A Retro-Inspired Black-and-White Wedding in San Francisco
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Photography: BN Photography1 of 24
The Theme
Lights, camera ... I do! Influenced by the style and glamour of Old Hollywood, a pair of film buffs set the stage for a showstopping celebration.
"I wanted it to feel like a film from the '50s," says Courtney, a florist who designed her wedding celebration with the help of friends. -
Photography: BN Photography2 of 24
Venue
The ceremony and reception took place at the historic Green Room at the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center.
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Painted Decor
Giant trompe l'oeil sets, inspired by those in "An American in Paris," served as backdrops. Courtney and Jose's ceremony was marked by a voluminous "curtain" that was hand-painted by the couple's friend and flanked with urns of garden roses, dahlias, and ostrich feathers.
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Invitations
The stationery suite included a response card written in both English and Spanish, Jose's first language, and Greta Garbo stamps.
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Blue Ribbon
Courtney's "something blue," an antique duchesse satin ribbon with Jose's name inked in calligraphy, was sewn inside the hem of her dress.
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The Bouquet
Courtney's good friend created her bouquet of blush-pink garden roses trimmed with black velvet leaves, crinoline, and a gold satin ribbon.
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Photography: BN Photography7 of 24
Programs
Additional Postage Required created the stationery for the event, including the ceremony programs, which were wrapped with gold ribbon.
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Photography: BN Photography8 of 24
Boutonniere
Cherries provided the event's florals, including the peach flower boutonnieres wrapped with gold ribbon.
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Photography: BN Photography9 of 24
The Wedding Party
Male family members and close friends wear black-and-white ties in different patterns.
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Jumping for Joy
Jose, in Calvin Klein, catches some air after taking pictures with his new bride, in Oleg Cassini for David's Bridal.
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Portraits
Here, the bride, a Nebraska native, and the groom, who hails from Puerto Rico, pose with their families.
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Cocktails
The signature drink was a lemonade libation called the Chantilly Pink, a play on Courtney's middle name, Chantelle.
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Photography: BN Photography13 of 24
Retro Signage
A sign pointed guests outside for cocktails.
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Fabulous Fare
Devoted Catering provided breads, cheese, and jams.
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Time to Celebrate
Jose topped off the rose Champagne tower.
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Centerpieces
Courtney and Jose's cocktail reception featured centerpieces of garden roses, dahlias, carnations, and sweetpeas.
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Photography: BN Photography17 of 24
Table Decor
Seat-yourself tables were dotted with "Mad Men"-esque matchbooks and bowls of mixed nuts.
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Wedding Shoes
The bride wore these white sparkling pumps by Martinez Valero with her tea-length dress for the ceremony, and changed into black versions for the reception.
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Photography: BN Photography19 of 24
Ballroom
The regal decor of the Green Room at the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center played into the couple theme of Old Hollywood glamour.
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Photography: BN Photography20 of 24
First Dance
Courtney added a sheer black wrap to her wedding-day ensemble for the reception.
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Dessert
The couple's friend painted the monogrammed Parisian backdrop for the dessert bar, which had a scrumptious spread of cookies, cakes, cotton candy, and more.
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Sweet Display
Swabs of cotton candy were presented in coordinated tiered displays.
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Treats
The table also included caramel-covered apples with black-and-white striped straws.
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Sources
Location: The Green Room at the San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center
Event Planning: Arianne Nichol
Catering: Devoted Catering
Cakes: Beaux Gateaux
Wedding Photography: B&N Photography
Murals: Ian Garrison (ceremony), Sergio Paez (dessert)
Flowers: Cherries
Gown: Oleg Cassini for David's Bridal
Menswear: Calvin Klein (groom's suit), Thomas Pink (shirt, bow tie, and cuff links), Kenneth Cole (shoes)
Stationery: Additional Postage Required
Rentals: Blueprint Studios (decor), La Tavola Linen (linens), SF Party (cotton candy machine)
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