This lovely all-white wedding was a small but memorable event, welcoming the closest family and friends. The intimate celebration unfolded at a private home with a backyard, featuring rich American nature, a pool, and unusual reception decor. Surprisingly, this destination event was planned in a record time of two months.
Location: Atherton, California, USA
Style: Airy, romantic, classic
Time of planning: 2 months
Number of guests: 50
Setting: Ceremony — church, reception — private home & backyard
Season: Summer
Monique and Ivan share a deep bond, based on mutual values and respect. Monique is a dedicated secondary school teacher in Australia. Her empathetic nature and genuine commitment to the students reflect her nurturing spirit, which extends into her relationships. Ivan, a lawyer known for his sharp intellect and strong sense of justice, balances his demanding career with a profound dedication to Monique. Their journey together is marked by a strong partnership, where they support each other’s dreams and aspirations while celebrating the unique qualities that make their bond flawless.
Location & Planning
The ceremony traditionally occurred in a church, and the reception unfolded on private property. A spacious house welcomed the guests, while the backyard was the main setting for the celebration. Old trees, native flora mixed with neatly shaped bushes, a large pool, and the fountain set a timelessly romantic mood for Monique and Ivan’s big day.
The bride wanted an all-white romantic wedding. She worked with Jennifer Delte from the CMG Weddings & Events. Together, they opted for minimal greenery to balance out all the rich flora of the backyard. The main focus was on chic floral design, while the rest of the decorations would stay light, airy, and flirty. Bloomwell & Co hand-picked the best white roses to elevate the scenery.
“It was all hands on deck to create the most gorgeous backyard wedding for this international couple.”
Bridal Morning
Monique wore a stunning floor-glazing gown with detachable sleeves. The semi-transparent top, decorated with flowers and beadwork, added light and elegance to the look. The long veil looked incredibly romantic on her, creating a flowy and airy look the bride aimed for.
Anaa Chaudry styled Monique’s hair in gentle beach waves, while Arbella Yousif enhanced her beauty with soft, natural makeup. Pearly Jimmy Choo heels and classic Chanel perfume finished the look. The special sentimental touch of the overall look was a ribbon with lockets put around the bridal bouquet.
Groom's Fashion
Ivan kept his style simple, yet full of class. The perfectly fitted black tuxedo suit with a matching bowtie made the groom look sharp. Lacquer leather shoes, a Rolex watch, and the signature Hombre Nomade by Louis Vuitton polished Ivan’s look.
Ceremony
The ceremony was held in a traditional church setting, reflecting Monique and Ivan’s deep commitment to their faith and the importance they place on honoring their cultural and religious traditions. Surrounded by the sacred ambiance of the church, the couple exchanged vows to make their big day as meaningful as beautiful.
The vows exchange was incredibly heartfelt, full of faith, love, trust, and tears of joy. After the ceremony, everyone cheered and celebrated the newlyweds as they left the church.
Private Moment
In the stylish green velvet setting of the bar, Monique and Ivan shared a private moment before the cocktail hour, surrounded by vibrant artwork and quiet laughter. Photographer Stephen Crawford captured their playful energy, as they exchanged affectionate kisses and tender glances.
Cocktail Hour
As the sun warmed the lush garden, guests mingled during the cocktail hour, enjoying a selection of fine wines and spirits. The bar, beautifully adorned with white floral arrangements, offered refreshing drinks that perfectly matched the elegant outdoor setting.
Soft melodies from the violinist, Synchronicity Strings, drifted through the air, adding a gentle, graceful note to the lively conversations and laughter.
Decor & Setting
The reception unfolded under the open sky in the intimate backyard setting, where simplicity met elegance in a beautifully minimalistic design. The overall aesthetic was a crisp all-white palette, creating a serene and timeless atmosphere. Low, bushy white rose centerpieces adorned the tables, adding a touch of natural beauty and sophistication to the setting. The minimalistic decor allowed the initial surroundings to shine, creating a harmonious blend of nature and design.
The chandeliers, decorated with minimal greenery and white hanging flowers, seamlessly blended with the scenery. They created a fairytale-like surreal look with the open sky above and the trees behind. The whole decor felt light and romantic, just as it was intednded to be.
Reception
During the reception, the couple and their guests enjoyed heartfelt moments under the soft glow of chandeliers, surrounded by lush greenery. Emotional toasts and shared laughter filled the air, creating an atmosphere of warmth and celebration at this beautiful day.
Evening
As the sun began to set, Monique and Ivan shared their first dance by the pool, bathed in the warm, golden light of the evening. The tranquil setting created a serene and romantic moment that felt truly magical.
Amidsdt the celebration, Monique and Ivan shared a sweet moment as they cut into their elegant three-tiered wedding cake, adorned with delicate white roses and simple greenery.
Monique and Ivan’s wedding was a stunning showcase of the planning team’s ability to transform a backyard into a dreamlike setting filled with elegance and grace. The carefully curated details, from the all-white florals to the glowing chandeliers, created an atmosphere of romance that perfectly reflected the couple’s vision. Thanks to CMG Weddings & Events, Monique and Ivan’s celebration in Atherton was not just a wedding, but a beautifully executed event that felt both intimate and unforgettable.
PLANNING & DESIGN CMG Weddings & Events, Jennifer Delte | PHOTOGRAPHER Stephen Crawford | VIDEOGRAPHER Amari Productions | FLORIST Bloomwell & Co | MUAH Arbella Yousif, Anaa Chaudry | VIOLINIST Synchronicity Strings | DJ Anonymous | RENTALS Standard Event Rentals, Pleasanton Rentals
