So, despite the fact that it is freezing outside and that most of you probably have holiday shopping hangovers, I figured that if you are still religiously checking SMP…you need a little something happy. And this wedding is all about the happy. The perfectly gorgeous purple palette, the effortlessly chic style, the approachable decor, the pretty, pretty flowers. Clearly, I could go on and on. Designed by Amber Gustafson of Amber Events (who actually called this wedding her “Style Me Pretty wedding…love that) today’s wedding will definitely help you warm up and forget about the madness happening outside your door!
From Amber…Eva, a super duper smart business consultant (they moved to Boston the week after their honeymoon so she could get her MBA at Harvard) and Brinton, a cool video game producer (with an awesome name, I might add) were a joy to work with. They both truly “got” what I do and let me do what I do best: create a wonderful wedding day. The ceremony was held in Stauffer’s Chapel on the Pepperdine Campus in Malibu. I kid you not, there were deer strolling around the grounds at the wedding rehearsal. Pretty deer, perfect weather, and a view of the Pacific? Heaven! The ceremony was officiated by the rad Rev. Maryetta Anshutz of All Saints Episcopal Church in Beverly Hills.
The guests left the chapel and parked at another church’s parking lot in Malibu to take the shuttle ride up to Rancho del Cielo. I compare the shuttle trip up to the top like a ride at Disneyland—you don’t know what is going to happen next! The shuttle takes you up a private road then when it looks like it dead-ends, you keep going and going and going. Rancho del Cielo is a little piece of heaven perched on top of a mountain with 180-degree views of the ocean. It is a secluded and private estate owned by the adorable Jill and Sparky and site managed by Avesta Carrara. The gardens are spectacular and the views are mind blowing.
It is a challenging property to work with as there are only 5 parking spots up top and when you have rentals, caterers, photographers, coordinators, videographers, musicians, and guests coming and going, it takes a precise logistical dance to make things flow smoothly. And flow smoothly it did for Eva and Brinton’s wedding reception. I attribute that to not only awesome vendors, but to happy guests and a happy couple. Seriously, EVERY person that attended that wedding was nice—bridesmaids, groomsmen, family, friends. Everyone. It makes my job so much easier!
Eva’s colors were a range of blues and purples ranging from pale silvery blue to a deep violet. The long feasting tables had signs on them that pointed to which side of the table the guests were to sit at. Each table name represented one of them and their personalities: “Mathematics” for Eva, “History” for Brinton, etc. The tablescapes were an organic mix of rocks, bird’s nests, white bud vases, wooden boxes with ferns, hydrangea, sweet peas, and succulents, candles, and white ceramic bird salt and pepper shakers The white paper lanterns strung overhead added to the whimsical feel to the decor. Eva’s dress was done by Amy Kuschel up in San Francisco.
The day could not have happened without the following: Photography by Next Exit Photography /Ceremony Music by Gary Cobb / Hair and Make-up by Design Visage / Cinema by Buckley Videography / Catering by Diana’s Creative Catering / Flowers by MC Commerce Flowers/ Rentals by Smart Party Rents / Cake by A Sweet Design