Stone Tower Winery‘s sweeping mountain views was the perfect landscape for the fairytale wedding of Alison and Evan on September 8th, 2023. From the moment they shared their vision of a Barbie-themed extravaganza, complete with vibrant pink and green hues, I knew we were in for a day filled with whimsy and romance. As their wedding planners, we couldn’t wait to bring their vision to life! With the help of our incredible team of vendors, we set out to create a celebration that would truly be fit for a Barbie queen!
Barbie held a special place in Alison’s heart, as she saw herself in Barbie’s iconic & inspiring legacy. The release of the Barbie movie in summer 2023 only heightened the buzz surrounding the doll, igniting Alison’s imagination and inspiring her vision for a dream Barbie wedding.
We drew our inspiration off of Barbie’s vibrant essence as we navigated their wedding design. From the vivid pops of color to the whimsical floral arrangements, their wedding design radiated with the same sense of fun and fantasy that defines Barbie’s world.
The morning of the wedding was a flurry of excitement as Alison and her bridesmaids gathered at the charming Stone Tower Cottage on the grounds for their getting-ready process. Laughter and anticipation filled the air as hair and makeup artists from JKW Beauty team worked their magic, transforming the bridal party into real-life Barbie dolls. With every brush stroke and curl, the excitement grew, setting the stage for a day filled with unforgettable moments.
Alison and Evan’s first look was a moment of pure magic, brimming with anticipation and emotion. As Alison made her way to the secluded spot on the Hillside where Evan awaited her, her heart beat with excitement, nerves, and love. All of us were watching from afar, marveling at the beauty of this moment for them and taking in the stunning Hillside views.
In the hours leading up to Alison and Evan’s heartfelt exchange of vows, the atmosphere at Stone Tower buzzed with excitement and anticipation. Every detail had been meticulously curated to reflect the couple’s vibrant personalities and their shared love for life’s simple pleasures.
Guests were welcomed by a whimsical pink and white escort display created by The Design Suite Co, where each name was elegantly inscribed alongside the playful, “Let’s Party.” It was a subtle yet spirited invitation to embrace the joy and celebration that awaited them throughout the day.
As guests mingled and reveled in the pre-ceremony festivities, they were delighted to discover an array of games scattered across the grounds, embodying Alison and Evan’s love for fun and camaraderie. From classic favorites like Jenga and Cornhole to disposable cameras placed strategically to capture candid moments, every detail was designed to encourage laughter, connection, and spontaneous moments of joy.
Amidst the laughter and chatter, all eyes were drawn to the breathtaking ceremony arch that graced the hillside, adorned with dreamy pink and white blooms by Cedar & Lime Co. that danced in the gentle breeze.
As guests took their seats, the air was filled with the soft sound of live acoustic guitar, expertly performed by David Hamilton. The serene melody provided the perfect backdrop for the heartfelt exchange of vows that would soon unfold, infusing the air with a sense of intimacy and romance.
As guests arrived at the picturesque hillside ceremony site, we noticed the sky filled with dramatic clouds, hinting at the possibility of rain. Our team was fully prepared to execute a rain plan if need be, however, after looking at the weather report, we made a game time decision to move their ceremony up thirty minutes as the report had shown rain on the forecast at the time of our original ceremony.
Alison and Evan’s spirits remained positive as they exchanged vows against the backdrop of rolling vineyards. Luckily, the rain held back while the couple exchanged vows and walked back down the aisle. We got everyone inside just in time before the rain came!
Following the ceremony, guests retreated to the cozy confines of the winery’s barrel room for a lively cocktail hour, where they were treated to a selection of delectable bites and refreshing drinks. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as friends and family mingled, sharing stories and toasting to the newlyweds’ happiness.
As the storm clouds dispersed and the evening sky transformed into a rosy hue, the festivities moved indoors to the reception. The ballroom had been meticulously transformed into a Barbie queen’s paradise, with vibrant pink and green decor adorning every surface. Delicate floral arrangements and ceiling greenery by Cedar & Lime Co adorned the tables, adding an extra touch of whimsy to the elegant surroundings.
As the moment approached to reveal the reception space to Alison and Evan, our team buzzed with anticipation, eager to witness their reaction to the culmination of months of planning and meticulous attention to detail. We guided the couple into the transformed ballroom and watched them catch their breath at the gorgeous sight of the room. Tears welled up in Alison’s eyes as she beheld the beauty of the space, her hand flying to her mouth in disbelief. Evan’s expression mirrored hers, a mixture of joy, wonder, and overwhelming emotion.
As they hugged each other, tears streaming down their faces, our hearts swelled with pride and joy. In that moment, we knew that all the hard work had been worth it, for we had given the couple a beautiful space that they would remember forever.
As the evening unfolded in the beautiful candlelit ballroom, Alison and Evan kicked off the festivities with a heartwarming first dance. With “You and I” by Ingrid Michaelson filling the air, they took to the dance floor.
The atmosphere was filled with laughter and heartfelt sentiment as friends and family took turns delivering speeches and toasts. Laughter echoed off the walls as guests reminisced about cherished memories and shared in the couple’s joy. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house as Alison and Evan listened to their loved ones express their love and support, a testament to the deep bond they shared.
As dinner service began, guests were treated to a feast fit for royalty, courtesy of Corcoran Caterers. Asian sushi platters, grilled cheese and garden fresh salad stations offering a tantalizing array of dishes to decadent desserts that would make Barbie herself jealous, every bite was a delight for the senses.
As the night wore on, the dance floor beckoned, and guests eagerly took to their feet to dance the night away to the infectious tunes of the Bachelor Boys Band. From classic hits to modern favorites, there was something for everyone, ensuring that the celebration continued long into the night.
Alison and Evan surprised their guests with a dazzling outfit change, adding an extra touch of glamour and excitement to the festivities. Emerging in a fancy and fun after party dress and fresh new kicks, they entered to the song “Barbie Girl”, ready to take the dance floor by storm once again!
Behind the scenes, our team worked tirelessly to ensure that every detail was executed flawlessly, coordinating with our amazing creative vendors to bring Alison and Evan’s vision to life. From Point to Point Limousine ensuring smooth transportation for the after party guests to Kir Tuben Photography capturing every precious moment, it truly took a village to make this dream wedding a reality.
As the evening came to a close and the last notes of music faded away, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that we had played a huge part in creating memories that Alison and Evan would cherish for a lifetime. Their wedding had been everything they had hoped for and more, a day filled with love, laughter, and celebration for their life together. We couldn’t feel more grateful to have shared that memory with the two of them!
Vendors:
Planning & Design: Angelica & Co. Events and Styling
Venue: Stone Tower Winery
Photographer: Kir Tuben Photography
Videographer: James Hamilton
Caterer: Corcoran Caterers
Rentals & Decor: Nuage Designs
Florist: Cedar & Lime Collective
Hair & Makeup: JKW Beauty
Ceremony Musicians: David Hamilton
Band: Bachelor Boys Band
Transportation: Point to Point Limousine
Stationary: The Suite Design Co.
Childcare: Nannytainment