Tuscan-Style Wedding at Malibu Rocky Oaks in California

Melissa Baran
December 15, 2018
Categories: Real Weddings, Romantic, The Blog

I remember the first time I saw Malibu Rocky Oaks (on screen). It’s vast, breathtaking views are what you call ceremony backdrop goals. I can only imagine how much more stunning it is in person. Thankfully, we all get to experience it’s beauty in the imagery of Ether & Smith today for a California wedding washed in the prettiest pastels. Take a peek in the full gallery when you’re done scrolling, there’s SO much more!

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Love story… We met 8 years ago in London. We only had three months together before Meriel headed back to California. When Meriel got on the plane, she opened a beautiful card from Mark that confirmed to her he was something special. Over the next 7 years, Meriel moved to Chicago, Mark to New York. They visited each other and Mark supported Meriel through her PhD program. In the summer of 2016, while back in London visiting family, Mark recreated their first date, walking Meriel back to the British Museum, where she lived when they met. He proposed in a lovely and secluded park. Meriel then moved to New York while they planned their wedding.

Wedding vision/inspiration: In the summer of 2016 we took a road trip around Tuscany. We had such a great time and even considered holding our wedding there. Logistically though, California made the most sense for us and our guests, so we wanted to bring the Tuscan feel into our wedding day. We did this through the beautiful style of the venue, the flowers and the menu. We added a family style pasta course which replicated the meals we love so much in Italy.

Wedding day highlights: Meriel getting ready with her best friends, our first look, reading our vows, the spectacular surroundings, the speeches, and the dancing.

Advice to planning couples: We recommend picking vendors you feel comfortable with. You spend a good amount of time with them so you want people who will make you feel relaxed on your wedding day. We were so lucky with all of our vendors! We also recommend just doing what’s best for you as a couple. Don’t feel pressured into caring about things that just aren’t important to you.