For some reason, I have had some of the most memorable weddings on October 10th. When I met Robin and Howie for the first time, I knew I would be adding another wonderful couple to my “10/10 Club.” Their wedding and reception was held at the beautiful Hyatt Westlake on a very warm Fall evening. As we were setting up for the ceremony, I was lucky enough to witness one of the best first looks I have ever seen. The photographer, Shannon, had Howie waiting in the garden with his back turned. He brought Robin out, and slowly she made her way toward her fiancé. When she was right behind him, she put her arms around his waist and just hugged him for a moment. Then Howie was told to turn around and the genuine reaction was one of the best caught on camera. Howie was floored to see his beautiful bride in her dress for the first time.
The ceremony was beautiful, but it even had some lighthearted moments. (Like when Robin and Howie’s pooch, Peanut, ran down the aisle before Robin came out.) The grand entrance consisted of just the newlyweds, so I had everyone stand before I brought them in. Well, they all got caught up in the moment and stayed standing not only their thank you speech but also their entire first dance. It was magical! Robin, Howie, and their amazing wedding planner, Amaris, made sure every single detail of their reception was perfect. From the delicious dessert table to the Kids Only Room, Robin and Howie’s guests were treated to a fantastic time. Once we got everyone up and dancing, we surprised the guests with a traditional Hora. At first, Howie and Robin did not want to go up on the chairs, but their best man and maid of honor talked them into it at the last minute. (I kept my promise to them that they would not fall!) The guests had a wonderful time, and Robin and Howie were wiped out by the end of the night.
Picking the right team of vendors is always a challenge that can really make or break a wedding. Picking a team who has all worked together before is a winning combination. I have worked with Shannon, the photographer, years ago, but we have both been in this business for so long, we knew exactly how to maximize off of each other’s talents. Amaris, their florist, Gloria, and myself are all part of a small but mighty wedding group called Interlaced Events, which was started by Amaris. The purpose of Interlaced Events is to give brides and grooms an opportunity to work with a real team of vendors instead of individuals who may or may not work well together. This wedding was an example of how wedding vendors who work together and care for each other can really band together and combine their talents to give couples extraordinary service. I helped Gloria hang flowers, Gloria helped Amaris with the seating and decorating, and Amaris helped me keep the schedule moving forward. It was a well-oiled wedding machine doing what we all do best.
Dave’s recommended vendors for this wedding are:
- Amaris Claire LTD and Interlaced Events – interlacedevents.com
- A Secret Garden Florist – facebook.com/Asecretgardenflorist
- Shannon Photography – shannonsphotography.com