HEARST CASTLE Enchanted Evening

glamour.  "Hearst, The Collector" was the theme of the annual 2009 Enchanted Evening at Hearst Castle presented by the Friends of Hearst Castle.  The host of Public Television's California Gold, Huell Howser was the affable emcee for the evening.
To reflect the glittering, magical, heyday of Mr. Hearst's reign of unrivaled entertaining, we recreated this evocative era of indulgence.  Our desire was to achieve the sense of intrigue, flair and worldly vision of Mr. Hearst; his home, his collections and his spirited hospitality. 

It was a warm September evening with our palm frond chandeliers twisting in the breeze like a fan, seemingly cooling the guests all dressed in their fabulous finery.  I must confess that I couldn't resist dipping my toe in the Neptune pool...it was a very sweet ending to an always incredible experience.


The impressive artistry of professionals included:
Photography:  Tom Meinhold Photography
Caterer: Maegen Loring Catering
Lighting:  Doug Fleenor Design
Music:  Usonia Jazz Band

HILARY + WARREN'S wedding day

summer. Hilary and Warren's wedding was a picture-perfect day in the lemon orchard surrounding the Dana-Powers barn in Nipomo, CA. Hilary's love for vintage details was apparent throughout the welcoming decor in the sweet hues of nectar:  apricot, peach, watermelon and blueberry. The day was filled with an artful mix of old-fashioned charm and flirty details.  From hometown cotton tufts in her bridal bouquet to favors of homemade jars of jam, it was another sunny summer day in August.

And then...came the surprising rain.  Just a few drops at the beginning, then more, then the decision to move the ceremony into the warm (and dry!) rustic barn.  An intimate ceremony of candlelight was created with the guests gathered around them. It was an atmosphere of heartfelt moments that will be remembered forever.  

Lindsey Hahn, the lovely, gifted photographer, captured all the beauty, joy and whimsy of Hilary and Warren's afternoon - their love in full bloom.

MEISHA + MARCUS'S wedding day

subtle sophistication. with Meisha in New York and us here in her hometown - the planning of her flowers and decor came down to words. The flair of New York City Chic with a hint of antiquity. The minimalistic, organic palette of cream, espresso and olive was created from the desire for simple designs incorporating the finest elements. It was a playful take on tradition from a modern point of view.

Their setting was the historically warm and inviting Dana Powers House in Nipomo. Owner, Judi, has the unparalleled talent to always inspire with a nod to the sweet and intricate past.

This was our first event working along side Amy of Amy Wellenkamp Photographers and we are impressed with her charming images.

LAURA + DANIEL'S wedding day

home. For Laura and Daniel this day was a chapter in a story that had been written long ago. Their mothers have been friends since before they were born. As time would tell- Laura and Daniel found that home is their most precious source of love. Daniel's grandfather planted a Redwood tree grove for his wife Bobbie at the Loomis family's Tar Springs Ranch (tar does actually bubble out of the ground!) in Arroyo Grande. The guests walked across the wooden bridge from the grove to the historical barn that had been cleared out and embellished just for this day. Every detail was original and homespun.

The amazing talent of Jose Villa Photography captured the details of Laura and Daniel's heartfelt imagination so beautifully. These images are the perfect illustration of a day that left us all enchanted by the past and excited for the future.

For more photos please see the blog featuring more of Jose's images www.oncewed.com.

See video preview by Cana Video Productions below!