Sterling Social

It’s couples like Sonya and Eric that make us love what we do.  From the second these two asked us to organize their big day, we knew something special was about to unfold.  Gorgeous couple, beautiful Southern California coastal setting, and a dream team of creative talent ….the recipe for perfection!  With only three short months leading up to their wedding, we hit the ground running and ended up creating one of our favorite weddings to date.

The entire day was nothing short of breathtaking.  With the sun shining bright, there was no “June Gloom” in sight on June 16, 2012 at Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes.  The Ceremony took place at sunset on the vast bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  The focal point was an existing wood pergola that we draped in various soft, neutral shades of ivory and champagne diaphanous fabric.   The moment Sonya came into view was pure magic.  She was a vision in a romantic Vera Wang gown and carrying a lush, hand-tied bouquet of fluffy, white peonies.  As a string quartet softly played “The Wedding Song” from the film Legends of the Fall, Sonya and her Father entered the Ceremony area through a second arbor structure custom-built to mirror the one on the bluff’s edge.  Accented with large floor-standing lanterns and an abundance of scattered ivory blooms, the ethereal setting was truly one that belonged in the movies.

Guests transitioned into the cocktail space which offered a sophisticated, seaside flair with the sounds of a lively Jazz and Rock Trio playing.  A double-length dark wood bar was styled with crisp white florals and large silver-rimmed hurricanes with pillar candles.  At their leisure, guests approached two chrome bar carts detailed with various sized silver and gold frames to note their table numbers.

As the doors opened for dinner, the flickering candlelight lured guests into the Catalina Ballroom.  The most beautiful aspect of this wedding was the various soft metallic tones and lustrous textures used on every surface.  We wanted to create an environment reflective of Sonya and Eric’s personal taste, thus the result was clean, chic and modern with timeless romantic details.  The dining setting was a masterpiece created by R. Jack Balthazar.  Tables draped in both gold leather dot overlays and platinum dupioni linens were set with low, lush tablescapes of peonies, lisianthus and phalaenopsis orchids.  Intricately designed vessels in gold, silver and white lacquer were illuminated by candlelight.  Each place setting featured menus wrapped in a gold and cream paper band, a detail we carried through from the wedding invitation liners.

A bronze high gloss dance floor opened up to a covered terrace that was transformed into a chic lounge space.  The indoor / outdoor setting allowed guests to enjoy mingling by an expansive bar while not missing the action on the dance floor.  The residential-inspired setting was set with inviting lounge vignettes detailed with mirrored tables and luxe pillows and throws.  One of the many highlights of the evening was the decadent dessert display from Cupcakes Couture that offered every sweet treat from Vanilla Bean Cheesecake Bites to Fresh Strawberry Filled Cream Puffs.  The couple also cut a simple, yet modern small cake for their cutting ceremony.

The day was artistically captured by the vibrant Jasmine Star and the images will forever provide a time capsule for us to all remember its perfection.  A special thank you to everyone who made this day possible:

Wedding Venue:  Terranea Resort

Floral, Décor & Furnishings:  R Jack Balthazar

Ceremony Music:  Rossi Music

Cocktail Hour Music:  Wilfax Trio

Reception Music:  DJ Tendaji Lathan

Photography:  Jasmine Star

Videographer:  Artisan Production

Wedding Cake & Desserts:  Cupcakes Couture of Manhattan Beach

Invitations & Printed Materials:  Traction Press & Messex Industries               

Lighting Design:  Lighten Up, Inc

Linens:  La Tavola

Dance Floor:  Designer Event Rentals

Rentals:  Classic Party Rentals

Photo Booth:  Capital Photo Booth Co.

Hair:  Sarah Daly of Evolve

Make-Up:  Emma Willis of Contour Fossa

Wedding Dress:  Vera Wang

Bride’s Shoes:  Jimmy Choo

Groom’s Tuxedo:  Elevee

Bridesmaid Dresses:  J Crew & ML Monique Lhuillier from Nordstrom

Be Social,

Angela & Erin