When Julie first came through our castle doors, she knew what she wanted. She wanted color...something unique...a wedding dress that really felt like her. She knew she didn't want white, and since I specialize in colorful dresses that still feel bridal, she knew her dress was here at The Castle. The moment she tried on Shangri-La, we all knew it was 'the one'! Shangri-La has one of our most vibrant French embroideries, adorned with aqua blue and fuchsia florals, dark olive accents, all layered over an exquisite gold French lace. This gown would turn out to be the perfect palette for her May wedding, which you'll see was filled with these vibrant tones. 
Not only were Julie's florals by R. Jack Balthazar perfection, but how about that ocean blue setting in the background of the The Ritz Carton Bacara? The scene was truly perfect for a late Spring wedding, and the couple couldn't look happier. Joe's amazing custom Tux by Ottavio Nuccio Gala perfectly complimented Julie's gown and epitomizes their rock n' roll style. I just love this chic couple! 
I felt so lucky to not only create Julie's gown, but also these custom silk velvet coats! Julie mentioned wanting something to wear for later in the evening when it cooled down, and I had literally just received this fabulous fabric days earlier. The embroidered French velvet happened to perfectly compliment the Shangri-La gown. I showed Julie the fabric and it was meant-to-be...I would design a custom coat to match her gown, and voila! Julie thought her sister and the flower girls would need something too, and of course, I just happened to have a deep rose version for the flower girls, and we rush ordered a vibrant green with light pink accents for her sister's tunic. The way it all came together was magic, and what a fabulous group of ladies!
On to the party, dinner and dancing the night away! These two both work in the music industry, so of course their wedding had great music (including a special performance by the groom himself) and an evening of fun for the guests and the happy couple. I really love how they made their wedding their own. Their day was joyful and unique, while also super elegant and romantic. 
As the sun set on the beautiful California coast, Julie and Joe's special day was sealed with a kiss, and so much love from their friends and family. Every bride can learn something from my lovely bride Julie. She knew what she wanted, and went for it. No hesitation. No second-guessing. Thank you for letting me dress you up in this one-of-a-kind ensemble, Julie. I wish you and Joe all the best!Read more about this fabulous couple's wedding in the latest issue of Inside Weddings, on stands now! And, subscribe to our very own magazine, "for the LOVE of" to see more of our unique, beautiful brides.
Dress: Shangri-La by Claire Pettibone
Planning + Design: @sterling_social
Floral + Decor + Furnishings: @rjackbalthazar
Venue: @ritzcarltonbacarasb
Photography: @kellibeephotography
Hair Vine Accessories: @twigsandhoney
Beauty: @chanelcross
Groom'S Suit: @ottavionucciogala
Dining Structure + Lighting: @bellavistadesigns
Furnishings: @theonicollection
Tabletop: @casadeperrin
Invitations + Dinner Menus: @swellpress
