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There is a pair of beautiful banquet halls in the Paseo Mall in Pasadena called Noor. The smaller of the two, the Ella Ballroom, was the location for both the ceremony and reception for Fernanda and Zach. In the most interesting use of space I have seen in a while, the room was magically turned from the ceremony space to the reception hall in just one hour by the incredible staff. Fernanda was smiling ear to ear as we lined them up for their grand entrance, and Zach was ready to party. I knew early on this was going to be a fun night when their bridal party entered the room to “Let’s Get Married (Remix)” by Jagged Edge. Then the guests rose to their feet as the 2001 Theme mixed into “Bring Em Out” by T.I., and Fernanda and Zach made their way back into the ballroom.

 

After the toasts, I whispered to Zach that it was time to change. He had a very special surprise for his new bride. Fernanda and her family is from Ecuador, so Zach secretly learned a traditional Ecuadorian dance called a San Juanito. His dance partner for this magical moment…Fernanda’s mom, Rachel. As they did the traditional dance, Fernanda was overcome with emotion and pride, wiping away tears of happiness throughout the dance.

 

After dinner, they made their way around their tables, danced with their parents, and started the epic dance party I knew would happen. The guests took to the dance floor and celebrated with their friends and family. We took a small pause to cut the cake, do a quick money dance, and toss the bouquet and garter. Then it was onto more dancing until midnight when we finally had to wrap it up.  Although I have only known Fernanda and Zach for five months, I have been looking forward to this night since we first sat down for coffee. Their love of 90s R&B and Hip-Hop music, as well as their open and loving personalities, made their planning almost as much fun as their wedding itself.

 

Dave’s recommended vendors from this wedding included:

• Noor Banquet Hall – Amir Purliyev (Event Manager) – www.noorevents.com
• Crystal Nicole Wedding and Lifestyle Photography – www.Crystal-Nicole.com