Thoughts on First Looks

Some of the best moments are those that happen once.

Many couples forget to take time for themselves to enjoy their big day, and the first look provides and opportunity to do just this! Some couples have said it calms their nerves and gets them even more excited for the ceremony knowing that they can relax and spend less time on photos during the party. 

THE FIRST LOOK IS AN INTIMATE, ROMANTIC MOMENT FOR THE COUPLE

For brides, if you want a first look but still want to surprise your groom walking down the aisle, switch up the dress! Don’t wear the veil during the first look but add it for the ceremony. Either way, both moments will be unforgettable and you’ll be happy you have the memories to last a lifetime.

Photography: The Youngrens

Tags: #weddingtipwednesday #downbeatlaweddings #firstlook #californiaweddings

Calamigos Ranch – Wedding/Event Venue

Calamigos Ranch boasts an insanely gorgeous property lush with eucalyptus and redwood tree cover and twinkle lights galore! It’s no wonder brides and grooms fall in love with this Malibu venue, and it is hands down one of our favorite Malibu venues to perform at!

Celebrities, including Breaking Bad’s Aaron Paul, Goo Goo Doll’s Johnny Rzeznik and Workaholics’ Kyle Newacheck have all held wedding ceremonies on the property. Just take a look at these photos; can you blame them?

For more information on the venue and booking, visit www.calamigosranch.com.

Tags: #sundayspotlight #downbeatlaapproved #weddingvenue #eventvenue #malibuwedding #breakingbad #workaholics #aaronpaul #amfmla #downbeatla

Ceremony Cocktails

Traditionally, wedding ceremonies are followed by cocktail hours where guests can order drinks, mingle and enjoy hors d’oeuvres before dinner. But, what if you consider a twist on tradition where guests are greeted with champagne at a ceremony entrance or offered beverages to simply stay cool and hydrated during the vow exchange?

CONSIDERING YOUR GUESTS’ COMFORT AND ENJOYMENT IS KEY!

For adults-only weddings, we think this is a fun and unexpected way to welcome guests. If there are children in attendance, try switching it up and offering lemonade or soda to create a fun and more laid back atmosphere.

If your ceremony is held in a church or other place of worship, this may not fall in line with tradition. Even so, guests will always appreciate the thought of providing bottled water or a light refreshment no matter where the ceremony is taking place, just check with your venue and location for rules and availability first.

Photographer: The Perfect Palette | Scheme Events

Lumiani Events

When the band is still talking about a wedding weeks after it happened, you know it was one for the books! Our friends at Lumiani Events absolutely nailed John and Ada’s wedding at Bel Air Bay Club last month! These wedding and event planners based in SoCal know how to throw a wedding celebration that guests will be talking about forever!

WWW.LUMIANIEVENTS.COM @LUMIANIEVENTS.

Tags: #sundayspotlight #downbeatlaapproved #weddingplanner #eventplanner #socalweddings #soultonesla #downbeatla

Summer Wedding Plan B

It summertime and weddings are in full swing! Every season has its own pros and cons when it comes to wedding weather and planning, but for couples saying, “I Do”, in the summer heat, we’ve got some reminders that may be helpful on the big day!

1. ALWAYS HAVE A PLAN B

For outdoor weddings, don’t assume it will be sunshine and blue skies just because its summer. Having a backup plan for your venue, whether it’s a tent or indoor option, is crucial. Also, don’t forget to stock the entrance with sunscreen, parasols and fans to ensure the comfort of your guests.

2. WEAR LIGHTER, COOLER ATTIRE

A lighter fabric that breathes easily for the bride, linen suits for the groom and even sandals for all of the beach-casual weddings are smart options for staying cool at the altar.

3. CONSIDER THE DESSERT

If you’re in a cool, air-conditioned reception venue this may not be a concern. However, if you are celebrating al fresco, make sure you have desserts that won’t melt if they’re on display for a long period of time, or plan on bringing them out only when guests are ready to enjoy them.

