The day after new years, I headed to my first wedding of 2010. It was the perfect way to start off the year (and coincidentally spend my big 2-7!) — despite rainy weather the week before, the sun smiled down all day and Erika and Stephen held a perfectly cozy and lively occasion. There was a warm & laidback joy that filled the day, the kind that makes for my absolute favorite kind of wedding and had us leaving at the end all smiles!

An exciting bonus: their reception was held at the Inn of the Seventh Ray, a whimsical and rustic venue I’ve been aching to shoot at ever since I first came across it on the interwebs. By day it is a restaurant, tucked away in the woodsy hills of Topanga Canyon {how awesome is Topanga Canyon by the way? you’re just driving along the mountain and then BAM! a surprise magical little community} It features refreshing outdoor dining under trees and along a babbling brook, and that day it served as the perfect backdrop for their casual cocktail reception. When I met with Erika she explained how she loved how the backdrop in itself provided so many details – fun chandeliers, flowering shrubs, dainty vases with a single rose.

The afternoon consisted of lots of dancing, happy conversations around lovely white tables, and laughter & toasts in the prettiest natural surroundings. Erika & Stephen – thank you so much for allowing us to share in your beautiful new years wedding!

Loved the bouquets, which were created by Sada’s Flowers, just a hop away from our home in Culver City! I adore bouquets that add in textural non-floral elements like berries, pods, twigs… makes for such an organic and beautiful arrangement:

These amazing cupcakes were all lovingly baked by Erika’s friend, April of Eat Pretty Cake!

The white-framed photo is of Erika’s grandparents on their wedding day {pictured to the right}. Her grandmother fondly explained to me that it rained that day and was drizzling as they got into the car – I love how you can see the excitement in their faces! And of course all the photos made me wonder if one day Erika & Stephen’s would be lined up at their own grandchildren’s wedding :)

For the second half of their engagement session, Hana & Toshi chose the stunning Griffith Observatory {see Part I of their session here}  As we brainstormed ideas, Hana googled some past sessions that were done there, and came across some lovely photos that my friend Caroline Tran had done, sending a couple to me as her inspiration. Hana loved the concept of a pink balloon and decided to double the fun with two, as well as some adorable handmade cards which you will see below.

I loved shooting at the observatory! The combo of the whimsical balloons, the glittery city lights, the watercolor sunset, and an absolutely sweet & down-for-anything couple made for the dreamiest session.

** On a side note, just discovered last night that we were nominated for the Poppytalk awards! I was so excited as I love their beautiful design blog! Would be so honored if you would vote for us here! **

Happy Friday! We will be returning to session postings shortly, but I’m taking a quick intermission to share a little recap of last Friday (before these days of rain and hail and STORMWATCH 2010! arrived upon us).

The first main event of the evening was The Wedding Clique mixer, hosted by two amazing people, Henry Chen and Trini of Nozza Studio. I am so honored to know them & be part of a great resource like The Wedding Clique, and had a wonderful time seeing old faces & making new friends! If you’re a vendor & making friends is your idea of a good time, be sure to follow The Wedding Clique on Twitter to stay updated! Word is, these mixers will be a quarterly happening!

The second event of the evening was Scott’s band’s show at the Good Hurt. I’ve posted about Potential Difference before and like always, came along with my camera in hand. Some snaps from the set, mixed with fun portraits we shot afterwards are below. You can hear their tunes via myspace here! This was their first show at the Good Hurt which is a cool venue – partially because of the neat space and vibe, and partially because of the fact that they have JARS OF CANDY on every table. JARS! of CANDY!