Kooky & Colorful: A Southern California 1950s-Inspired Wedding . . .

So, when it comes to weddings, sure, I am all about class, timeless details, simple elegance.  But I have to admit, I just love when a couple surprises you with something so out of the ordinary, fun, & unexpected that they knock your socks off, and that is exactly what Dominique & Ron, the talented photography duo behind Love Me Sailor, have done with their retro 50's-inspired wedding in Southern California.

And all of this fab on a mere $11,000 budget!  Just see for yourself, but remember, expect the unexpected . . .

(Did you happen to spot those gorgeous glitter letters again?)

I just love that headpiece . . .

Are those our paper pinwheels I see?

I am just loving these 50's housewife-inspired bridesmaid's dresses . . .

Now it should come as no surprise that Ron and the bridal parties walked in to “Chapel of Love” by the Dixie Cups and Dominique walked in to the hauntingly dreamy and romantic  ”Sleepwalk”, by Santo and Johnny . . .

A word from the bride about her awesome DIY headpiece: "I would have to say my favorite project, and probably the most difficult and time consuming was my star headpiece I made for the reception. I was inspired originally from Hedy Lamarr’s costume headpiece in the 1941 film, Ziegfield Girl, and more recently inspired by a headpiece by Stephan Jones. "

(Hedy Lamar - Ziegfield Girl circa. 1941)

(Stephen Jones for the 2011 Dior couture collection)

"I made it completely on my own and took me close to 30 hours over the course of 3 weeks to make. I wasn’t sure how it was going to turn out in the end, but I was so incredibly happy with the results!"

All sorts of kitschy fun . . .

How about those 'old movie star' paper dolls for the escort cards?  And why not throw in a vintage glittery doll flower vase while you're at it . . .

And you know everyone who comes to California has to have them some 'In-N-Out' . . .

All of that color, all of that kooky; even if quirky isn't your style, you know you want to be guest at a wedding like that!  Simply unforgettable, no?  

Thank you to 100 Layer Cake for leading us to this funky & offbeat rockin' good time of a wedding and to these fabulous vendors:

Photography: Joielala Photographie / Event and floral design: Mr. Caballero Creative / Bride’s dress: Vintage & re-design by Daniela Kurrle Couture / Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka / Bracelet & earrings: Vintage / Necklace: Gift from Groom / Hair: Danny Rishoff / Makeup:  Joyce Bonelli / Groom’s suit & bowtie: Vintage / Groom’s shoes: Re-mix Vintage reproductions / Bride & Groom flowers: The English Garden / Catering: Appetizers, cakes & bar: Whoa Nelly! Catering / Dinner: In N Out truck & Ricky’s Fish Tacos (from Silver Lake in Los Angeles) / Rings: All vintage – Bride’s band was her grandma’s & Groom’s ring is from Claude Morady Beverly Hills / Kettle Corn: Diego’s Kettle Corn (805) 512-2260 / Rentals: Ace Party Rentals

60's Inspired Mod Dinner Party: A Retro~Chic Dream . . .

I just love the 1960s; the mod fabrics, the clean lines, the vintage details, the push towards individualism & self-expression.  What a charming time in our history it was as we veered away from the established norms and lived on the very brink of a revolution!

So as we head into this weekend, why not change things up and entertain in style with a chic dinner party inspired by an era that was the very definition of transformation . . .

Ah,  the cascading table cloth in the most fantastic retro print . . .

And lo and behold, a whiskey bar.  Now what could be better than that . . .

A cake with details to die for . . .

I am feeling a little nostalgic now.  I do believe it might be time to go pop in that 'Mad Men' DVD to kick off the weekend . . .

1960s Inspired Photo Shoot Courtesy of JL Designs