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Love & Splendor

Love & Splendor is a brand representing both the California-based event planning & design firm as wel Thank you for stopping by!

Love & Splendor is a boutique wedding and event design firm based in California. We are passionate about creating fabulous events for our discerning clientèle… events that sparkle, delight and inspire. Our blog represents our latest work as well as the personal musings of owner, Angel Swanson.

07/03/2024

Today I’m 40 — and saying that feels really, really wonderful. ☺️ I embrace my new age with open arms, grateful for the lessons of the past and eager for the adventures ahead. I have my Savior, my family, and an incredible community of friends; I couldn’t ask for more. 💛 At 40, I feel stronger (spiritually, emotionally, physically) than ever and content in the truest sense. I spent so many of my younger years chasing a mirage of personal achievement and now I rest in my identity in Christ. What peace, what beauty, what delight is here in the shadow of His wings. 🥹 thankful, thankful. //

17/08/2023

It was a joyful first day of (home)school, and I was reminded again why we have chosen this path for our family. 📚 I wouldn’t trade this precious season for anything, and I am so grateful to be the one to educate, nurture and encourage these kids all day long. I know my role is to be the teacher, but I have learned SO much in this process. God has been so kind to grow and sanctify me every step of the way, supplying the grace I need to pour intentionally into each day. 🥹 This year we have Eli in Kinder, Noah in 3rd and Olive in 6th! I can’t wait to see how they bloom in the months ahead. //

07/08/2023

18 years married, 20 years together. 💛 No one could’ve told those two college kids what would await them on the other side of the aisle… for better or for worse. We reveled over dinner about the incredible journey we’ve shared and the abundant blessings God has poured out on us over these decades together. From years of infertility, to recurrent miscarriage, miracle pregnancies and adoption, multiple moves and career changes, travels around the world, mournful tears and exuberant laughter, we have lived a lot of life together. We grew up together. And by God’s grace, we have only grown closer and stronger with the passage of time. Without a doubt, Erik is the most precious earthly gift God has given me. I am so thankful for the edifying privilege and delightful JOY it is to be united to this man… my love and my hero. Praising God for another sweet year to serve and live side by side. //

15/05/2023

I still can’t believe that after so many years of infertility and recurrent loss, today I have been entrusted with the stewardship of these four precious souls. 🥹 Motherhood is not my singular identity, but it is one of my greatest gifts from the Lord. It is my primary ministry, in which I pour myself out desiring to shepherd, nurture, disciple and encourage these children… all to the glory of God. I will never be a perfect mother, but I pray that by God’s grace, they will know me to be a faithful one. 💕 I fail often. I daily beseech the Lord for the patience, gentleness, wisdom and intentionality that I desire to impart to them. I need reminders to slow down & stop for fun and connection. I’m learning and growing right alongside them. I am so grateful to live my days as their Mama. 🥹 Happy Mother’s Day to all the women who are doing the beautiful work of raising up the next generation. What a calling, what a gift. //

11/05/2023

Welcoming full-on spring here with the perfect candle, complimentary from Apotheke 🌸 The scent Santal Rock Rose is warm and calming, combining a smooth sandalwood with an earthy herbal quality from the rock rose, rounded out by comforting musk. It’s woody and rich while still feeling light enough for daytime. If you are a fragrance lover, you need to check it out! 😍 Apotheke has made me a true fan with their beautiful and creative scents, and I’ve been thoroughly impressed with every item I’ve added to our collection. ✔️ //

10/04/2023

Who would’ve thought that a Lamb could rescue the souls of men? 🥹 Grateful, joyful, hopeful… because He is risen indeed! Because of Christ and His sacrifice, I walk in forgiveness, restoration and purpose. What a wonderful day of remembrance. 🌷 //

27/03/2023

Eli turned FIVE today! 🥹 He is my most extroverted, energetic, and effervescent child. He is playful, silly, and extremely affectionate. He is a mama’s boy to his core 🫠 but he keeps us on his toes with his wild and active personality. He is the only kiddo who has broken a bone, and chipped two teeth. 😬 Eli brings so much laughter and joy to our home. He’s the class clown of our homeschool, without question. We all love being with him and enjoying his antics. He also has the most tender heart and loves his family so deeply. I love watching with him with his siblings because he has a unique relationship with each of them. Thankful everyday for this Mario-obsessed little boy. 💛 It was a sweet day of celebrating. //

