Have we got a gorgeous Jewish wedding for you today! The Mediterranean meets Old Hollywood in Sophe and Alex’s big day at Bel Air Bay Club, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and we are here for it. Every detail of their summer celebration reflected elegance and sunshine—from the light, summery color palette to the joyful florals in shades of pink, yellow, and orange.
Tragically, Sophe lost her beloved father seven years prior to the wedding, and including him in the day was a top priority. Sophe’s 95-year-old paternal grandfather walked her down the aisle, did a grandfather-granddaughter dance, and made a toast where he handed over Sophe’s dad’s hat to Alex – how special is that?
Jordan Elizabeth Photography and Loufas Films captured every moment of the day so beautifully, and we’re in love with Sophe and Alex’s gorgeous personalized ketubah from Smashing The Glass Recommended Vendor Rabbi Leah Richman of Ketubahs and More, featuring the most exquisite blue Mediterranean tiling design.
Read on for all the details in Sophe’s own words!
How We Met
Sophe, the bride: Our story begins in August 2016 as young 23 year olds trying to figure out the real world. Only two weeks after moving to Los Angeles to do Teach For America, Sophe’s school did an overnight retreat for the teachers in Malibu and at the end of the night she decided to go on Bumble to see if she came across any celebs or cute surfers. Even better, she came across a handsome Greek man and Sophe immediately recognized him from their alma mater Chapman University (and swiped right).
Fortunately for Sophe, Alex was living in Calabasas (right over the hill from Malibu) so she was in his geographical range because Alex refused to drive more than 5 miles in LA traffic. The joke was on him as Sophe actually lived in West LA and was a 1.5 hour drive after work (aka we were long distance dating in LA).
Soon text conversation turned into a first date where Sophe and Alex got kicked out of the sushi restaurant because they stayed so long. From then on, Sophe and Alex became inseparable. A few months into dating they decided to add each other on social media, only to find out that they were already Facebook friends. Turns out they became Facebook friends in 2011, as college freshmen, and Alex even wrote “Happy birthday :)” on Sophe’s wall for her birthday in 2012. The jury is still out on if they ever did talk at some college party or if Alex always had his eye on Sophe.
Venue with a View
Bel Air Bay Club, our venue, was the only venue that felt right to both of us. We walked in and immediately knew it was where we were going to get married. Alex’s number one requirement was an ocean view and Sophe didn’t want to deal with the beach elements. BABC was the perfect fit of over looking the Pacific Ocean from a beautiful lawn. Additionally, Alex and Sophe both fell in love with the old Hollywood meets the Mediterranean vibe the space has. Alex being Greek and Sophe having lived in Italy, both have an affinity for the Mediterranean. The BABC was the perfect coastal getaway that feels like another world in Southern California.
Theme + Wedding Planner
We wanted our wedding to encompass us. We wanted an elegant and timeless vibe with a little bit of glam. With our wedding being in the middle of the summer we wanted to fully encompass the summer feel with light colors and sunshine. Sophe’s favorite color is pink, the bridesmaids wore light pink dresses, the groomsmen wore light pink ties and kippahs, the flowers were shades of pink, and Sophe’s reception shoes were hot pink rhinestoned sneakers.
The florals really encompassed Sophe and Alex’s relationship of joy, laughter and sunshine with shades of yellow and orange mixed with pinks. For the reception the couple leaned into the coastal vibe. The place cards were handcrafted shells and the menus matched our invitations with Mediterranean tiling. Sophe grew up in Vail, Colorado and wanted to incorporate aspects of her childhood. The bar signs and her signature drinks were both odes to her skiing background. Our wedding planner Christina of Love Loud Events helped to execute our amazing day.
A Winnie Couture Dress
After 3 days of dress shopping, 8 different bridal salons and trying on over 30 dresses I finally found the one. The moment I put on the Santorini dress at Winnie Couture in Beverly Hills, CA I knew I found the one. I felt like a princess. I knew I wanted an A line dress with a long train and lace. The bodice was hand crafted beading of flowers and the skirt was all aplique with a slit. There was a removable cape that I had made into my veil.
