Anyone in the mood to kick the week off with a gorgeous Malibu wedding? We are, always. Lena + Luke had three musts for their big day: 1) it had to be outdoors and in nature, 2) it had to be intimate and stylish (emphasis on delicious food and gorgeous flowers!), and 3) there had to be an incredible dance party. And being a designer, Luke designed all of the signage, menus, and a film to share with guests. Yep… Their day was as lovely as it sounds, so we made sure to pack in a ton of Elli Lauren‘s photos for your perusal, below:
Before the wedding, they also stayed in Malibu, where they could for an early morning swim before getting ready on the big day. Lena runs a surf therapy company called Saltwater Sessions, so it’s no surprise that she wanted to start her day on the water.
Our favorite moments were the tisch and the speeches. For anyone who’s unfamiliar with a tisch, it’s a Jewish wedding tradition that’s held before the ceremony. The men gather with the groom and essentially roast him while he tries to tell the crowd a story. The women’s side is a little different, and is more about showering the bride with love. I felt like a total princess, surrounded by all the women in my life. Everyone had chosen either a red or white rose, and shared either a memory of us or a piece of advice about the future. It was incredibly special.
And you’re wondering about Lena’s gorgeous Inbal Dror gown, yeah? The dress was one of the toughest parts of planning for her—she looked for 6 months before finding it! Being very petite, it was a challenge to find something that felt like “the one” right away. Luckily, when she found it, she knew immediately and the rest is history!
Isn’t this floral backdrop so cute? They used it as a Polaroid photo booth!
RTTO Events (who was also behind the planning + design), incorporated all of Lena’s fave blooms in the floral arrangements throughout, from tuberose (reminiscent of the bride’s time living in Hawaii) and pale pink + lavender roses and wax flowers.
The speeches were also amazing. My father is softspoken and quite introverted so I was surprised when he told me he was interested in giving a speech. He spoke first and completely blew me away with his eloquence and heartfelt words. My close friend that I’ve known since preschool went second. He happens to be one of the most creative and hilarious people I know, and his speech had the entire crowd laughing for a solid five minutes. Luke’s parents have been married for 40 years and gave us seven pieces of advice about marriage that I’m pretty sure could be written as a couple’s therapy manual. I’ll also add that I’ll never forget staring into my best friend’s blue eyes as we said our vows in front of everyone we love. That was pretty special too.
Any Cakies need a little wedding cake inspiration? L + L weren’t into a dessert table, so RTTO Events suggested going with a few smaller cakes spread throughout the tables. Carolina of Lady C Cakes whipped up vanilla, passionfruit, and lavender cakes with vanilla icing. Then, the bride and groom went around to all the tables and cut the cake for guests, meaning a little extra quality time with each of them. Looooove it!
Elli Lauren Weddings even captured some sweet golden hour portraits for these two. A must if you’re in a place as breathtaking as Malibu, huh?
Looks like such a fun, warm, and loving day. Cheers, you two!
Photography: Elli Lauren Weddings / Location: Farm 108 in Malibu, CA / Planning, Design, Florals, & Photobooth Wall: RTTO Events / Printables: Groom, Luke Harris / Hair: Shannon Tackett / Makeup: Lori Young / Cake: Carolina of Lady C Cakes / Catering: William Edwards of Topanga Table / Bartender: Chase Simonton of Malibu Bartenders / Tableware: Otis & Pearl / Lighting: Malibu Lighting / Officiant: Friend, Zach Seely / DJs: Groom & Friend, Luke and Zach Go Boating / Bride’s Dress: Inbal Dror / Shoes: Tabitha Simmons / Dance Floor Shoes: GGDB / Engagement Ring: Designs by Musti / Wedding Band: Irene Neuwirth / Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenny Yoo / Groom’s Suit: Tom Ford / Shoes: Christian Louboutin / Wedding Band: Polly Wales / Groomsmen Ties: The Tie Bar