Congratulations to all of our summer brides and grooms this year!

Photography: Shannen Natasha | Michelle Karas | Best Products

Tags: #weddingtipwednesday #summerwedding #downbeatlaweddings

Hoo Films

Insane drone footage, day-of edits and slideshow presentations from the wonderful team at Hoo Films are only a few of the amazing things they provide their clients. Our bands, Gold Standard and AMFM, have had the chance to work with the team at Hoo Films recently at weddings and were blown away by not only the professionalism, but also the skill and quality of work! Here's a couple events that we worked along side with them.

The films speak for themselves, head to www.hoofilms.com to see more!

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Celebrity Planners Give Advice

1. START YOUR WEDDING DAY WITH A FEW MINDFUL BREATHS

To keep stress levels at a minimum on the big day, Weiss recommends taking a few minutes in the morning to center yourself. “When you wake up on your wedding day, take a deep breath and commit to enjoying the moments,” she says. “Whatever is going to happen will work out. I promise the more relaxed you are, your family and friends will feel it, too.” – Mindy Weiss, www.mindyweiss.com (source: la-confidential-magazine.com)

2. VALUE YOUR VENDORS

Your vendors are your family within the industry. They are the ones who will help bring your vision and ideas to fruition. The vendors I work with trust me and enjoy working with my team. Make sure you are kind to those who work alongside you to help make the event a success. – Sharon Sacks, www.sacksproductions.com (source: www.bizbash.com)

3. NOT EVERYONE IN YOUR BRIDAL PARTY NEEDS A PLUS-ONE.

If it's someone your brother plans on spending years with, fine. But you don't want to meet a new person at your wedding unless he or she is a really significant other. – Colin Cowie, www.colincowie.com (source: www.brides.com)

4. WHERE DO YOU TRIM COSTS TO MAKE ROOM FOR SPLURGES?

Cocktail hour should be gracious and lovely, but I don't believe in putting too much money into it. Three to five passed hors d'oeuvres are fine, and you don't have to play live music. Who's really going to hear it besides the 20 guests standing in front of the trio? – Bryan Rafanelli, www.rafanellieevents.com (source: www.glamour.com)

5. NEVER LOSE SIGHT OF THE REAL REASON FOR YOUR WEDDING CELEBRATION: TO CELEBRATE WITH TREASURED FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

Sure it will be fun to be in the spotlight but don’t forget to step away from the crowd for a moment and savor a private and special moment together. Celebrities often plan an elaborate spread for cocktail hour so that their guests are well taken care of while they slip away to capture their first precious moments as a happily wedded couple on camera. These are images you’ll treasure for a lifetime! – Andrea Freeman, www.andreafreemanevents.com (source: www.hollywoodlife.com)

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Details Details

Details Details Wedding & Events are known for creating picture-perfect weddings and flawlessly executing every last detail. Last month, our band Gold Standard worked with them at Pelican Hill Resort and it was one of the most beautiful weddings we’ve ever had the pleasure of being a part of.

Check out more of their work at www.aboutdetailsdetails.com.

Tags: #sundayspotlight #downbeatlaapproved #weddingplanner #eventplanner

Plan a Surprise!

Wedding guests may have an idea of what they can expect when it comes to attending a reception, especially close friends and family who have been clued in on certain details and arrangements. Something to consider is planning for a surprise that guests don’t see coming!

Here are our top picks for ways to surprise guests at a wedding:

- Late night snack station

- Surprise dance performance or song dedication

- Family heritage ceremony

- Fireworks or sparklers

- Grand exit for the bride and groom

Whether it’s simple or grandiose, guests will love an unexpected treat during the celebration!

Photos: Hartman Outdoor Photography | Scott Hagar Photography | The Knot

Tags: #weddingtipwednesday #downbeatlaweddings

Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel

Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel boasts an “unparalleled beach wedding location,” and having performed at numerous weddings there with our bands and DJs, we can attest to that!

