Lindsay and Derek have a modern love story if I ever heard one. They met on Tinder and four dates later knew they’d found The One. Fast forward to their wedding styled by the interior designer bride with coordination by Tessa Lyn Events and you’ll find a chic, organic mix of Japanese denim, brass, and wood infused with a moody vibe to amp up the romance. Elizabeth Messina photographed and the happily ever after doesn’t stop here because these two have a baby girl due this winter!
From the Bride… It was a modern day romance: boy and girl both swipe right, fall in love, and the rest was history. Derek and I met on Tinder (it really works!) and four dates (in seven days) later, we knew magic was brewing. After thirteen months of wining, dining, traveling, and making a home together, Derek proposed in front of the storied swans at the Hotel Bel Air with a custom-designed oval diamond ring set in rose gold. The evening was beautifully and thoughtfully planned, with surprises unfolding at every turn, culminating in an intimate engagement party with out-of-town family and our closest friends.
As an interior designer with a foodie fiancé, our wedding priorities were clear from the start: a stunning backdrop, personalized styling, and an unforgettable meal were the prerequisites to finding our ideal venue. As we embarked upon a California road trip the following week, we spent hours dreaming up how magical it would be to get married at our favorite LA restaurant, Hinoki and the Bird. We were thrilled to learn that it was the perfect fit to accommodate 110 of our nearest and dearest. The design concept for the wedding began with the existing materials at the venue – a chic, organic mix of Japanese denim, brass, and wood. To infuse a sexiness and romance appropriate for the black tie optional affair, we turned to Dutch-inspired florals and loads of dripping tapered candles, which struck the perfect balance to the venue’s earthy minimalism.
We chose a dramatic palette of white, indigo, oxblood, and blush. To set the event’s tone from the first touchpoint, we combined a raw deckle edge invitation with an envelope liner adapted from the sculptural work of Dutch fiber artist Peter Gentenaar. My bridal bouquet of hellebores, ranunculus, and privet perfectly complemented his thistle boutonniere, all brought to life by the brilliant floral stylings of The Bosky Dell.
Upon arrival, our guests were greeted with champagne and hand brush lettered denim fabric place cards. The aisle was lined with vintage carpets and adorned from above with hanging floral installations sculpted from budding magnolias and quince. I chose an etherial gown by Mira Zwillinger and walked down the aisle to Ben Harper’s Forever. We read the vows we wrote for one another beneath a simple chuppah of bare branches.
Following the ceremony, guests were invited to enjoy custom craft cocktails and an abundance of delicious appetizers like lemongrass lamb and lobster rolls, accompanied by a lively gypsy jazz trio. The family-style dinner of black cod, miso steak and jidori chicken was served on Heath ceramic place settings with gold-rimmed stemware along candle-filled farmhouse tables. After dinner, a roaring dance party commenced, and we partied the night away into the wee hours with family and friends.
We spent our wedding night at the hotel where we got engaged and upon returning there that evening, took a late-night swim and relived every detail of an unforgettable day. Derek and I are forever grateful for our dream wedding and are thrilled to be expecting our first child, a baby girl, in January.
Photography: Elizabeth Messina | Videography: BlueCat International | Floral Design: The Bosky Dell | Wedding Dress: Mira Zwillinger | Stationery: Anne Robin | Bride's Shoes: Gianvito Rossi | Makeup : Jamie Greenberg | Hair : Christine Symonds | Lighting : Ernie Mondaca | DJ: Dart DJ | Band: Django Foxtrot | Groom's Attire: J.Crew | Hotel: Hotel Bel-Air | Venue: Hinoki and the Bird | Bride's Earrings: Irene Neuwirth | Bride's Gift: Spinelli Kilcollin | Bridesmaids' Robes: Stone Cold Fox | Event Design + Coordination: Lindsay Balton | Flower Girl Dress: BHLDN | Groom's Shoes: Common Projects | Ketubbah: Skirball Cultural Center | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Month of Coordination: Tessa Lyn Events | Photo Booth: RED Photo Booth | Rentals: Elan Event Rentals | Rentals : Found Rental Co. | Second Hair Stylist (Bridal Party): Tonia Day | Tabletop Rentals: Casa de Perrin | Vocalist: Jenna Caine Parris