13/03/2023

Today our firstborn is 11. 🥹 I look at her and feel so humbled and overwhelmed with gratitude. When I was in the midst of waiting and praying for a child, experiencing recurrent miscarriage and heartbreaking loss, I cried out and pleaded for just one child. And this is the one God sent me first: the kindest, most compassionate, most joyful gal I know. I love laughing with her, crying with her, discussing books and movies together, singing together, playing the piano together, talking about God together. She is a loving and generous sister to three brothers. She is sincere, honest, and empathetic. And she is a delight to me and all who know her. 🥰 May I continue to nurture and shepherd her tender heart in these fleeting years, all to the glory of God. Happy birthday to my gift: my daughter. 💕 I love being your mama. //

07/03/2023

39 years of growth. 🥳 I am filled up to the brim with joy and gratitude for the many blessings in my life. Surely I have been given so much more than I deserve. A quick scroll through my feed might give you the impression that I “have it all.” Well in a way, I do. You might see I have a beautiful family, I have my sister cancer free, I have many deep and enriching friendships. My life has taken me through incredible experiences and connected me to so many wonderful people. But I have also walked through dark valleys and great suffering. They say that the people who have suffered the most are often the most grateful; I think that rings true in my life. I know every high and low has been part of God’s plan for me. So yes, I have many earthly blessings. But much, much more than anything here below, I have Christ. And because I have Christ, I have “it all.” I still “had it all” when I spent seven years praying for children, when I had multiple miscarriages, when my sister was diagnosed with cancer, when I was growing up in a broken home, when we lived in abject poverty. How?? I have the steady peace and enduring joy that comes from knowing my identity in Christ, and being deeply rooted in my purpose to glorify Him in all I do. If you know me (really know me), you know my life has not been all sunshine and rainbows. You can’t see my life story on this highlight reel. But I hope you do see the gratitude and joy I possess, and I hope you know it pours from a heart that has been changed by God. My contentment is not in my circumstances, but rather in the God who is sovereign over them. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. 💛 Thank you for all who have encouraged me here in this space; I am thankful for my extended community here. // #39

02/03/2023

We went to in January to celebrate our birthday boys (Erik, Noah and Asher have birthdays within a 7 day span) and I never officially shared pics! Here’s a collection of moments that make me smile. 🥰 It was Asher’s first taste of Disney magic and we had a blast, especially since we got to spend some time with my sis ! Are you a Disney person?? 🐭 //

27/02/2023

This is what it looks like when one of your dreams comes true! 🥹 I grew up an apartment-dwelling kid of the suburbs with little to no exposure to “country life.” I didn’t even know what 4-H was outside of TV references. 🤷🏻‍♀️ Today we live on my dream property miles from a stoplight, and we’ve now become the blessed landlords to three beehives! Our dear friends relocated their family bees here and we have the joy of learning along the way. As cheesy as it sounds, I told Erik I feel like I found a new passion. Today I got to assist my friend with the hive inspections and it was amazing! I felt so calm yet exhilarated at the same time. I stood in pure amazement and childlike wonder as I watched these busy bees work. I was actually giddy, especially when we spotted the queens in two of the three hives. All of the hives were ready for new boxes (look at all the honey pooling at the top in the last photo!!) so I’m thankful they seem to be thriving here. I am grateful for this new opportunity to learn and I hope to expand our apiary in the future. I still can’t wipe this smile off my face!! 🥰 Would you ever keep bees?? //

15/02/2023

This year will mark 20 years of life & love together (18 years married). When I consider all we have walked through, grown through, endured and received, I am deeply humbled. 🥹 I am a different woman because of two decades by his side. I thank God for bringing us together, and for the beauty of committed, imperfect, sanctifying love. 💘 //

10/02/2023

Are you having any fun?? 🎉 I recently found some alphabet pasta at the store, so I tucked it away for a special meal. Today I added it to our sausage soup and had the kids hunt for letters at lunchtime. They absolutely LOVED it and kept thanking me for the “fun game.” 🥹 Life is so busy these days (all good things; I’m thankful) that sometimes I forget that it doesn’t take much to delight these little ones. Mamas: I hope this encourages you to stop and make room for fun in your daily life. I can tend to be driven by my to-do list with my nose to the grindstone. Today reminded me to look up and put in the (small) effort to create an unexpected moment for my kids. It’s always worth it. 💛 //

