As we wrap up the first week of 2016, I’m thrilled to share with you an exquisite real wedding that embodies the perfect blend of laid-back elegance and joy. Emily and Sven’s Malibu celebration is a masterclass in effortless planning, infectious fun, and unforgettable memories.
The talented Marianne Wilson Photography beautifully captures every stylish detail of this dream day, which was meticulously planned by the couple from their home in Germany, with the help of family, friends (aka the Love Crew), and Orange Blossom Special Events.
The result is a stunning oceanside setting, a fashionably eclectic mix-and-match attire, chic modern decor, relaxed socializing, and an atmosphere that’s as easygoing as it is joyful – just like Sven and Emily’s special day was in their own words. It’s no surprise that this international couple knows how to throw a truly unforgettable party.
Wedding Day Snapshot
As we wrap up the first week of 2016, I’m thrilled to share with you an exquisite real wedding that embodies the perfect blend of laid-back elegance and joy. Emily and Sven’s Malibu celebration is a masterclass in effortless planning, infectious fun, and unforgettable memories.
The talented Marianne Wilson Photography beautifully captures every stylish detail of this dream day, which was meticulously planned by the couple from their home in Germany, with the help of family, friends (aka the Love Crew), and Orange Blossom Special Events.
The result is a stunning oceanside setting, a fashionably eclectic mix-and-match attire, chic modern decor, relaxed socializing, and an atmosphere that’s as easygoing as it is joyful – just like Sven and Emily’s special day was in their own words. It’s no surprise that this international couple knows how to throw a truly unforgettable party.
Wedding Inspiration
To create an unforgettable experience for our loved ones, we aimed to craft a wedding that harmoniously blended with the venue’s essence. We sought a setting that was inviting yet understated, neither too formal nor too casual. Our ultimate goal was for our guests to feel like they were witnessing the true essence of our special day. To achieve this vision, we opted for an understated decor approach, allowing the natural beauty of the venue to take center stage.
As night fell, we introduced market lights to illuminate the dance floor, transforming it into a magical space that sparkled with warmth and joy.
The Attire
Emily opted for a dress she had purchased during a girls’ trip to NYC with her mom and sisters. After trying on a few options, this one stood out due to its uniqueness and perfectly capturing her personal style. Meanwhile, Sven went for a classic suit. As for our wedding party, we gave the bridesmaids the freedom to choose their own attire, which initially seemed like an easier decision, but ultimately led to similar anxiety levels as deciding on what each should wear.
Our witness’s choice was selected in collaboration with us, while the groomsmen donned suits and coordinated ties, courtesy of Sven’s thoughtful purchase.
The Photography
Marianne’s exceptional photography skills have been impressing Emily for years, dating back to their shared connection through Abigail, Emily’s sister, who worked alongside her at Peet’s Coffee. Despite scrolling through countless wedding albums, none have left a lasting impression like Marianne’s consistently stunning images.
Advice for Other Couples
While it’s natural to want to go all out on your special day, remember to strike a balance between meticulous planning and genuine enjoyment. Consider hiring a reliable planner who can help you stay organized without overwhelming you. Ultimately, focus on celebrating the true significance of the day and make sure both the preparation and the event itself bring you joy.
The Budget
We invested in venue, invitations, and chair rentals – opting for gold foil and ghost chairs as per Emily’s wishes. However, our expenses remained relatively controlled. It was the incremental costs that caught up to us: a few hundred dollars here and there, which quickly added up. One area where we were able to stick to our budget was food, and we were thrilled with our caterer choice – who exceeded our expectations and received rave reviews from our guests.
The Decor & Details
We’re grateful to Orange Blossom, who played a significant role in bringing our vision to life. Planning a wedding from a distance often means sacrificing personal touches, but they intuitively understood our needs. With minimal guidance, they created an event that perfectly reflected our original ideas.
The Refreshments
To foster a sense of community among our guests, we opted for a family-style dinner setting. This approach allowed tables to mingle and interact more freely, breaking down barriers and creating an atmosphere of camaraderie. And the best part: no one had to worry about making individual selections, as everyone could enjoy a variety of dishes. In a similar vein, our cocktail hour was designed to be a highlight of the evening.
We set up a margarita bar featuring a selection of creative concoctions crafted by Mother’s Medicine. The result was a lineup of crowd-pleasing drinks that quickly became the talk of the party.
The Music
As we navigated the intricacies of planning our special day, we carefully curated every detail to reflect our love and personalities. The processional, ‘Cannonball’ by Damien Rice, set the tone for a heartfelt celebration. In contrast, the recessional, ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’, marked a triumphant conclusion to the ceremony. For our first dance, we chose ‘Hallelujah (I Love Her So)’ by Ray Charles, which had us giggling with excitement as we took dance classes in preparation.
However, Emily’s elaborate dress got the better of her on our actual first dance, resulting in a comical stumble. We’ve since re-created the moment during our honeymoon and shared it online – click here to relive the magic.
Favourite Moments
For Sven, one of the most memorable moments from his special day is when Emily emerged around the corner to walk down the aisle. The sight brought tears to his eyes as he gazed upon the love of his life. It’s a moment that still takes his breath away. Throughout the celebration, there were many cherished moments for the couple. One highlight was their sweetheart table at dinner, which afforded them a stunning view of all the loved ones who had gathered to join in the joy.
They reveled in the warm atmosphere and each other’s company as they took in the festivities. The party itself was a non-stop celebration, with everyone letting loose on the dance floor from start to finish. The limited time frame, thanks to their Sunday wedding in a state park, added an extra layer of excitement and urgency to the proceedings.
The Honeymoon
After a quick overnight stop in Germany, we embarked on an 11-day escapade to the Maldives, where we shed our worries and immersed ourselves in serenity. That experience was nothing short of extraordinary; the scenery is simply breathtaking – I adore the stylish attire and non-traditional approach to wedding parties, as well as the innovative margarita bar concept.
We’re grateful to Marianne Wilson Photography, Orange Blossom Special Events, and the lovely couple Emily & Sven for entrusting us with their enchanting outdoor wedding tale.