PORTFOLIO
Inspiration + Events
Halloween-Inspired Weddings
Have a Halloween Inspired Wedding isn't a new idea but we love it so much it, we had to share some cool ideas we've seen.
GO CLASSIC
OR MAKE IT REALLY SPOOK-TACULAR!
Photography: Karma Event Lighting | Mango Studios | Gina & Ryan Photography
Westlund Photography
We recently crossed paths with this awesome team from Westlund Photography and after seeing their work and how they work, we definitely had to give them a shout out!
If you're looking for an awesome team to capture your special moments on your special day, we highly recommend you to head to www.westlundphotography.com
Plan Your Wedding (4 Step Guide to Getting Started)
There is a lot that goes into planning a wedding. The moment you start the planning process you'll realize that from the dress to the venue to the entertainment, the options are endless. Here's a four step quick guide to getting started with your planning process.
STEP 1. CONGRATS YOU ARE ENGAGED!
STEP 2. CONSIDER A WEDDING PLANNER
There is so much to consider and might need help. Reach out to a few planners to get some options on how they can assist you. They'll also help with a budget to get started.
STEP 3. PICK A DATE!
Depending on your venue's availability, find the perfect date.
STEP 4. FIND YOUR ENTERTAINMENT
We might be a little biased but great entertainment gets book usually 12 months prior to the wedding date so you'll want to start looking at entertainment or getting ideas of which groups you'd like. Check out a great band below!
M Cakes Sweets
Our #SundaySpotlight goes to this awesome team of dessert experts, M Cakes Sweets! We recently had the opportunity to see their masterpieces at one of our weddings and we were certainly impressed. Here's a few exampled of their stunning desserts!
Pictures can only do so much, so if you're searching for experts to fix your sweet tooth; look no further M Cakes Sweets!
www.cakessweets.com
Lighting You Need For Your Event
Let's talk Uplights
Lighting can make a big difference in the atmosphere of your event.
Uplighting works to add some flare to the party and can often times make the room feel more lively. Also if you use customizable color LEDs, its a great way to match your decor. Whether your event is big or small and you want to add some lighting, uplighting would be a great place to start.
LB Event Planning
Our Sunday Spotlight goes to our friends at LB Event Planning! In our recent events, we've had the privilege of working with this incredible team and all we can say is that they can do it all! From interior designing, weddings, and corporate events; it's very clear that they know what they're doing.
Check out some of their masterpieces by heading to their website - www.lbeventplanning.com
Don't Forget To Dance
All married couples say the same thing: the wedding goes by so fast! So much preparation and planning is put into the big day and it’s important to enjoy every moment as it’s passing.
DON’T FORGET TO JOIN IN WITH YOUR GUESTS ON THE DANCE FLOOR!
You work hard to create the party of a lifetime for your guests, so make sure you also get to enjoy it! Guests will cherish every moment they have with you, but sharing a drink and laughing at each others’ moves on the dance floor is much more memorable than a hurried conversation as you attempt to greet each and every table.
Tags: #weddingtipwednesday
Photography: Lisa Marie Photographie
Truly Fancy
Katie and Brian’s wedding at USC Town & Gown Ballroom was amazing, and Soultones had guests dancing the night away! One of the most beautiful components of this particular wedding was the gorgeous floral designs and arrangements by Truly Fancy Events.
It’s no wonder this Southern California-based team is featured on all of the top wedding blogs, check out some of their gorgeous work below.
For more information, visit Truly Fancy Events at trulyfancy.com
Crafting a Thank You Speech
A lot of pressure is placed on the best man and maid of honor when it comes to delivering a witty and sentimental wedding speech. However, one speech that is equally as important but often times forgotten is the Bride and Groom’s thank you speech.
GUESTS WILL APPRECIATE THE GESTURE, EVEN IF IT’S SHORT AND SWEET!
Find time before or after dinner and decide if one or both of you will do the talking, but most importantly make sure it’s heartfelt. There may not be enough time during the night to personally greet every single guest, but this is a nice way to show appreciation and call out any special loved ones who contributed to making the night possible.
Creating a Memorable Exit
A great deal of emphasis is placed on making an entrance when it comes to wedding ceremonies and receptions, but what about the grand exit? Even if you’re planning on joining your guests at the after party, you can still make a memorable exit at the reception!
A WEDDING EXIT CAN BE SPECIAL MOMENT FOR THE BRIDE AND GROOM!
For the traditional approach, pack your honeymoon bags in a vintage car and don’t forget the “Just Married” sign on the back!
Consider the photo opportunity of being surrounded by your guests with lit sparklers or tossed confetti as you make your getaway. Pro tip: If your venue allows sparklers consider supplying a lighter or matches for guests to ensure they all spark and stay lit at the same time.
For a simpler send-off, choose a meaningful song to end the night and make your exit once it’s over.
