Freda Vaughan and Louis Riceberg

By Heather Holliday
Freda Vaughan and Louis Riceberg

Freda Vaughan and Louis Riceberg had little time to plan their wedding. After meeting in October 2004, they were engaged nine months later—and decided to get married just a couple of months after that, on October 30, 2005. Short on time, they knew that they needed to hire an event planner.

When they met Thomas Bui, of Thomas Bui Lifestyle, they immediately knew they had found the right person. “I told Thomas that it was our second weddings and we didn’t want a traditional ‘pink roses wedding,’” says Vaughan. “I’m older and we wanted a more sophisticated celebration. Thomas immediately understood.” She explained to Bui they desired a fun cocktail party that focused on the guests having a great time. “We didn’t want a stiff reception where everyone waited for a sequence of obligatory events.”

Vaughan and Riceberg were so impressed with Bui they let him completely take over the reins. “We provided him with a lot of latitude,” she says. “He collaborated with the florist and other companies to create the whole scheme. It was a surprise to us when we arrived. And it worked out exceptionally well.”

The event started with a small ceremony in their backyard. Vaughan wore a custom-made ivory silk dress by Allyson Simon and Riceberg an ivory tux jacket. Family and friends surrounded them as Vaughan’s 14-year-old beagle, Dixie, delivered the rings, which were attached to a fresh lei of orchids (Dixie was led by Riceberg’s son and best man, Justin Riceberg). A champagne toast followed, after which the small party headed to the reception at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina on Harbor Island.

Close to 200 guests from all over the world—including friends from Japan, France, Ireland, Switzerland and Canada—attended the reception. Bui designed the space to have the feel of a New York City penthouse overlooking Central Park, with several seating areas that encouraged conversation. “You couldn’t just sit at a table with the people you knew best,” says Vaughan. “The setting created a lot of movement for guests, so they talked to a lot of people.”

Two garden areas were created, complete with water fountains, plants and trees. A custom-built tent was covered with burgundy fabric, as well as hanging red amaranth flowers. The room’s ceiling and chandeliers were covered in a gold shimmer fabric, which created sparkles on the white dance floor. Orchids of every color and kind covered the room. Thirty potted gardenias decorated the band’s riser, providing a sweet fragrance for the evening. Red stage lighting and dimmed candle lights created a romantic ambiance. And red lanterns hung from the ceiling of the outside glass patio, which had a view of downtown and the bay.

Guests enjoyed a wide range of food options, including Chilean sea bass and Asian dishes served in little takeout boxes. Dessert was an assortment of French pastries such as éclairs and tarts, as well as one small cake—which they cut with a Navy sword, honoring Freda’s military service.

A jive-pop band entertained the guests, even joining the audience on the dance floor. Finally, the event was topped off with toasts and dancing into the night.

“Rather than have the night about us, we wanted to throw a great party for our friends and family,” says Vaughan. It was definitely a success. “Everyone is still talking about it,” she says.

Ceremony venue: Private home Reception venue: Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina Band: Soul Seduction Food and beverages: Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina Dessert: St. Tropez Bakery Coffee bar: Eurobar Favors: Custom M&M candy Florist: Kreeations Inspired Florals Gown: Allyson Simon Invitation: The Finished Touch Lights and linens: Concepts Party Rentals Plants and trees rental: Armstrong Nursery Rentals: Concepts Party Rentals and Classic Party Rentals Hotel coordinator: Staci Tiras-Jones Photographer: Suzanne Hansen Wedding and event stylist: Thomas Bui Lifestyle