Malibu Wedding at Rancho del Cielo by Kenneth Wu + Edward Szegvary
This Malibu wedding by Kenneth Wu and Edward Szegvary is a beautiful breath of coastal fresh air! There is a casual elegance that can only be found in Southern California. The fun, laid-back, Los Angeles vibe continues with the cheerful color palette and succulent arrangements by Primary Petals that we're just wild over! See the entire day in the full gallery right here!
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From the Bride... You might say our wedding planning started about three months after we met — about 18 months before we actually got engaged. We “just knew” right away and had the perfect destination wedding planned in the back of our heads. Once we were engaged though, the realities of a destination wedding ruled that option out. We looked at a series of ho-hum venues before we were swept off our feet on our first visit to Rancho del Cielo. The unique and picturesque setting provided a fantastic canvas for our French Countryside inspiration. The most important aspect to our design was sure it reflected us as a couple. We wanted everything to be spirited, interesting, unique and, of course, FUN. The day started with a surprise from my groom, who arranged for a stretch limousine to pick up my bridesmaids and me. The daunting drive up through the hills was even more treacherous due to a thick layer of fog hanging over Malibu that morning. Fortunately, as promised by Jill and Avesta at Rancho del Cielo, the fog rolled out 1 p.m., leaving sunny skies and a very relieved bride and groom.
As guests began to arrive, we could overhear the “WOWs” as they took in the gorgeous venue and panoramic ocean views. Monrose Catering provided peach iced tea and raspberry lemonade welcome drinks in twine-tied mason jars, while our guitarist, Andrew, sang folk renditions of some of our favorite rock songs. The ceremony started as our parents and wedding party made their way down the aisle to Andrew playing Bon Jovi’s “I’ll Be There For You,” I walked to Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You,” and the ceremony ended with a celebratory performance of The Beatles' “I’ve Just Seen a Face.” The readings were chosen by Devin and me: “All the Places you’ll Go” by Dr. Seuss and “The Bargain” by the Who. The programs were burlap books that we hand-made and closed with a hand-stamped jute ribbon. Devin and I made it back into the house for a few minutes to reflect while our guests were treated to some of the best tray-passed hors d’oeuvres imaginable. Devin’s “Macaroni and Cheese Bar,” featuring three types of macaroni and cheese, along with an assortment of toppings was a huge hit. We also had mini tomato bisque shots and grilled cheese sandwiches, mini sliders and small cones of sweet potato fries, bacon-wrapped dates and coconut shrimp. Our signature drink was a blueberry lemonade cocktail with fresh blueberries. We danced our first dance as Andrew played The Bright Eyes’ “First Day of My Life.” The sun set while our guests feasted on a Mediterranean quinoa salad and their choice of Chilean sea bass or chateaubriand, and the paper lanterns provided the ethereal lighting we always pictured in our heads.
With our DJ now playing great music, the stunning sunset views, a photo booth, candy bar, fireplaces and couches, there were plenty of ways to enjoy the rest of the party. You could even stop at the sign-in table to sign the guest book or leave some marriage advice in the Advice Jar. To top off our celebration, we cut our wedding cake, which came in the form of individual cheesecakes, ordered from The Confectional in Seattle. Since my family background is Lebanese, my parents brought in baklava, and we had an array of petit fours that would satiate even the biggest sweet tooth. In the end, it wasn’t the Mexican beach wedding we were picturing years ago. It was so much better than we ever imagined or could have hoped for.
Wedding Photography: Kenneth Wu + Edward Szegvary / Wedding Venue: Rancho del Cielo in Malibu, California / Floral Design: Primary Petals / Event Design + Planning: DIY / Catering: Monrose Catering Co. / Mini Cheesecakes: The Confectional / Guitarist: Andrew Corradini / Wedding Invitations: DIY / Wedding Dress: Nicole Miller / Hair: Hair by Gina / Bridesmaids' Dresses: Amsale