Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Del Mar, California, Sophie and Hugh tied the knot in a celebration that mixed classic black-tie elegance with retro glamor. Planned meticulously by the talented team at Amorology, this private estate wedding offered an unforgettable experience for the couple and their 110 guests. With elements inspired by old Hollywood charm, their day was a reflection of their shared love for the retro era, classic films, and heartfelt traditions.
Location: Del Mar, California
Style: Classic, retro-glamor
Time of planning: 10 months
Number of guests: 110
Setting: Estate
Season: Summer
Sophie, a company dancer with the City Ballet of San Diego, and Hugh, a university student, first met at Herringbone for drinks. Hugh, charming in a Hawaiian shirt, made an unforgettable first impression as he guided Sophie to their table. Their evening included an intimate conversation over drinks, a walk to the cove, and a heartfelt goodbye hug — leaving both eager for their second date. Over time, their bond deepened, and Hugh’s proposal on Santa Cruz Island during a sunrise on day three of a backpacking trip became the start of their forever. “It made me feel loved for exactly who I am, bare bones,” shared the bride.
Location & Planning
Held at a private estate in Del Mar, the wedding embodied the essence of summer sophistication. After 10 months of careful planning, Sophie and Hugh’s vision came to life as a seamless blend of timeless elegance and playful retro-inspired elements. The estate’s oceanfront views provided a stunning backdrop for the intimate ceremony and lively reception.
“Imagine getting lost in a classic novel or a black-and-white film and feeling as though you’ve stepped inside,” shared the planner. “Where traditional meets untraditional.” The inspiration for the day stemmed from the couple’s unique love story, their shared admiration for the retro era and old Hollywood films, Sophie’s nickname “Sweetheart,” and Hugh’s “old soul” that first captured her heart.
Bridal Morning
Sophie’s wedding dress by Danielle Frankel perfectly reflected the essence of the wedding’s theme. “When I put this dress on with the veil at Loho Bride in West Hollywood, everyone started to cry, including the ladies waiting in the lobby for the next appointment!” Sophie recalled. Featuring a drop waist and crafted from silk wool fabric, the gown combined simple elegance with a unique twist. Adding a sentimental touch, Sophie’s mother sewed a piece of her Great Aunt’s wedding dress into the lining — a heartfelt nod to a cherished love story that inspired Sophie’s own.
Her bouquet, designed by Deux Fleur, was a whimsical and modern arrangement featuring cascading green amaranthus, anthuriums, and delicate white blooms, perfectly complementing the retro-glam aesthetic of the day. Sophie completed her look with Giorgio Armani shoes, her mother’s earrings, and her signature Tom Ford Cherry Smoke perfume, tying everything together with a personal and familiar finishing touch.
For makeup, Sophie embraced nostalgia, recreating the calming pre-performance rituals of her ballet days by doing her own makeup alongside her bridesmaids. Her hair, styled by Brittany Brown, further enhanced the timeless elegance of her bridal look.
Groom's Fashion
Hugh embraced old Hollywood charm with a custom Ralph Lauren tuxedo featuring ivory dinner jacket lapels made from a swatch of Sophie’s wedding dress fabric. His boutonniere was a delicate white bloom paired with a touch of green, perfectly mirroring Sophie’s bouquet. The details, including engraved cufflinks gifted by his mother-in-law and a vintage watch from Sophie, added deeply personal touches. Hugh started his day with a surf session below the estate, setting a relaxed and reflective tone for the day ahead.
"We opted to exchange wedding gifts earlier that day, before either of us began to get ready. We sat there on the loveseat in the bridal suite facing towards the ocean, me in my white pajamas, Hugh in his trunks covered in surf wax and a flannel, smelling of salt. The next time we saw each other would be down the aisle."
Ceremony
The couple’s intimate ceremony took place on a custom-designed reflective platform by Back Up Productions, surrounded by lush green floral arrangements by Deux Fleur. Theoni’s white chairs with leather pads completed the elegant coastal setting. Bridesmaids added a cohesive and vibrant touch with their chartreuse satin dresses, perfectly harmonizing with the day’s color palette.
