Family and friends arrived at The Fig House expecting Vanessa and Kevin’s engagement party, only to be surprised with their wedding ceremony! In the midst of planning the wedding, the couple found out they were pregnant! This wonderful news landed them the perfect scenario to create an evening filled with endless surprises for their guests.

But before we get to the wedding day, let’s get a little backstory. Our head planner, Christine, met Vanessa when they were both attending UC San Diego. After graduation, they went their separate ways, but it wasn’t until Christine saw Vanessa at a mutual friends birthday party years later. At the party, Christine could not put her finger on why Vanessa looked so familiar, until she realized it was her dear friend from college. The two quickly became reacquainted and the friendship picked up right where it left off. Vanessa shared with Christine that she is the co-founder of Health Ade Kombucha, a successful company that produces delicious tasting kombucha right here in Los Angeles. Equally, Christine shared her success and passion with live love create events. The two became friends on Instagram to keep in touch.

A few months later, Vanessa messaged Christine on Instagram asking if our live love create team could plan her upcoming wedding. Christine and our team were delighted to be a part of such a wonderful and long time friend’s special day. Vanessa and Kevin’s original dream wedding was to be a destination wedding held in Paris or Hawaii, but when the couple learned they were expecting, plans had to change. With just four months to plan a wedding set for February 3, 2020, our team had much exciting work on our hands.

Now that we’ve shared a bit of backstory, let’s get to the big day! Kevin and Vanessa’s dream was to have a unique, fun and memorable wedding, so the idea of a “Taste of L.A.” themed wedding was the perfect plan. The theme meant catering food from L.A. cult favorites like Triple Beam Pizza, In-N-Out, Porto’s Bakery, Susie Cakes, Dot’s Cupcakes and much more. Their friends and family were really surprised as this was not the traditional wedding they were expecting. Guests were even more surprised when they arrived at what they thought was going to be Kevin and Vanessa’s engagement party, only to find out it was their actual wedding day! Another unique surprise the couple added to their special day, was having their dog, Dubu, act as the ring bearer, which of course made everyone laugh. But ultimately the biggest, and most special surprise of the entire night was the announcement of their pregnancy! This wonderful news made the night all the more joyous. It was truly the perfect wedding captured beautifully by Joy Theory Co.

Three months later since the big day, Vanessa is now 36 weeks pregnant with a baby boy and our head planner, Christine, is now a mother to a beautiful 6 month old baby boy. Vanessa and Christine’s story shows us that the friendships made in college can truly last a lifetime. Although they went their separate ways for a while, the two are now great friends who are embarking on the journey of motherhood together. They both look forward to continue building memories and seeing their baby boys develop a sweet friendship of their own.

Ceremony + Reception: The Fig House / Wedding Planner: Live.Love.Create. / Officiant: Diana Trout / Photography: Joy Theory Co. / Videography: Yours Truly Media / Florals: The Flower by Yoori / Catering: In-N-Out, Portos, Yaneth Caamal Tacos, Triple Beam Pizza, Hungry Bear Hand-roll Station, Churros by Jose / DJ: Love Connection / Live Music: Work of Art Entertainment / Rental: MTB Event Rentals / Photobooth: Eleven Photobooth / Hair & Make up: Yuri Sinata / Desserts: Dot’s Cupcakes & Susie’s Cakes