Scholarship Entry: Love Story Celebration by April Orr

Photo Credits (top to bottom, left to right)

Bella Amadis Photography, Captured Soul Photography, Bridesvillage.com, Monique Lhuillier, Encore-Food with Elegance, Bella Amadis Photography, Cynthia Kidwell, Encore- Food with Elegance, Wedding-Chairs.com, VintageRollsRoyce.com, Bella Amadis Photography, Monique Lhuillier, Frank Tschakert Photography, Bridesvillage.com, Bella Amadis Photography, Stock Photo, Bella Amadis Photography, Sheplers.com, Allegor Photography, Ervim Icoz Photography

Here is April's description of this lovely wedding:

She dreamt of lush gardens, crystal wine glasses filled with a custom brewed red wine, Fabulous food created for her by a renowned chef, A Monique Lhuillier gown, and a fabulous bouquet of roses and calla lilies. She loved the peacock feather trends, and wanted her guests to sip cocktails and party till dawn to a lively party band.

He wanted a place that felt like home. The smell of nature, the sound of horses nearby. He imagines comfortable, easy food, and a place to put his feet up. He doesn’t care about a big to do, but loves a good party, and wants to be sure that his friends and family are comfortable. He will wear a suit or tux for her, but doesn’t want to give up his cowboy boots!

I wanted to find a way to give them both everything they ever wanted, after all, this day is about bringing their lives together. We choose Longshadow Ranch Winery in Temecula California for their 2010 wedding. A working horse ranch combined with a beautiful winery affords us the luxury of surrounding her with elegance and modern sophistication while creating a comfortable, familiar backdrop for him!

The wedding will happen in the vineyards, surrounded by the amazing views of the wine country, and the GORGEOUS natural colors and scents of the vineyards. The colors of the landscape, burnt orange ,red, citron green and bright blue will all weave through the event. The chair backs are reminiscent of wine barrels, while the custom finished seat in burnt red unites this relaxed setting with the classic feel of a traditional wedding site.

Stunning Calla Lilies, Roses and Hydrangias blend the colors of her surroundings with her classic vision. A few will placed peacock feathers a spark of modern sophistication without compromising the reflection of the couples surroundings. A custom designed birdcage veil is as unique as our bride brings history forward and of course, the bride wears Monique Lhuilleir… with a surprise on her feet for her groom!

After the wedding, guests will move to the barrel room, where they will enjoy custom brewed red wine and passed canapés. Surrounded by standing candelabras burning deep red candles, guests will enjoy a jazz trio playing American standards.

For the reception, we will move into the beautiful red barn, finished with a floating wood floor, amazing tablescapes, and a lively country band. In an effort to combine both of their tastes, guests will choose from food stations offering bite size steaks, hamburgers, sushi, and more! Vintage wine corks will serve as place cards and table markers. Dinner and cocktail tables will be draped in stunning overlays in citron green, topped with 8 foot topiaries created to mimic the cake topper, in Rumba Roses and green hydrangeas with sprays of natural peacock feathers. Around the base of the centerpieces, the bride we will place beeswax candles in deep red, matching the candles in the barrel room. The back porch of the barn will be a cigar lounge, complete with vintage rocking chairs, home brewed beer and a humidor full of cigars for the men who need a “get away”!

Cake will be served with an almond champagne toast and then guests will grab fresh, cold milk out of hollow wine barrels.

When the time comes, the bride and groom will escape in a vintage, 1931 Rolls Royce and their guests will take home adorable homemade “feed” bags with a jar of honey inside!