Every wedding vendor team is created a little differently. In this series we explore how and why each couple selected the right wedding vendor team for their wedding day.
Amanda and Ryan were just weeks away from their original April 2020 wedding date when the first Covid-19 shutdown took place and forced them to cancel. About two months after the original date passed, they looked at a few venues with hope that they’d be able to make new plans. But soon after, they decided not to move forward with a wedding; instead opting to marry at the courthouse, just the two of them.
But Erica Estrada, the planner and designer they’d initially enlisted to help with the spring wedding that never happened, toured a private estate in Woodside, California, in August 2020 that opened up new possibilities for the couple to celebrate in the company of loved ones. Thus, the idea for a micro wedding was hatched and it took place just six weeks later—and a little over two months after the bride and groom officially wed at the court house.
“When I toured the estate, I immediately thought of Amanda and Ryan. It had all of the characteristics they were interested in.” —Erica Estrada, planner and designer
Amanda and Ryan had been to a local event and enjoyed Julian Pierce’s set so much that he was booked quite early in their wedding planning process.
With the new date and location decided, planner and designer Erica Estrada was back on board to plan and design the intimate affair.
“After the mayhem of 2020, the beauty of our wedding day surpassed our wildest dreams and then some. Erica and her team created an experience that was modern and classic, chic and relaxed, and most importantly, a day that felt like an ode to who we are as a couple. It will forever be our favorite day.” —Amanda, bride
Erica—who went to junior high school with the groom—then began reconfirming the vendors. The majority of the couple’s original team were rehired, with a few changes occurring due to the location of the new venue.
Amanda and Ryan were adamant about having high-quality vendors who would produce excellent work, as well as people they clicked with personality-wise. Being friendly was just as important as being qualified.
While the original venue and design plan were a bit more modern than this 2.0 version, there was always the intention of using more traditional and classic elements, such as lush florals. With the Italian villa style aesthetic of the estate and the skills of a talented florist, ARVO Floral Studio, the shift happened seamlessly.
“Once Amanda saw Shannon’s portfolio [at ARVO Floral Studio], it was love at first sight. Originally, Shannon and I planned to incorporate calla lilies into the floral installations along the aisle to commemorate Amanda’s late mother, as those were her favorite flowers. Once the layout of the floral arrangements shifted with the new location, we still wanted to include this special moment for Amanda and ultimately decided to hide a few calla lilies in her bouquet to remind her that her mother was with her on this special day.” —Erica Estrada, planner and designer
Amanda and Ryan reviewed many photographers’ galleries, looking for someone with a truly timeless aesthetic. Also wanting a photographer they clicked with, they hit it off with one in particular over the phone: Carlos Hernandez. That call cemented that he was the one to document their day. Erica suggested videographer Katrina Nicole, who also, coincidentally, went to school with Ryan and her.
Although the timing was too tight to create full, printed invitation suites for all the guests, Erica wanted the couple to have an invite as a keepsake, so she worked with Epoch Design to create one full set.
To make the fall fête extra cozy and in line with the style of architecture, Erica knew exactly which lounge furniture to rent, and it was all from The Copper Rose.
One new addition to the team was absolutely necessary in the form of a caterer, as their initial venue handled food and beverage in-house. Amanda and Ryan wanted a more casual dining experience, with an assortment of heavy hors d'oeuvres, and Montperi Catering offered an array of options including a mini chicken-and-waffle sandwich that guests loved. The meal was served to several tables—arranged by pods to maximize safety.
With things coming together, a few final partners were confirmed. Feelin Amazin Hair and Carol Kaledzera would do hair and makeup, respectively. The tables would be set with pieces from Bright Event Rentals and Celebrations Party Rentals, on linens from La Tavola Fine Linen. Guests previewed what would be served for dinner on menus by Minted and then enjoyed slices of cake by whaT’s More cake.
