Photo: Beautiful Day Photography
Alexa and Matt—a medical sales representative and a pharmaceutical sales representative, respectively—collided two years ago as they turned the corner of a client's office. "We became friends," Alexa says. "And a year later, our friendship got a lot friendlier."
When mutual friends proposed a spontaneous trip to Palm Springs, California, Alexa didn't blink an eye. But behind the scenes, Matt was pulling all the strings—he'd secretly set up the vacation as a cover for his proposal. The couple traversed the city's largest mountain at sunset and at the top, Matt popped the question with a pear-shaped diamond ring Alexa loved.
The couple chose Beverly Hills' Greystone Mansion to host their August wedding because the massive home and its manicured were the perfect mix of formal and chic—a combination the couple craved. "We wanted soft colors that would complement the existing colors of the building, gardens and patios," Alexa explains, describing the couple's color palette of blush pink and slate gray.
Photo: Beautiful Day Photography
The bride's svelte, strapless Pronovias gown was simple, yet stunning. "I am petite," Alexa explains, "and I felt like I was getting lost in some of the large ball gowns. I debated adding fabric and crystal belts or bows, but I think my favorite element was the elegant simplicity." Alexa's only jewelry—cubic zirconia pear-shaped earrings and a bracelet—coordinated with her engagement ring.
Photo: Beautiful Day Photography
An elbow-length veil perched at the crown of her half-up-half-down hairstyle added serious drama to the bride's otherwise sophisticated style.
Photo: Beautiful Day Photography
The bride describes her bouquet as "an elegant and romantic mix" of blush pink roses, hydrangea and lisianthus, with a "touch of dusty miller." The soft blooms matched perfectly the three styles of Alfred Sung knee-length, pale pink dupioni dresses that bridesmaids selected for themselves.
Photo: Beautiful Day Photography
With the exception of pale pink rose petals swirled down the aisle, Alexa and Matt left the ceremony space bare. "The garden was beautiful enough on its own," the bride explains.
The couple's wedding planner had to promise the three-year-old ring bearer, Mason, a brand new Power Ranger to coax him onto the aisle. "It worked," Alexa says, "and we have great photos of him happy with his Power Ranger. Even though he started out behind the girls, he pulled ahead halfway down the aisle and got there first."
But when the ring bearer's trip down the aisle ended, his time in the spotlight did not. As couple's officiant concluded the ceremony with the words, "To keep your marriage brimming, with love in the loving cup, whenever you're wrong admit it—whenever you're right, shut up," Mason cried, "Shut up is not a nice word!"
"He got a really great laugh out of everyone," the bride recalls.
Photo: Beautiful Day Photography
Matt's pink rose boutonniere popped against his Vera Wang Black suit. To each of his three groomsmen, the groom gifted a pair of custom black-and-white high-top Chuck Taylors, which the men donned at the couple's after party.
Photo: Beautiful Day Photography
Guests found their tables on the mansion's expansive patio by using elegant tented escort cards made by the bride and groom. "Guests were assigned to tables, but could choose their own seat at their table," the bride explains.
Photo: Beautiful Day Photography
Rich slate gray linens covered 10 round tables topped with arrangements of white roses, hydrangea, lisianthus and dahlias. Menu cards were set on glass beaded chargers. "Elegant, Beverly Hills-chic," the bride says, describing their reception look.
"We wanted the food to be memorable and delicious, and Wolfgang Puck was excellent," the bride recalls. Menu highlights included hand-formed agnolotti with sweet corn, wild striped bass with feta-scallion potato puree, and slow-braised short ribs with caramelized shallots and mustard.
Photo: Beautiful Day Photography
As a DJ played a mix of hip-hop, top 40 and classic hits, the couple took the opportunity to mimic their cake topper's iconic pose. The three-tier white cake alternated with layers Madagascar Bourbon vanilla bean and dark chocolate, filled with vanilla butter cream, caramel, French sea salt and fresh strawberries.
Photo: Beautiful Day Photography
Both the groomsmen's custom sneakers and the cake made an appearance at the couple's after party at the Sofitel Hotel. Says the bride, "Guests were digging in to a whole tier with forks!"
—Jillian Kramer
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Greystone Mansion || Wedding Planner: || Especially For You Event Consulting Services || Florist: Peony and Plum || Rentals: White Night Rentals || Favors: Craft || Caterer: Wolfgang Puck || Cake: Vanilla Bake Shop || Ceremony Music: Angelica Strings || Gown: Pronovias || Bridal Salon: Beautiful Day Wedding || Suit: Vera Wang Black || Bridesmaids: Alfred Sung || Photography: Beautiful Day Photography