We had the absolute pleasure of working with Shannon and Cesar through our NYC studio to create their beautiful invitation and program. We’ll let Shannon take it from here to share more about their wedding details!

CAN YOU SHARE WITH US A BIT ABOUT YOUR WEDDING AND YOUR INSPIRATION FOR THE EVENT?
Our wedding took place this past August in San Francisco, CA. My husband is from the Bay Area, whereas I’m from NYC. Family is most important to us, so when planning the wedding, we really focused on inclusivity and comfort of guests, while executing a classic, elegant affair. Our ceremony took place in a Catholic church, and the cocktails & reception was at the historic Westin St. Francis Hotel in downtown San Francisco. Our biggest inspiration wasn’t a person or place, rather a sentiment: love. We wanted everyone–many who traveled far–to experience a warm and sentimental environment, while having fun!

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR COUPLES CURRENTLY PLANNING A WEDDING?
Ask your most valued people (family, friends, godparents, etc.) what’s important to them. You may not be able to promise them everything, but at least there was communication. You don’t want people to be upset or disappointed the day before or day of wedding when they find out that xyz did/didn’t happen. At least you can say, “well it was discussed and we determined what’s best for us.” It saves any headaches or hurt feelings, and it allows people to feel heard.

HOW DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR INVITATION DESIGN & INK COLORS?
We needed a bilingual invitation, so we saw a trifold design that Mariana showed us–it was perfect. She gave us the idea of having our church drawn on the front, which mirrored church doors openings. EVERYONE complimented it and said how unique and elegant it was, even if they didn’t speak Spanish. The color was a warm white, and we had a gold ink for the church design and denim ink for the inside print. Since our wedding was in late summer, we stayed away from deep fall hues and spring pastels. We also wanted something eye catching without being flashy, to exude an air of elegance so that guests can understand the wedding was a formal event.

WHAT SURPRISED YOU MOST ABOUT YOUR WEDDING?
How fast the day goes! Everyone says how quickly things move, and it’s so true! Just enjoy it.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MOMENT?
Walking up the aisle with my father, and seeing my husband at the altar waiting for me. It was a magical and once in a lifetime moment.

FAVORITE DESIGN ELEMENT OF YOUR BIG DAY?
We LOVED our flowers. They made a difference in the church and the reception room. They brought so much life and color, and everyone complimented them. We also rented some lounge furniture for our cocktail area, which allowed people to relax and chat.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE NEWLYWEDS?
We’re enjoying our new chapter and we shall see what comes next 🙂

Photography: Duy Ho Photography | Venues: Westin St. Francis and St. Agnes Catholic Church
Coordination: Any Occasion | Florals: Fiori Design Studio | Makeup: Christiane Gendry | Hair: Elena Malevanaya | Cake: Studio Cake | Furniture: @ampartyrentalsinc

letterpress inks | antique gold + denim | fonts: snell roundhand + addington | paper: bella smooth cotton ivory 1-ply | invite size: sq-6 gatefold | liner: tristan pattern in denim | envelope: bella cotton ivory |
customizations #71500 + #72612