Chic & Elegant Santa Monica Wedding

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Sometimes I just stop short while I'm working and think, 'Wow, how cool is my job!'

Because I get to share beautiful weddings like Cheryl and Eugene's (and call it work!)

Captured by the incredible Chaz Cruz Photography ,(who photographed this cool Palm Springs engagement shoot), this wedding is the perfect blend of West Coast sunshine and East Coast sophistication.

College sweethearts, living in NYC, Cheryl and Eugene knew they wanted to return to Southern California, where they'd first met, for their wedding.

Hoping for something classic and elegant, yet with a fun feel and natural setting, the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica was the perfect venue.

With a stunning Monique Lhuillier wedding gown (I love the detail at the back!), Cheryl was a chic and refined bride, perfectly paired with Eugene in black tie, and bridesmaids in blush.

Opulent soft pink and white blooms tied the whole look together beautifully, with a reception dotted with sweet touches and luxe details.

Sequins, chandeliers, sweet treats and fabulously floristry; who know sophistication could look so fun!

Wedding Day Snapshot

Our Love Story

Eugene is my college sweetheart and first boyfriend. We met in front of the library at UCSD when I was 19 (Eugene was 20). The courtship began with a spark, teasing, and playful banter. As the initial crush grew into an enduring friendship, Eugene turned out to be my first and last boyfriend. A week before my 30th birthday, Eugene took me to Wave Hill, a garden estate overseeing the Hudson River. At a gazebo on top of the hill, he got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife. He explained that he had chosen that specific day because it held tremendous significance. The day marked 10 years, 10 months and 10 days of dating. Touched by his words, I ecstatically said yes and we celebrated with champagne and treats from Dean and Deluca.

The Venue

We quickly agreed that we wanted our wedding to be held back home in Southern California, even though we both live in New York. A s an avid lover of nature, Eugene was drawn to the idea of performing our nuptials under a gorgeous tree. When we found that the Fairmont Hotel in Santa Monica had an impressive Moreton Bay fig tree, we knew the search for the ideal venue was over.

The Ceremony

The ceremony itself was sweet and intimate. We were delighted to include our friends as a significant part of the affair. Scott and Cindy played the guitar and cello to perfection. Brian, our officiant, recited a touching speech that told our story and unique dynamic as a couple.

Our Favourite Moments

The best part of our day was that we had our favorite photographer (Chaz Cruz Photography) and videographer (Geldermann Team) to capture every moment. One of our cherished memories is crossing Ocean Boulevard for a private moment away from the festivities. We quietly watched the sun set over the calm waters before joining our loved ones to celebrate the night away.

The Decor Inspiration

With the stunning Santa Monica waters just steps away, we wanted the wedding to have a natural, beachside feel. Yet, we still wanted the atmosphere to exude sophistication and elegance. Our ingenious florist, Ivie, brought our vision to life with capiz vases and modern chandeliers. For the floral design, she created a gorgeous palette consisting of blush, cream, and pops of pink.

The Decor & Details

For the reception, we added a personal touch by placing story cards throughout the ballroom. Each table number represented a memorable time in our life. My personal favorite was our story card at table three that read "Three months, he told her he loved her." One of our favorite parts was working with our friend, Phil, in designing our invitation. His design juxtaposed a cursive font in rose gold foil with a basic script in grey type. It set the tone of the wedding - contemporary sophistication with a hint of playfulness.