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

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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.

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.

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GETTING READY

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First look

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ceremony

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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cocktail hour

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decor

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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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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Cake cutting

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Garter toss

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Dancing

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The End.

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!

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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

Punk Rock & Baseball Influenced Wedding

Holiday + Ruben’s Punk Rock & Baseball Influenced Spring Wedding in Long Beach at Recreation Park Golf Course 18

March 12, 2016

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Holiday (yes, that really is her name!) and Ruben came to us about six months prior to their wedding with mostly everything planned. They just had their finishing touches left on their to-do list. As we sat down and had our initial consultation with them, we realized they were happy to be almost at the finished line with the planning but we could sense something was missing. You know that spark you are supposed to get in your eyes when you talk about your wedding? Yeah, that was missing!

We asked, well what made you two fall in love? What interests did you both have that led to dating? When the wedding is all done and you go back to normal weekends, what do you plan on doing? And that is when it hit them! They were planning a wedding keeping in mind what they thought their families and friends wanted and not what they wanted.

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Holiday and Ruben thought about it and they mentioned they love going to punk rock shows and baseball games and it was all uphill from there! Our creative juices started flowing and we got to thinking what do we love when we go to punk shows. Handmade made flyers, custom pins, cool artwork. The same thought process went into pulling ideas from baseball games. A fly ball, catchers mitt, jerseys, rally towels.

The couple decided to make flyer type invitations, custom pins as favors, and instead of table numbers they put the names of their favorite albums to show off their punk influences. To highlight the baseball aspect they got an Angels jersey with their last name on the back for guests to sign and Ruben got some really cool cuff links. Now they were all ready to get the show on the road!

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Holiday got to get ready in the upstairs bridal suite at Recreation Park Golf Course 18, and let me tell you, it is fit for a queen!

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Ruben didn’t do too bad himself and cleaned up very well. A really touching moment was when Holiday wrote her groom-to-be a heart felt letter and Ruben teared up while reading it! Awww!

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As it became time for the ceremony to begin all the vendors and guests arriving could not help but realize what a beautiful Spring day it was. The colors Holiday and Ruben chose really complimented the season too.

You can see Silvia and my hand poking out from behind the bush! Silvia is laying out the veil and I am trying to crack a smile out of the Bride.

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It is easy to see why a lot of Angelinos choose Spring as the season for their wedding. The couple had their portrait session done with a gorgeous sunset in the background.

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Their wedding party was pretty hilarious! What started off as a nice posed photo session quickly turned into a high energy, off the ground (literally) experience!

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For Cocktail Hour the couple had simple vases with photos from their childhood and from various moments in their relationship over the years.

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Ruben got to take over the seating chart project and executed it beyond belief! He took inspiration from our first conversation when we mentioned to them to find ways to bring out their interests through their wedding. Instead of plain table numbers, he named each table after his favorite rock albums saving his favorite for the Sweetheart Table of course. Paying homage to their hometown of Long Beach, Ruben had the Queen Mary in the back of the chart. He even had a great idea to have the actual table numbers be mini records! How cool!

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As the reception was under way Holiday and Ruben started off with their grand entrance and moved into their first dance and a couple of toasts.

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After dinner Holiday participated in the Father-Daughter dance while Ruben had the opportunity to dance with his Mother.

They paid tribute to a family member who had passed

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Holiday’s bouquet toss proved to be super exciting!

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Before heading on the dance floor they cut and served their first slice of cake as a married couple.

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Holiday’s Mother had the extreme honor of putting together the candy table and it was definitely a hit with a the guests!

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The couple welcomed guests on to the dance floor with the traditional Money Dance in which some of the guests totally had a blast participating in.

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Three years later Holiday + Ruben have moved in to their own place, adopted a dog named Otto, and Ruben has started his own brewing company Burning Bridge Brewing! We are always so proud of each and every accomplishment our couples accumulate and we know the future is bright for these two right here! Congrats Mr and Mrs Leon and Happy Anniversary!!

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The dream team

Coordinator: Rock n’ Willow Events // Photography: LA Digital Photo // Venue: Recreation Park Golf Course 18 // DJ: DJ Tempoe // Flowers: Christina’s Flowers // Cake: Rossmoor Bakery

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Quirky Shenanigans Wedding - Featured on Offbeat Bride

Anna + Kliment’s Quirky Shenanigans Wedding at Recreation Park Golf Course 18 in Long Beach August 30, 2015

Featured on Offbeat Bride

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Anna was referred to us by Katie Lowder, the former venue director at Recreation Park Golf Course 18 in Long Beach, California. She decided to reach out to us a barely a month prior to her big day!! She had a clear vision for her wedding and had already titled it “quirky shenanigans”. All she needed was for someone to come in and clean up her vision. She wanted to combine all of her childhood interests mixed with her eccentric personality and eye for fashion to pull off one of the most epic weddings we have been a part of to date!

