Andrea + Jeff’s December wedding was held at the stunning Stone Manor in Malibu, California. The property was perfect for their enchanted garden wedding with it’s perfect cobblestone paths, overgrown ivy walls, an umbrella of trees and a stunning Malibu view overlooking the Pacific Ocean. A bit more about the inspiration behind their wedding from Andrea…
Jeff laughed at me when I told him that my favorite color purple and Taylor Swift’s Wonderstruck perfume ad were the inspiration for the look of our wedding. The man definitely loves me as he supported me throughout the planning process despite all my crazy ideas. In the end, Vanessa (of Alchemy Fine Events & Invitations) helped bring our vision of an enchanted garden wedding to life that reflected both Jeff and myself. For our wedding day, we wanted to have an intimate family get together where both of our families and closest friends could get to know one another and we could spend quality time with everyone who came out to celebrate with us.
I always say inspiration can come from anywhere and Andrea + Jeff prove that! Congrats to the happy couple + thanks so much to Jill Thomas for the lovely photos!
Andrea donned a simple yet stunning gown of ivory silk and carried a wild bouquet of sterling roses, lambs ear, black calla lilies and orchids. Her bridesmaids were dressed in gowns in a gorgeous array of purples, lavender and steel grey, and carried dusty sage toned bouquets of all greenery.
Andrea: The most memorable moment for me was our first look. Getting to see Jeff before the ceremony allowed us to spend a few moments to focus on just us in that moment before I would walk down the aisle to him. He looked so handsome in his suit!
Jeff: The most memorable moment of our wedding was the cake cutting. Andrea looked so beautiful. All the attention was on us and then she rubbed icing on my face! But I got her back! The cake was really good as well.
The intimate ceremony took place in Stone Manor’s outdoor courtyard surrounded by beautiful foliage and a striking view of Malibu’s rolling hills and the Pacific Ocean. Alchemy Events worked with Krista Jon to create a white birch arbor that was accented with a crystal chandelier and sheer draped cheesecloth for a juxtaposition of glam with an understated organic, garden vibe.
Processional: A Thousand Years – Christina Perri/Piano Guys
Recessional: Lucky – Jason Mraz & Colbie Cailat
First Dance: Wanted – Hunter Hayes
Guests were then welcomed into a stunning stone lined room with open beamed rafters from which glass votives hung that glowed over feasting style tablescapes lined with glowing eggplant taper candles in brass candlesticks. Damask silver + sage linens were lined with mossy birch bark boasting sage toned greenery, white lilies and sterling roses along with heart shaped ivy for a romantic, overgrown garden feel.
Guests dined on a delectable menu by Whoa Nelly Catering including arugula salad with persimmons + crushed hazelnuts, braised short rib and roasted winter squashes + sweet potato mash while they sipped on rich red wines to warm their hearts + bellies.
For their sweetheart table, Krista Jon created a stunning floral installation inside of a ironed framed table flowing with a gorgeous array of greenery, vines, black baby calla liles and more of the brides favorite – sterling roses.
From Alchemy Events, For this chilly December wedding we wanted to create a cozy and fairytale worthy dessert bar nestled into the tree lined garden. We hung various mirrors and frames behind a grey velvet covered table covered with delectable sweets & treats by Whoa Nelly and Sweet & Saucy shop. Treats such as pomegranate panna cotta, salted caramel puddings with crème fraiche whip, brownie bites & chocolate peppermint cupcakes were offered above risers boating mossy arrangements, wild greenery and loose blooms. To keep guest cozy as they nibbled on these sweet bites in our heated outdoor lounge, we also offered a hot cocoa bar with homemade flavored marshmallows, caramel nibs, candy cane stir sticks and various liquors to spike them with.
Don't start wedding planning until you've enjoyed being engaged for a few weeks. Then, enjoy it! No matter how overwhelmed you feel, remember that everything will get accomplished and it will be gorgeous! Remember to step back and just breathe every once in awhile. Focus on the things that matter the most to you and your future husband. Invest in a great wedding planner :) Definitely could not have pulled this off without Vanessa and Jill.
photography: Jill Thomas // venue name: Stone Manor, Malibu, California // event design: Alchemy Fine Events & Invitations // planning: Alchemy Fine Events & Invitations // wedding dress: Alvina Valenta from The White Flower Bridal Boutique // hairpiece: belt from Justine M Couture // bride's shoes: Vera Wang from Nordstrom // hair stylist: Bekah and Nina with Brides by Brittany // makeup artist: Bekah and Nina with Brides by Brittany // paper goods: Alchemy Fine Events & Invitations // catering: Whoa Nelly Catering // cake: Sweet and Saucy Shop // linen rentals: La Tavola // floral design: Krista Jon // rentals: Archive Vintage Rentals // bridesmaid dresses: Swoon from Bella Bridesmaids Los Angeles
Such a lovely wedding, photo’s look amazing. if only my wedding was a beautiful as this, then again if i had the money i am sure it would happen. x
Thank you for the gorgeous post Jen! Andrea was such an absolute sweetheart and dream to work with she made the design & planning process a joy. Thank you to all of our wonderful vendors as well! xoxo
Amazing wedding filled with great people and a lot of fun! The food was delicious, decorations were something you thought would only exist on Pinterest, photos came out beautifully. One of the most detailed weddings I’ve ever been to! Plus the bride is amazing :P
It was wonderful to work with this couple and their family to make their wedding plans happen! Very happy to have been part of their day!
Such an elegant and beautiful wedding…
Thank-you for this gorgeous feature! We LOVED dolling-up Andrea & her entourage for her special day!
so beautiful! I like it, how to get this dresses?
What a STUNNING wedding…so honored that Swoon was a part of it :) Congratulations, Andrea & Jeff!!
Does anyone know if Sept is a bad month to have an outdoor/ocean front wedding in LA/Malibu?
What a STUNNING wedding… love
Oh, I am in love with all the rich colours and the combinations! It’s perfect!!
absolutely LOVE her bridal bouquet – those orchids are stunning!
Sept. Is gorgeous on the beach in So. Cal