A traditional white wedding day look isn’t for every bride. Sometimes bridal style means leaning into drama + darker colors, and we are here for it.
Bride Samantha went for edgy elegance with her strapless black wedding dress, and the modern, b+w wedding that sprung up around her look was a monochrome masterpiece.
Samantha + her husband Henri enlisted the help of planner, event designer, and florist Tyler Speier Events to created this timeless-yet-modern celebration full of lush white florals and sophisticated black accents.
One of the most special elements is that this gorgeous California vineyard venue, Grimm’s Bluff, is a winery + ranch owned by the bride + groom’s family—bride Samantha is the general manager of Grimm’s Bluff wines—and Samantha + Henri’s wedding was the very first wedding the gorgeous location had ever hosted!
So glad Sefra Kay Photography was there capturing every stunning moment.
Samantha’s show-stopping sparkly pear shaped engagement ring absolutely takes our breath away.
We are loving the drama that Samantha’s sheer black ruffle accent robe brought to the getting ready portion of the day.
TEAM Hair & Makeup are the masterminds behind Samantha’s elegant ponytail updo and its face framing curls as well as her glowy, natural glam.
Is there anything more elegant than a sparkly pair of Jimmy Choo wedding heels and a bottle of Chanel No. 5?
“I knew I always wanted a black dress but finding the right one was near impossible,” says Samantha. “After searching for months and trying dozens of dresses, I finally found the perfect black strapless gown by NY based designer Nili Lotan.” We are so glad she did. We truly can’t imagine anything more perfect for Samantha’s bridal vibe than the Emeline Strapless Dress and its simple, elegant column silhouette.
Love the way the lace trim of Samantha’s black wedding veil adds a touch of delicate femininity to her modern look.
A Sophisticated Outdoor Ceremony
These lakeside mountain views! 😍 What a perfect spot to exchange “I do’s.”
For the outdoor ceremony, The Tent Merchant set Samantha + Henri up with bright + airy white guest seating and shady pergolas.
How romantic are the subtle blush roses that Tyler Speier Events tucked in amongst all of the white blooms and lush greenery of these ceremony florals?
“We kept our wedding small, only close friends and family,” says the couple. “We had Henri’s brother officiate, and had some non traditional vow’s that resonated with both of us.”
Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding Samantha – “Walking down the aisle and seeing Henri there.”
Henri – “Seeing Samantha in her dress for the first time.”
Our Musical Choices Processional: "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic" by Sleeping At Last + "Caribbean Blue" by Enya
Recessional: "Best Friend" by Sofi Tukker
First Dance: "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran
A Moment Alone
After the ceremony, Samantha + Henri took this stunning 1982 Rolls Royce Corniche from Hollywood Classic Cars for a spin.
Even cooler than Samantha’s black wedding gown? Her reason for choosing it. Samantha’s mom rocked a black dress at her own wedding, and Samantha was inspired by her to do the same.
Definitely dig into our list of elegant black wedding dresses if you’re as in love with Samantha’s bridal vibe as were are.
“Make sure to make your wedding your own and let go of traditions that don’t make sense or work for you,” says the couple, reflecting on their own planning process. “At the end of the day, these memories are for the two of you.”
A B+W Reception
We absolutely adore the curves and straight edges of this modern b+w reception seating chart.
Black reception seating from The Tent Merchant created an exciting contrast from the lighter look of the ceremony, and specialty rentals from Theoni rounded out the simple + sophisticated vibe.
Absolutely obsessed with the elegant + abundant energy of this all-white floral hanging installation.
Samantha + Henri’s minimalist, monochrome tablescape was sleek and simple backdrop for the reception feast from Catering Connection.
Glowy romantic candlelight and disco ball sparkle courtesy of Bella Vista Designs.
Our Advice To Those Planning Now Get a wedding planner! DON’T PANIC. Make sure to plan to take time for just you two during the wedding.
In love with the elegance of Samantha + Henri’s ombre, three-tier, orchid-adorned wedding cake from Lelé Pâtisserie.
Congratulations, Samantha + Henri! Your brilliant b+w wedding day was the picture of edgy sophistication. All the best from GWS!
photography: Sefra Kay // venue name: Grimm's Bluff, Los Olivos, California, US // event design: Tyler Speier Events // planning: Tyler Speier Events // florals: Tyler Speier Events // wedding dress: Nili Lotan // hair stylist: TEAM Hair and Makeup // makeup artist: TEAM Hair and Makeup // videography: McDuff Productions // paper goods: K Designs // catering: Catering Connection // cake: Lelé Pâtisserie // furniture rentals: The Tent Merchant // specialty rentals: Theoni Collection // music: Party Proper // lighting: Bella Vista Designs // vintage car rental: Hollywood Classic Cars // transportation: Jump On The School Bus
