Alida Zappone and Lloyd Angulo met in the Summer of 2003. Alida, a San Diego native, was teaching salsa dancing in Los Angeles when Lloyd attended one of her classes. She noticed him immediately, and continued to notice that he was frequenting her classes more and more as time went on. Their love of dance drew them inseparable, and by the Summer of 2006, the two were engaged.
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Fireworks It was the Fourth of July in Huntington Beach. Alida and Lloyd shared a memorable day together enjoying the Southern California coast, the crisp blue skies, and the warm ocean breezes. After having a romantic sunset dinner at the Huntington Beach Pier, they went to the beach to watch the fireworks show. It was a perfectly clear night as the show started and the lights reflected off the ocean; it was magical. Amidst all of the loud explosions of lights, Lloyd asked Alida to close her eyes; he had a very special gift for her. When Alida opened her eyes, Lloyd was down on one knee. He opened a Monet diamond-encrusted box with the words “I Love You” on it. Inside, was a breathtaking solitaire diamond ring. Alida was so surprised and excited by Lloyd’s romantic proposal under the firework lit sky, she answered, “I do!” with enthusiasm. Alida’s heart was racing so fast from all of the excitement that night, she couldn’t sleep. The couple drove down to San Diego to tell their parents in person. Although Alida’s father had given Lloyd his blessing, he did not know when the proposal would be taking place. The couple’s families were ecstatic. It was the perfect proposal and the most romantic day.
Dancing from a Distance
A Union of Love,
Passion & Rhythm
Alida knew she wanted to dance a choreographed fox trot with her father to “The Way You Look Tonight” at her reception. However, there would be little time for the two to practice together with the bride in Los Angeles and her father in San Diego. So, Alida found a fox trot routine from the 1970s on YouTube and sent it to her father to learn. He practiced with Alida’s mother over and over again until he mastered the choreography (despite the instruction being in Russian!)
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Keeping a Big Surprise When it came time for Alida and her father to practice together, Alida knew that the wide circumference of her dress would be an issue. They would need to have a dress rehearsal, but Alida wanted to keep her one-of-a-kind ball gown a surprise until her wedding day. Alida decided she would have to practice their dance with two big pillows tied around her waist to simulate the volume of her dress.
illuminated fans of color on the wall, and rose-patterned lighting created luminous architecture on the carved ceilings. Guests’ seating cards were individual pieces of art depicting a couple dancing Rhumba by vintage Cuban-style artist, Bill Brauer. The artist had granted the couple his permission to use his work. Guests’ menus were presented on paintings of various Latin dances by the same artist, accompanied by a history of the depicted dance.
Party-Time Lloyd’s mother threw Alida a beautiful traditional Mexican bridal shower, serving homemade tamales, carne asada, horchata and posole. Alida was dressed in traditional Mexican costume, and the attending ladies wore folkloric dresses and flowers in their hair. At midnight, Lloyd brought Alida to tears when he surprised her by entering the party singing a romantic song with an eleven-piece mariachi band.
The Day Has Arrived The wedding took place in June of 2008. Alida and Lloyd chose a Latin Ballroom Dance-themed wedding reception to celebrate their mutual love of dance, while the ceremony celebrated the Hispanic heritage of Lloyd, as well as Alida’s Irish and Italian ancestry. It is evident that dance truly is a universal language. “Dance embraces love, passion, and the rhythm we want to carry with us and hold in our hearts forever,” says the bride.
The Dance Following dinner, the bride and groom danced the first traditional dance, and guests were impressed by the father-of-the-bride’s perfectly rehearsed fox trot. Who would have thought that two big pillows tied around Alida’s waist could substitute for the beautiful gown she now wore? Alida’s dance with her father was challenging, but thanks to their practice and creativity, it was a beautiful moment. Guests did not expect to see the couple dance in the Latin style they had been known for when they saw Alida’s wedding ball gown. How on Earth would the couple execute such intricate flips and twirls with the bride wearing such a full dress?
