This wedding is best described by the bride as boho with a side of fancy, fancy which translates into equal parts killer style and vendor dream team. From design by Yifat Oren & Stefanie Cove, to richly hued florals by The Velvet Garden and Gia Canali behind the lens. In the full gallery you’ll find a moonlit ceremony so enchanting followed by a ballroom reception with glamour tucked into every nook.
From Gia Canali….Nicole and Doug are among our favorite couples ever, for so many reasons, not least of which is their abundance of humor and their exuberance. Their moonlit ceremony-in-the-round was incredibly romantic. And they didn’t have a seated dinner reception. It was more like a roving feast with an endless dance party.
The bride wore her grandmother’s antique jewels and the groom wore his grandfather’s cufflinks. They had champagne in coupes and Kir Royals as their signature drinks.
From The Bride…It was Nicole’s birthday and Doug woke her up with their dog Sheldon dressed in a tuxedo. (Sheldon is from the streets, but his essence is fancy. So we always thought he belonged in a tux and joked about it constantly). Nicole thought this was just a very thoughtful way to ring in her 28th year. When Doug suggested a hike in Griffith Park, Nicole threw on some sweat pants, and they both decided Sheldon should keep his tuxedo on. When they reached a beautiful plateau, where they normally stop to stretch and drink water, Doug asked a stranger to take a photo of them. Nicole picked up Sheldon and smiled for the camera, but did not feel Doug next to her. When she turned around to see what was up, he was on his knee with a ring. The stranger who Doug had asked to photograph the moment, was actually “a plant.” They had done a “dry run” two weeks prior, and he got the whole thing on video. When they got back to their house, Doug had arranged for all Nicole’s favorite foods (so, cheese) and champagne to be waiting for them upon arrival. That night, Doug surprised Nicole again, when she walked into a room filled with all of their closest friends, who thought they were there to celebrate her birthday. After a day like this, Nicole wasn’t sure whether Doug was trying to marry her or give her a heart attack and kill her.
Nicole got deep into Pinterest. Stone Fox Bride has some amazing boards to pull from. When we decided our dress code was going to be “Bohemian Black Tie,” Nicole had a blast making this super intense board for inspiration. It is mostly photos of Elton John wearing feathers and sequins. So, not that helpful to guests who were looking for a “rational explanation.”
We wanted it to just be a kick ass party from start to finish. We also had this theme of “circles”—putting the emphasis on inclusiveness and warmth. The dance floor was a giant circle, we drank from coupes, and most importantly, we got married “in the round.” That night, there were no separations, sides, or factions. Just total unity and oneness. At least that’s what we told people—the true reason is that we love being the center of attention.
– We read our own vows, and Doug final vow was, “I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life…looking for your cell phone.”
– Nicole, hopping on stage, and singing “Crazy in Love” with the band, which brought the house down. It was a completely impromptu moment, brought on by the Nicole’s “magic weave” (clip-in hair extensions really are everything).
– After the band played, DJ Sam French got on the ones and twos and everyone danced until 3:30 am.
– Also, Superman crashed the wedding, and bought everyone jack and cokes.
The best advice we received was to live in the moment as much as possible and don’t be a dick. Our advice is the same to other couples live in the moment as much as possible and don’t be a dick. As well as the sense of joy and gratitude that we each felt was palpable. We truly LIVED every moment.
Photography: Gia Canali Photography | Floral Designer: The Velvet Garden | Wedding Gown: Monique Lhuillier | Shoes: Manolo Blahnik | Makeup: Kristie Streicher | Hair: Tommy Buckett | DJ: DJ Sam French | Suit: John Varvatos | Wedding Venue: Hotel Bel-Air | Baker And Cake: The Butter End Cakery | Day-of Paper & Programs: Tiny Pine Press | Event Design And Production: Stefanie Cove and Co | Invites: Rifle Paper Co. | Rentals: Found Rental Co. | Rentals: Revelry Event Designers | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Tie: Lanvin | Veil: Stone Fox Bride