Inspired by the grandmother’s art-deco ring that started their engagement, this stunning soiree is equal parts stylish and sweet. Going through the images from Rebecca Peplinski Photography is like peeling back layer after layer of lovely. From the Brides’ gorgeous gowns to the perfect florals from Blossom Floral Inc. and every detail planned to perfection by Hustle & Bustle, it doesn’t get better than this gallery.
Nicole wanted our venue to be outdoors and I wanted it to be modern, but we did not know how to make our vision a reality. The Skirball Cultural Center, like everything else our coordinator recommended, managed to represent both of our visions perfectly. Architecturally modern with an outdoor space complete with a reflection pond and the Santa Monica mountains in the background, we could not have imagined a better venue. Blossom Floral (recommended by Hustle and Bustle), also managed to find the ideal style that fit both Nicole’s and my tastes. I wanted a more organic feel to the flowers, and Nicole wanted a more structural arrangement. Blossom Floral created a Chuppah that was at once free flowing and still structured. She met with us numerous times to ensure we would be happy with the design, and did not leave any detail to chance. Because of the art deco theme we were aiming for, we agreed that we wanted a cake that reflected that era. Lark Cake Shop not only had the most delicious cakes we sampled, but also created a beautiful cake for us right out of the 1920s. H&B also recommended we use Theresa Huang for our make-up and hair. We could not have been happier. Theresa Huang understood the art deco look I was going for, and had enough stylists to help Nicole, me, and our bridesmaids all get ready in time for the big day. In fact, all of our bridesmaids ended up getting their make-up and hair done, despite originally planning on only doing their hair. Finally, we worked with the lovely and talented Emily Schwartz to design our save the dates (and eventually our invitations, etc.), and she perfectly encapsulated our art deco style.
I spent hours upon hours scouring Style Me Pretty, Pinterest, and everything Gatsby for inspiration.
I had no idea my partner would be SO interested in wedding planning. At first, I was floored, and mildly frustrated, as I thought I got to run the show. It was not until half-way through, when I realized our wedding would be reflecting us both, that I was so pleased. I would recommend talking to your partner about the level of involvement you will each have at the outset, and encourage him or her to be active in the decision-making process (there are so many decisions to be made!). If you are able to be on the same page throughout and work together, the end product will reflect you as a couple.
Also, it was not until we got closer to the wedding that I realized that this was not MY day. That I was beyond fortunate that so many people I cared about were able to SHARE the day with my wife and me, and I started reaching out to include and consider our friends and family as much as possible, both throughout the ceremony and the party.
Get a wedding planner (like Hustle and Bustle). Even if you want to plan the big day yourself, there are so many little issues that you won’t want to deal with on your big day that a fantastic wedding planner can take care of without you even knowing about!
Finally, make sure you have a second shooter for your photos. We did not decide on one until the very end, but we are so happy we got one.
When Rabbi Miller exclaimed, “I now pronounce you spiritually and legally wed!” Not only was that the highlight of the day, but without a doubt, the best moment of my life.
When we got engaged, I did not think the Supreme Court would be taking the Prop 8 case. Just in case, we optimistically planned our date to be after the last day a decision could come down, but we were still waiting with baited breath. On June 26, 2013, SCOTUS struck down a key part of the Defense of Marriage Act, and we exhaled. That moment, when we were finally married, felt monumental. This thing that I had never even thought could happen, had just happened…and I felt so incredibly thankful to everyone who had worked and fought to allow it to occur.
When I saw the chuppah, I was bowled over. Gorgeous. Rebecca from Blossom Floral did a stand-out job.
When I glanced over the railing before descending the staircase into the Taper Courtyard. I could see everyone looking at me, and I could see my wife, standing at the alter, waiting to marry me. All of the nerves and anxiety over seating charts and songs fell away. I was living in that moment, and all I felt was love.
Dancing with Nicole for the first time as my wife. Our good friend, Julia Faussone, offered to serenade us to the tune of “A Sunday Kind of Love.” With Julia’s incredible voice propelling us around the dance floor, I never wanted the moment to end.
Photography: Rebecca Peplinski Photography | Videographer: Randy Chia | Coordination: Hustle and Bustle | Floral Design: Blossom Floral | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Wedding Dress: Lea-Ann Belter Bridal Flagship Boutique | Cake: Lark Cake Shop | Bride's Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Bride's Shoes: Charles David | Hair And Makeup: Kohnur | Lighting: Del Rey | DJ: DJ Jared Newman | Harpist: Katrina Saroyan, Harpist | Venue: Skirball Cultural Center | Alterations: A Stitch In Time | Photo Booth: Best Booth Plus LA | Reception Dress: BHLDN | Rentals: Orchid Party Rental | Second Shooter: Matthew William Photography