VENDORS
A Grande Finale Guests were entertained by a slide show of the couple, during which Alida and Lloyd performed a vanishing act. At the end of the slide show, the couple re-appeared on the dance floor. But this time, Alida was dressed in a haltered Flamenco dress, and Lloyd wore a fedora hat. They were ready to put on a serious dance spectacular for their guests. Alida and Lloyd danced a medley of their favorite Latin dances, “complete with lifts, neck drops, dips, throws and twirls.” Alida recalls that all of their “guests and even the staff went wild.” Following the couple’s show, guests and the wedding party continued to be entertained by the newlyweds’ favorite Salsa Cumbia band, Son Mayor.
A Ceremony of Traditions Upon arrival to the ceremony at Mission San Diego de Alcala, guests were given tissue pouches for their “Tears of Joy” and ceremony programs which included the Mexican, Italian and Irish wedding blessings. Watching Alida walk down the aisle in her beautiful wedding ballgown was a breathtaking moment for everyone. Lloyd was charming, and the two could not keep their eyes off of each other. Guests enjoyed a traditional Hispanic lasso and veil ceremony with a presentation of coins in celebration of Lloyd’s heritage. Alida carried a porcelain Irish horseshoe throughout the ceremony, which ended with the Italian tradition of releasing a pair of doves.
As 200 guests arrived at the reception at The Prado, they were greeted and entertained by the charismatic dancing and music of Mariachi del Mar. The newlyweds arrived at the reception in an off-white and gold 1929 Franklin vintage limousine. The chauffeur had chocolate covered strawberries and Martinelli’s Cider waiting for the couple when he had picked them up from the church.
Personalized to Perfection at the Prado Wedding Designer Anseth Page Richards left no detail unattended while exceeding the wedding vision of Alida and Lloyd. Over two years of planning went into making the couple’s dream wedding come true. Tall floral arrangements in bold pinks and greens, boasting large tropical leaves in iron stands adorned the reception. Satin bichon linens reflecting the celadon green lighting decorated the tables, surrounded by gold chivari chairs, with gold chargers positioned at every place setting. Soft pink and purple lighting
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Reception Site Prado Ballroom Coordinator Anseth Page Richards Officiant Deacon Vasquez Photographer Kathy Zeigler Videographer Dave DesRochers Florist Ana with Floral Works Linens Floral Works
Parting Gifts Cocktail Hour
Ceremony Site Mission San Diego de Alcala
The newlyweds were able to capture the essence of their wedding day with some truly authentic favors. Guests were each given a small bottle of olive oil, accompanied by a favorite family recipe, in honor of Alida’s Italian heritage. The oils were dressed in serape and sombreros to tie in Lloyd’s culture, too. Upon Alida and Lloyd’s departure, guests were given traditional Italian Jordan Almonds wrapped in tulle, along with flamenco fans, mints, and bubbles for their grand departure.
Honeymoon Alida and Lloyd honeymooned on a two week cruise throughout the Mediterranean. While on the cruise, the honeymooners entered their first competition together. They had to perform a two minute routine, and the couple who received the loudest applause would win. The newlyweds will never forget the roar of the crowd. “They went crazy and cheered uncontrollably when it came to our dance. They especially liked the neck drop move!” Alida and Lloyd won the first place trophy and a bottle of champagne. What a way to begin a lifetime together!
Entertainment (Ceremony) Dianne Cawood, Howard McCullough & Gene Regard; Love Doves for dove release Entertainment (Cocktail) Son Mayor & Mariachi Del Mar Entertainment (Reception) DJ Spencer Breezy of Jewel Entertainment Catering The Prado Invitations/Stationery The Bride Hair/Makeup Patricia with Cara Mia Dress Cindy Dahlin Designs
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A
About nine years ago, Nicole Dahm set forth on a trip with her two sisters, Erica and Jaclyn (they’re triplets) from Los Angeles to Lake Havasu to film Wild on E! during spring break. The girls travelled on a tour bus as E! Entertainment filmed their adventures. The tight-knit quarters subjected the girls to making some new best friends—the bus driver and the make up artist. One night, the bus driver, Michael, wanted to have a few drinks, so Nicole offered to drive the bus for a couple hours. Nicole laughed as Michael carefully put four baby carrots on her finger and said, “I’m going to marry you someday.” By the end of the trip, Nicole finally found out that Michael was no bus driver, but Michael Kelly, (CEO of Kelly Capital and owner of the Ivy Hotel), who had been called upon by producers to contribute his array of toys (motorcycles, jet skis and other fun rides—including the bus).
