"Ari and Jordan's engagement session epitomizes what floral dreams are made of! With its elegant pergolas and rose-covered arbors, stunning vistas of the San Gabriel Mountains, and forestland filled with flowering dogwood and azaleas, the LA Arboretum may be one of the most romantic places in Los Angeles for an engagement shoot. For their session, Ari, Jordan, and I spent a few hours exploring the Arboretum, taking full advantage of all the beautiful garden backdrops, lush greenery, and gorgeous daylight." -Molly Lichten Photography
How did you meet?
We met over 5 years ago at Purdue University. One of Jordan's fraternity brothers, and closest friend to this day, was also Ari's good friend and introduced them at a party. That night Jordan asked Ari out on a date to a local Italian restaurant for the next day, and they have been inseparable since.
What is your proposal story?
When Jordan knew it was time to pop the question, he wanted to do it in Ari's home state of California so they could celebrate with Ari's family. Jordan reached out to family friends of his who live in California to help out with the proposal. He told Ari they had a lunch planned in Santa Monica with them at a restaurant on the end of the pier, but as they got to the end of pier, and were overlooking the ocean, Jordan's friends appeared holding a big sign that said "Ari, will you marry me?" and he got down on one knee and thankfully Ari said yes!
Tell us about your engagement shoot outfits and accessories.
For our engagement shoot we really wanted an environment that reflected our love for nature and the outdoors, and thus decided on a very nature/bohemian style shoot. Growing up in Pasadena, the LA Arboretum was a place near and dear to Ari's heart as she grew up enjoying the gardens, dreamy trees, and feisty peacocks of the arboretum any chance she could get. To reflect the beauty and nature of the arboretum, Ari wanted a very flowy and lace dress. Jordan complimented the burgundy of the dress with a navy suit. The jewelry matched Ari and Jordan's special pear shape theme, with drop down pear shaped earrings and a pear shape pendent by vera wang.
How did you choose your wedding venue?
We are getting married at Noor in Pasadena. When looking for a wedding venue we really wanted an outdoor ceremony with an indoor reception. We also wanted a one stop shop as the majority of our guests are coming from out of town, so we wanted them to not have to travel to multiple places. Noor has a stunning outdoor courtyard terrace for the ceremony, which is situated around a beautifully ornate fountain with old world trellis and hanging plants. The terrace is made private with 360 degree satin white draping and chandelier lighting. The reception will take place in Noor's art nouveau inspired Sofia ballroom, which has a 1920s-inspired foyer attached with a long, burnished wooden bar. There is also a private balcony that overlooks Old Town Pasadena, Pasadena City Hall, and the San Gabriel mountains.
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Photography: Molly Lichten Photography | Venue: Los Angeles Arborteum | Floral: Glass Wing Floral | Hair: Ecco Hair Studio | Makeup: Ecco Hair Studio | Dress: Bloomingdales | Jewelry: Vera Wang | Submitted via: Matchology