There’s no right or wrong way to exit, it’s just another fun aspect to consider for the big day!
Tags: #weddingtipwednesday #weddingexit #getawaycar #sparklers
Venue Spotlight - The Queen Mary
Soultones recently performed at a gorgeous wedding aboard the historic Queen Mary ship, which has been docked in Long Beach since the year 1967.
It is known to many locals and tourists as a floating hotel and year-round attraction with three world-class restaurants and bars on board, but we were blown away by the indoor and outdoor spaces available specifically for weddings and events.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.QUEENMARY.COM
Tags: #sundayspotlight #downbeatlaapproved #weddingvenue #eventspace #thequeenmary #longbeachwedding #socalwedding
Vendors Know Best
Researching vendors in the early wedding planning stages can be very overwhelming. Whether you are working with a planner or going the DIY route, it’s important to lean on others for help, specifically vendors themselves.
ASK VENDORS FOR REFERRALS – THEY KNOW THE INDUSTRY BEST!
For example, if you find your florist first, find out who they have a professional working relationship with. Don’t be afraid to ask for their recommendations as they know the industry best. Similarly, your venue or wedding planner or coordinator will have preferred vendors they work with and can get the job done.
It’s important to remember that different vendors cater to different tastes and budgets, so once you receive referrals it’s best to schedule meetings with each of them to see what feels right for you before narrowing it down.
Tags: #weddingtipwednesday #weddingvendor #socalwedding #losangeleswedding #californiawedding #downbeatlaweddings
Honeyfitz Events
When it comes to designing the perfect event, the HoneyFitz Events team is inspired by all things beautiful, and it shows. Our band, AMFM, had the pleasure of working with them recently on a wedding at Los Angeles’ iconic venue Vibiana, where every detail was flawlessly executed.
This Los Angeles-based team boasts full service planning for all wedding needs, check out some of their gorgeous work.
For more information on HoneyFitz Events, visit them at their website, www.honeyfitzevents.com
Tags: #sundayspotlight #downbeatlaapproved #weddingplanner #eventplanner #socalweddings #losangeleswedding #amfmla #downbeatla
Pre-Dinner Mini Dance Party
Some couples have requested a small dance set before guests are seated for dinner and it’s a huge hit every time!
GET THE GUESTS OUT ON THE DANCE FLOOR EARLY!
After cocktail hour, everyone is ready to have a great time. Whether it’s right after the first dance when guests are crowded around, or immediately following the grand entrance, ask your band or DJ to play 3-4 dance songs to get the party started. It sets a great tone for the night and is a great preview of what’s in store after dinner is over!
Tags: #weddingtipwednesday #downbeatlaweddings #danceparty #weddingmusic
The Little Branch
We recently had the pleasure of working on a wedding with floral designers extraordinaire, The Little Branch. Mallory and Beau’s celebration at Carondelet House was gorgeous, and our band AMFM was blown away by how the floral designs created such a romantic, warm and inviting space.
Meg and Annie are the duo behind The Little Branch, based in Downtown LA. Their works speaks for itself, just look at these gorgeous creations!
We can’t wait for the next wedding where we can walk into the room and see The Little Branch florals everywhere! Head to www.thelittlebranch for inquiries or to see more about this amazing floral design team!
Tags: #sundayspotlight #downbeatlaapproved #weddingflorist @floraldesign
Don't Sweat the Small Day-Of Stuff
We understand how much preparation goes into making an ordinary day turn into a magical celebration. Once everything is planned down to the last detail it’s important to trust your vendors and enjoy your day!
You picked them because they are professional and know what it takes behind the scenes to make your day extra special.
DON'T WORRY, IT WILL ALL COME TOGETHER!
No one is going to know if a centerpiece is missing a few flowers, if there is one sign missing or a time may have shifted for a special song or dance. It’s important to be flexible and have an open mind and know that things may change on the day, but remember the guests won’t know the difference.
DON’T LOSE SIGHT OF WHAT’S IMPORTANT,
ENJOYING THE DAY WITH YOUR LOVED ONES
Jillian Rose Photography
When you book a wedding photographer, you are entrusting them to capture all of the important and memorable moments of your celebration! We can say, without a doubt, that we’ve witnessed nothing but professionalism and a tremendously skilled and talented eye with Jillian Rose Photography. Her portfolio speaks for itself.
- AMFM 46
- Booths 6
- Corporate 51
- DJ Live 12
- Destination 13
- Dolce 5
- Downbeat LA 5
- Featured Wedding 42
- Floral Design 9
- Gold Standard 50
- Midnight Hour 1
- Music Recommendations 35
- Photography 10
- Planners 24
- Preferred Venues 46
- Soultones 58
- Sweets 4
- The A-List 17
- TruBlu 7
- Vendor Spotlight 57
- Videography 10
- Wedding Tips 65