A Fine Art Southern California Soirée Complete With a Custom Toile Print

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May 10, 2024

The Planning

Design / Vibe / Vision

Southern California style and architecture were the focal point for the wedding. Held at a private 1920s Mediterranean-style mansion with expansive ocean views, we wanted our guests to get a taste of classic elegance at this black-tie event. The vision for the day was inspired by fine art details and a custom floral toile print and custom crest designed by Jenny Olsen of Studio Wren & Co. Carla Kayes brought the print to life with organic, romantic, garden style florals in abundance throughout the venue. The fine art esthetic was completed with a timeless lace ballgown by Monique Lhuillier.

Proposal Story

The proposal happened in Los Cabos at the Sunset Monalisa, which has the most amazing view of the Arch at Land's End. The setting was so beautiful that upon arrival I jokingly patted Rylan's pocket and said this would be a beautiful spot for a proposal, barely missing the ring box that was in his pocked. I walked out onto the Grand Panorama Terrace to take some photos of the view as the sun was setting, and before I knew what was happening, Rylan was down on one knee. The proposal was followed by dinner with friends and a beautiful firework show over the water.

Getting Ready

Bridal Portraits

Flat Lays

First Look

The Fashion

Wedding Gown

I opted for the Maeve lace ballgown by Monique Lhuillier with a cathedral train. I styled the dress with the matching lace bolero with a keyhole back and cathedral lace veil for the ceremony, and then removed it to highlight the dress' low scooped back and effortless style for the reception.

Bridesmaid Dresses

The bridesmaids wore a mix of styles by Jenny Yoo in Whipped Apricot.

Groomsman Attire

The groomsmen wore classic shall collar tuxedos from the Black Tux.

Wedding Party

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

The Details

Food & Drink

Catering was provided by the Bel-Air Bay Club. Guests were served a variety of sushi and passed appetizers, including new potatoes with creme fraiche and caviar during cocktail hour. Signature cocktails included a Cadillac Margarita, a Rose French 75, and an Espresso Martini.

Florals & Decor

Carla Kayes designed unstructured and romantic garden florals with lots of texture in blush, taupe, cream, and white. Quicksand and Koco Loco roses were featured heavily throughout. Highlights included the lush organic ground florals for the ceremony aisle featuring tall white hybrid delphinium, coupled with a soft arch filled with movement. Reception decor included stacked plates with French scroll details, vintage cutlery and cut glass crystal. The menus featured the custom floral design and tassels and were paired with pale French blue napkins and velvet table numbers.

Wedding Cake

Lila Cake Shop designed a three-tier cake drawing inspiration from Studio Wren's floral print. The cake was covered in fondant panels gently ruffled at the edges, and featured abstract palette knife painted buttercream blossoms in taupe, pale blush, and French blue. Touches of gold leaf were tucked into each blossom.

Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs

We had Music by Gemini Strings play To Build a Home by The Cinematic Orchestra and Patrick Watson for the processional. I knew I wanted to walk down to the aisle to Pachelbel's Canon in D Major since I was young and learned to play it on the piano. We used the the Main Title from Father of the Bride for the recessional, one of Heather's favorite movies that was an inspiration for the wedding. Heather and Rylan shared their first dance to Dandelions by Ruth B.

Special Detail #1

Extra Special Touch (@extraspecialtouch) created beautiful embroidered handkerchiefs with custom messages for the groom and bride's parents.

Special Detail #2

Savvy Macs crafted beautiful custom macarons for each place setting.

Couple Portraits