Palos Verdes Estates • Torrance • Los Angeles •...
California Westlake Village Inn Wedding Ceremony & Reception | Michael & Mary
Westlake Village Inn • Westlake Village • California
Stephanie Ip Photography
Helpful Tips
📆 May 4th 2024 ☀️ Sunset at 7:39pm
🎬 Ceremony at 5pm 🌡️ Semi overcast weather
Michael initially reached out to us for a surprise proposal to Mary back in January of 2023, that’s when we first met Mary, such a lovely couple who are so in love with each other. Later on the year, they told us they would love to retain us for their Wedding Day – a continuation in documenting their love story! As much surprise proposals as we’ve had the honor to document on stills and videos, when the engaged couple feel comfortable enough to work with us again for their big day, it really means a lot to me as a lifestyle photographer – having the opportunity to witness their proposal, to the moment at their First Look, then the hour they say their vows and sign their marriage license, all are heartwarming moments I love seeing through my lens. ❤️
The year leading up to their wedding day, we had an Engagement photo session at Tongva Park in Santa Monica, where they had their first date, as well as where Michael proposed, it came in full circle! I truly hope that the park continues to thrive so the two of them can come back in the future one day to relive the moments all over again.
The Team of Talented Vendors
Planner | Michelle at Flyte44 Events @flyte44events
Venue | Westlake Village Inn @westlakevillageinnweddings
Photo/ Video | Stephanie Ip Photography @photography.stephanieip
Wedding Dress | By Martina Liana @martinalianabridal via Lilli Bridal @lilibridals
Alterations | Reene at In Stitches
Tuxedos | Suit Supply @suitsupply
Gifts | Shop Sock Prints @sockprints
Bridesmaids’ Dresses | Birdy Grey @birdygrey
Cake/Desserts | The Butter End Bakery @thebutterend
Florals | Exotic Green Garden @exoticgreengarden
Stationery | @minted @canva @flyte44events
DJ | Ace Reider @acereider
Harpist | Katrina Saroyan
Photobooth | Exotic Green Garden @exoticgreengarden
Hair and Makeup | Jana at Jana and Co. @janaandcomakeupandhairdesign
Dance Lessons | Desiree Dance @ballroomwithdes, Stephanie Scales
Fast forward to May of 2024, the wedding took place at beautiful Westlake Village Inn in Westlake Village California. One of the popular wedding venues in California. We didn’t get to enjoy much of the venue, but when we scouted the location the day before, we noticed the incredible vibe at Stonehaus and wished it wasn’t that busy and far away from the ceremony site, as the grape wines and stone arches on that side of the property would have been perfect for the couple’s wedding portraits.
The rehearsal party took place the evening before at The Lakeside Room, which we would have loved to photograph as well, but it was still nice to meet the Wedding Planner there, get a feel of the space and of the guests the day before the wedding day. We were also able to view the one and only Villa at the retreat, where Mary got ready at. Having seen the room before the actual day changed a few of our preplanned spots for their wedding portraits and family formals. Needless to say, it is a great benefit to meet the families at the rehearsal dinner.
Getting Ready at The Villa (1pm)
If you are planning to get married at Westlake Village Inn, and The Villa is available that also fits within your budget, I will highly recommend Getting Ready at The Villa. The two story suite just have it all, the circular grand staircase and high ceiling to floor windows were just perfect for a lot of the bridal portraits. Furthermore, The Villa is just steps away from Michael’s room, which was also nice and roomy for a group of 6 gentlemen to get ready at. Link to see The Villa.
The landscapes at Westlake Village Inn were impeccable, there were plenty of spots we loved and not too far of a walk within the property. It was the tail end of Spring, so a lot of the blooms were fading away, yet still lush backdrops to photograph with.
Family Formals (4pm)
The hour before ceremony was assigned for Family Formals. While we had a spot in mind for these big groups of family photos that was away from the ceremony site, so early arrived guests wouldn’t be able to see the bride. However, somethings got switched around and we ended photographing by the ceremony area. At the time, the florists weren’t quite ready with the pillar decors, as a group of flexible individuals, we opted for the lake backdrop, which was still nice.
Ceremony at Lake Arbor (5pm)
One of the best ceremony sites with a mixture of architecture, grass and water view. Along with the beautiful floral arrangements wrapped around the pillars, white padded chiavari chairs, the ceremony vibe instantly became very much fairy-tale like. Link to see the Lake Arbor
Reception at The Provence Room (7pm)
Just a short walk from Lakeside Arbor, the Provence Room offers a great airy patio area and balcony view of the lake, perfect for the cocktail party. Music accompanied by the harpist Katrina, who was such a lovely and sweet person to work with. Let us know if you’d like her contact info!
The ballroom had a two-level auditorium style layout, with vaulted windows of the lake and golf course views. I especially liked the lighter color interior decor and walls for a brighter feel for photos – camera flashlights bounce best when the walls are white or close to white. Link to see the Provence Room.
The private reception lobby with a real fireplace offers an additional cozy vibe for those who wanted a break from the party. We used this space for some romantic sweetheart photos towards the end of the night, as Mary and Michael wind down from their full wedding day that was close to 12 hours long.
BOOK YOUR WEDDING WITH US!
We’d love to capture your love as newly wed couple!
Check out our available packages and contact us when you are ready to start planning!
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