It is my great pride & joy to share a shoot conceptualized by Christine Le and myself to highlight the various wedding vendors located in the San Francisco Bay Area - specifically the South Bay vendors and hidden gems! We were hoping to submit it at the time it was produced & shot in June of 2011, but at the time there were an over saturation of stylized shoots! The photos were shot on film and are as is without alteration. Nearly 2 years later, I am excited to share a few of the images here on my blog. All of our vendors and the models worked hard and we are really proud of our work. Watch the video now! :) :) :)
I also wanted to thank my friend Patty for agreeing to join! What had happen was the original 'maid of honor' we casted had to cancel because she had to go in to work that day. Patty & I went to grade school together in Bangkok, Thailand...we were supposed to hang out but I got the dates mixed up!! And then I begged and begged Patty! lol this is her acting & modeling debut!
I also wanted to thank my friend Patty for agreeing to join! What had happen was the original 'maid of honor' we casted had to cancel because she had to go in to work that day. Patty & I went to grade school together in Bangkok, Thailand...we were supposed to hang out but I got the dates mixed up!! And then I begged and begged Patty! lol this is her acting & modeling debut!
Here is the description of our project:
Christine & I drew our inspiration from the heart of California and its Spanish heritage. By juxtaposing a beautiful historic venue with modern elements, we salute old world
Spanish charm but present it with a modern twist!
Allied Arts Guild, a cooperative of artists, has been an inspiring sanctuary for artists and craftsmen since 1929. Originally owned by a Spanish King in 1700s, it was designed in the classic Spanish Colonial Style with tile work broughtby art lovers. The location is picture perfect with its exquisite over from Spain and Morocco and purchased Spanish-style gardens, making it a dream destination wedding venue. The Spanish architectural details of the red-roof tiles, archways, courtyards, and wrought iron reflect the beauty and history of California.
Our color palette of soft peaches, yellows & ivory was inspired by the warm California sunset as well as the hues of the venue's Spanish tiles. Indelisa Montoro from Royal Bloom designed the romantic yet modern floral designs. Also found in her charming boutique, located in the Allied Arts Guild, is the chandelier, vintage utensils and plates, as well as couture wedding favors like the bird nest our ring bearer is holding in his palm!
The groom and ring bearer wear custom fitted tuxedos provided by Eli Thomas. The lines and ruffles of the bride’s organza ball gown {“Chelsea from David Tutera by Faviana 2011”} echoe the motif of the Spanish tiles. Complementing the gown is a hand-made hair accessory by Bonnie Harper from One World Designs Bridal. Jewelry featuring an elegant organza & cotton flower on top of ivory feathers with a pearl accent in the center; it is placed carefully on top of the modern, side-parted low. The bridesmaid and mother of the bride wear Simone Carvalli – all gowns chignon on the bride by makeup & hair artist Elizabeth Chang from Skyla Arts, and the unique floor-length Sara Gabriel “Rachael” Veil are provided by BoLee Bridal Couture. Also showcased on the bride, is Yael Design’s bridal “Novelique” collection that is opulent and stylish –featuring a beautifully crafted diamond engagement ring. Jewelry worn on thebridesmaid and mother-of-the-bride is from Yael's “Lyra Collection” containing colorful diamonds, rubies, and sapphires.
Staying true to our Spanish/California inspiration, Tim Prestoza from Low Tek & Elizabeth
chose “Mi Corazon” (My Heart/Love) as the background music of our video, and the style of the digital videography –mixing the old and the modern - replicates vintage Super 8 mm film but is done instead (remove instead) digitally.
It was a surprisingly warm day for June, but despite the heat, all the vendors and models pulled out all the stops to create these images & video! We hope you enjoyed the photos and thevideo as much as we do!
Star Vendor List:
Venue: Allied Arts Guild {Menlo Park, California - contact: Tiana Wong}Makeup and Hair : Elizabeth Chang @ Skyla Arts {assisted by Erika T}
Photographer: Christine Le @Magnolia Photography {assisted by Erik L}
Videographer: Lowtek Studios {Tim & John}
Jewelry: Yael Designs
Hair Accessory: One World Designs Bridal
Bridal Gowns: BoLee Bridal Couture, designer - David Tutera
Tuxedos: Eli Thomas
Flowers: Royal Bloom Boutique
Stationary: Inviting Ideas
Cast:
Bride: Jana Molder
Maid of Honor: Patty Wu
Groom: Kelly Murphy
Best Man: Shane Swenson
Mother of the Bride: Astrid Tromp
Father of the Bride: Al Valdes
Flower Girl and Ring Bearer: Kelsey & Travis@ JE SF
