Like many of the weddings we share on the blog, Amanda + Matthew’s was beautiful. The moments, captured by Rebecca Fishman of Birds of a Feather, tell the story of a couple inspired by 1920’s New Orleans and their romantic wedding held at a private residence in Monterey, a graceful Spanish villa with lush grounds. The details, designed by Amanda herself, with help from Bash, Please, elegantly give a nod to the Art Deco period. But, Amanda is a real bride, and sometimes things go a little awry come the day of. So even though she left her wedding with smiles, alongside her best friend, there a few lessons she learned that could totally help you out as you begin your planning.

That Reem Acra dress is heavenly!

My husband wrote a script inspired by a popular comic strip from the 1920’s called “Little Nemo”, and commissioned an artist to make it as our place cards. He wrote a beautiful story about our adventures getting to the place we are today, and it was so personal and sweet.

Two big points Amanda learned after their wedding:

1. First the cliché but true answer; Try and enjoy the people there as much as you possibly can. Many people at our wedding flew cross-country and we only got to see them for about 5 minutes that whole weekend. Cherish the time with your family and friends. It all goes by so quickly, and be present in the fact that almost all of the people there are the most important people in the world to you. That really is an amazing feeling. 

2. Have a glass of wine with your vendors. Don’t drink? Coffee. Tea. Coconut water, whatever! Just know whom you are getting involved with and make sure you really see eye to eye with them. Make sure you can laugh and be real, and they actually get you and your vision. Trust and communication are the most important things to look for in vendors, and you need to make sure you, without a doubt, have both or else things can get mucky. 

Great advice, right? Thanks so much for sharing your day with us Amanda + Matthew!

For more inspiration check out our Wedding Ideas section + Pinterest boards. 

Photographer: Rebecca Fishman of Birds Of a Feather / Videographer: Bride’s friend, Aubrey Bellamy / Ceremony & Reception Venue: Casa de Flores (family home), Monterey, CA / Event Coordinator + Designer: Bride, Amanda Hallberg, Bash, Please / Save the dates design: Supply Paper Co. / Invitation design: Bash, Please / Hair & Makeup: Bride did her own / Florist: Kate Healy of Big Sur Flowers / Cake: Yulanda Santos of The Post Ranch Inn / Catering: Chef Todd Fisher / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / Brass Band: Saint Gabriel’s Celestial Brass Band / Wedding dress: Reem Acra / Wedding shoes: Maison Martin Margiela / Art Deco bracelet: Family Heirloom / Groom’s Suit: Indochino / Bridesmaid dresses: ABS by Allan Schwartz