When planning a wedding in a different state from where you reside, it's important to hire a wedding planner who can not only plan the day but also recommend other wedding professionals to make your nuptials all you ever dreamed. For this particular wedding, it was the parents of the groom who began planning the celebration. Since they are from Sugar Land, Texas, they found Los Angeles-based wedding planner Natalie Sofer Weddings and Events on Google to organize their son's Los Angeles wedding.
"When we first spoke, I could tell [the mother of the groom] had exquisite taste," shares Natalie Sofer of their initial meeting. Though the vision for the day began with a blue-and-white color scheme, the ultimate design scheme changed six weeks later to warm gold tones and creams. Upon meeting in person to go over the details while on a trip to Los Angeles, Natalie told the parents of the groom that she was a perfectionist and would honor their vision for their son's wedding.
"Knowing they only had a few days more in Los Angeles, I immediately set them up with Joanie & Leigh's Cakes and Harry's Party Rentals. On their last day, we met at Great Caesar Banquet Hall, and I introduced them to The Lighter Side who completely delivered on their vision," Natalie notes of the process to pair them with some of the very best wedding professionals for the grand event. "We all have worked together in the past, and [the father of the groom] liked that we were a team and know how to communicate together," she adds.
Choosing Butterfly Floral & Event Design was also an easy choice, as Natalie had the designers in mind even before the mother of the groom showed her photos from their Instagram that inspired the ceremony structure covered with gorgeous orchids. Before witnessing the vow exchange, friends and family arrived to the venue as though they were attending a Hollywood premiere. "We included a beautiful step and repeat," describes Natalie. "As guests arrived, they stepped on the red carpet and had their picture taken."
"When it comes time to plan one of the key celebrations in your life, communicate with each other about what you both want – and then with your planner so they can make your vision come to life."
For the reception, guests were seated atop regal cream-and-gold chairs surrounding bullion-hued tables with mirror tops that warmed up the nearly all-white space beautifully. Elegant centerpieces showcased high and low arrangements of roses and orchids in creamy vanilla tones, accented by beautiful crystal candelabra. In the center of the space, a large dance floor featuring a gold-mirror rim was emblazoned with the couple's initials in the center.
After a delicious dinner service, loved ones enjoyed slices of a stunning wedding cake. "It looked like it was made for a queen," smiles Natalie. The structure beneath the cake showcased cascading crystals in order to give the illusion that the confection was floating, and hundreds of orchids cascaded from the base of the pièce de résistance. To honor their hometown in Sugar Land, Texas, a large "SLTX" ice sculpture added a personalized touch to the festivities.
Natalie Sofer's favorite part of the opulent celebration was seeing everything come together in the way her clients hoped. "They wanted nothing but the best for their son and new daughter-in-law," she declares. "Being their advocate for their vision is something I don't take lightly. My clients are two of the most special people, and getting to know them and their family was a warm and wonderful experience."
For couples who want to have a gorgeous wedding that fits their own vision, Natalie offers this advice: "When it comes time to plan one of the key celebrations in your life, communicate with each other about what you both want – and then with your planner so they can make your vision come to life... Make the choices that work best for you. This is your day and your dream. Your vendors will carry out your vision!"