Decor designed and executed by Fiori Fresco Special Events.

What an entrance for a newlywed couple! After being married in New Jersey in a traditional Hindu ceremony the week before, the bride and groom were warmly welcomed to their California reception as they rode in on a fully decked out elephant. A blend of traditional Indian food and decor with ultra modern chic made for a wonderfully unique evening. Outside on the Pacific Lawn of the St. Regis Monarch Beach, cocktails - including martinis from an ice luge shaped like elephants - and sumptuous hors d'oeuvres were served under huge red and gold pavilions. Guests were entranced by stilt walkers, gold-clad dancers and drums. Inside the red-carpeted Pacific Ballroom the bride and groom were ensconced upon a stage under a huge red and crystal chandelier. The walls of the ballroom, covered with taut white fabric and alcoves reminiscent of Mogul arches, changed color throughout the evening. Guests sat at white suede banquettes and clear acrylic Ghost chairs that surrounded round glass tables while the family tables had large pools of water in the center filled with floating white flowers. An Indian DJ had the guests dancing to bhangara music until they could dance no more.

2005 Gala Award Winner

Barbara Wallace Weddings is the winner of the 2005 Gala Award for "Best Wedding Budget $500 and Above Per Guest".

The day and evening were to sparkle in the colors the bride had chosen for her wedding fabrics - bright orange and hot pink for the ceremony and powder blue for the reception. This day-long celebration began at sunrise with the groom's arrival and an authentic Indian buffet breakfast, followed by the ceremony on the lawn of the estate under glowing orange tents and vibrant floral. Guests stayed for lunch in the formal gardens before the reception. The evening's activities began with the explosive reveal of the couple and continued in the grand ballroom, transformed into a shimmering forest of orchids, candlelight and crystal.

Decor designed and executed by Fiori Fresco Special Events.

2005 Gala Award Nominee

Barbara Wallace Weddings was a nominee for the 2005 Gala Award for "Best Event Produced for a Private Individual Budget $500 and Above Per Guest".

The henna designs worn by a traditional Indian wedding party are an example of transcendant communication. This Mehndi celebration was, as the Mehndi tradition dictates, symbolic, detailed, and celebratory, and, in all of its elements, an expression of the joy of life. The evening was layered with experiences, from a traditional but mystical Indian Summer festival, to a lavish banquet, to an authentic Bollywood dance party. Each segment of the evening was bathed in vibrant color and painted with the symbols of joy and life.

Decor designed and executed by Fiori Fresco Special Events.

2002 Gala Award Nominee

Barbara Wallace Weddings was a nominee for the 2002 Gala Award for "Best Wedding Budget $500 to $2,000 Per Guest".

A midsummer wedding overlooking the Pacific beckons 215 guests from afar to the Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel. Arches, garlands and topiaries of fragrant white flowers and lush greens define the ceremony lawn. White decor in the foyer invites the guests for cocktails, passed hors d'oeuvres and a sushi display featuring ice obelisks. A twenty-piece orchestra and dramatic lighting set the mood as the ballroom doors are thrown open. Abundant white flowers spill from tall silver cone centerpieces and candles glow. Fabulous food, premium beverages, sophisticated entertainment and amazing decor make this wedding "all it can be" - fulfilling the bride's dream. In just three months!

Decor designed and executed by Fiori Fresco Special Events.

2001 Gala Award Winner

Barbara Wallace Weddings is the proud winner of the 2001 Gala Award for "Best Event Produced for a Private Individual Budget Under $50,000". A beautiful summer evening reception, reminiscent of Bali, welcomed a newlywed couple back from their Maui wedding and honeymoon. White gauze-y fabric draping the room was lighted in sunset tones. Tropical greenery and white orchids sprang from tall bamboo cylinder centerpieces. Copious and enticing food inspired by the Pacific Rim was presented simply on bamboo trays and marble slabs. Edgy music for a young, sophisticated group of friends was interspersed with Sinatra for the mature relatives and friends. Japanese lanterns were hung from the trees over the al fresco dance floor. A wonderful way to celebrate this new beginning. Decor designed and executed by John G. Creager. What are the Gala Awards? Gala Awards are the Oscars of the special events industry. They are presented annually at the Gala Award Celebration culminating The Special Event, a five-day convention and trade show sponsored by Special Events Magazine. In approximately 35 categories with entries from all over the world, a panel of highly qualified judges from the special event industry use strict parameters to select the three most outstanding nominees in each category. Then, at a black tie reception with nearly 1,000 people in attendance, the winners are announced.

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