“Sparks flew…literally” For the next two years, Michael and Nicole remained friends. She didn’t sense that he was ready to settle down, until…
Let There Be Rain, A Wedding That Overcomes All
Jaclyn invited Michael to her wedding in Cabo San Lucas.“Sparks flew… literally,” Nicole said. “I fell head over heels for him. I thought to myself, ‘He’s all grown up now.’” The two began dating secretly. The couple didn’t really have a true reason for why they kept it a secret, but it just felt right at the time.
The proposal One year, Michael travelled through Kotor, Croatia for the Gumball 3000. While driving, he made his way through a tunnel. As he exited the tunnel into Kotor, the view took his breath away. He immediately called Nicole. “He said, ‘Babe, this is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen in my life,’” Nicole recalled. “I told him, ‘You gotta bring me there someday.’”
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In July of 2007, Michael took Nicole to Croatia. On Thursday the 12th (Michael didn’t want to risk doing anything on Friday the 13th), the pair took a yacht down to Kotor. Nicole suggested the two just snuggle on the boat and watch movies after they both suffered from seasickness. But Michael was adamant about taking her to a late dinner. As the two got ready in their room, Michael began to pace the room and couldn’t figure out what to wear. He’s not like that at all, Nicole said. “I asked him if I needed a purse,” she went on. At first, Michael said no, but then he quickly corrected himself, “actually, yes!” Nicole didn’t notice anything different about this night…a dream for any guy trying to put on a surprise proposal. Their table sat right next to a stream (the shortest in Europe) that ran right through the restaurant. After using the excuse of grabbing something from Nicole’s purse, Michael sat back down in his seat and began to tell Nicole how much she meant to him—something he did on a regular basis, but suddenly, Michael bent down
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VENDORS on one knee. It finally hit her! “This is it. I’ve been waiting for this my whole life!” Nicole thought. Then, she finally started putting the pieces together—the persistency to have dinner, the pacing, the concern about his outfit, the purse (the ring was hidden there)—it all finally made sense.
Wedding Coordinator Sasha Souza Events, Napa Catering and Cake Someone’s In The Kitchen, Los Angeles
Michael opened the box and in it shined a huge round, brilliant cut diamond ring. “Oh God, baby, no!” Nicole exclaimed. Michael grew nervous. That isn’t the answer I was waiting for, he said. Nicole quickly corrected herself this time, “yes, yes!” She had obviously been referring to the size of the ring. She had never seen anything so big.
Accommodations Shutter’s on The Beach, Santa Monica Flowers Leah Lowery of Sasha Souza Events
The perfect place Originally, I wanted an overseas, castle-style wedding, but that just wasn’t convenient for our families and friends, Nicole said. Then, there was Napa Valley, where there are only two venue choices and by law, you can’t have cake and you can’t wear white. Nicole’s wedding planner then suggested Gull’s Way, a private residence in Malibu owned by Dick Clark. On Michael’s 42nd birthday, Nicole took him on a helicopter ride to the estate where they stayed overnight in a cottage. When they awoke the next day to the peaceful sounds of birds chirping and the wind whistling in the trees, the two agreed that this was a magical place and perfect for their wedding. It was also ideal because they could stay there a whole week and not have to worry about being rushed out immediately after the reception.
Words of inspiration Instead of asking guests to sign up to a gift registry, Michael and Nicole decided to ask guests to write them words of inspiration to guide them through their marriage.