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Anna, a former beauty queen, was set to marry Kliment and wanted to incorporate his Bulgarian traditions on top of all her ideas she already had in place. That is where we stepped in. Balancing all the ideas and executing them seamlessly. We organized her thoughts of a fairytale ceremony, quirky reception and a nod to Bulgaria all around. A prime example of this is when Anna ordered table numbers off Etsy in Bulgarian and “cheers” laser cut signs.

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Anna got ready on the newly remodeled bridal suite at the venue. The lights and mirrors worked wonders and enhanced her natural beauty!

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Downstairs Kliment got ready and relaxed on the patio as we prepared for the start of the wedding.

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Then as an array of Beatles songs started to play, one of the most magical ceremonies was underway. When the words “ Here comes the sun” were sang Kliment looked up and saw Anna walking towards him as if it was an angel .

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Their wedding ceremony was truly magical and the first time I cried during the vows! Anna said something that has stuck with me over the years. She said “You get me. You get all of me.” They are truly soulmates!!

But first, let me take a selfie!

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Instead of having one item being thrown at the couple as they walked back up the aisle, Anna prepared an assortment of fun things to blow, throw, shake, and wave.

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Anna and Kliment were such a humorous couple that we knew their couples portraits would be hilarious!

As you can see, they were a hoot!

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There was no detail left out, even when it came to the cocktail hour. There was a gold globe for the guests to sign, gumboil machines, a quote from The Princess Bride, and a pinwheel seating chart.

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In keeping with the Bulgarian traditions Kliment’s Mother was a part of the bread ritual. She broke off a piece of bread that has salt on it and gives it to the Bride and Groom to symbolize when life is “salty” and does the same with a piece of bread that has sugar on it symbolize the “sweetness” in life. It is also a metaphor for when there are going to be good and bad times the couple will face in their marriage.

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Then the Bride proceeds in one of the best traditions we have ever seen at a wedding, the water pot! This water pot represents two things: 1) wishing “smooth sailing” for the couple in their marriage and 2) the sex of their first born!!

The red flower represents if their future child will be a girl and the white flower represents if it will be a boy

Everyone was pleased to find out that Baby Gounev would hopefully one day be a BOY!

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Before continuing with the reception celebrations we have to share more of Anna’s creative and fun decor! Tons of signage, a princess card box, a gold wishing tree, sunflower seed favors, and glow sticks. Who doesn’t love to light up the night!

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The couple took dance classes and choreographed their first dance

Of course Kliment had to have with their first dance!

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A little dress change for Anna and then it was on to cake cutting!

Cake by Rossmoor Pastries

Cake cutter and server by Kate Spade

The couple tried to reenact this pose to look like their bobble heads

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Anna surprised Kliment with a tres leches grooms cake but the surprise was on her when the cake accidentally said “Congrats MRS Gounev” instead of MR!!

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Bouquet toss winner

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Garter toss winner

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After all the festivities were over it was time to dance!

Traditional Bulgarian folklore dance called the Horo

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Guests got to take a break from dancing and enjoy a tasty treat from Urban Espresso

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Not a single guest was sitting down at the end of the night, partly because of the amazing DJ Trego and partly because Anna and Kliment had such a great group of family and friends!

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It has been 3 and 1/2 years since the Gounev wedding and we are so happy to report that Anna and Kliment welcomed a baby boy Hemingway Hunnicutt in 2017. Looks like their prediction on this day when Anna kicked the water pot and out flew the white carnation came true after all!

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The Dream Team:

Coordination: Rock n’ Willow Events // Venue: Recreation Park Golf Course 18 // Photographer: Taylored Photo Memories // DJ: DJ Trego, Vox DJ’s // Cake: Rossmoor Pastries // Cake cutter & server: Kate Spade // Florist: Good Flower Shop // Linen: Dream Decor & Hobby Lobby // Coffee: Urban Espresso // Wedding Dress: Marchesa // All signs and decor: Etsy

Featured on Offbeat Bride —> www.offbeatbride.com

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!

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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!!

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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!

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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! 

St Margaret Mary Alacoque Catholic Church in Lomita, California

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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.

Downbeat LA - AMFM

DJ Rage

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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. 

Cake by Great Dane Baking Co

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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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

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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

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

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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! 

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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