Cafe Pinot Wedding, Part One
Ryan and Ericka

Ericka is one of those girls with eyes that go deeper than the Grand Canyon. Thoughtful, warm, beautiful, and intimate. Ryan is one of those guys that has a heart the size of Nebraska. Open, tender, devoted, and affectionate.

And the way these two lovebirds fit together is so stinkin' remarkable. I feel like Ericka's deep adoration, the way she leans her head on his shoulder and wraps her finger through his, winds through Ryan's heart with such grace that it leaves the kind of tender mark that is deeper and truer than any other mark.  And I have a feeling that Ryan's sweet smile, the way he pulls her close and constantly glances at her out of the corner of his eye just to make sure that she's really real - that he really did end up with the most beautiful girl in the world - gives Ericka the kind of strength to conquer the world. Or at least the Grand Canyon.

Ryan and Ericka's wedding day was one of those perfect city afternoons. They held their wedding at Cafe Pinot, a tiny cafe and outdoor patio tucked underneath the skyscrapers of downtown Los Angeles and surrounded by beautiful gardens, cypress trees, and the bustling atmosphere of LA. A huge thank you goes out to Chris Clark of Extraordinary Events for coordinating the day. Chris and his wife Robin are the dynamite team that also coordinated Lizzy and Ipp's Pasadena Wedding just a few weeks ago, so it was such a pleasure to hang out with these two again for two weddings in a row!

On to the lovely day - Ryan and Ericka got ready at the elegant Checkers Hotel, and I loved Ericka's ultra-glam ballet flats from Vera Wang Lavender.

I've been loving these custom hangers from Etsy - they're the perfect way to show off the dress and they're totally pliable for hanging anywhere.

The girls were all so stinkin' cute I could hardly handle it.

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Jeff hung out with Ryan and the boys.

 

 

 

Cafe Pinot sits right next to the Los Angeles Public Library, which is the perfect blend of Tuscan gardens and downtown chic. Ryan was looking good while waiting to see his bride for the first time.

 

Ryan was so excited!

 

 

Love, love, love!

On my goodness, these two can't get any more fabulous!

Making these two laugh was my favorite activity for the day.

One of my favorites.

 

Ericka looked DY-NO-MITE. She had a smile that was totally reserved for Ryan, and I loved it.

 

I seriously loved Ryan's look. It's so important for grooms to wear great suits that are tailored well and fit their bodies perfectly, and Ryan nailed the outfit.

 

 

The lovely ladies! What a great group of girlfriends. You could feel the closeness between all of them and it made the day so fun and meaningful.

Ryan's dad was his best man which I thought was the coolest thing ever. And this group of guys was simply rad.

 

One of my favorite groomsmen portraits! My hubby rocks.

These ladies had some serious fab going on.

 

 

Ericka had each girl's bouquet made of a different white flower. I've always loved this idea and the bouquets turned out so unique. Big thanks to Dandelion Ranch for the beautiful florals.

 

 

We've got so much more to come from this chic downtown Los Angeles wedding, including the ceremony and all of the reception details. Just think a bit of Tuscany mixed with a fabulous downtown affair beneath bistro lights and glimmering skyscrapers... Can't wait!

Hugs,
Erin