Vow Renewal

I had to snap a few pictures of the precious bouquet and boutonniere we did this weekend for an intimate vow renewal! I love the idea of vow renewals- it's always such a wonderful thing to remind yourself and the one you love why you chose to spend your life with them in the first place! So romantic! 

Festive's Favorites: Colleen Rosenthal Photography

We have SO many favorite vendors on the Central Coast...I couldn't wait to share another one with you!

Meet Colleen of Colleen Rosenthal Photography!

Colleen has a style that truly her own. She really does capture *moments*- not just the day. It is clear that Colleen genuinely wants your photos to be the best they can be. Her maternal vibe is so comforting to have around when you're stressed...she tells you you're beautiful, tames that stray hair that's flying straight up, and before you know it, she blends right into your family. Speaking of family, Colleen has taken every Christmas card photo of my family since I can remember. My high school and college graduation photos too! If you see a photo of me on the internet, chances are she took it! Get to know this amazing woman....

FD: How would you describe your photography style?

CR: I love people and connections between people. Those moments are the "holy grail" of my work. It follows that my photography is emotional. I am not impressed by work that is contrived. I will always default to recording as apposed to orchestrating. For me value of the image is directly proportional to its honesty, the "back story" of what was really going on. Our brides and grooms are not models. They are unique beings who have found what everyone seeks, a loving partner.

FD: What is your favorite moment of the day?
CR: There is an abundance of wonderful authentic moments at a wedding. I never know when my favorite moment of a wedding day will be. It is always different, and I love the constant possibllity of that moment surfacing.


FD: What advice to you give your bride and groom to have the best possible day/wedding photos?
CR: I only advise my brides and grooms when moments present themselves. If I can ease a tense moment for example, I might offer a humorous note or make a comment on gratitude. The surest way to have great photos is to be taking photos of people who are genuinely in the moment. That is people who are not posing.

FD: How long have you been in business?
CR: I have been a professional wedding photographer for 15 plus years.


FD: Where are some of your favorite venues, locations, places to shoot?
CR: Anywhere can be my favorite place to shoot if the light is beautiful!

Colleen in action!!

Enjoy some of Colleen's photos from recent weddings we have done together:

Festive's Favorites: Two Little Birds Bakery

We've got another FAVORITE to share with you all!

We love working with Lauren of Two Little Birds Bakery! And it's not just because I've known her since high school....but because she's got the perfect mix of talent, professionalism, and friendliness. She goes with the flow when challenges arise, suggest great ideas when the brides aren't sure what they want, and always greets you with a smile! Plus, (how could I forget) her stuff tastes AMAZING! The texture of her cupcakes will knock your socks off! Get to know her.....

FD: How would you describe your personal pastry style?
TLB: Two Little Birds Bakery focuses mainly on homestyle baking. While the cakes are beautiful, it is more important to me that they taste fantastic. Our cakes are all from scratch, use a lot of butter, and are always made fresh for every event. When an individual takes a bite of our cake, I want it to take them back to the way their Mother's baking used to be, simple and delicious.

FD: What advice do you give your bride and groom to have the best possible day/wedding cake?
TLB: If I had to give advice to the bridal party, it would be to trust your vendors, and enjoy your day. We are all trained in our specific trade, and it is extremely important to us that your day turns out perfect. We will make sure that your day is everything you have ever dreamed of. Oh, and also, make sure you take some cake with you back to your hotel that night. It makes for a great late night treat.



FD: How long have you been in business?
TLB: Two Little Birds Bakery will be open three years this August.

FD: Where are some of your favorite venues, locations, places to work?
TLB: I love to work in rustic settings, such as Santa Margarita Ranch, Thatcher Winer, or pretty much anywhere with a barn. Maybe thats just because thats how I envision my wedding. My favorite weddings are where we set up dessert bars, and are able to feature everything we do, not just wedding cakes. Cookies make for great goodies to treat your guests to at the end of the night.

 FD: What is your favorite flavor of cake?
TLB: Asking me to pick my favorite type of cake is like asking a mother if they have a favorite child. I guess if I HAD to choose I would probably either pick the chocolate with a white chocolate cream cheese, or the strawberry champagne with a cream cheese filling.

