This past Sunday we had the pleasure of joining so many other talented vendors at the Engaged event by Exquisite Weddings Magazine. I’m not usually one to participate in bridal shows but this one was very chic and very different! Say goodbye to stuffy rows upon rows of vendors lined up in a dark convention center. This event was hosted by Carmel Mountain Ranch Estate Wedding Venue. I have not shot a wedding here yet but trust me I really want to! (hint hint) It fits my style PERFECTLY. I did however, get the amazing opportunity last fall to photograph a huge editorial at the estate and we made the cover of the magazine from that shoot along with an 18-page spread! You can find that issue HERE.

Carmel Mountain Estate did such an amazing job on the hospitality side. Passed trays of hors d’ oeuvres, swanky cocktails and the most incredible charcuterie board and cheese platter I have seen in a really long time.

What I love so much about this event is it gives couples lots of visuals and creative ideas that they can idealize what a team of vendors can create for them. Each setup had full installations with multiple vendors involved including florists, stylists, rentals, and stationery artists. The setup below was an incredibly creative setup made for San Diego Safari Park. As a bride, it might be a bit hard to image what your wedding could look like at a Safari theme park. With this setup I would be on board in a heart beat if my wedding looked like this!

Then there was the very popular “Moms Donuts” for obvious reasons. Have you ever had mini donuts straight from the fryer, then topped with sauces and possibly bacon bits? If not, your missing out! These are incredible! If you are looking for a really unique addition to your wedding desserts that is not only interactive and absolutely delicious give them a try!

Now that we have talked about food let’s move on to the drinks! Have you ever seen a more adorable set up! I haven’t! The lovely people over at Get Cozy Vintage mobile bars turned an already exciting activity (drinking) into a unique experience. Having experienced based vendors at your wedding is HUGE. I have seen such a big movement in the wedding industry with couples really dialing in the experience factor for their guests.

If you havn’t noticed already the theme here was Marigold. Not only is it a huge color in the fashion industry right now but we are seeing it pop up all over in the wedding trends this year. I will be totally honest here. I wasn’t crazy about the color when I saw the pallet. Then I bought a dress to wear to the event and had an incredible bouquet made by Tularosa Flowers and I was in LOVEEEE ! Look how GORG this set up is from Michelle Garibay Events . These chic rentals are from Jake Duke

Here are a few more setups from some amazingly talented vendors that were there. Don’t forget to scroll to the end of this post to see my Marigold dress and bouquet boomerang!

The robes below are the cutest robes and she is a San Diego Local! They even have matching flower girl robes. A great price point of $79 for the adult and $49 for the little ones. They are soft and cozy and not to mention they don’t wrinkle much because of their high quality material. Wrinkled robes are a big photography pet peeve of mine. You spend so much on such a cute moment only to have wrinkled robe photos. You can check out Robes with Love HERE

Let’s not leave out a few images of Carmel Mountain Ranch Estates beautiful Property and ceremony site.

Creative floral design from the talented Florist Monica from RSVP Flowers. I’m loving the color palette here!

I hope you find some great ideas and vendors from this post!

Participating Vendors

Host: 

• Carmel Mountain Ranch Estate

Planners: 

• Back Patio Event Design
• Catherine Bachelier StyleMaker
• GB Weddings
• Michelle Garibay Events
• Nicole Burbank Events

Blooms: 

• Floral Designs by Bethany
• RSVP Floral Design
• Rustic Inspirations
• Sage Sisters
• Studio Palma
• Tularosa Flowers

Bites: 

• Carmel Mountain Ranch Estate
• Feast on This Catering & Memorable Events

Beauty: 

• HD Beauty
• Sandra Michelle Artistry

Music: 

• Music As You Like It

Other: 

• Meka Coffee

Photographers: 

• Ian Andrew Photography
• Carrie McGuire Photography

Photobooth: 

• Photo Glam Booth

Rentals: 

• Catalog Atelier
• Jake Duke Studios
• Raphael’s Party Rentals
• Rustic Events
• Rustic Inspirations

Shops: 

• Daniela Cristiana Art
• Friar Tux
• Robed With Love
• The Dress Theory

Stationery: 

• Sweet Paper

Sweets: 

• Cute Cakes
• Elevated Engagements
• Mom’s Mini Donuts

Venues: 

• Carmel Mountain Ranch Estate
• Green Acre Campus Pointe
• San Diego Zoo and Safari Park
• Temecula Creek Inn
• Wedgewood Weddings Galway Downs

Videography: 

• Sweet Day Studio

Other: 

• Blushing Drops
• ELiveLife
• Get Cozy Bars