1. Real Weddings

A Delicate Beach-Inspired Elegant Wedding at the Crossings at Carlsbad in Carlsbad, California

Starfish decor helped shape this elegant wedding with a subtle beach theme -- accenting everything from the bright ceremony programs to the calla lily

Starfish decor helped shape this elegant wedding with a subtle beach theme -- accenting everything from the bright ceremony programs to the calla lily aisle decorations and the wedding cake -- decked out in a color palette of yellow, white and gray. Shana Lavoie (27 and in event planning) and Devon Jordan (27 and in digital marketing) fell in love with the beautiful views of the golf course and ocean at the Crossings at Carlsbad in Carlsbad, California. The ceremony took place on the lawn, which comfortably fit their 250 guests, with ivory bright yellow calla lily arrangements tied to white folding chairs and the aisle covered with ivory petals, captured beautifully by Brett Charles Rose Photography. The reception was held inside, at the venue’s restaurant, where grand windows let natural light flood into the space and exposed breathtaking views of the beautiful landscape. The wedding party embodied the color palette perfectly, with bridesmaids wearing knee-length gray dresses designed by Donna Morgan while holding their yellow rose bouquets, and groomsmen dressed in gray three-piece suits with yellow pocket squares and ties. We didn’t mind seeing Shana's sweet tooth through the dessert selections, confirmed by Devon and proved by the four-tier canary yellow wedding cake covered from top to bottom with white orchids. “Our wedding cake was four-tiers of Oreo, strawberries and cream, lemon and Black Forest cake,” Devon says. “The Black Forest cake was for the father of the bride, whom she gets her sweet tooth from.”

Princess-Cut Diamond and Silver Rings
The rose flower bouquets were arranged next to one another and propped up on a white couch. Shana held a round bouquet filled with ivory roses and had an white wrap around the stems, while the bridesmaids held a bouquet filled with canary yellow roses. All the flowers were arranged by Couture Flowers.
Shana wore an strapless ivory wedding dress with a sweetheart neckline that was designed by St. Patrick. The dress had a mermaid-style skirt that flared out into a ruffled pattern. "The dress was fitted at the top and light at the bottom, looking like a flowing wave," Shana says. "Of course, the look was not complete without a pair of very cute bow-patterned Christian Louboutin heels in nude."
Devon stood with his groomsmen, all of them wearing the same light gray suits designed by Black Lapel. The groomsmen wore canary yellow ties while the groom wore a gray tie. "Each groomsman wore a suit purchased just for the occasion," the couple says. "Why waste money renting when you can buy for about the same amount of money? Those suits have gone on to win many a job interview!"
Canary Yellow Programs With Starfish
The ceremony took place outside on the lawn at the Crossings at Carlsbad in Carlsbad, California, where white folding chairs were lined up for guests. The chairs next to the aisle had canary yellow flower arrangements of calla lilies attached to the side. The arrangements were decorated with white starfish, tying in the beach theme with the ceremony decor.
Beaded Necklace and Earrings
Gray With Purple Tint Bridesmaid Dresses
Shana and Devon stood in the middle of their wedding party dressed in gray attire. The bridesmaids were wearing knee-length gray dresses with a tint of purple designed by Donna Morgan, while the groomsmen were dressed in light gray suits by Black Lapel that matched Devon. The bridesmaids held their canary yellow rose bouquets, which matched the groomsmen bright yellow ties.
After the ceremony, guests were served colorful drinks in elegant champagne glasses that were marked with their names. The name tags were on yellow pieces of paper bordered with a black-and-white decorated paper fan. "Cocktail hour was no-holds-barred, with six appetizers, a sushi station, and flowing cocktails," Devon says. "This is the biggest party we would ever throw, and we wanted to make sure every single person enjoyed their time there."
The reception took place inside the restaurant at the Crossings at Carlsbad in Carlsbad, California. The dining tables were dressed in dark gray tablecloths and were decorated with yellow and ivory flowers. The sweetheart table had a lush, overflowing centerpiece at the head, filled with white and yellow orchids and roses.
On the reception dining tables, elegant silver plates had dark gray napkins and a single white orchid placed on top. Escort cards were on white stationery with a yellow border that were tied to starfish, which complemented the menu card along with the overall beach theme of the wedding. The menu cards were also on white stationery with a yellow border, and had a gray starfish design in the corner.
White and Yellow Round Centerpiece
Christian Louboutin Nude Shoes
The bright canary yellow cake stood four tiers tall, and was decorated with white orchids from top to bottom. The orchids even rimmed around the bottom of the cake! The four layers were filled with flavors of Oreo, strawberries and cream, Black Forest cake and lemon cake. Also, the cake had small starfish accenting the side of the cake, tying in the beach theme.