It Was a Black Tie Affair at this Moody + Modern Malibu Wedding…with Boho Twists!

When Melanie + Eric got engaged, they IMMEDIATELY knew they wanted to get married in Big Sur. However, after the bridge on the Pacific Coast Highway collapsed, the dream of having it there wasn’t an option anymore. They scrambled, looking for something that was quintessentially California and cool, and with an ocean view…

Melanie shares: After a few months of searching, I discovered it: Eric’s favorite architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s nephew (Eric Lloyd Wright), had an unfinished home in Malibu. Since I’m an Events Manager, I really couldn’t have found a better space to be able to fully create my own vision for our wedding day.

With a little help from the florist, Going Steady Studios, they transformed Wright Ranch Malibu into a moody and modern oasis…with a slight bohemian twist! Let’s take a look at all the details captured by Kathy DeNinno Photography!

The Wedding Party

The bridesmaids made a statement in ALL BLACK. Aren’t those Jarlo London gowns sophisticated yet ultra cool?

The florals!! Going Steady Studios crafted bouquets brimming with dahlias and ranunculus…and we simply can’t get over that deep color palette.

The Sleek Ensembles

Talk about DAPPER! Eric rocked a velvet suit jacket from Knot Standard…and it’s definitely topping our charts for modern groom looks.

That golden Jewelry Ajoure Flowers crown was the perfect way to frame the gorgeous wavy locks Chelsie Meyers created.

The Texture-Filled Ceremony

Melanie shares: I created this wedding based on things I liked. I stopped comparing myself to other people, or other weddings, and really focused on what I love. I also thought it was important to create things that I could keep forever (i.e. the neon sign, leather header for the seating chart, etc.). I wanted the wedding to holistically tell a story and be a memory for all of us. 

HOLY SMOKES!! Those florals!!

Isn’t this the absolute sweetest?

Yep, that aisle with all the texture is seriously COOL.

The Newlyweds

Are you eyeing that gorgeous bohemian-inspired gown with the fringe sleeves? No surprise here—it’s by one of our faves: Rue de Seine.

Get it, girl!

The Modern Meets Boho Reception

The reception featured leather accents, tons of maroon-based florals (to match the groom’s jacket), and fun modern twists like the acrylic signage below, which Electric Eunice crafted!

All the tablecloths were maroon—to match the groom’s get up, and the tables were set with modern meets bohemian stylings from Party Pleasers.

Talk about TEXTURE + tons of poppin’ color!

The Celebration

In the year of planning, I will say almost everything changed (our vendors were saints and so accommodating!)—from the color scheme and floral design to pretty much every detail…it all started to snowball with better ideas and uniqueness. My biggest goal for the wedding was to create a “wow” experience for our guests, and for everyone to have one of the best nights ever. But I can truly say from their reactions to details like our smoke bomb grand entrance with music by Prince to a late night Gucci sneaker shoe change, it was an epic night!

The cake was peachy keen + topped with gold and florals!

And to top everything off, they had this ADORABLE neon sign… Can you picture how cute that’ll be as a momento in their home??

Congratulations to the two of you!

photography: Kathy DeNinno Photography // venue name: Wright Ranch Malibu, Malibu, California, USA // event design: Melanie Empting (Bride) // planning: Melanie Empting (Bride) // florals: Going Steady Studios // wedding dress: Rue de Seine // wedding dress boutique: A & Bé Bridal Shop // hairpiece: Jewelry Ajoure Flowers // bride's shoes: Gucci // bridesmaid dresses: Jarlo London // getting ready robes: pjs from Eberjey Shorty Pajamas // hair stylist: Chelsie Meyers // makeup artist: Tanika McConnell // groom attire: Knot Standard // groom's shoes: The Rail // videography: Aerial Addict // paper goods: Katherine Jezek Design // calligraphy: Electric Eunice // handmade details: Electric Eunice // catering: Summit Event Catering // desserts: By Friend of Couple // tabletop rentals: Party Pleasers // furniture rentals: Party Pleasers // linen rentals: Party Pleasers // specialty rentals: Party Pleasers // music: Dart Collective // lighting: Party Pleasers // day of coordination: One Darling Day // groomsmen: The Black Tux