Location: Malibu, California, USA
Setting: Vineyard
Wedding season: Summer
The number of guests: 150
How long did the couple plan the event: 7 months
Wedding theme/style: Modern minimalism with a flare of romance.
After attending college for 4 years together at the University of Washington, it took many years and moving across the country to Washington DC for Ashley and Benjamin to meet. They met on Hinge. Ben, recognizing Ashley’s connection to UW, opened the conversation with a “Go Dawgs,” to which Ashley replied, “Are you a Husky fan or do you like dogs?” Their first date was filled with reminiscing about their beloved college spots and discovering mutual friends. On their fifth date, Ashley prepared a special dinner for Ben, and when he arrived with flowers for her and treats for her dog Vinny, she knew he was the one. The rest, as they say, is history!
Their proposal story was a complete surprise. Last November they were visiting San Diego for a wedding and the night before the wedding they went to the rehearsal dinner on the beach. Ben suggested waiting for the sunset to take photos. As the sun dipped below the horizon, they turned to face the camera, and Ben knelt down, asking Ashley to marry him. Her surprise was evident, but her joy was even greater. The surprises continued when Ashley’s family joined them on the beach, toasting with custom champagne flutes.
What Ashley didn’t know was that Ben had been panicking the day before, as the ring had yet to arrive, but it made it just in time, ensuring a perfect and thoughtful proposal.
Their wedding wish was simple: to begin their shared life surrounded by love and their cherished ones. The wedding’s concept and vision stemmed from Ashley’s minimalist preferences. She has always favored whites and neutrals for a clean, minimalistic look, even though Ben prefers more color.
Cielo Farms, their chosen venue, was breathtaking, and Ashley aimed to have decor that complemented its natural beauty without overshadowing it. Most of her inspiration came from Pinterest and Instagram.
On her special day, Ashley wore a La Robe dress from Loho Bride and a veil from Ofrenda. When envisioning her wedding dress, she had a slip-style dress in mind, and the one she fell in love with online turned out to be “the one” when she tried it on. The delicate flower details on the low back and bottom of the dress added a special touch. She opted for a dramatic veil to complement the dress’s simplicity, with meaningful flowers adorning it, symbolizing love and marriage. To honor the memory of her cousin, who had passed away, and wanted her to be part of this significant occasion, the bride had her cousin’s initial sewn into her veil using blue thread, serving as her “something blue.”
The bride shares: “My sister( and maid of honor) was unfortunately in Australia for an extended time when I went dress shopping. I went with my mom and FaceTimed her to get her opinions. When I finally decided to say yes to the dress, my twin brother came to give his approval and toast with champagne. Even though I’m so sad not to have shared that moment with my sister, it was extraordinary to have my twin brother share it with my mom and me.”
Ashley sought a natural yet special look. She chose a half-up, half-down hairstyle with pearl hair clips for added detail, and her makeup held up perfectly through the day’s heat and festivities.
Ashley looked stunning in her minimalist attire, radiating like a star. The bridal bouquet, composed of dahlias, roses, and white poppies, further enhanced the overall impression, making her appearance ethereal, light, and wonderfully fresh, like the perfect embodiment of a summer day.
The ceremony venue decor seamlessly blended with the surrounding landscape, featuring chairs made of natural wood and an arbor adorned with flowers. Additionally, the flower-adorned aisle looked organic and incredibly stylish.
Before the wedding ceremony, Ashley and Benjamin signed the Ketubah in the presence of two witnesses, following the tradition.
At the wedding ceremony, the bride walked down the aisle with her parents while the groom stood waiting beneath the chuppah, gazing lovingly at his beloved.
The Orange Blossom Special Events team played an exeptional role in crafting this breathtaking celebration. Their attention to detail, creativity, and unwavering commitment to the couple’s vision made every aspect of the wedding a work of art. They brought the dreams of Ashley and Benjamin to life, ensuring that their special day was not only beautiful but also a true reflection of their love story.
The venue was extraordinary, offering an Italian ambiance in the heart of California, complete with breathtaking views and a mesmerizing sunset. The seating chart was super unique and special, featuring large acrylic pillars filled with dried flowers and each guest’s name—a striking statement piece and additional decor element. “They were a big vision of mine, and it was incredible to see them come to life!”, says Ashley.
The photoshoot held during the pre-sunset hour was the perfect moment to capture beautiful and romantic photographs.
Ashley and Benjamin had to put their dog Vinny to sleep two months before the wedding, which was a heart-wrenching loss given Vinny’s significant presence in their lives. They were determined to find a way to pay tribute to him and include his memory in the wedding, even though he couldn’t physically be there. They decided to christen a drink “Vin’s Gin” in his honor and used cocktail napkins featuring Vinny’s image. To ensure Vinny’s presence, Ashley had his paw print sewn into her dress, allowing her to feel his presence throughout this momentous day.
When Benjamin and Ashley made their entrance at the wedding reception, they were greeted with applause from their beloved family and friends. Their presence infused the atmosphere with joy and anticipation. To the backdrop of a beautiful and melodious composition, the newlyweds shared their first dance, a testament to their boundless love for each other.
The couple had a delightful surprise in store for their guests, a gelato and coffee cart, adding an extra layer of warmth and coziness to the summer evening. This thoughtful gesture not only pampered their friends and family but also enhanced the overall atmosphere of the event. It was a sweet and refreshing touch that made their wedding day even more memorable and enjoyable for everyone in attendance.
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The night concluded with a silent disco following a fantastic live band performance, creating a memorable experience for all guests who danced to different tunes with headphones.
Advice from the couple:
• Soak up and enjoy every moment. It does fly by!
• Don’t forget to eat all the delicious food!
• Have some time for you and your spouse after the ceremony to have a special moment with just the two of you.
PLANNER Orange Blossom Special Events | PHOTOGRAPHER Victoria Gold | FLORAL The Little Branch | VENUE Cielo Farms | MUSIC Downbeat | MUA Mallorie Mason | RENTALS Premiere Party Rents | SPECIALTY RENTALS Found Rentals | CATERING TresLA Catering | STATIONERY Paper Cliche | VIDEOGRAPHY Amari Productions | GELATO CART Gelato and Angels | COFFEE CART Arrvo Coffee | BRIDAL DRESS Loho Bride | VEIL Ofrenda
