Thursday, September 16, 2010

A Storybook Wedding

 This past Sunday I attended my cousin's wedding, (the one I've been dress shopping for) and it was one of the most gorgeous weddings I've ever witnessed!  The big event took place in Malibu, but not on the beach like you would expect. Instead, they chose the private winery, Saddlerock Ranch, in Malibu canyon.
Surrounded by rolling hills, in the middle of vineyards, with breathtaking views of the valley, my cousin Jason and his beautiful bride Michelle exchanged vows high upon a hilltop. The sentiments spoken by the two of them, were so heartfelt and emotional, that many of us present were fighting back tears. 
 After rings were exchanged, and the ceremony was sealed with a kiss, Jason and Michelle were finally pronounced husband and wife!

Here is the happy couple, being announced as Mr. & Mrs. for the very first time, and ready to get the party started.
The first dance.
Jason and Michelle had been together for 10 years when they got engaged. (They met when they were in high school) It's hard to tell from this picture, but each table was marked by year.  To find your table, you had to find the corresponding year, (Year 1, 2, 3, 4, etc), which included a photo of them from that year they were dating. It was such a cute way to personalize the table numbers.
The cake was pretty, and looked delicious, but I was too full from the food, that I passed on the dessert. What was I thinking?!
Instead of a long table for the entire bridal party, J & M opted for a sweetheart table.
There were lots of family photos taken, but they were left to the professionals. It's hard to remember to take pictures when there's so much going on, and you're touching up the bride's makeup in between it all. I did manage to get one photo of my Dad and I. :)
I can't say enough good things about the location for the wedding/reception. It was pretty spectacular! You literally felt like you were on top of the world.
 As the sun went down, everything started to glow. Here's the view from our table.
It was a long day for me, and I knew it would be. ( I was up at 5am to be ready to start makeup by 7, for a 4pm wedding!) In preparation, I made sure I had plenty of Diet Pepsi on hand, and at about twilight, cracked open this bad boy.
Classy, right?! Well, at least I poured it into a pilsner glass.
I texted this pic to my friend who swears by Rockstar's, and is always trying to talk me into them. She knew that I was desperate.

Even though it was long, and I was tired (when am I not?), it was truly a magical day, and one that I will never forget. 

One can only hope, to find that kind of love someday!


**I apologize for the changing photo quality. Several cameras contributed to this post. ;)

16 comments:

  1. Everything looks beautiful! You look great :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. What a beautiful wedding. Your cousins wedding dress so pretty.
    I probably would have cracked open a Rockstar if I was up since 5am too. :P

    ReplyDelete
  3. So gorgeous! I love that the bride couldn't stop smiling!

    ReplyDelete
  4. sooo pretty! - i LOVE outdoor weddings!!!! .. perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  5. so pertty

    come follow the first ever fashion blog from a Guys POV, let He know what you think

    fashionbyhe.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I have never seen the exact image of what I had in my head for my own wedding until now. This is EXACTLY what I imagine for myself and to know it this place really exists is so amazing! It looks breathtaking!! Love the idea of their tables by year! These pics are great. Thanks for sharing!

    http://www.glamlatte.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Bren, this wedding is breathtaking and the bride looks STUNNING (thanks to your makeup skills, obviously). ;) You look so pretty and I love the picture of you and your dad. I love it all. This looks like such a peaceful, happy wedding and such a beautiful day out for it!
    xo
    Valerie

    ReplyDelete
  8. You look great Bren! What dress did you end up wearing? OMG that location is STUNNING and even more so after the sunset! The bride's make-up is gorgeous - she's so lucky to have you!

    xx Vivian @ http://diamondsandtulle.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh Bren this looks like a spectacular day. The wedding was picture perfect and I love all the photos you shared with us. Hooray!!

    You look great! What dress did you decide on?

    xoxo,
    Carrie

    ReplyDelete
  10. How gorgeous everything looks! The bride is so pretty and glowing! I can see the love through these pictures! And you are gorgeous too, Bren!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Bren, what STUNNING photos! And this really does look like it came out of a storybook... What a beautiful wedding! You look gorgeous, and the bride is flawless.
    xo Josie
    http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wow! What a fun, beautiful, and romantic wedding setting. They really did a wonderful job tying their relationship in with the seating arrangements, Bravo! What an adorable picture of you and your dad. Isn't there an unwritten rule that the cousin\make-up artist can't out shine the bride on her wedding day? You looked gorgeous ; ) Thanks for sharing, now get some rest busy girl.

    ReplyDelete
  13. absolutely gorg!!
    Come Follow & Vote for me xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  14. Bren, I was very impressed with the way you told my nice Michelle and Jason love story. The photos you chose were amazing....so romantic and inspiring. I missed meeting you in person, perhaps another time and place. Thank you for taking the time to put this lovely story together! Patricia Wade

    ReplyDelete
  15. GORGEOUS wedding pics! I love the cake!!!


    xx
    Nikki

    ReplyDelete