It doesn’t get much better than exchanging vows overlooking the ocean in Southern California and celebrating in the most elegant of settings. See for yourself why we absolutely love being a part of weddings and special events at this venue. 

Photography: Lin & Jirsa

#sundayspotlight #downbeatlaapproved #weddingvenue #eventvenue #ritzcarlton #lagunaniguel

Adults Only or Kids Allowed?

When debating whether or not to have children at the celebration of your wedding, it’s important to consider family dynamics, wedding guests and the desired degree of formalness for the reception. For some couples the decision is easy, but it can also be a delicate subject for some.

CONSIDER FAMILY DYNAMICS, TIME OF DAY, LOCATION AND FORMALNESS!

If your family gatherings are packed with little ones then it maybe you can’t imagine your big day without them. If your wedding will be mostly friends and adults looking to party into the night, it might warrant the call for an adults-only celebration.

When it comes to formalness, if you’re hosting a black tie wedding reception that starts in the evening, then children would be better left out of the equation. On the other hand, if it’s a daytime wedding with a more casual vibe, kids tend to be the life of the party! Just remember to have fun activities, appropriate menu options and possibly hired supervision to keep them safe and entertained.

Photos: Andrew Craner | WeddBook |

Tags: #weddingtipwednesday #downbeatlaweddings

Doily Design Haus

Doily Design Haus is an amazing full service wedding company, and we are always blown away by their floral creations and day-of-coordination expertise. They are always wonderful to work with, and we love that they’ve recently added ‘’Proposal Planning and Coordination’’ to their list of services! Check out some of their work below. 

 WWW.DOILYDESIGNHAUS.COM

Tags: #sundayspotlight #downbeatlaapproved #weddingflorist #weddingcoordinator

Must-Play & DO-NOT Play Lists

Chances are the band or DJ you’ll book (or have already booked) for your wedding is already prepared with songs to get the party started and keep it going all night. While it’s important to give them freedom to make song decisions based on their expertise, don’t be afraid to make special requests.

MAKING SONG REQUESTS WITH YOUR BAND OR DJ

Aside from the first dance and parent dances, communicate a select handful of meaningful songs that would make the night complete. Additionally, if there are any songs or artists that you don’t want to hear, be sure to communicate that as well.

DJs and bands will appreciate the input, but trust that they’ll be reading the crowd throughout the night in order to play what everyone wants to hear, so keep requests minimal

Tags: #weddingtipwednesday #weddingmusic #downbeatlaweddings

Chard Photos

Photographers play an important role in capturing moments and memories to last a lifetime. Rich of Chard Photos, based in Southern California, has an impressive portfolio of stunning wedding and portrait photography and we’re always thrilled to work with him.

#sundayspotlight #downbeatlaapproved #weddingphotography #eventphotography

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Photo vs. Video Booths

PROP, DROP AND POSE

Who doesn’t love dressing up with fun props and having their photos taken at weddings? Photo booths provide the perfect opportunity for wedding guests to come together and get silly in celebration of the happy couple.

KEEP THE PARTY GOING WELL AFTER THE BIG DAY IS OVER!

In addition to photo booths, we’re seeing video booths make their way to more and more receptions as well! Whether it’s slow motion cameras, gif-capturing technology or guests recording personalized video messages for the bride and groom, videos are equally as memorable and might even be more fun to have during the party

Both photo and video booths give guests something to look forward to after the big day is over and supplement professional photos and videos that may have been taken as well.

Photography: Mebo Photo | Sprout Squared Photography

Videography: Nathan Strubhar of Sunlit Films

A Good Affair

A Good Affair is a full service wedding and event production company based in Orange County, and we’ve had the pleasure of working with them on numerous occasions. Their portfolio includes a wide range of luxury weddings and special events and every detail is produced to perfection.

Check them out at http://agoodaffair.com/

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