Ethereal Coastal Elegance Overlooking The Ocean

Melissa Hammam
December 21, 2023
Categories: Real Weddings, Romantic, Seasonal Wedding Trend, Summer, The Blog

[section title=”The Planning”]

[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

White, tan, and blue to accent the natural beauty of the Montage Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach. Gold accents with bright white florals.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

“Coastal Ethereal Gatsby” was the vibe. We wanted a timeless, romantic feel with a touch of Frank Sinatra overlooking the ocean.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Mike and Daniela met at a wedding in 2019 that took place in Cabo, Mexico. Mike (a friend of the groom) introduced himself to Daniela (cousin to the groom) while they waited in line for mezcal shots rimmed with worm salt. They were the only two people at cocktail hour brave enough to try them. They said cheers with their mezcal shots, exchanged names, and got talking. When they realized they were both from Southern California (Daniela from LA and Mike from Newport Beach), sparks of a future date presented. When they got back from Cabo, Mike invited Daniela up to Soho House Malibu (also known as Little Beach House) for a Sunday brunch. There, they had a lovely time together and then walked the beach below before they left. Daniela and Mike continued to date from that day on. It was in March 2021 that Mike suggested they return to Soho House Malibu, where they had their first date for a Sunday brunch. They had invited Daniela’s younger sister and her boyfriend to come with them. Upon arrival at Soho Malibu, Daniela was shocked when the host gave the four of them the best table on the deck. They popped champagne, said cheers, and took in the view. Then, Mike asked Daniela if she wanted to walk the beach with him. Initially, Daniela said “no” because she was wearing brand-new shoes and refused to take them off to walk barefoot through Soho to get to the beach. But with a little coaxing, she obliged. Mike and Daniela walked the beach, holding hands just like they had on their first date. It was then that Mike got on one knee and asked her to marry him. Unaware that the entire Soho Malibu restaurant was watching, they heard a roaring from the deck. Every person there was cheering and clapping for them. Daniela was in shock, looked back at Mike, and asked, “You want to be with me FOREVER??” and Mike responded, “Forever and ever.” She said yes. When they walked back up to the Soho deck, Daniela was greeted by her entire family, and they celebrated together. It was perfect.

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[board_carousel title=”Getting Ready”]

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[board_carousel title=”Bridal Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”Flat Lays”]

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[section title=”The Fashion”]

[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

The wedding gown was Galia Lahav – the “Giamaya” dress Dress purchased through The White Dress (Corona Del Mar, Newport Beach). The crown was Maria Elena Headpieces from Pasha Fine Jewelry (Manhattan Beach, CA).

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”][/field]

[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]

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[board_carousel title=”Ceremony”]

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[board_carousel title=”Cocktail Hour”]

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[section title=”The Details”]

[field title=”Food & Drink”]

The menu was done by Montage Laguna Beach:

To Start: Belgian Endive Salad

Mains: Blue Cheese Crusted Filet Minion, Olive Oil Roasted Baja Sea Bass

Dessert: Creme Brulee

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

To accent their timeless aesthetic, martinis, white wine, and champagne were served at the bar during sunset cocktail hour. The white & rattan bar was accented by gold and glass shelves – holding gold-rimmed glasses. Decor accents included a brass phonograph to emphasize the coastal Gatsby / timeless Frank Sinatra feel. For an ethereal coastal Gatsby feel, accents like white linen, gold charger plates, gold chairs, pearl & gold napkin rings, taupe linen napkins, blue table numbers, white florals, and gold-lipped glasses were used.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

To further tie in the 1920’s gatsby theme, the couple opted for a champagne tower instead of a wedding cake. With flash photography from Erica Streelman Photography, they were able to nail their vision and share a toast with their guests before the guests’ dancing commenced.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]

[field title=”Special Detail #1″]We hired The Dave Stephen’s Band – a Frank Sinatra cover band to perform during the reception dinner. The couple danced their first dance together to “Strangers in the Night” by Frank Sinatra, as they felt the lyrics encompassed their romance perfectly. [/field]

[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

Mike & I met at a wedding in Cabo a few years ago over shots of mezcal rimmed with worm salt. I’m glad we were both craving tequila that night because it literally brought us together. It was only fitting that we did it again, but this time at our own wedding with a slight twist. These shots weren’t mezcal. My mother’s family, for many generations and over a century, made tequila in the heart of Mexico. Growing up, we would take trips every Summer to see her family and visit their beautiful hacienda where their “Penca Azul” tequila was made. They have since retired as tequileros, and with hardly any Penca Azul bottles left in our family (and the world), Mike & I said cheers to forever with one of my family’s last tequila bottles on 08.05.22 at the alter before being announced as husband and wife – sealing our love with both how we first met, and what my family did for so many years. Our guests then found their table with our “tequila wall” – where each guest had a mini bottle of tequila with their name and their table number on it. This was very special to both of us.

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]

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[board_carousel title=”Couple Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”Reception”]

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