Set against the sweeping views of Malibu’s mountains, Matt and Jane’s wedding at Cielo Farms was a breathtaking celebration of love and beauty. With abundant blooms and thoughtful, elegant details, their vision for an intimate, romantic day came to life through the exceptional work of Jacqueline Hallgarth Events. Every element—from cozy tablescapes to the stunning sunset ceremony—invited guests into a world of classic charm and heartfelt moments, perfectly capturing the couple’s dream for their special day.
Location: Malibu, Calofornia, USA
Style: Classic, chic, romantic
Time of planning: 1.5 years
Number of guests: 130
Setting: Ceremony – vineyard, reception – garden
Season: Fall
Matt and Jane’s love story began during their first week of medical school when they were placed in the same small group. Their connection was instant, sparking a friendship that quickly grew into something deeper. A few study sessions and dinner dates later, it became clear they were meant to be. Over the years, their shared experiences and support for one another solidified their bond, leading to a heartfelt proposal that captured their journey from classmates to soulmates.
Location & Planning
As they planned their wedding, Matt and Jane envisioned a celebration that would reflect their close-knit love story—elegant and surrounded by those who had been part of their journey together. They leaned heavily on the expertise of Jacqueline Hallgarth Events. Inspired by cozy tablescapes and interior design, the couple aimed for a wedding that felt both classic and intimate. Jacqueline’s team curated every detail, weaving unique touches into the timeless setup that reflected Matt and Jane’s personalities.
"Choosing Cielo Farms to be our venue was the first amazing decision Matt and I made together—the venue allowed us to enjoy an outdoor wedding where we could really appreciate the beautiful Malibu mountains."
Bridal Look
Jane started her day with a tranquil morning, taking time to appreciate the moment before preparing for her walk down the aisle. Her wedding day attire included not one, but two stunning dresses. The first was a minimalist strapless gown by Sarah Seven, perfect for the ceremony’s understated elegance.
After the vows, she changed into an embroidered strapless dress by Dany Tabet, adding a touch of detail and flair for the evening. Jane’s accessories were simple yet meaningful—a custom set of diamond earrings and a necklace gifted by her parents, complemented by a soft, natural look crafted by Chialimeng Artistry.
Groom's Fashion
Matt chose the classic look: a custom tuxedo by Tailored Gents paired with Bruno Magli shoes. A thoughtful gift from Jane’s parents, a blue watch, honored a Korean tradition and added a sentimental touch to his ensemble. Together, Matt and Jane shared a slow, meaningful start to their wedding day, exchanging heartfelt gifts—pearl earrings for Jane and a film camera for Matt, symbolizing their commitment to capturing future memories.
First Look
Before the ceremony, Matt and Jane shared a private first look amidst the serene vineyard setting. Lacie Hansen, their photographer, perfectly captured the intimate moment, highlighting the beauty of the surrounding Malibu mountains and the couple’s genuine connection. This peaceful pause became one of the most cherished moments of their day, with the sunlight casting a gentle glow over the scene.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place on a scenic platform framed by dramatic mountains, surrounded by natural beauty that amplified the elegance of the setting. Rows of wicker chairs were arranged in a circular design, creating an intimate atmosphere where every guest felt close to the couple. The lush floral arrangements by Siren Floral Co adorned the platform and aisle, featuring soft pinks and whites with touches of greenery, seamlessly blending with the landscape and adding a romantic, garden-like charm.
"Our wedding planner, Jacqueline, did an amazing job helping us understand our own vision and helped us sprinkle in unique elements to our classic wedding."
As the ceremony unfolded, guests were captivated by the couple’s heartfelt vows. Matt’s former swim coach, Jon, officiated, adding a deeply personal touch to the occasion. Family members and the wedding party were seated close, allowing everyone to be fully present in the moment. The ceremony was timed perfectly with the golden hour, casting a soft glow over the setting and creating an unforgettable atmosphere for this once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Private Moment
After the ceremony, Matt and Jane took a moment alone, wandering through the vineyards as the sun set over the hills. The scenery provided an idyllic background for their portraits, capturing the peaceful intimacy of the day.
Soon after, they joined their guests for a lively cocktail hour, where they shared their favorite signature drinks: a passionfruit margarita for Jane and a classic old-fashioned for Matt. This personal touch added warmth to the celebration, inviting guests to savor the couple’s favorite flavors as they toasted to a beautiful beginning.
Decor & Setting
The reception space, hidden behind lush hedges, surprised guests as they entered. Decorated with soft, blush-toned florals and delicate greenery by Siren Floral Co, the tables were set with pieces from Theoni Collection, The Ark, and BBJ La Tavola, creating a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere.
The stationery by Goods Gang added a modern touch, while warm candlelight illuminated the evening, enhancing the cozy ambiance that Matt and Jane had envisioned. Jacqueline’s team truly excelled, transforming the reception into a space that was as beautiful as it was intimate.
"We were stunned by how beautifully Jacqueline’s team set up the reception space."
Reception
Dinner, provided by Tres LA Catering, delighted guests with a menu that celebrated local flavors. The evening flowed into the couple’s first dance, accompanied by the live music of Dart Collective. They played a selection that resonated with guests of all ages, keeping the dance floor lively.
"The most memorable moment was walking into the reception with the band playing in the background!"
For dessert, guests enjoyed a beautifully crafted wedding cake by Teehan Cake Design, as well as a fruit platter and an assortment of Jeni’s ice cream—one of the couple’s favorites.
Night Celebration
As night fell, the reception turned into an unforgettable celebration under the stars. The live band’s music energized the crowd, and disco balls sparkled overhead, creating a festive atmosphere. Guests danced late into the evening, with touches like slippers for dancing and pashminas for the chilly night, ensuring everyone felt comfortable.
"Our wedding day was absolutely surreal and magical."
Advice from the couple:
• We wanted to wedding to have a big emphasis on the guest experience, as we wanted to celebrate the love and support that made us who we are. Providing comfortable transportation, text message reminders about the event, slippers for dancing, and pashminas for the ladies were some ways we expressed our gratitude to our guests.
PLANNER Jacqueline Hallgarth Events | VENUE Cielo Farms | PHOTOGRAPHER Lacie Hansen | VIDEOGRAPHER Sav and Cam | FLORALS Siren Floral Co | CATERING Tres LA Catering | CAKE Teehan Cake Design | STATIONERY Goods Gang | MUSIC Dart Collective | MUAH Chialimeng Artistry | TRANSPORTATION Riz Transportation | RENTALS Theoni Collection, The Ark, Premiere Party Rentals, BBJ La Tavola | STYLING Chynna Pope Atelier
