Real Wedding: Alice + Dennis’ Sweet Wedding

A super sweet wedding for a Friday! Dennis + Alice met at S. Pasadena High School playing tennis. He was recently transferred to Shanghai, China for work and they moved in December of 2010 while still planning their March 2011 wedding. They came back to Pasadena for their wedding and then immediately back to Shanghai where they will live. And just wait until you see what Alice’s Maid of Honor planned for the wedding exit – I’ll give you a hint – it’s my favorite scene from Love Actually. :)

first look

The couple has professional connections with TOMS Shoes and showcased their brand new bridal line at their wedding!

I think this is one of my most favorite things ever – ever since watching the movie Love Actually, I’ve thought it would be such an amazing thing to have happen at your wedding – and this is the first time I’ve seen it! The bride’s Maid of Honor secretly planned an elaborate re-enactment of the famous scene in the movie, Love Actually. Right after they were pronounced “husband and wife”, they were surprised by a live mini-orchestra that were hiding in the seats and they sprang up to serenade the couple with the song “All you need is love“. The looks on Dennis and Alice’s faces are classic!

Our main decoration throughout the wedding decor was buttons. I had come across a blog where someone had button bouquets, and I thought that was cutest idea, and when I did more research I found some amazing designers who made button bouquets with felt flowers. And I thought it was perfect because I always felt awful that my bridesmaid bouquets from other weddings were gorgeous the day of, but would wilt within the week, and with the button bouquets they could last a lifetime. So with that started our button theme. I found a designer who also made button shakers and would make little button stems with vintage salt shakers which we placed at each table. Then one of my bridesmaids and I made the button boutonnieres for the groomsmen to go along with the theme. And with this one idea we decided not to have floral arrangements since we wanted everything to last, and created very simple vases with lemons and green apples. It was to symbolize the bittersweetness of our whole wedding since we were so happy to be surrounded by all our friends and family, yet we were bound to set off on our big move to Shanghai.

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

After all the weddings I had been a part of (sister, cousins, best friends) the one thing I took from all of them is do what makes you happy. Everyone who will be there is there for you, and they love you for who you are and the wedding is just a symbol of you and your new husband and they are all happy just to celebrate with you. Don’t let other people’s opinions change your gut feelings about things. And always remember to relax, it’s just a giant party, so the goal is to just have fun. Also, make sure to hire professionals, like Sara Allen, and having a Day-of Coordinator is essential, do not ask a friend to do it. They are worth every penny and will ensure you have a wonderful day because they are the professionals and that is what they’re paid to do. :)

Photographer: onelove photography //  Caterer: Lawry’s CateringPinkberry
Reception Venue: Cravens Estate, Pasadena CA  //  Felt Button Bouquets: Miss Jennifer Rae
Photo Booth Equipment: Booth My Event //  Event Planner: Priscilla Valere
Bride’s Bouquet: RBK Creations

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