Location: Monterey, Mexico
Style: Elegant, romantic, ethereal with a touch of old world dram
Time of planning: 1.5 Years
Number of guests: 210
Setting: Ceremony – church; Reception – Music and Ballet Academy
Season: Winter
The couple’s love story is a beautiful tale that starts with a deep friendship. They first crossed paths in an Astronomy class on the first day of the spring semester in 2017. What began as just a friendship gradually blossomed into a romance that lasted four years before Brett popped the question. Elba, a creative content maker with an eye for detail, and Brett, a thoughtful real estate developer, quickly became inseparable.
Their favorite way to spend time together? Strolling through their neighborhood with a coffee in hand, window shopping, and exploring art galleries and museums while talking about life.
Ceremony
The ceremony itself was a heartfelt celebration of love, deeply rooted in the couple’s shared faith and their journey together. It was an event where time seemed to stand still—a dreamlike sequence immortalized by One Cameraman, whose artistry captured every meaningful glance, every tear, and every smile.
Elba has always had a deep love for all things vintage—be it old architecture, antique clothing, or her cherished engagement ring, which features a stunning antique diamond. Naturally, she wanted her wedding to embody this timeless, “old world” charm.
When the bride started looking for her dream wedding dress, she knew exactly what she wanted: something that was modest, dramatic, and romantic all at once.
Elba’s journey to the altar was nothing short of breathtaking. As she stepped into the church, a hush fell over the room. The lace and tulle gown by Monique Lhuillier, which she had carefully chosen, was the embodiment of winter elegance. The high turtleneck lace detail accentuated the gown’s classic silhouette, which harmonized perfectly with the venue’s historic aura. Her hair, styled in a sleek ballerina bun, allowed the dress to truly shine, while her cool-toned makeup created a radiant, wintery glow.
"I strapped a sixpence onto the bottom of my shoe for good luck. I've worn my wedding shoes a couple of times after the wedding and the little peny is still there."
Reception
As the ceremony concluded, the celebration transitioned seamlessly into the reception—each element a continuation of the vintage-inspired elegance that defined the day. The reception hall, part of the Music and Ballet Academy, was transformed into a wonderland of ivory drapes and antique chandeliers. The soft floral arrangements exuded a timeless beauty, perfectly complementing the venue’s historic charm.
“I wanted the wedding to feel very ‘old world,’” Elba shared. “We used tons of candles to achieve a warm, soft lighting reminiscent of candlelit dinners, and we created a unique installation of antique chandeliers that reminded me of the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles. The color palette was drawn from the winter season—an all-white wedding complimented by white roses, white orchids, and draped ivory fabric all around the venue.“
The result was an ethereal scene. The venue, already rich in history, was transformed into a romantic haven with its semi-outdoor spaces and carefully curated vintage decor. As guests arrived, they were welcomed by the soft glow of candlelight and the delicate scent of the florals, setting the stage for an unforgettable ceremony.
For the reception, Elba changed into a gorgeous Vivienne Westwood silk corseted gown, a true reflection of her vintage-inspired taste. But what really made the look special was her grandmother’s diamond necklace, featuring a canary pendant. This treasured heirloom added a personal touch and a subtle pop of color to her ensemble.
Party
The transition from the soft, romantic reception to the vibrant party was marked by a change in music. Efrain Chavez, the DJ for the night, knew exactly how to get everyone on their feet. With a mix of timeless classics and contemporary hits, the dance floor was never empty. The lighting, which had been soft and ambient during the earlier parts of the evening, now pulsed in time with the music, creating an energetic vibe that matched the excitement of the crowd.
Advice from the couple:
• Try to soak up every detail because it all goes by so, so fast. Look around and drink in every detail, every sound, every flower. It’s a day we dream about for so long yet get to live for what seems like just a split second…
"To say it was all a dream would fall short of describing the magic of this space and the magic of these moments. Thank you, thank you, thank you to my incredible wedding team & to my dearest friends and family. You all made this day feel like heaven on Earth. I am forever, and ever, and ever grateful."
VIDEOGRAPHER One Cameraman | PLANNER Elemento Tres, Tere Montemayor | FLORALS Fluorescent | CAKE Catalina Fernandez Reposteria | PHOTOGRAPHER Keryn Sweeney | MUSIC Consort | DJ Efrain Chavez | FOOD Club Industrial | DRINKS Laguna Lounge | MUAH Eliza Cantu | STYLING The Bold and Bridal | DRESSES Ceremony: Monique Lhuillier, Reception: Vivienne Westwood | STATIONERY MXLucerna
