Kelly and Michael love books. The first thing that catches your eye when walking into their living room was the wall-to-wall book shelf. And it’s not just your typical collection mind you. Perusing the titles, I didn’t see the usual cook book, self help, and how to guide books but instead, I found a plethora of literary marvels of the early 20th century authors like Franz Kafka, Ernest Hemingway, Friedrich Nietzsche, and not one inch of the shelf was unoccupied. Love of books may be an understatement. It probably is more like an indulgence or even a passion for literary works of art for Kelly and Michael. So it was apposite that they incorporated this infatuation with books into their wedding theme that made for an original take on “simple elegance.”
Their reception was at Pasadena’s picturesque resort, The Langham Huntington. And at The Langham, within that golden hour of sunlight, there is this magical moment which makes a magazine style photo shoot possible.
There are some serious reads on the shelf. Note Kelly and Michael’s “Save the Date” card on their fridge door, next to this very funny note that says, “drink coffee do stupid things faster with more energy.”
Nothing about this wedding is typical of what we’ve captured before. And that’s what I love about weddings is that we’re always experiencing something different and something new. Marriage in a Russian Orthodox church is steep in rituals and symbolism. What’s shown here is the “crowningâ€, the denouement of the wedding service. Kelly and Michael were crowned as king and queen of their own kingdom, in which is a very significant bestowment of matrimony.
Gardenia was the flower of choice and it made Kelly’s bouquet intoxicating with its perfume. LOVE the hair piece made with Gardenia; it nestled so beautifully on Kelly’s hair, accenting her blue earring. The ivy garland is yet another example of the simple elegance. Flowers were designed by Euri and Kendra at Fleuretica. Lighting by Jack at The Music Man Production
Guest seating was organized by Kelly and Michael’s favorite authors, and on each table were stacks of the books written by those iconic authors. A very personal touch.
Want to give a big thanks to Katie Tiffany at Tiffany Weddings for making this day run so seamlessly!
Vendors for this wedding:
Venue: The Langham Huntington, Pasadena
Event Coordination: Katie Tiffany of Tiffany Weddings
Lighting: Jack Hou of TMMPRO
Flowers: Kendra & Euri of Fleuretica Floral Design Studio
Photography: Desi Baytan Photography
Hair&Makeup: J Beverly Hills Salon