When Opulence Meets Simplicity

Uncomplicated elegance.

Coastal magic, with a bit of vintage woven within the simple details.

Beautiful, but what does it mean?

Words, when too easily tossed about can muddle up the expression of a thing.

Let's keep this simple and look at what influences a design and final concept.









Succulents are amazing. They're like a modern piece of art growing right out of a rock. Check out the hint of teal flirting with the cool tones of the whole color palette. It's not so much that it gives off a matchy matchy vibe, but instead compliments the glass so perfectly it almost hurts.




Simple, yet staying true to the luxuriousness that is the Hotel Del Coronado.


The white linens and chairs assist in keeping everything breezy and simple, while the layered floral textures of the anemones, ranunculus and orchids contribute to the overall opulent vibe. The presentation is elegant without trying to hard. Which is what the West Coast is all about.

The vintage dishware and silver candlesticks tie it together with meaning and nostalgia.


See the tiny little succulents nestled in the rocks at the bottom of the glass. Happy sigh.
And those delicate little silver balls are...wait for it... Silver Brunia. There's nothing flashy about them, but they exude class and charm like your grandmother's heirloom jewelry.

The artistic direction for this photo shoot was led by Nick + Aleah Valley with Valley & Co. They enlisted the creative hands of Kristy Rice of Momental Designs. Kristy's hand drawn images round out the seemingly effortless design of the many talents that contributed to this photo shoot!

The Creative Team included:
Exquisite Weddings Magazine
Table Designers: Nick + Aleah Valley with Valley & Co
Flowers: Adorations Botanical Artistry
Linens: Wildflower Linen
Tableware: Valley & Co. private collection
Stationery: Momental Designs
Photography: Terri Rippee, Rippee Photography
Location: Hotel Del Coronado
Models: Carmel McAndrews and Andrei Razmeritsa

ways to love...

Meet Brett and Laura; they are very much in love.

This Bride and Groom’s story is especially inspiring. Who they get to be for one another in the face of their circumstances leaves me speechless and moved in ways that validate all that I believe to be true.

Let their story act as a guide in your journey of love, I am sure you will be touched, moved and inspired in ways that leave you bowled over as well. They have won my heart and reminded me that it is important to cherish each moment for we know not when the gift of “our life” may actually wrap up.

The blessing of serving this couple came from Brett’s sister Carrie Butler, who I met when she photographed one of our mutual weddings last year. Although our time together was brief I immediately felt at home with her and we have stayed in touch since. I especially loved our chat while she was on the road from Utah to San Diego, en route to photograph and attend this wedding; you are a lady after my own heart, and Carrie, it is true, I received so much more out of this than I gave.

Thank you, Brett and Laura for leading the way down love’s winding road.

These first links are the words and images of Carrie Butler, speaking from the heart as only a sister can do, I thought it most appropriate to begin here...

In Carrie's post she goes into full detail of all of the generous support of the wedding community. It is truly amazing how this couple has inspired us all.

Please see the links below for the full story through wedding coordinator, Amy Vargas' eyes, of First Comes Love and the media's words, then if you are really brave and have a full box of tissue, meet Brett and Laura as they are interviewed on Fox San Diego News.

The photos are a taste of all what was pulled together in a matter of just a few days…

The photography posted below is the work of Carrie Butler, Tessa Desharnais, and Kristina Chartier.