Location: Malibu, California, USA
Setting: Vineyard
Wedding season: Summer
The number of guests: 97
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
Wedding theme/style: Modern elegance with hints of an old, classic Hollywood glam vibe. All black and white and super romantic.
Gabriella and Andrew are a dynamic duo from New York whose love story began in the workplace over four years ago. United by their immense families, passion for running, and ambitious life goals, their connection blossomed into a deep love. Gabriella and Andrew shared a vision of a California-based wedding venue incorporating East Coast elements. Their dream was to create a timeless and intimately elegant celebration that reflected their fun, romantic, and personalities.
Most of the guests arrived from out of town, and the couple aimed to create a highly personal wedding experience, expressing their deep gratitude for the attendees and their immense love. The evening before the wedding featured a grand welcome party at Duke’s on the water in Malibu, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of the California coast. Opting for Cielo Farms as the wedding venue, the couple perceived it as a unique and intimate space ideal for an intimate gathering of fewer than 100 guests. The venue’s ambiance felt akin to Tuscany, providing a picturesque backdrop of the rolling hills of Malibu, a sentiment Andrew and Gabriella immediately felt when they toured the location.
Searching for her wedding dress, the bride discovered a captivating design on Pinterest a year before the big day—the Alex Perry “Isobel” dress. Struck by its stunning allure, she was overwhelmed with admiration, describing it as so breathtaking that it felt like a moment of sheer awe. Determined to make this vision a reality, she diligently tracked down the boutique that carried the dress. Upon locating it, she wasted no time and promptly arranged to try it. The moment she adorned herself in the Alex Perry “Isobel” dress, the bride knew it was the one. Undoubtedly captivated by its matchless charm and convinced of its timeless elegance, she purchased the clothing on the same day, solidifying it as the perfect choice for her special day.
Gabriella’s emphasis on natural beauty and timeless elegance was pivotal in selecting her makeup and hairstyle. She aimed to strike a balance where her exquisite dress took center stage, and the makeup and hairstyle didn’t overshadow its magnificence. To achieve this vision, the team at Veiled Vanity Artistry crafted a delicate and natural makeup look. For the hairstyle, they elegantly gathered her hair into a low bun, with loose curls framing her face, creating an effortlessly chic and timeless appearance. The goal was to enhance Gabriella’s features subtly, allowing her inherent beauty to shine through on her special day.
Throughout the morning, Gabriella was surrounded by her closest friends, who shared the joyful anticipation of this special day. Serving as companions and a source of support, her friends assisted her in donning the wedding dress. Their joy knew no bounds when they first saw the bride in her stunning wedding ensemble. They were genuinely happy for their friend, and the moment was filled with an overwhelming sense of excitement and happiness for Gabriella on this unique and magical day.
The talented photographer Lauren Lucile Creative skillfully captured this joyous day and preserved every moment of Andrew and Gabriella’s wedding. From tears of happiness to pure joy and laughter, nothing escaped her professional gaze. Lauren managed to convey the wedding venue’s enchantment, showcasing the celebration’s beauty and elegance. Her unique, heartfelt, and entirely creative approach to photography captured the day as the bride and groom envisioned. She portrayed their dynamic personalities while maintaining a romantic ambiance. Truly, Lauren is a consummate professional in her craft.
After the ceremony, guests joined the bride and groom for a cocktail hour as unique as the rest of their celebration. Gabriella and Andrew specifically curated the cocktails for the guests, treating everyone to their favorite drinks. Gabriella opted for a spicy margarita, while Andrew chose an espresso martini.
Some of Gabriella’s favorite touches included the custom black and white matchboxes given as parting gifts and the Aperol spritz welcome drink served with black and white straws. These thoughtful details added a personalized and stylish element to the wedding celebration, reflecting the couple’s attention to detail and desire to make every event memorable for their guests.
Advice from the couple:
Take it all in – it goes by so quickly! Even the silly, mundane chores of planning the wedding, like the seating chart or picking the food or colors, make it fun with your partner! It makes that day that much more meaningful. Also, if you have the means, hire a wedding planner who can help your vision come to life. Our wedding would not have been the same without our incredible planner, who took weekly calls with us and held our hand every step of the way!
PHOTOGRAPHY Lauren Lucile Creative | VIDEOGRAPHY Insomne Media | VENUE Cielo Farms | PLANNER Twine Events | FLORAL H&A Floral Design | MUAH Veiled Vanity Artistry | CATERING Tres LA Catering | CAKE Susie Cakes Bakery | RENTALS Premiere Events | DJ Red Shoe LA | BRIDAL DRESS Alex Perry | LATE NIGHT PIZZA Big Mama’s & Papa’s
