Erica and Justin’s wedding was one that their friends and family had been waiting for, and looking forward to, for a very long time. Erica and Justin met in middle school and began dating in high school. After dating throughout high school, during their four years at The University of Michigan, and into their early 20s, Justin proposed to Erica in their home. It was a romantic proposal, using rose petals, candles and champagne (what more could a girl want?!) to win her heart.
Erica and Justin’s Wedding Ceremony and Reception took place at The Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. Erica had wanted a venue that offered an indoor and outdoor setting, as well as a caterer with kosher food. Erica had her Bat Mitzvah at The Skirball, so it already held a special place in her heart as the perfect setting for her wedding. It was just meant to be.
Erica’s vision was to have a “simple, but elegant and romantic wedding. She wanted to blend beauty with a contemporary feel, based on a color scheme of whites, blush, lavender and accents of silver.
The bridal bouquet consisted of all white peonies, while her bridesmaids carried bouquets of blush flowers, made up of roses, hydrangeas and her very favorite flower, dahlias.
In traditional Jewish wedding fashion, we designed a chuppah that was beautifully adorned in lavish florals by Amy Childs, from The Hidden Garden. It truly encompassed the overall theme and was simply gorgeous. Erica made a dramatic entrance down a long staircase… and even longer aisle.
Erica had written in a diary that documented their entire friendship… and romantic relationship. That set the tone for the entire evening. To personalize their wedding…. we created a video that actually showed her diary with the words written…. ” I think I am going to marry Justin Nussen”…. and played their introduction to the video montage of their lives and courtship to the song, “Today I met the man I’m going to marry.” Everyone was blown away and so happy to be a part of their happiness.
Their wedding cake, designed with Kimberly from The Butter End, was composed of four white, frosted layers that were beautifully embossed with a quilted pattern and separated by layers of silver crystal embellished decor. The show-shopping cake was displayed on a silver plateau and it sat on a silver, sequined La Tavola linen.
Our goal was to create a “magical look” for such a special couple and make their dreams come true. From beginning to end, it was a “Dream Wedding” and we were thrilled to be a part of it!
Photography: Embrace Life Photography | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Floral Design: The Hidden Garden | Venue: The Skirball Center | Cake: The Butter End Cakery | Linens: La Tavola Linens | Dress: Amsale Bridal | Shoes: Christian Louboutin | Band: Rick Cowling for West Coast Music
XOXO Linda
As the guests were ushered to the front patio for cocktails and hors d’oeurves, we were busy turning over the ceremony space into the most magical dinner reception. We transformed the chuppah into the perfect spot for their beautiful wedding cake and placed dining tables and gold chamelion chairs onto the back patio for the unmatchable 9-course meal that never stopped. The champagne coin table linens were mirrored by the champagne coin curtains that draped the walls of the entire restaurant. The romantic candlelight created an atmosphere that was the perfect blend of sophistication and magic. Hand-painted personalized stones were used as place cards and personalized white chopsticks were tucked into the napkins.
We draped walls of the Grand Del Mar ballroom with a gorgeous organza. 1,000 candles were lit everywhere, or at least appears that way with the way the room sparkled. We were able to make the ballroom feel intimate through the use of various table shapes, sizes and materials. Alternating chairs were also used at each table including Ghost Chairs.
For the head table we decided to do something a little different. We used an elevated table with high back Regency bar stools. Located next to the dance floor, this elevated table created some extra drama to the design. The head table was mirrored while three translucent shades wrapped around chandeliers hung over the guests. The table was adorned with low floral story created by Kathy Wright.
Their Dance floor was high gloss white and black combo that reflected the light of the room beautifully. Vignettes surrounded the dance floor so guests could watch the bride and groom’s first dance. The monogrammed vinyl graphic projected the couple’s initials onto the dance floor.
There was a four-sided bar until after dinner, where it converted into a 3 sided dessert bar. A sweet palette of mini whoopee pies, macaroons, lemon bars, candy apples were served with a coffee station. The full four-sided bar was 13×16 draped with a platinum rosette linen. The top of the bar was trimmed with crystal cut metal and topped with a mirror.
With just over a year to prepare for their wedding, the couple began by selecting their perfect location. The bride knew she desired a full-service venue in Los Angeles that could host a beautiful outdoor ceremony as well as offer a kosher meal. A luxury Beverly Hills hotel met all requirements with flying colors, and planning got underway. The musically inclined groom was put in charge of the entertainment, while all other decisions were left up to the bride, her mother, and the couple’s expert consultants.
