Tucked away in the serene hills of Los Angeles, Selby and Ben celebrated their love story with a breathtaking summer wedding at Brentwood Oak Ranch. Planned in just seven weeks, the couple’s vision for an elegant, timeless, and intimate affair came to life in perfect harmony with nature and style. Despite hosting several hundred guests, the day felt personal and close-knit, as though everyone had gathered for an intimate dinner party. From the enchanting ceremony under a traditional chuppah to the lively reception with guests dancing into the night, this wedding was a testament to the couple’s love and impeccable taste.
Location: Los Angeles, California
Style: Classic, Elegant, Timeless
Time of planning: 7 weeks
Number of guests: 175
Setting: Ranch
Season: Summer
Selby and Ben’s love story began thanks to mutual friends who set them up on what was meant to be a casual first date. Selby, sticking to her “no dinner” rule for first dates, planned to meet Ben for drinks at Norah. But Ben’s thoughtful suggestion to sit at a table instead of the bar turned the evening into a memorable dinner date. Ben played his cards well, and the rest was history.
Their proposal was just as thoughtful and romantic. Ben surprised Selby with a heartfelt moment on the beach at Terranea Resort, where family and friends joined them for a celebratory lunch after Selby said “yes”. The couple’s shared love for family, good food, and meaningful moments set the tone for their unforgettable wedding.
Bridal Morning
Selby’s bridal ensemble was a dream of understated elegance. She wore the Naomi gown from Anne Barge’s Blue Willow collection, a column-style dress featuring classic draping. For the ceremony, Selby added a custom detachable skirt, creating a romantic and sophisticated silhouette. Her veil held special significance, adorned with ivory flowers and dark sage green vines as a tribute to her late mother, whose favorite color was green.
Selby carried a lush bouquet by Heavenly Blooms of creamy white roses and peonies, accented with hints of greenery that perfectly complemented her timeless look. She completed her ensemble with her mother’s diamond and aquamarine earrings, Valentino VLogo ivory slingback pumps, and a spritz of Le Labo’s Lys perfume. Hollywood waves styled by Charles Dujic and a fresh, dewy makeup look by Sally Wang added the perfect finishing touches.
Groom's Fashion
Ben’s custom tuxedo from The Knot Standard in Beverly Hills matched the timeless elegance of the overall wedding aesthetic. Personalized details, such as a custom lining and the couple’s names and wedding date sewn inside the collar, added a sentimental touch to his dashing attire. The timeless black tuxedo exuded sophistication, fitting seamlessly into the wedding’s elegant theme.
First Look
Selby and Ben’s first look was a deeply emotional moment, captured beautifully by their photographer, BrittRenePhoto. The couple’s love and excitement were palpable as they saw each other for the fir st time on their wedding day. This private moment set the tone for the day — filled with joy, love, and gratitude.
"S + B were so in love and present in the moment, making my job effortless. Their heartfelt toasts brought me to tears, and capturing their first look was one of the most special moments of the day."
Ceremony
A traditional chuppah adorned with white roses and the groom’s and his father’s talit made the ceremony personal and meaningful. The aisle was lined with delicate floral arrangements of white blooms and soft greenery, adding an extra layer of elegance and creating a truly breathtaking entrance for the bride. “Nestled in the hills of LA, just minutes from the bustling city, the venue felt like a secluded oasis,” shared the photographer.
The couple exchanged heartfelt vows that honored their love and deep connection to Jewish traditions. Their words were filled with sincerity and emotion, setting a meaningful tone for the day. Guests looked effortlessly chic, with bridesmaids adding a graceful touch in shades of blue and soft pastels. Parasols were thoughtfully provided to keep everyone cool under the sun, adding charm to the already stunning setup.
Thanks to meticulous planning, even the smallest details were carefully considered, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for all. The ceremony felt elegant and heartfelt, creating a sense of intimacy despite the large number of attendees.
Cocktail Hour
Following the ceremony, the couple toasted their love at a champagne tower, surrounded by cheers and well-wishes. Ben and Selby’s participation in their cocktail hour was non-negotiable. Guests enjoyed a variety of hors d’oeuvres, including braised leek tartlets, street-style tacos, and refreshing watermelon gazpacho shots, all crafted by Contemporary Catering. The food was as visually stunning as it was delicious, adding to the warm and inviting atmosphere of the cocktail hour. Signature cocktails flowed generously, making this golden hour truly unforgettable. This time provided a magical setting, with the couple mingling and soaking in the presence of their loved ones.
"Every time I start a wedding day, I’m always amazed by the incredible talent that surrounds it. The planner Kelsey Events who brings the vision to life, the vendors carefully selected to showcase their craft, and the entire team working together to make a couple’s dreams a reality — it all leaves me speechless."
Private Moment
Despite the bustling schedule, Selby and Ben made sure to carve out a quiet moment for themselves. They took a stroll through the picturesque grounds of the ranch, reflecting on the day and cherishing the love that surrounded them. This pause in the day’s excitement allowed them to stay grounded and connected to each other.
Decor & Setting
Selby and Ben envisioned an elegant outdoor celebration that felt like an intimate dinner party for 20, even with 175 guests. Kelsey Connelly and her team executed this vision beautifully, creating a reception area that was both sophisticated and welcoming. Tables were adorned with buttery cream-colored florals by Heavenly Blooms, paired with elegant gold accents and flickering candlelight that added a warm glow as the evening progressed. Champagne linens draped each table, while personalized place settings brought an intimate touch to the grand event.
Cozy lounge spaces, styled with neutral furniture and accented by vibrant floral arrangements, provided guests with comfortable spots to relax and mingle. Overhead, twinkling string lights and hanging floral installations enhanced the romantic garden ambiance. Every detail, from the seating arrangements to the lighting design by Premier Lighting and Production, reflected meticulous planning and creativity, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all.
Reception
The reception kicked off with Selby and Ben making a grand entrance to a wave of cheers and applause from their guests. Their first dance as husband and wife was magical, filled with love, grace, and plenty of happy tears. Family-style dishes like cedar plank salmon and chimichurri-topped skirt steak brought everyone together over shared plates, adding to the intimate vibe.
Dessert was a real showstopper — the couple skipped the traditional wedding cake and opted instead for chocolate banana knafeh served hot from paella-style pans. A dessert table brimming with fresh fruits and petite treats invited guests to sample and savor a bit of everything.
The Downbeat Agency’s big band had everyone on their feet, keeping the energy high throughout the night. A Persian dance tradition with rose petals added a sweet, personal touch to the festivities. As the evening wound down, the couple was showered with white rose petals, a stunning finale that their photographer Britt captured truly perfectly. Toasts filled with heartfelt words brought the perfect close to a day bursting with love and laughter.
"It was very calm and peaceful and you could see these two individuals were very loved and also had a lot of love to share."
Advice from the couple:
• Figure out which wedding elements are most important to you, and ask your wedding planner to help make those things happen!
• Also, don’t try to make everyone else happy… this isn’t their wedding. You can be respectful and thoughtful as you set boundaries with family and friends.
PHOTOGRAPHER BrittRene Photo | VIDEOGRAPHER Dan Plug Films | PLANNER Kelsey Events | VENUE Brentwood Oak Ranch | FLORALS Heavenly Blooms | MAKEUP Sally Wang Beauty | HAIR Charles Dujic | CATERING Contemporary Catering | SPIRITS CATERING Liquid Catering | MUSIC Downbeat Agency | RENTALS Premiere Rents | LIGHTING Premier Lighting and Production | STATIONARY Bader Collective | LINENS BBJ La Tavola | FILM SCANS Photovision Prints
