Today, we’re thrilled to share a truly unique wedding celebration that’s equal parts glamorous, stylish, and fun. Sandra and David exchanged vows in a traditional Armenian ceremony, which was followed by an unforgettable reception at The Washbow in Culver City, Los Angeles. It’s the latter that we’re focusing on today, as it showcased a masterclass in blending seemingly disparate elements into a cohesive whole.
Think flowing cocktits, neon lights, lush florals, sequin linens, geometric patterns, and preppy stripes – all coming together under the guidance of Natalie and her team at A Good Affair Wedding & Event Production The result is nothing short of breathtaking. Aaron Young Photography has captured every detail of this unforgettable bash, which we’re eager to share with you.
As you scroll through these images, be inspired by Sandra, David, and Natalie’s vision, and get ready for a wealth of tips and insights from the happy couple themselves.
Wedding Day Snapshot
Today, we’re thrilled to share a truly unique wedding celebration that’s equal parts glamorous, stylish, and fun. Sandra and David exchanged vows in a traditional Armenian ceremony, which was followed by an unforgettable reception at The Washbow in Culver City, Los Angeles. It’s the latter that we’re focusing on today, as it showcased a masterclass in blending seemingly disparate elements into a cohesive whole.
Think flowing cocktits, neon lights, lush florals, sequin linens, geometric patterns, and preppy stripes – all coming together under the guidance of Natalie and her team at A Good Affair Wedding & Event Production The result is nothing short of breathtaking. Aaron Young Photography has captured every detail of this unforgettable bash, which we’re eager to share with you.
As you scroll through these images, be inspired by Sandra, David, and Natalie’s vision, and get ready for a wealth of tips and insights from the happy couple themselves.
The Love Story
It was during a youth pilgrimage to Armenia in 2001 that David and Sandra’s paths first crossed, amidst a group of around 100 young travelers celebrating the 1700th anniversary of Christianity in the country. At the time, Sandra had just joined the group and was still getting to know her fellow companions, while David was well-established among his peers. Interestingly, he claims to have a vague recollection of Sandra, although she herself disputes this.
Fast-forwarding to 2011, Sandra returned to California, where her cousin Sarah happened to be working closely with David. Given the high esteem in which Sarah held David, it’s no surprise that she would go on to facilitate an introduction between the two years later, a proposal would follow, one that would take place on the unexpected stage of the Jimmy Kimmel Show.
The Ceremony
Sandra and David’s Armenian ceremony was steeped in tradition, but it was a special quote from Maya Angelou that truly made their union feel unique. The couple chose to incorporate a powerful passage that spoke volumes about their love for each other: “In all the world there is no heart for me like yours; in all the world there is no love for you like mine.” As they exchanged vows, this poignant quote served as a heartfelt reminder of the deep connection they shared.
The Honeymoon
Following their special day, Sandra and David embarked on a romantic getaway to Maui. They chose the luxurious Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort as their home base for the trip. Initially, Sandra was hesitant about yet another beach vacation, but she soon realized that they were in dire need of relaxation after hosting an action-packed wedding weekend. The lack of decision-making required was a welcome respite from the whirlwind of planning and execution.
In retrospect, Sandra acknowledges that taking a trip immediately after the wedding was an excellent idea. Being at the peak of their happiness, they got to prolong the joyous atmosphere and celebrate their love in a more leisayer way.
The Photography
Sandra and David’s experience with their wedding vendors was characterized by a focus on comfort, style, and personalization. Aaron Young, their chosen photographer, brought a down-to-earth approach that put them at ease. His high-quality photos and unique alternative to traditional photo booths – the ‘marvellous light’ open lounge concept – allowed guests to take fun and memorable photos that could be downloaded later.
This innovative approach catered to Sandra and David’s desire for something different from the usual wedding fare. For their wedding video, they turned to Atomic Tangerine Film Co, seeking a more upbeat and funky tone rather than the traditional, sappy approach. They were thrilled to have the opportunity to select five songs that held personal significance, which the film company then used as the basis for a unique video that felt tailored to their tastes.
When the final product was ready, Sandra and David shared it with older generations, surprising them with the concept of videographers at all – but ultimately delighted with the perfect fit.
