Annie + Israel Navarro's Vintage D.I.Y. Wedding at St. Margaret Mary Alacoque and El Dorado Park Golf Course 08.15.2015

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.

Once Annie was ready she was off to the church!

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

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

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

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!!

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