Alexa and Bannock had a modern-day fairytale wedding at the Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point CA with sleek, sophisticated style that we can’t get enough of! The couple opted for chic fashion choices (a tiara for her, a forest green tux for him) and treated guests to a glam day set in a color palette of pine, ivory, and gold.
With the help of A Good Affair, their reception was truly magical; picture plush and cozy fleece chairs, mirrored tabletops reflecting back crystal glassware and gold accents, an epic dessert display with a classic white cake surrounded by hundreds of miniature tiered confections, and a dazzling overhead display of thousands of twinkling lights combined with delicate chandeliers. They finished up the evening with the ultimate romantic gesture: the groom serenading his bride with a piano performance! We just can’t pick a favorite detail from their day!
Cambria Shelley captured all the dreamy moments and now they are ready for your enjoyment! Let’s take a look…
A Pinch of Green
How fun is Alexa’s wifey clutch?!
1011 Makeup kept Alexa’s look simple and elegant, as her gold wedding tiara and gorgeous gown spoke for themselves! The relaxed loose bun truly allowed her hair piece to stand out as her minimal and clean-faced look let Alexa’s natural beauty shine through!
The Musical First Look
“The dress I chose happened to be the first dress I tried on, and the first and only dress my sisters, mom, and sister-in-law cried while watching me try on. It felt so much like me! I booked my first appointment at Moondance in San Luis Obispo and it was love at first sight. It was exactly the style I knew I loved and was going for. I also wanted it to be classy and timeless so it inevitably fit the feel of the wedding.”
Bannock’s dad played the piano during the couple’s first look as Alexa walked down the staircase to meet Bannock. Music plays a very big role in both families and upbringings, and Bannock loves to play the piano. His dad surprised the couple with an original song titled “Charlies Beach”, which is where Bannock proposed! So sweet!
The most memorable part of our wedding day had to be our first look or Bannock surprising me with an original song that he composed on the piano right after the reception before we exited in the getaway car and said our farewells. After leaving, we took our vintage Porsche on a joy-ride down the California coast.
Inspiration for the Day
When it came to inspiration for A + B’s big day, bride Alexa is not big on trendy styles, because she feels like they come just as quickly as they go. She’s always appreciated timeless elegance, so naturally she wanted a timeless wedding.
They pulled a lot of inspiration from The Great Gatsby (one of her favorite movies), capturing the class and romance of the film with elements from that era such as candlelight, crystal chandeliers, and intricate place settings.
Alexa is joined by her bridesmaids who look stunning in these elegant, satin, emerald green bridesmaid dresses!
This wedding party couldn’t look happier for the bride and groom… which is exactly what every couple could dream of! Being surrounded by their most supportive and loving friends to cheer them on on their big day!
Processional: Until the Last Moment - Yanni
Recessional: This will be (An everlasting love) - Natalie Cole
First Dance: N/A
Bannock’s cousin Bryce played the piano while the guests were seated for the ceremony, and “Until the Last Moment” by Yanni was played for the procession, who is and has been Bannock’s favorite pianist since he was a little boy!
The couple chose to personalize their vows – and are forever glad they decided to do so.
“It has been so sweet to look back and remember our vows to each other, and it gave our friends and family a deeper glimpse into our relationship.”
A Reception of Ultimate Romance
The couple used Bannock’s grandpa’s home-roasted coffee beans as wedding favors for their guests to take home with them!
A big WOW to these sweet treats! The couple had mini-tiered confections from Fantasy Frostings for their guests to enjoy and that display is truly stunning!
Okay, where do we BEGIN with this decor!? From the hanging chandeliers to the white fleece chairs, and the romantic tablescape design… this is truly one for the books! It’s both cozy and romantic as well as timeless and we just want to join this group for dinner!
As you can see, florals also played a big part in setting the scene. Enchanted Express worked their magic to display white roses throughout the ceremony and reception, and we simply can’t get enough.
The golden accents sprinkled throughout truly make a statement amongst the mostly white decor.
Celebration Under the Lights
Making their day feel unique to Alexa and Bannock as a couple was essential. Alexa shares that arranging playlists has always been a favorite hobby, so she thought it’d be fitting to arrange their own playlist to play throughout the reception, incorporating feel-good artists like Michael Buble, Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, and Frank Sinatra.
So much advice, but I'll narrow it down to a few items! A wedding planner who listens, gets you and your vision, and helps you stay organized and on track is a must-have. Natalie and the Good Affair team were amazing and helped bring to life the wedding of our dreams (and then some). I'm a huge procrastinator, but thankfully I had plenty of experienced women around me who helped me prepare everything the night before so I could enjoy the wedding day stress-free. Choose wedding elements that make it your day - decisions should bring you joy and feel like you. Remember to be present on the day-of and soak in each little moment with your significant other!
“As our wedding was in January and my go-to drink during the colder months has unfailingly consisted of apple cider, I thought it was only fitting to offer an Apple cider cart, as well as hot chocolate and coffee for our guests, and accompany our drinks with cinnamon sticks, little marshmallows and other fun additions so our guests could “build their own drink.”
A huge congrats are in order for Alexa and Bannock! We wish you the happiest of days as you embark on this new stage of life together, and hope you both are enjoying married life! Here’s to years of love and laughter to come!
photography: Cambria Shelley // venue name: Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, California, United States // event design: A Good Affair // planning: A Good Affair // florals: Enchanted Express // bridesmaid dresses: BHLDN // hair stylist: 1011 Beauty // makeup artist: 1011 Beauty // videography: Forever Wedding Films // catering: Monarch Beach Resort // cake: (Faux Cake): Intricakes // desserts: Fantasy Frostings // music: Elevated Pulse // models: Cotton Candy Cart: The Jolly Sheep // photo booth: Pixster // cocktails: Espresso Cart: Lattes on Location
very nice photos and color palette. What a fairy and lightning wedding. Thank you!
Their wedding is just wonderful. I got some few ideas on what I will do on my future wedding.