Santa Monica Wedding by Kristin Banta + Docuvitae

To celebrate the uber fabulous TV Special featuring Kristin Banta that is set to air tomorrow evening on Bravo, we have even more wedding goodness straight from the Style Maven herself. Because if there is one thing we love to do – it’s celebrate wedding goodness, particularly when it’s this jaw-droppingly gorgeous. So we are opening up the bubbly for all things Kristin this afternoon, with three cheers for this romantic work of art captured by the one and only Laura of Docuvitae. So kick off your heels and join in the celebration – and don’t forget, the after party is in the full gallery of images!

 click here for the FULL wedding gallery

Be sure to tune in to The Ring Leader February 14 at 7pm ET/PT on Bravo!

Stephanie and Matt wanted to create a romantic, fresh and traditional wedding for their guests to enjoy. They chose to have the ceremony at Westwood Presbyterian Church, and the reception at the gorgeous Hotel Casa Del Mar. Guests arrived at the gorgeous gothic style church, and were escorted to their seats by ushers as an organist played from the alter. The aisle featured a custom champagne runner, embellished with fresh white rose petals, and the pews were embellished with fresh stems of white phalenopsis orchids hung from select pews along the aisle.  At the top of the aisle, the alter table was detailed with dramatic overflowing creamy florals placed on tall gold candlestick bases. Following the ceremony, guests were handed delicate cones containing white petals which they tossed over the couple as they exited the church.  Guests then departed for for the hotel, where the nights festivities were set to begin. 

Upon arrival, guests were guided to the lower lobby where they found their escort cards on a rich wooden entry table set amongst tall submerged floral arrangements with floating candles, and vintage photos of the bride and grooms parents and grandparents on their wedding days. They then walked through the foyer of the ballroom to the exterior patio and were greeted by servers offering tray passed beverages and a decadent selection of hors d’oeuvres.  A jazz quartet will played lively music as guests conversed amongst high and low cocktail tables as well as two open full bars all draped in luxe textured navy linens adorned with cream florals in gold orb vessels along with an array of votives and hurricanes.

After an hour of mingling and enjoying the ocean views, guests were treated to a dramatic reveal of the ballroom as they were invited into the warmly lit space. Amber lights created a welcoming environment for guests to enjoy and a central dancefloor bathed in an intricate scrolling design by The Lighter Side for an elegant but fresh touch. Guests found their seats as the James Gang Encore band played “Vida La Vida” by Coldplay from a caramel colored stage embellished with a luxe champagne upholstered stage front. The guest tables featured luxurious champagne textured linens accented with gold rimmed Carrington chargers and water glasses from Classic Party Rentals, rich navy pocket folded napkins with custom gold and navy menus, gold dipped leaf napkin treatments and artichoke votives, high and low glass hurricanes with floating candles and rich cream and champagne florals on gold stands, which included pops of caramel feathers. The tables were all set with deep mahogany wood Chiavari chairs with navy cushions.

Next to the stage, a table draped in navy taffeta featured 3 cakes on gold and crystal stand, almond, strawberry & champagne, and berry, from Fantasy Frostings. Upon their arrival to the ballroom, the bride and groom made their grand entrance to “L.O.V.E.” by Nat King Cole, and wowed their guests with an intricate and beautifully choreographed first dance. Guests then enjoyed dancing and toasts in between a decadent 3 course dinner. 

Following dinner guests had the option of dancing or relaxing in a custom bar lounge vignette in the front lobby featuring camel sofas and club chairs, gold and glass tables and luxe custom pillows in an array of various textured gold and champagne fabrics from R. Jack Balthazar. The lounge area also featured gold plates offering fresh cookies in a variety of flavours from M Street Kitchen. A navy bar was placed in the lobby for guests to visit featuring a sophisticated gold back bar self adorned with candles and florals behind it. In addition, candy bar draped in the same rich navy textured linen showcased a decadent selection of candies placed in glass apothecary jars of multiple shapes and sizes and offered bags with custom stickers so guests could take home a sweet memento. After several hours of dancing, well wishes, and laughter the bride and groom bid farewell to family and friends. Two days later, they were off on their romantic Italian honeymoon.

Wedding Photography: Laura and Hannah of Docuvitae Photography / Wedding Design and Production: Kristin Banta Events / Flowers: Mille Fiore / Cinematography: Bluecat International / Invitations: Black Ink / Ceremony Location: Westwood Presbyterian Church / Reception Location: Hotel Casa Del Mar / Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Cake: Fantasy Frostings / Ceremony and Reception Music: West Coast Music / Lighting Design: The Lighter Side / Rentals: R. Jack Balthazar / Linens: La Tavola