Ceremony & Chuppah
Our ceremony was so personal and us. Our chuppah was our “wow” moment with florals fully lining the chuppah. The couple used Sophe’s parents tallit that they used at their wedding and Alex’s parents kiddush cup during the ceremony. The cantor performed Alex’s bris and his bar mitzvah. Sophe’s aunt and uncle read the translation of the seven blessings with the couple under the chuppah. The couples most personal part was their vows that they wrote for each other and both Sophe and Alex broke their own glass at the end of the ceremony.
Ketubah
Rabbi Leah Richman created the most beautiful ketubah for us. We fell in love with the Mediterranean tiling and the ability to personalize our ketubah to create a promise for our future together.
Our music choice
We had a string duo for our ceremony, here were our songs: Processional Family Members – ‘All Of Me’ by John Legend. Bride Song – ‘Perfect’ by Ed Sheeran Recessional – ‘Remember the Name‘ by Fort Minor. We had a DJ for the reception, here were the top songs: Newlywed’s Song: ‘Summer‘ by Calvin Harris chosen because it encompasses the beginning of our relationship First Dance: ‘Lose it all‘ by Sam Tompkins, the couple loves Sam Tompkins and saw him in concert together.
Grandfather/ Granddaughter first dance: Sophe lost her father 7 years ago and her 95 year old grandfather walked her down the aisle and they did a first dance together. Sophe wanted the dance to be full of joy and love. Grandpa Evan’s requested Frank Sinatra so they danced to ‘Fly Me to the Moon‘. Both the live music and DJ were from Second Song.
Flowers
Rachel from Dogwood Florals brought our floral dreams to life. She encompassed our dreams of vibrant, sunny pastels with elegance. Sophe carried a bridal bouquet in shades of white, cream, light neutrals, and pale pink. The bouquet had an overall lush and romantic feel. Florals included Garden Roses, Dahlias, Lisianthus, Sweet Pea, Jasmine, and other in-season blooms.
Sophe and Alex were framed at their ceremony by a chuppah adorned with lush and romantic yet organic florals in shades of white, cream, light neutrals, pale pink, and greenery.
Photographer and videographer
Jordan with Jordan Elizabeth Photography really encompassed our memories of this day. We loved her style, her husband, Loufas Films, was our videographer and created a personal and lasting highlight film that captured our day!
Extra Details
Sophe’s Dad passed away 7 years ago and it was really important that he was part of the day as well as the other loved ones who have passed. Sophe’s 95 year old grandfather (her father’s father) walked her down the aisle, did a grandfather and granddaughter dance and toast where he handed over her Dad’s hat to her new husband.
His spirit was all around as they also had a memorial table with pictures of loved ones. They also had a live painter painting a portrait of the couple and all signage was made by the couple to create personal touches. Alex is from LA and Sophe is from Vail, Colorado. Their theme was coastal and used shells as center pieces but brought in aspects of Sophe’s childhood with signage and a shotski. There cocktails were labeled “Apres All Day” and Sophe’s signature margarita was an ode to a ski bunny.
Honeymoon
The couple went on their honeymoon immediately following the wedding to the French Polynesian islands. They spent 5 day on Bora Bora and would recommend staying in the over water bungalows at The Conrad. Then they went to Mo’orea and loved the traditional cooking class experience. They ended on the main island of Tahiti, this was one of their favorite trips and booked it through costco travel. They would not hesitate to book a trip through them again.
Advice to couples currently planning their wedding
Enjoy every moment, we were able to just be in the moment and let family members/ our wedding planner take over the day. It was truly the happiest and best day of our lives!
SOPHE & ALEX’S LITTLE WHITE BOOK
Photography – Jordan Elizabeth Photography
Videography – Loufas Films
Ketubah – Ketubahs and More
Venue – Bel Air Bay Club
Planner – Love Loud Events
Bride’s dress – Winnie Couture
Flowers – Dogwood Florals
DJ & Live Music – Second Song
If you’re a Jewish or Jew-ish bride-to-be, you’ll want to join Smashing The Glass’ Brides Club. Guided by the world’s number 1 Jewish wedding expert, Karen Cinnamon, Brides Club is the private community for Jewish and Jew-ish brides that removes wedstress and indecision and gives you what you need to plan with confidence during these uncertain times. Join our Brides Club here.