FD: What other services does TLB offer?
TLB: Like I mentioned before, Two Little Birds Bakery does not just offer wedding cakes, but we also offer cupcakes, pies of any flavor, brownies, lemon bars, berry cobbler bars, a variety of fresh cookies, and any other dessert you may want for your special day. I will not say no to your ideas, so even if it is your great grandmother's special recipe that you want made, I will do it. What is most important is that the bride has the day that she has always envisioned, and the yummiest desserts that anybody has ever tasted at a wedding.

Lauren surrounded by her delcious creations!

Wedding cake by Two Little Birds Bakery - Flowers by Festive Designs

More of Lauren's creations:

Rainbow Roses

I saw these at an AIFD Symposium a few years ago during the "new varietals" showcase. I wasn't sure what to think about them...mainly because I couldn't figure out how they did it. Honestly, I'm still not completely sure. You may love them, you may hate them, but regardless- they are kind of mind-blowing. But they're definitely something to consider for the bride who wants to get people talking and do something different! 

Imagine some of these on the table for your big Mardi Gras party....fabulous!!

The Rainbow Rose Company also offers CUSTOM COLORS! Imagine that....you can get both of your wedding colors in one flower!

Even my fiance, the major Laker fan, would probably get excited about roses if I brought these home....

Aren't they amazing?!

So I'm not going to pretend like these are as affordable as normal roses...because they're SO not. But for a special occasion like your wedding....it could be totally worth it!

Festive's Favorites: Ashley Blake Photography

Here at Festive Designs, we LOVE to give vendor recommendations! We've decided to begin integrating these amazing vendors into our blog via a series of entries called Festive's Favorites! We hope you enjoy them and consider these fantastic people for your next special event!!

Meet one of Festive's Favorites: Ashley Blake of A.Blake Photography! After spending just a few moments with Ashley, that little voice in your head will pop up and say, "Hey, I like this girl. I think we could be friends. I hope she wants to be my friend!" She's just so cool. We love a tall blonde who is smart, talented, caring, and down-to-earth! We think you'll love her too....

FD: How would you describe your photography style?

AB: Simply Creative... I like to keep things simple with how I approach a shoot or wedding because it allows me to truly have a more enjoyable time and maximize my creativity. I always strive to utilize the natural lighting available as well as whatever scenery "props" are around because my goal is to let my work speak for itself. I truly love what I do and I want to make sure that I stay true to who I am as a person when I step out with my camera...I am simple and I am creative.

FD: What is your favorite moment of the day?

AB: I have such a soft heart for the father-daughter dance after having a beautiful little girl myself. There is something so emotional about this dance because I often sense the struggle of a father's love letting go of a daughter who is growing up and marrying the perfect man for her. All too often I have tears streaming down my face while I snap this moment because I know it will be here before I know it for my own daughter.


FD: What advice to you give your bride and groom to have the best possible day/wedding photos?

AB: I always ask my clients what their hopes are for the day. After all, you only get married once, and I want to make sure they get exactly what they want. With that said, I encourage my couples to ensure they mesh perfectly with their photographer and DJ since so much of their time on the day of is spent with both. The photographer in a sense kind of runs the show (with the help of all the amazing wedding planners) from the start of pictures to the reception and from the reception on is the DJ. It's so important that couples enjoy their photographer's and DJ's personalities since the majority of the day is spent with either one. Also, I encourage my couples to take engagement pictures because this shoot helps eliminate the nerves and slight awkwardness we all have in front of the camera, especially before the wedding. I get a great sense of their personalities as well as what makes them laugh while they get a feel for how I work/interact with them. All in all, it's a great time full of laughter and it helps build a friendship between the couple and myself before the wedding.



FD: How long have you been in business?

AB: I have owned my business for almost 7 years now. I was blessed to study/train under 2 other photographers before I took the leap out on my own and it's been an amazing journey since!



FD: Where are some of your favorite venues, locations, places to shoot?

AB: As I mentioned earlier, I am a sucker for natural light. I find that I tend to gravitate towards textures, colors, old buildings, barns and trees since the options are endless with them all. With that said, I have always loved the Santa Margarita Ranch. Over the last few years, I have shot there a ton and I always seem to find new and fun places to shoot. I like when places keep me on my toes and challenge me to find new, creative venues to shoot. I also love Bishop's Peaks or this overgrown field in north county- but I am always on the look-out for new and exciting places to use for a shoot.

Ashley, her husband, and her baby belly

Ashley & her beautiful family!

Here are a few shots of a recent wedding we did with Ashley!