Melissa + Stanley’s Wedding: 10/2/2010 – While out of town, I’ve been told that the weather around Southern California has been a bit crazy and unpredictable. One week it was nice and cool, followed by 100+ scorching heat, then a bit of rain afterward. But this past Saturday, the weather folks were so kind to give us a beautiful day for Melissa and Stanley‘s wedding.
The girls got ready at the amazing Four Seasons Hotel in Westlake Village while the guys hung out also at a nearby hotel to The Vineyards venue in Simi Valley. Every inch of the ceremony and reception location was not only filled with beautiful details but also guests that came from all over the country to celebrate Melissa and Stanley tying the knot.
It was surprising and funny when we set up the first look, which is normally just with myself, the bride, and groom. But we had a large audience watch Melissa and Stanley see each other for the first time on their wedding day. The girls went “awwwww” while the guys, well, were guys :). Every corner we turned, we saw a loved one congratulate Melissa and Stanley. It just showed how much love everyone had for M + S and how excited they were to be a part of their big day.
There were so many personal touches that Melissa and Stanley added to their wedding. For example, on their cake table was a mini-statue of a boy and girl riding a 2-seat bike, something they like to do together. Also, one of Melissa’s bridesmaids, Susie (I hope I got the names right finally!) sang a beautiful song while Melissa and Stanley, as well as their moms, lit the unity candles. And although it was a bit warm during the ceremony (since it was outside), most of the water on people’s faces weren’t sweat but tears.
And the reception was full of surprises, like Melissa and her dad (who apparently “loves” to dance :P), did a surprise Tango performance for the father-daughter dance. Melissa told me beforehand how much this meant to her as her dad put in a lot of effort and time to get every step right. And then guests had the bride and groom sit on chairs as they were lifted up, which always looks fun and a bit nerve-wrecking ;). Finally, when Stanley announced that there was an open bar, well…let’s just say things got even more exciting :).
Enjoy Hawaii guys, thanks again for treating me like a friend from the very time we met to your wedding, for sharing with me your bike/outdoor knowledge (Stanley) and making sure on Facebook that I’m doing okay and getting enough rest (Melissa). Congrats!
Ceremony and reception locations: The Vineyards in Simi Valley, CA
Officiant: The Wedding Buddha
Make-up artist and hair stylist: Theresa Huang Make-Up & Hair Design
Florist: Linda San
Videographer: Couture Cinema
Cake: Skiff’s Cakes
Music: Johnny Tadeo
