When two music editors get married, you know you’re guaranteed a pretty fabulous fete. Toss in a gorgeous Malibu location, Events Of Distinction leading the way and Vantage Point Productions catching every second and you’re in for a real treat. Catherine Hall captured every picture perfect moment and I’m kicking off the week with some solid time in this fabulous gallery.
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From Events Of Distinction… A native New Englander, Melissa studied Music Production & Engineering at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, then headed to LA in search of a career in the music business. After a few difficult months trying to find work, she landed an internship with the composer for the film “Black Hawk Down.” Her talents became immediately evident, and Melissa went on to become a music editor for a number of high-profile films, including the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series.
Her life took another exciting turn when a co-worker (and soon-to-be matchmaker) told Melissa that a fellow music editor had a huge crush on her. Ryan had first encountered Melissa while briefly visiting her cutting room to help her assistant with a small task. He recalls, “I was immediately taken by this beautiful woman.” But in the days that followed, whenever he saw Melissa in the hallway, Ryan was too nervous to say anything more than a passing “hello”. Fortunately, the co-worker stepped in and took it upon herself to invite both Melissa and Ryan out for cocktails one evening after work. They ended up talking for hours, and thus their Hollywood love story began.
After Melissa & Ryan hired Events of Distinction to produce their wedding, we first set out to find the perfect seaside site for their celebration. After seeing several coastal locations, Melissa & Ryan selected the spectacular Stone Manor estate in Malibu. An elegant, gilt-edged letterpress invitation from Bella Figura set the stage for the stylish celebration.
Four darling dachshunds, which had been “adopted” by Melissa from animal shelters, were escorted to their front-row seats by Ryan and Melissa’s mom. As Ryan waited adoringly at the altar, Melissa glided down the aisle in a magnificent Vera Wang gown, while the string quartet played the Beatles’ classic Across the Universe.
After witnessing wedded bliss, guests were graciously directed down a flagstone pathway to the cocktail area and more breathtaking ocean views. Wrought iron cocktail tables were painted antique white and topped with centerpieces of café au lait dahlias and ivory accents. A stylish bar served up two specialty drinks: Jalapeño Margaritas and Cucumber Martinis, while a festive food station enticed guests with Thai Basil Rolls, Belgian Endive Leaves and Ahi Tuna Trumpets.
To direct guests to their dining destination, escort cards were displayed on a rococo mirror with a custom fabric panel insert. The tablescapes were complemented with a collection of candles and a baby glass orb filled with moss, platinum ribbon and blush flower blooms completed the napkin treatment.
To help guests burn off some calories, the DJ got them revved up on the dance floor. But diets could wait another day – there were more calories to come… Inspired by Melissa’s love of vintage charm a dessert station featured vanilla bean, banana bittersweet, spicy carrot and key lime cupcake babies; Southern banana pudding, dirt cake, Meyer lemon raspberry and peanut butter crunch icebox dessert shots; butterscotch and vanilla macaroons and chocolate truffle and red velvet cake lollipops.
In celebration of Melissa and Ryan’s joyous day and their love of animals, a sterling silver wand and crystal bubble jar was given to each couple to help support LA shelter animals. Melissa and Ryan’s wedding celebrated their love for each other with family, friends and their furry children – Huckleberry, Bowie, Penelope and Zero.
Photography: Catherine Hall Studios | Event Planning: Events of Distinction | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Wedding Bands: Philip Press | Catering: Along Came Mary | Make Up: The Studio Agency | Ceremony Music: Calder Quaret | Transportation: Exquisite Transportation | Bride's Necklace: Philip Press | Bride's Shoe Designer: Isabel Marant | Ceremony & Reception Venue: Stone Manor In Malibu | Desserts: Vanilla Bake Shop | Dog Apparel: Bitch New York | Dog Apparel: My Formal Dog | Florist & Decor: Mille Fiore | Groom's Wardrobe And Shoe Designer: Paul Smith | Invitations And Wedding Paper Goods: Bella Figura | Linens: Wildflower Linen | Reception Music: Leonard Neil Productions | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Rentals: Rrivre Works | Wedding Cinematography: Vantage Point