MISHA & CECIL

US GRANT HOTEL

PART 2 – THE CELEBRATION / RECEPTION

Using a rich color pallet of Black, Gold and a deep rich Reds, we created a sophisticated, chic and modern twist on the Gatsby Theme. We incorporated other glitzy Gatsby elements such as gold accents (charger plates, mercury votives, and gold vases), pearls and crystal details in the floral decor elements and rich elegant sequin linens for all the tables.  And of course, what would a Gatsby inspired wedding be without large ostrich feathers and a staple champagne tower.

We used black sequin linens for the guest tables and sweetheart table by APR Fine Linens and used a combination of round tables and two long rectangular tables framing either side of the dancefloor. read more

MISHA & CECIL

US GRANT HOTEL

PART 1 – PRE-CEREMONY & CEREMONY

Super gracious, very fashionable & stylish,  and truly beautiful (inside and out) are just a few words I could use to describe this power couple (Misha & Cecil).  I was so excited to get the wonderful opportunity to work with them to create their chic Great Gatsby inspired dream wedding.   They found me through seeing some of my work at the Prado Balboa Park where I designed and planned a Gatsby inspired themed wedding for another couple in 2014 (Jennifer & Chad) and they had pretty much decided I was “There girl” (wedding planner) before meeting me in person.  I was so honored of course!  They too really loved the Gatsby inspired theme, so we created their chic Gatsby themed wedding with their unique spin on the design. You can see more of the Gatsby design elements in the reception details in Part 2 “The Celebration/Reception” blog post. read more

CHRISTINA & SEAN

HOTEL DEL CORONADO

PART 2 – THE CELEBRATION

After the very romantic sunset/twilight ceremony on the beachfront Windsor lawn at the historical beautiful  Hotel Del Coronado, guests moved inside to the Carrousel Room for Cocktail Hour followed by the Dinner reception in the Grand Ballroom of the Hotel Del Coronado.

To help create the elegant garden feel of this wedding in the ballroom, we used a rich darker wood farm table from Abbey Party Rentals that we placed in a U-shape framing the dance-floor and at the center of it placed the sweetheart table. Then we used the hotel’s round tables with soft blush linens for the other guest tables.  Doing this created a unique and non-traditional layout and really made the sweetheart table the center of everything.  We used a soft blush linen in a combination of textures, the pinwheel blush was from Concepts Event Design and specialty Lace linen was for the Sweetheart table and cake table was by La Tavola Fine Linen.  The Farm tables had a soft blush runner, some rounds has blush satin and we used the same fabric napkins for all by APR Fine Linens   Abbey Party Rental’s tuscan plate gave the table decor a more polished complete look and we placed a elegant simple foil printed menu on top by Whimsique Invitations.  For the floral decor, Adorations included seasonal flowers in various size vessels to give an eclectic look. David Austin garden roses dominated the design with natural foliage that lent a handpicked styling, with subtle hints of metallic gold. Queen Anne’s lace, maidenhair fern, and white veronica imbued movement, peaking amongst the garden roses. read more

CHRISTINA & SEAN

HOTEL DEL CORONADO

PART 1 – PRE-CEREMONY & THE CEREMONY

A stunning sunset/twilight ceremony on the beachfront Windsor lawn at the historical and beautiful  Hotel Del Coronado.

The hride-to-be (Christina) wanted her wedding to feel romantic, soft, elegant with warm ambiance with a lot of warm candle light.  Being that her wedding was a pre-winter affair in November, Adorations included seasonal flowers that could give the same grandiose effect as the brides desire to have dinner plate dahlias, and opted for large china mums to take the place perfectly.  David Austin garden roses dominated the design with natural foliage that lent a handpicked styling, with subtle hints of metallic gold. Queen Anne’s lace, maidenhair fern, and white veronica imbued movement, peaking amongst the garden roses. LaVonne (Adorations Botanical Artistry) was able to weave in smaller varieties of dahlias to keep the bride’s original vision at play, but let the china mums do their job to emphasize the scale. read more

Splendid Sentiments Floral design created these beautiful vibrant bridal bouquets.
Sharone (hair) did an outstanding job on her hair… it stayed like this all night!

KELLEY & CHRIS

LODGE AT TORREY PINES

The Lodge at Torrey Pines is one of my favorite venues in San Diego and I always feel so blessed when I get to manage a wedding at this venue.  Joshua Aull Photography really captured the beautiful sunny fall day and pretty orange and purple rustic wedding of Kelley and Chris at the  Lodge at Torrey Pines

FOR MORE IMAGES FROM KELLEY & CHRIS’  “LOVE AT THE LODGE” WEDDING, PLEASE CLICK THE LINK HERE:

LOVE AT THE LODGE read more

KORY & SARAH – THE DETAILS & CELEBRATION

COCKTAIL HOUR

MASON JARS FOR PLACE-CARDS

The place-cards were mason jars with a place-card tied to them, polished off with white and grey stripped straws  –
It’s not only cute, it’s also functional and acts as a favor for guests to take home.

MEMORY LADDER 

Ladders painted white with mason jars & flowers showcased pictures of the couples’ journey together.

IN MEMORY OF THOSE WHO HAVE PASSED – MEMORIAL TABLE

In honor of the loved ones that couldn’t be there, there was a Memorial table decorated with a Manzanita Tree with flowers & candles delicately placed on the branches and a beautiful peony in special honor of Sarah’s mom. There was a sweet note and photos of those who have pasted in beautiful frames.  They were there in spirit!
read more

San Diego Wedding Planner, Keli Christenson, Founder & Planner of Monarch Wedding and Monarch Weddings Team

Hello and Welcome to SOCIAL BUTTERFLY, A MONARCH WEDDINGS BLOG!

My name is Keli Christenson, the Founder of Monarch Weddings, LLC in San Diego, CA.  I’m thrilled to be launching my new website and blog, showcasing some of my work and broadcasting to the world my passion for wedding planning!

I thought a good place to start my first blog would be at the beginning… my journey to becoming a wedding/event planner and business owner of Monarch Weddings started at a very young age – about 7 years old. My mom often shares stories of how I was awe-struck by anything glitzy, girlie and glamorous and laughs about how I would throw dress up parties for my friends in the backyard or garage and often would play “wedding”. read more