The Refreshments
Sandra and David, aficionados of speakeasies, collaborated with The Whaling Club to craft two bespoke cocktails: the Rosemary Gimlet, blending vodka, rosemary, lime, and sugar; and the Old Fashioned, featuring bourbon, sugar, and Angostura bitters. Their culinary adventure continued with Urban Palate’s delectable food stations, carefully curated to reflect Sandra and David’s gastronomic preferences.
Traditional Armenian dishes received modern twists, while barbecue made an appearance, paying homage to Sandra’s Texas roots. In a delightful departure from traditional desserts, the duo opted for ice cream sandwiches courtesy of Coolhaus and a sumptuous selection from Urban Palate, satisfying sweet tooth cravings without indulging in cake – David’s one culinary taboo.
The Inspiration
The visual identity of this blog post is defined by a unique color palette that seamlessly blends black, white, gold, and berry tones. To add an extra layer of sophistication and funkiness, a bold splash of hot pink is incorporated, giving the overall aesthetic an urban chic vibe.
Special Details & Favourite Moments
The visual identity of this blog post is defined by a unique color palette that seamlessly blends black, white, gold, and berry tones. To add an extra layer of sophistication and funkiness, a bold splash of hot pink is incorporated, giving the overall aesthetic an urban chic vibe.
The Music
The visual identity of this blog post is defined by a unique color palette that seamlessly blends black, white, gold, and berry tones. To add an extra layer of sophistication and funkiness, a bold splash of hot pink is incorporated, giving the overall aesthetic an urban chic vibe.
The Venue
The ideal venue for Sandra’s special day was one that offered a clean canvas, allowing her to bring her unique vision to life. She was thrilled with the result, as she had complete creative control over the space. Additionally, the location of the venue played a significant role in their decision-making process. As it was situated in Culver City, they knew their guests would have ample opportunities to explore and enjoy the surrounding area, making for a truly memorable experience.
The Flowers
Among the many types of flowers that can add beauty to a garden or arrangement are peonies, which boast large, showy blooms; garden roses, known for their classic charm and romantic appeal; protea, with its unique, exotic appearance; succulents, prized for their low-maintenance requirements and architectural forms; pierres japonica, offering an elegant, lacy texture; and regular roses, a timeless favorite with a wide range of colors and varieties to choose from.
The Decor & Details
To create an unforgettable wedding, Sandra and David enlisted the expertise of Natalie Good from A Good Affair for Wedding & Event Production. Her vision was to craft an environment that reflected Sandra’s vibrant personality through rich, bold colors, metallic accents, and striking black elements. To avoid the typical round tables often seen at large weddings, Natalie designed a 30-foot X-shaped table as the room’s focal point, complemented by tall bar-height dining tables.
The space was further elevated by black crystal chandeliers suspended from the exposed beams at The Washbow. A custom gold fringe wall served as the couple’s backdrop, while a fringe installation over the bar added an extra layer of drama. A custom neon sign provided a show-stopping touch, tying everything together beautifully. The result was a space that combined bold florals with black sequin linens for a glamorous and unforgettable celebration.
Advice for Other Couples
When planning your dream wedding, it’s crucial to strike a balance between staying organized and keeping an open mind. A budget will undoubtedly be the driving force behind your decisions, particularly when it comes to the number of guests you plan to invite. While Sandra’s priorities may have shifted, she wisely recognized that certain aspects of her special day were non-negotiable. For instance, she prioritized exceptional cocktails over an extravagant dress.
This flexibility allowed her to explore unconventional options and stumble upon unexpected gems – much like the discovery of her wedding dress while browsing for venues. To streamline your planning process, create a mood board that reveals your design preferences. Sandra’s months-long collection of images revealed patterns and preferences, helping her refine her vision. This exercise can also help you identify areas where you’re willing to compromise.
Maintaining open communication with your partner and key stakeholders is vital in navigating any challenges that arise during the planning process. Remember, it’s just a party – take a deep breath and adapt to the inevitable hiccups. As seen in Sandra and David’s stunning wedding reception, embracing the unexpected can lead to truly unique and memorable celebrations.