Katie and Derek’s wedding at Rancho Las Lomas turned out to be one of my more challenging events ever, thanks to a surprise guest – rain. But hey, what’s a celebration without a bit of drama, right? As their wedding planner, I was faced with the challenge of replanning the entire event overnight, swapping ceremony and reception locations, and throwing up three tent structures to keep the rain at bay. In the end, it turned out even better than we could have ever dreamed.
Working with Katie and Derek was an absolute blast. These two had a killer vision, and I couldn’t get enough of their mauve color scheme. Butterfly Florals, MTB Rentals, Oak Tree Wedding Rentals, and Premier Lighting were total MVPs, turning our last-minute changes into a dreamy, romantic event. The planning process with these two was so fun, all thanks to the couple’s infectious enthusiasm, and I truly have found friends in the two of them.
Katie was a bit skeptical when I suggested tenting, but when they walked into the reception space, their jaws hit the floor, and I’m not ashamed to admit, we all shed a few tears. We even had a reveal with Katie’s mom and dad, who were both involved in the planning process. These moments always make all of the stress worth it, and remind me why I love what I do. The tents not only saved the day from rain but added this intimate vibe that just felt perfect. The lighting installation left guests in awe as they walked through a light tunnel into a grand reception space. Floral bridges across the tables, and huge disco balls over the dance floor are just two of the elements that made the décor absolutely breathtaking.
We played off Katie’s photography skills by giving each guest a disposable camera with their table assignment. It doubled as a fun seating chart and ensured every guest became a part of the bride’s passion. Plus, we threw in a special tribute to Katie’s mom, with photos capturing their precious moments throughout the years. Talk about pulling at the heartstrings! DJ BMO kept the dance floor on fire all night long. The transition from heartfelt moments to crazy dance moves was seamless, and the energy in the room was electric. It was a day filled with challenges, laughter, and, most importantly, love.
In the end, Katie and Derek’s wedding wasn’t just a celebration; it was a testament to the magic that can happen when you trust the process and focus on what truly matters – the love between the two of them. The unexpected twists only added to the story, making it a day we’ll all remember for years to come. Cheers to dreamy weddings, rain or shine!
Creatives
Planning + Design | Caroline Leggio || Venue: Rancho Las Lomas || Photography: Ashley Paige Photo || Cinema: The Quail and the Dove || Floral Design: Butterfly Floral || Catering: 24 Carrots Catering || Dessert: Cathys Cookies & Manhattan Beach Creamery || Tenting: Signature Party Rentals || Rentals: Mtb Event Rentals, Oaktree Event Rentals & SMS Generators || Lighting: Premier Lighting & Production || Entertainment: DJ BMO || Cake: Sweet Traders || Photobooth: Scenario Photo || Beauty: Blessed Gifted Beauty || Stationery & Signage: Heidi Davidson Design
