It’s nearly impossible for things to go awry for Ben + Courtney. They tend to have excellent luck in just about everything they do (so she says). They had flawless weather on their wedding day, and she told us that their dinner party under the stars wedding, with an incredible ocean view, defined them as the luckiest people on earth. We should all be so lucky to feel that way after months of planning a wedding, yes? The key factor for them was making sure they kept things casual, focusing their efforts on a beautiful view, memorable food aka Heirloom LA, and a laid-back feel. Less is more, Courtney said. I’m so glad we chose a few things that mattered to us, and just pushed our money into those areas.
Courtney’s bouquet recipe, made by Peony & Plum: Peach Cafe au lai dahlias, Patience garden roses, Blue thistle, Fresh lavender, White astilbe, Peach stock, Ivory spray roses, Black scabiosa, White lisianthus, Burgundy leucadendron, and Seeded eucalyptus.
Her entire look is so ethereal, isn’t it? We just love her Gold Surfing Mimosa Collar by Aurèlie Biedermann and Alexander McQueen dress.
Instead of party favors, Ben and I decided to write handwritten notes to each of our guests that doubled as their place cards. This took us over a month to complete, but it was the one tiny touch we got the most compliments on.
Less is more. I’m so glad we chose a few things that mattered to us, and just pushed our money into those areas. We wanted our guests to be happy, more than anything, so the majority of our money went toward the food, the drinks, and the transportation to get everyone up the winding hill. And for our out of town guests, we dropped off mini cans of Sofia Blanc de Blancs. You can never get the party started early enough!
For more inspiration check out our Wedding Ideas section + Pinterest boards.
Photographer: Erin J. Saldana / Ceremony & Reception Venue: Rancho del Cielo, Malibu / Event Coordinator: Marcia Vidal of Crystal Clear Weddings / Invitation Designer: Kate’s Paperie, with custom RSVP postcards by Gold Teeth Brooklyn / Hair & Makeup: Fiore Beauty / Florist: Peony & Plum / Cake: Sweet Lady Jane / Catering: Heirloom LA / Rentals: Smart Party Rentals / Wedding dress designer: Alexander McQueen purchased at the Alexander McQueen boutique in Manhattan / Wedding shoes: Cole Haan / Necklace: Gold Surfing Mimosa Collar by Aurèlie Biedermann / Groom’s Suit: Hugo Boss / Shoes: Zara