03/02/2023

We had a homeschool field trip to the yesterday and it was such a sweet time! 🦒 We used to have a pass to the zoo and I’d take Olive and Noah a couple times a month. When I saw how excited Eli was yesterday, I realized he probably had no memory of ever visiting the zoo! All of my kids love it there, so I may need to grab a pass again. 💛 If you’ve never been to the SB Zoo, it’s absolutely worth a visit! The property is more like a botanical garden, featuring 30 beautifully landscaped acres and an array of amazing animals. The zoo itself supports multiple rehabilitation and protection programs fir species at risk of extinction, including those for the California condor and island foxes. ✔️ Thank you to the sweet gal who took this first photo; she nailed it and even got Asher to smile! 🥹 On excursions with all four kids, I always try to grab a photo. These are the days… 💕 //

24/01/2023

Happy 40th birthday to my best friend, the love of my life, my Erik. 💛 He is truly one of a kind, a Jack of all trades (who has mastered several), an incredible teacher, shepherd, husband, father, and friend. He’s brilliant and clever and hilarious and kind. He’s exactly who you want on your side, whether you’re playing a game or facing a life-changing hardship. I thank God for how He is using Erik’s life to impact so many other lives… especially mine. 🥹 What a gift to spend 20 years by your side. Love you, Eriky! //

22/01/2023

Today we celebrated ONE year with my little dream baby. 🌲 Asher Woods, you have brought pure joy to our home. I truly can’t imagine our family without you in it. You have a sweetness that is simply irresistible, so it’s no wonder that you charm everyone you meet. 🤩 We are grateful to the Lord for every single day with our bonus blessing. I look at these photos and still can’t believe I have been entrusted with four (4!) beautiful children. 🥲 //

29/12/2022

I was able to have a little Christmas reunion with my college bestie Kristin, who lives a little further away than I’d like. 😅 She and I have come a long way from the quirky half-Korean OC kids we were when we met. We went from bopping at Tori Amos concerts to getting married to collaborating on weddings… and now we like to chat about homesteading, our gardens, and motherhood. 🥰 Time with Kris is always so sweet and effortless. There is nothing like the comfort, care and encouragement of an old friend. Grateful to have her faithful friendship for 21+ years. 💛 //

25/12/2022

Merry Christmas! I woke up early with carols on my mind, singing quietly to myself as the rest of the house sleeps. 🎄 Rejoicing today and always in the birth of my Lord and Savior, my hope and my peace: Jesus Christ. He was born to give His life as a ransom for sinners like me. The promised one was worth the wait. Praise God for the greatest gift of reconciliation and restoration! 💛 Sending lots of love and warm greetings to you all!!! 🥰 Thank you to sweet for another year of photos with too many favorites. 🥹 //

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Videos

A few cuttings from the garden are adding joy to the kitchen shelves today. 🌸 In order of appearance: Harlow Carr, Desdemona, Lady of Shallott, Tranquility and Desdemona again and scabiosa. All roses are @david_austin_roses 💕 // #cutflowers #cutflowergarden #davidaustinroses #rosarian #growingroses #gardenroses #zone9b #howdoesyourgardengrow #smelltheroses #sparksjoy #shelfie #kitchenshelfie #delftblue

All about Seedlings! Natural baby products from Young Living

Two months postpartum update! Motherhood and more!

This was me last night, excitedly settling in at the hospital and expecting to be officially admitted. We had brought our bags, dropped off the kids, and fully anticipated that this was “it.” As you can probably guess, it wasn’t. 😕 Even the nurse was surprised that the tests came back negative and I wasn’t actually in active labor (we suspected a membrane rupture). It was heartbreaking to have to gather up my things, change out of the gown and head home. But after I had some time to process the initial disappointment, I realized I needed a perspective shift. Although last night’s hospital visit revealed that Elijah isn’t quite ready to join us yet, we were reminded that he’s doing beautifully, he’s wildly active, I have plenty of amniotic fluid and my body continues to progress in preparation for birth. I am pregnant (that itself is a miracle). My baby is strong. And I am definitely 100% packed now that we’ve done a trial run. 😂 I am so eager to meet Eli but today I can rest in God’s timing rather than lament my own unmet expectations. Gratitude changes everything. 💗 He will be here soon, so soon, and after so many years of waiting, I think I can muster up another week or so. Love you, Eli. ✨ // #myheart #motherhood #honestmotherhood #trustinginthewait #thirdtrimester #laboranddelivery