real weddings
real weddings
U nited on U nited D ea nne S p enc e a nd Kei t h E dwa rd Phi llip s July 7 , 2 0 0 7
The day Deanne and Keith met, love was in the air. They were both aboard a United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Boston when Keith took the empty seat near Deanne. The two chatted all the way to Boston and Deanne gave Keith her business card, not expecting to see him again. “I didn’t think anything of it,” Deanne says. “It was just one of those chance conversations and we both went our separate ways.” Five days later, Deanne took an early flight back to Los Angeles when she unexpectedly ran into Keith again. “I didn’t know he was on the same plane. I was in the front row, sitting alone, and about an hour into the flight he came up and sat next to me,” Deanne says. During the flight back, sparks began to fly between the two. “There was just something about him that drew me to him…he’s charming and good looking but there was something about his personality that I really liked from the get-go,” Deanne says. The two made plans to go on their first date and after a seven-week romance, Keith was ready to propose. He had the entire evening planned with a romantic dinner for two. “It was so cute, he was really nervous. It’s funny because that whole day he was acting funny…he just seemed like he wanted everything to be perfect,” Deanne says. She had a feeling he was going to propose and was delighted to find out her hunch was right.“It was one of those things where they brought us a glass of wine and then he went on about how wonderful we get along and how great it was to be together forever…” she says. With the help of a wedding coordinator, Deanne began planning her wedding. First thing’s first, they needed to pick a location. Being Greek, Keith wanted to get married in Greece and although Deanne loved the idea, they decided it would be too difficult for guests to travel overseas. So, they decided to bring Greece to California. As the perfect venue for their Mediterranean wedding, Deanne and Keith set out to find a villa. The search was complete when they found Villa Fiona nestled in the Hollywood hills. “When we looked at it we were like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is it,’” Deanne recalls. Taking inspiration from the rustic beauty of the villa, Deanne chose a warm color palette of brown, orange and cream. Orange roses and calla lilies graced the bouquets, the beautiful
gazebo, the tabletops and even the wrought iron scroll gates throughout the property. With such an elaborate backdrop, the only decorations needed were flowers, candles and dramatic lighting. To further tie in the cultural aspects of Greece, belly dancers provided entertainment for guests and a menu consisting of mainly Mediterranean cuisine was served. “We had chicken, lamb, fish, you name it…I had never seen so much food in my life,” Deanne says. As for the cake, it was made up of tiers of single-serving cakes. “Keith wanted that. That was his idea. He saw something in a magazine and he thought it was just the coolest thing…” she says. There were rows of red velvet, chocolate and vanilla miniature cakes topped off with a larger cake on top. In homage to the way they met, Deanne and Keith gave out luggage tags with silver airplanes on them as favors and had an ice martini luge etched with an airplane and the words “United on United.” With a guest list of 107, the wedding was filled with all of their closest family and friends. The uniting of their two families was important to Keith and Deanne and it was incorporated in the ceremony. A memorable moment that stands out in Deanne’s mind was when she and Keith exchanged rings, not only with each other, but with their daughters as well. “Keith gave my girls a ring and I gave his girls a ring and everybody was crying and I think that part was just unbelievable,” Deanne says. As another personal touch, Keith’s sister officiated the wedding and wrote them their own special vows. In the year it took her to plan her wedding, Deanne never felt overwhelmed by the process. She reflects back on the time with nothing but joy: “Honest to God it was one of those things that was so easy and so fun. There was not one stressful thing about it. You don’t normally hear that from a bride but it was the easiest thing.” a
Photography Ásgeir Fotographica, CA
136 thebrideandbloom.com WINTER 2008
DESIGNS FOR WEDDINGS AND LIFE 137
real weddings
real weddings
STYLE FILE Theme
Greek Mediterranean Colors
Brown, Orange and Cream
STYLE TEAM Wedding Coordinator
Mary Dann Wedding and Party Coordinators, Gia Trasatti Bridal Gown
Sue Wong
Groom’s Tuxedo & Shoes
What advice do you have for future brides?
Nordstrom
Bridal Jewelry
Ableser’s Fine Jewelry
“Always use a wedding planner and find the right one. Find the right one personality-wise because it really makes a difference.”
Engagement & Wedding Rings
Almaz Diamonds Hair & Makeup
The Studio Agency Bridesmaid Dresses
Caché
Ceremony & Reception Location
Villa Fiona, Private Estate Florist
Asiel Design Stationery
A Legendary Affair, Cynthia Adkins Cake
Cake Divas Photographer
Ásgeir Fotographica Ceremony Music
Elegant Music Soloist
Julia Fordham Cocktail Hour Entertainment
David Aldo Catering
Jennifer Naylor Specialty Rentals
Classic Party Rentals Specialty Linens
Elegant Designs Specialty Linens Specialty Lighting
Luggage tags were used as place cards and given out as favors for guests to take home.
Images by Lighting Ice Sculptor
Carving Ice Rehearsal Dinner
Off Vine, Hollywood, CA Honeymoon Accommodations
Eden Rock Resort, St. Barts
138 thebrideandbloom.com WINTER 2008
Individual-sized cakes were adorned with sparkling crystals and orchids.
A belly dancer brought in cultural flair to the Mediterranean themed wedding.
An airplane is etched into the martini luge ice sculpture, alluding to the way Keith and Deanne met.