Let there be rain As Nicole arrived to Gull’s Way in a white, stretch navigator limo, words escaped her as she witnessed the cream, black and gold décor that dressed the property. Nicole’s bridesmaids were dressed in long, black couture dresses designed by Nicole and her sisters. They accessorized the dresses with chunky black jewelry and smoky eyes. The groomsmen wore sleek black tuxes by Armani with perfect black bow ties. Michael and Nicole thanked each member of their wedding party for his or her support with an engraved Rolex watch. As everyone began moving to the ceremony site, drops of rain started falling from the sky. Nicole remained calm and remembered, “Rain on your wedding day means good luck.” After the staff suffered a quick moment of panic due to the originally scheduled outdoor ceremony, they quickly moved 350 chairs inside a huge white tent, managed to place the white aisle runner initialed with ‘nKm,’ and also added the white rose petals. After the wedding party entered the tent, the wedding planner told Nicole that the CD for the ceremony was wet from the rain and wouldn’t work. A tear rolled down her cheek. Nicole began wracking her brain to try to think of a song that could possibly materialize on a CD in time. As she was about the say, “play whatever,” she heard the song she and her sisters had recorded as a surprise for Michael during the reception—My Love by Celine Dion. Her father wiped Nicole’s tear and guided her down the aisle. As she almost reached Michael, Nicole heard her voice say, “I love you Michael Kelly,” over the speakers. And that’s when Michael realized it was Nicole’s voice singing to him as she walked down the aisle. “It was another perfect thing that was just supposed to happen,” Nicole said. Because of their different religious preferences (Michael is Catholic and Nicole is Lutheran), Michael’s sister, Louise, served as the officiant at the ceremony. The couple both said their own personal vows. “There wasn’t a dry in the place,” Nicole remembered.
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Brides Dress Baracci, Beverly Hills Brides Shoes Rene Caovilla Bridesmaid Dresses Flora of Renaissance XXI, Beverly Hills
Surprise! Surprise! Surprise! After some champagne and caviar from the 12-foot, monogrammed Dom Perignon ice bar, guests entered a separate tent to enjoy dinner. Following dinner, guests were ushered outside to watch a 15-minute fireworks display over the ocean. Michael and Nicole dance their first dance to You’re Beautiful by James Blunt (a song Michael used to sing for Nicole on her voicemail) and then surprised everyone by performing a choreographed dance to Forever by Chris Brown. Then guests joined in after the traditional father/daughter and mother/son dances to the music of renowned DJ Clinton Sparks. Finally, the biggest surprise of the night came when a big, black curtain fell, revealing Camp Freddy. Band members that day included: Paul Stanley (KISS), Dave Navarrow (Jane's Addiction, Red Hot Chili Peppers), Steve Stevens (Billy Idol), Matt Sorum (Guns N’ Roses), Billy Morrison (Stimulator, The Cult), Duff McKagan (Guns N’ Roses, Velvet Revolver), Royston Langdon (Spacehog), Steve Jones (Sex Pistols), Paul Jones (Sex Pistols) and Corey Taylor (Slipknot, Stone Sour). As they exited in a white Rolls Royce to continue their fairytale, Nicole thought to herself, “I am the happiest bride on Earth.”
Location Gull’s Way, Malibu Limo Service Company Car, Los Angeles Engagement ring Steve Dexter of “It’s the Price,” New York, NY Wedding Bands Mosey Afshar of “Diamond Designs LA,” Los Angeles Bridesmaid Jewelry Style, Beverly Hills Hair Graham Smith of “London Hair Team” Minneapolis, MN Make up Alexis Vogel, Los Angeles Photography Elizabeth Messina, Ventura and Isaiah Mayes, Los Angeles Videographer Bliss Video Productions, San Francisco Invitations, Programs, Place Cards Creative Intelligence, Los Angeles DJ Clinton Sparks Band Camp Freddy Groom Tuxedo Kiton Groomsman Tuxedos Armani Officiate Louise Kelly (Michael’s sister)
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