decided to become a three-dress bride with one for the rehearsal, a big day dress and another change for the reception. I had the honor of designing her rehearsal dress which looked like something out of the corps de ballet of Giselle (pictured above). I'm happy to report the dress--which is actually a tank top and 27 yard tulle skirt combo-- has gotten some good mileage as she's used it in many a photo shoot since . . . Here it is, the 'First Look'. Dave actually helped Natalie choose her wedding dress, and together they modeled and custom designed his tux after Gene Kelly's in, Singin' in the Rain. They were both involved in every detail of the wedding planning.
In Natalie's own words, "I was so hungry! Dave laughed and said he was too, he hadn't eaten all morning! Then I remembered my grilled cheese, and the two of us attacked the food, chowimg down in our formal wear. It was so good! Doesn't sharing make everything better? :)
Dave and Natalie's nieces Sophia and Mackenzie
Many guests started crying (or tearing up) when Rainbow Connection played during the processional, even the father of the groom! Instead of a fifth bridesmaid they included Alannah, a niece of Dave's, as a junior bridesmaid, and she wore pink instead of chocolate brown.
Currently studying theatre in New York, Roxanne sang a song in place of a reading during the ceremony-- It Only Takes a Moment (originally from Hello, Dolly, but captured both Dave and Natalie's heart in Wall-E). She was accompanied by Victor, one of Dave's best friends (they used to be in a band together) on the acoustic guitar.
How's this for a wedding fiasco? Two of Natalie's bridesmaids cancelled a week before the wedding! Isn't that like every brides nightmare? "But not to worry" says Natalie, "My talented hair stylist/makeup artist Christal (top left) came to my rescue, found a dress, and stood up with us during the ceremony. "
Neither Dave or Natalie are fond of icing so they opted for a fresh fruit tart and a selection of gourmet cookies from Whole Foods for the wedding dessert!
Natalie and her grandfather
Dave's step-mom Sue made Natalie a beautiful pale pink/champagne bracelet to match the embroidery on her dress. She graciously made the bridesmaid bracelets as well. Such talent. Such a wedding.
And a bit of afterword here. Natalie and Dave have moved on from the Bay Area to Phoenix, Arizona. I do hope they decide to come back again someday because I truly miss them . . .
