This Supermodel Had the Dreamiest Italian Wedding… in Orange County, California!

Supermodel Bianca Balti Wedding

Italian supermodel and Sports Illustrated Rookie of the Year, Bianca Balti wed Matthew McRae at the Fullerton Courthouse on August 1, 2016. Exactly a year later, they renewed their vows in the DREAMIEST way imaginable. Wanting to bring the feeling of the island of Capri to California, B+R requested the help of event designer Natalie of A Good Affair. Natalie tells us: When she came to us, she wanted a unique design and someone to help her create an intimate dream wedding in Laguna Beach, reminiscent of the island of Capri.

Bianca wanted to get married in Laguna, but didn’t want a traditional ‘beach wedding,’ so The Ranch made the perfect venue — with its idyllic view of the mountains. Lemons served as a major theme, as they’re seen so often in Southern Italian design + every day life. Plus, they gave everything a fresh + cheery feeling — from the hand-lettered signs, to the place cards, and even centerpieces.

Ready to be transported to Italy…er, Orange County?! Let’s take in all the details captured by Brett Hickman Photographers.

The Details

favors

Little packets of dried florals + petals were given to each guest to “shower the bride + groom with love” as the exited the ceremony.

greenery aisle

The Ceremony Space

Bianca Balti Laguna Wedding

All that greenery + white florals — how lovely is this?! When the backdrop is of gorgeous mountains, you don’t need to create anything over-the-top. We do love how the vintage pews added the perfect touch of old, complemented by all the fresh greenery.

half moon florals

Supermodel Bianca Balti Wedding

Bianca Balti Laguna Wedding

Bianca Balti Laguna Wedding

Matilde and Mia wore mini-me versions of Bianca’s gown — isn’t that darling?

Bianca Balti Laguna Wedding

Hello, GORGEOUS! Bianca spotted this creamy lace empire-waist dress with princess sleeves by Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda, during a show in Milan a few years ago. 

She shares: I was actually walking in the show and a colleague of mine was wearing it. I took a photo knowing that this was the dreamiest dress I’d ever seen. When the moment came, I had no doubt that I wanted to wear it! I owe so much of my career to Dolce & Gabbana that it just felt natural to have a dress designed by them.

Supermodel Bianca Balti Wedding

lemons

Lemons galore! If you’ve ever been to Italy, you probably picked up that they’re frequently seen in décor items (as well as cooking, of course!), so naturally this Italian-inspired wedding had to incorporate lemons!

Bianca Balti Laguna Wedding

hanging floras

Take a look at those eyelet tablecloths from Luxe Linens!

The Tablescape

Bianca Balti Laguna Wedding

The event designer, Natalie of A Good Affair tells us: We set out to build an outdoor environment that was absolutely breathtaking. We built a structure with a ceiling of bistro lights, greenery, florals, and hanging lemons. So romantic and fresh!

Bianca Balti Laguna Wedding

Bianca Balti Laguna Wedding

How fun, fresh + bright are those centerpieces brimming with white florals + lemons?

Bianca Balti Laguna Wedding

The main theme behind the day was bringing in pieces of Bianca’s home country — Capri and Sicily in particular — while paying homage to her new home, Orange County. Small Italian candles called bomboniere were given as party favors (handmade in Lodi, Italy, where Bianca grew up). The final touch? A Mediterranean-inspired menu complete with gazpacho, a citrus-infused salad, along with salmon or steak!

naked citrus cake

Modern, simple, + oh-so chic! IntriCakes created this confectionary masterpiece, and we’d definitely like a slice!

Congratulazioni, to the happy couple! It seriously looks like this wedding could’ve been held in Italy, don’t you think?

photography: Brett Hickman Photographers // venue name: The Ranch at Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, California, USA // event design: A Good Affair Wedding & Event Production // planning: A Good Affair Wedding & Event Production // florals: Bloom Box Designs // wedding dress: Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda // bride's ring: Cartier 'Love' collection // hair stylist: Ella Said // makeup artist: Ozzy Salvatierra // groom's ring: Cartier 'Love' collection // videography: 618 Studios // paper goods: A Good Affair Wedding & Event Production // calligraphy: A Good Affair Wedding & Event Production // cake: IntriCakes // desserts: Susiecakes // tabletop rentals: The Ark Rentals // furniture rentals: Found Vintage Rentals // linen rentals: Luxe Linens // music: Elevated Pulse Productions // lighting: Premier Lighting // photo booth: Union Booth

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