Pink will always have a special place in our hearts but you know what? I’m ready for something a bit bolder, brighter. It’s time for red! And this wedding captured by Jasmine Star is kicking it all off in chic style. Set at the beautiful Bel Air Bay Club and full of lush peonies, roses and dahlias in a variety of crimson colors, we have a modern masterpiece. See every radiant red detail in our Vault here!
From the Bride… Max and I met among friends in a co-ed soccer league. I noticed him right away. He and his best friend (our future Best Man) were the ringers for the team; usually scoring all the goals. But beyond that he had a great smile, was quick to laughter (and of course had a great soccer physique) and I was drawn to him right away. We were both commuting to the games and because of the distance we often didn’t get to join the rest of the team for group outings and practices. Max asked for my number so he could organize a practice for a few of us coming from the other side of town. Oddly enough, he was the only one to show up to practice. He says he didn’t plan it that way, but I like to give him more credit. Nonetheless, after an afternoon filled with flirtation we were both hooked, and the rest is history.
I had an inclination that the proposal was coming. I couldn’t help but feel it might happen at any time. He said he was carrying around the ring for days and was waiting for the perfect moment. After work one day he asked me to meet him at the Rancho Bernardo Inn for a candlelight dinner on their beautiful Spanish style back patio that overlooks the golf course. After a romantic evening, dusk was falling and he took my hand and led me away from the restaurant towards an outdoor fireplace. The air was cool and we snuggled next to the fireplace where he took my hand and began to tell me how much he loves and cares about me. Before I knew what was happening he was bent on one knee asking me to marry him. It didn’t take me more than a second to say yes to the love of my life.
Max and I have always been inspired by Italian architecture, food and wine. We really wanted to transport ourselves and our guests to Tuscany with the wedding venue and décor. The challenge was that in Southern California finding a Villa is no easy task. We decided on transforming the beautiful Bel Air Bay Club in Pacific Palisades nestled between Santa Monica and Malibu with romantic touches from Tuscany. The Bel Air Bay Club is covered with an elegant stone that has an Old World feel and sits on a hilltop with breathtaking ocean views. We thought that loose florals of ivory, blush and cranberry with touches of olive leaves would lend themselves nicely to the space. We surrounded our guests in candlelight to create a warm and romantic atmosphere. Greenery draped from the rustic chandelier at the entrance to the reception. Guests were given olive bottles with rosemary as place cards directing them to their table labeled by our most loved Italian cities. Each place setting had a personalized menu with olive sprigs and guests could look forward to a spread of beautiful Italian specialties for dessert. We had a special monogram made that we will cherish for the rest of our lives together. This monogram could be found throughout the venue, on the napkins, menu’s, olive leave bags (meant to toss after our vows) and stamped in wax seals on our wedding invitations. The wedding process was extra challenging being that we live in San Diego and the venue is a good two to three hour drive from our home. We often had to make the drive for tastings, floral mock-ups, vendor meetings etc. However, after a day filled with so much romance, love, laughter and friendship we would do it all over again without a second thought.
Photography: Jasmine Star Photography | Event Planning: Brooke Keegan Special Events | Floral Design: Olive Willow Designs | Wedding Dress: Essense of Australia | Cake : Sweet Lady Jane | Invitations: Jen Simpson Design | Hair + Makeup: Beauty Affair | DJ: Vive Entertainment | Groom's Attire: The Black Tux | Wedding Venue: Bel Air Bay Club