Let them eat cake—or, let them eat all kinds of decadent desserts! In planning for your big day, it’s always fun to consider a dessert bar. Why feel limited to a cake when you can opt for all kinds of delicious desserts that will satisfy all your guest’s cravings. With dessert bars, you can serve mini cupcakes, fruit tarts, chocolate mouse, and even doughnuts! We love the versatility of dessert bars, and how they keep guests coming back for more. Your wedding is all about love, so why not make things a little extra sweet?

XO, Nicole

Not that we can complain about our Southern California sunshine, but we can tell you that we’re looking forward to summer! In preparation for our favorite season, it seemed only fitting to reflect on some of our favorite colorful moments. From styled shoots to outdoor wedding receptions, it’s always fun to play with color and experiment with bold choices.

There are so many ways to incorporate summertime into your design aesthetic—from your floral arrangements to your bridesmaid dresses to your cake! Our favorite color choices are bright pinks, purples, and oranges, with pops of greenery for texture, of course. From your paper goods to your floral arch, play with color and design to create a bright look that fits the season. We’ve pulled together some of our all time favorite colorful, summer-inspired moments below.

Enjoy!

XO, Nicole

Since you were a little girl, you’ve most likely fantasized about your wedding dress. Haven’t we all? But, in thinking about your ideal wedding dress, it’s also instrumentally important to consider who will be standing beside you—and I don’t just mean the groom! Your bridesmaids will be by your side before and during the ceremony, and mostly likely throughout the course of the entire reception. So, picking a color palette for your bridesmaids is a major pillar of your wedding aesthetic. Do you want to go the neutral route? Do you want to let your bridesmaids pick their own dress? There are many factors to consider, so feel free to mix and match different colors and textures to create the bridal party look that suits your vision.

And don’t forget, matching robes or sunglasses can make for excellent bridal gifts—and even better photo opportunities.

Enjoy!

XO, Nicole

In designing any event, it’s important to incorporate patterns and textures into your aesthetic. Contrary to popular belief, patterns and textures do not always have to be bold and domineering; they can also be simplistic and sophisticated, adding an aura of depth to your space while still grabbing your guests’ attention.

Experimenting with textures or patterns can also elevate a color palette. Feel free to integrate a stripe or sequin into your event space—it always brings your look up a notch. You can also build in texture through adding layers and diversifying a space. Add a plush fur to your furniture for a soft, luxurious look, or bold floral arrangements to your tablescape for a luxe look. And one quick tip! Another way of enhancing your table with texture is through fresh produce, decorative objects, or seasonal florals. Sourcing local products is way to keep cost down and definitely qualifies as California-chic. Simply placing a fresh rosemary sprig or an ornamental feather on your place settings intensifies the look and feel of your overall tablescape. Pattern and texture are great design mechanisms. Take advantage of them! Build upon your vision with the help of texture and pattern to achieve a cohesive look, whether it be eclectic or traditional.

Enjoy!

Nicole & Kevin:: Cree Estate Wedding

XO, Nicole

When it comes to the groom, there’s more room to play than one would originally think. As a couple, you must decide what look and feel best personifies your personality together. Are you a classic black tie couple? Do you gravitate to bright colors and bold patterns? Do you want to incorporate seasonal florals into your bouquets and boutonnieres? These are some of many important questions that you must ask yourself when designing your wedding party.

The best part about the groom and groomsmen is the sheer versatility of the traditional suit and tie. You can mix and match different pieces, from button down shirts to suspenders to bow ties. There really is no secret sauce when it comes to the groom—it truly comes down to personal taste and vision. Feel free to have fun with the groom’s look! Give him a tie that aligns with the bridal party, or a boutonniere that is bursting with color and really pops. Or, you can even go the white shirt, white tie route, and then design a tasteful boutonniere that pulls the whole wedding party aesthetic together. The possibilities are endless.

Whatever your desire, groom style is a great way to showcase your one-of-a-kind taste. And don’t forget accessories! Stylish shoes or a great watch are extra ways for the groom to customize this look for himself. This is your big day together, so ensure that you’re true to yourselves as a couple.

XO, Nicole

With Coachella on the horizon, it’s only fitting to look back on my favorite boho moments. From shooting in the desert at sunset to creating bohemian-inspired tablescapes, I’m always a fan of this romantic design aesthetic. And what’s more Southern California than this eclectic look. It’s all about loose, fresh florals, rustic furniture pieces, and neutral color palettes that compliment a beautiful natural landscape. The possibilities are endless, and who doesn’t love a floral headpiece to accessorize their wedding gown? Enjoy some of my favorite moments that really speak to these thematic visions, and feel free to get lost in the Coachella vibes.

XO, Nicole

Sunstone Winery is such a beautiful space—the perfect fit for an outdoorsy, whimsical wedding. And the perfect fit for Al & Steph, who strived for just that. This wedding was full of raw emotion and romance, which was especially accentuated through the floral arrangements. The florals were organic and original, playing with dark, moody tones and pops of bright greenery for color. The bouquets were a similar look, which complimented the bridal party, who wore black bridesmaid dresses. The use of burgundy and white was key in complimenting this darker look.

The rentals were fun and playful—a perfect juxtaposition to the darker color palette. The linens had a very luxe feel, which we built upon to create a layered look. Pairing different textures in plates and chargers is the perfect way to achieve an elegant aesthetic. We kept the centerpieces within our color palette, but still felt light and natural for a summertime reception in such a beautiful place.

As with any wedding, it’s all about the couple. Al & Steph’s fun loving personalities shone through and were reflected in the wedding experience. From toasting with wine during the ceremony to dancing the night away in a cave, the day was filled with great energy. Enjoy!

XO, Nicole

Vendors //

Venue: Sunstone Winery | Flowers: Forage Florals | Rentals: Town & Country | Linens:  Luxe Linen | Napkins: La Tavola | Photo: JM Foto CO.

When it came to designing our office, we had one goal in mind: we wanted the space to feel inviting, comfortable, and inspired. We wanted clients to feel at home, like they were hanging out at their friend’s house. Our office is bright and light, with pops of exuberant color. Even the couch pillows are covered in colorful florals! We also drew a lot of inspiration from the beach, since our office is basically beachfront. As we were shooting, we thought, why not head down to the beach for a little extra inspiration? When you step into our office, we want you to feel at home, and know that Nicole Alexandra Designs is all about making you feel comfortable.

XO, Nicole

Photography: Sun & Sparrow