The ceremony itself was stunning and beautifully harmonious. As Sophie and Hugh exchanged heartfelt vows overlooking the ocean, the serene ambiance, soft summer breeze, and emotional moments created an ethereal atmosphere that guests will cherish forever.
"The feeling that Hugh, and everyone we cared so deeply about, were just around the corner. That moment, on the precipice of one of the biggest moments of my life, was something I will never forget."
Cocktail Hour & Moment Alone
Guests were welcomed to a charming cocktail hour featuring a wishing well circle bar, a meaningful nod to the estate’s history. Signature cocktails — “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” and “Honey Honey” — added a playful touch. Custom matchboxes labeled “The McManigals” served as memorable keepsakes.
"Guests were invited to write their wishes for the happy couple on custom prompt cards to toss them into a wishing well bar. The special existing wishing well was something Sophie and Hugh wanted to incorporate into their wedding day so we decided to make it the focal piece of the cocktail hour."
In the midst of the celebration, Sophie and Hugh found a quiet moment to step away from their guests and take photos together with their photographer, Stetten Wilson. The ocean breeze, the glowing sunset, and the quiet intimacy allowed them to reflect on the day and create memories captured beautifully.
Decor & Setting
The reception tent, custom-designed by Bright Event Rentals, featured draped ivory Lamour silk fabric, white carpeting, and vibrant chartreuse accents. The dining tables showcased silver-rimmed china, crystal flatware, and vintage candelabras with chartreuse candles. Guests were seated on citrine velvet chairs, adding a bold pop of color against the neutral backdrop. A chartreuse dance floor and a disco DJ booth kept the atmosphere lively throughout the evening.
The escort card display paired swags of ivory silk fabric with reflective risers and oversized floral arrangements. Silver candelabras added a touch of vintage elegance, perfectly complementing the evening’s aesthetic.
Reception
The evening was a seamless blend of genuine moments and lively celebration. Guests enjoyed specialty cocktails, heartfelt toasts, and a vintage-inspired cake by Peggy Liao. The couple’s cake cutting was a particularly memorable moment, with the elegant tiered cake perfectly complementing the retro-glam theme. Sophie and Hugh shared their first dance, set to the crackling melodies of vinyl records, creating a moment of pure magic. The carefully curated playlist — featuring classics from the 1950s to the 1970s — kept everyone on the dance floor late into the night.
Thanks to the meticulous planning and design by Amorology, every detail of the day was executed flawlessly. From the timing of events to the seamless flow of the evening, the wedding felt like a perfectly orchestrated symphony, allowing Sophie, Hugh, and their guests to enjoy every moment without a hitch.
As the evening came to a close, the couple exited through a sea of cheers and rice tosses, symbolizing blessings for their bright future. It was a magical and beautiful end to a day filled with love and celebration.
Advice from the couple:
• We went into the event determined to spend it together. We hardly left each other’s side, even when greeting guests. When things got chaotic, we took a moment to remember, “It’s just me and you.” People tell you that you will blink, and it will be over. They are not wrong. The whole evening goes by in an instant. Remember to spend that instant with the one it’s all about.
• Weddings are supposed to be about you. In planning, there can, and will be, moments that will cause frustration; that’s when you need to take time and zero in on yourself as a couple. Take time to schedule times and dates to plan, and make something fun of it.
PLANNER & DESIGN Amorology | PHOTOGRAPHER Stetten Wilson | VIDEOGRAPHER RomaVera Films | VENUE Private Residence in Del Mar | FLORALS Deux Fleur | HAIR Brittany Brown | STATIONERY Scarlet Gilia Creative | MUSIC Dart Collective | CAKE Peggy Liao Cake | CATERING 24 Carrots Catering | RENTALS Casa de Perrin, Theoni Collection, Adore Folklore, Bright Event Rentals, Catalog Atelier, BBJ La Tavola, Elan Event Rentals, Back Up Productions
