What happens when some of LA’s, scratch that – the world’s finest wedding vendors come together? A visual feast of classically elegant wedding wonderment, that’s what! Alina and Raphael’s super luxe Jewish wedding was the very definition of what a divine wedding looks like – down to every last detail.
Let’s start with bride Alina’s sophisticated and timeless style. She looked straight off the red carpet in her breathtaking off-the-shoulder Ines di Santo gown. We had the immense pleasure of interviewing Ines Di Santo for a Facebook Live, which is an absolute must watch if, like us, you’ve fallen in love with her work.
We have also featured outstanding florist Butterfly Floral in several past real weddings, and, as you can see from that INSANE ethereal garden-look chuppah, there’s a very good reason for that.
A wedding this spectacular could only have been brought together by a top-tier planner, and they don’t make ’em better than the unstoppable Delicate Details who, you’ve guessed it, has featured on the STG pages several times before (and is also offering all our STG Members Club Brides an exclusive 10% discount!). I think we can all agree that Maryam outdid herself!
It’s also very hard to do capturing a wedding of this calibre justice, but just LOOK at these absolutely phenomenal images by ridiculously talented photographers Lin & Jirsa (also offering our STG Members Club Brides a very special gift!). Everything is amazing about this big day, but those under-the-chuppah shots are out of this world!
We’ll leave you now with Alina’s awesome write up. A warning – you are going to want to steal every single detail about this stunner of a wedding.
How We Met
Alina, the bride: We met at a mutual friend’s birthday.
A beautiful indoor and outdoor venue
We got married at the Four Seasons Westlake Village. We chose the venue for several reasons: first, the space is beautiful – we wanted an outdoor ceremony and indoor reception (I didn’t want the temperature to affect the party). Second, the team at FS Westlake was great. Aparna, who we worked one on one with, was patient, understanding and very helpful.
Keeping it simple and classic
We wanted an ethereal garden feel. Something romantic and classic. I stick by Da Vinci’s motto “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”. Plus, remember what’s trendy now is probably going to be considered tacky 10 years from now.
Elegant invitations
My invitation was simple and classic. We just wanted to make sure it was printed on special paper and had pretty details (the gold foil and ribbon).
Sophisticated bridal beauty
Simple, classic. My makeup artist is also a friend. It doesn’t hurt that she’s amazing at her job! I wore my hair in a simple bun for the ceremony and down with waves for the reception.
A gorgeous Ines di Santo gown
My dress was from Lovella Bridal in Glendale. The designer is Ines di Santo.
Dainty and classic jewelry
I wore a diamond necklace, studs and tennis bracelet. All dainty and classic. My veil was a long, cathedral veil and a simple hair pin. My jewelry was my wedding gift from my husband and I got my veil from a small wedding shop. I didn’t spend too much on it, because I only wore it for some pictures and the ceremony.
Marc Jacobs kitten heels
I wore kitten heels. You couldn’t see them under my dress. They were Marc Jacobs, strappy gold sandals with a short stacked heel – simple and, most importantly, comfortable.
The handsome groom
My handsome groom, Raphael, was in Dolce & Gabbana tux, Ferragamo shoes and Lanvin cufflinks. He wanted something a little different than the typical black tux, so he went with a dark blue tuxedo. It was still very classic, but had a touch of fun.
Bridesmaids in mismatched pastels
I had seven beautiful bridesmaids. I allowed them choose their own dresses, I asked that they either be silver or nude. We ended up with three shades of the most beautiful pastel colors – it was a dream.
A magical, ethereal chuppah
We wanted an ethereal garden, it truly felt like we were in the MOST magical place on earth while we under the hanging flowers and wisteria. I showed my florist a picture I’d seen and she outdid that!
Making an entrance
For the ceremony, we chose specifics songs for our bridal party to dance down the aisle to. For the Rabbi, we chose the song Sexy Back by Justin Timberlake. It was a great way to kick off the ceremony!
Our ketubah signing was special – only close family and friends. My sweet sister-in-law gave a touching speech and you could feel the love in the room.
Contemporary music choices
We danced to Stand By Me by Florence and the Machine for our first dance. We walked into the reception to Michael Jackson’s Don’t Stop ‘Till You Get Enough.
Incredible floristry
Our flowers were roses, wisteria, hydrangeas, dahlias and a lot of greenery. Butterfly Floral in Los Angeles is the BEST! Our wonderful wedding coordinator, Maryam of Delicate Details, suggested her and I couldn’t be happier. Inna from Butterfly Floral is talented and really cares about her clients’ happiness.
Our fabulous photographer
Lin & Jirsa was our photographer and the very talented Pye Jirsa was our lead photographer. We chose them because have you seen their work? Speaks for itself. They did our video too – love it!
Delicious cake
For the cake, I went with a small baker in LA, Sweet Escape By Seda Ash. I chose her because word of mouth – I mean that in more ways than one. I put a bite of her cake in my mouth and I was hooked. I asked my friend who baked her beautiful baby shower cake, and the rest is history.
The one and only DJ Sepi
Our entertainment was by DJ Sepi and his band. Why? Because ain’t no party like a DJ Sepi party.
Advice to couples currently planning their wedding
When you notice yourself getting stressed, remind yourself that these are good problems you’re dealing with. At the end of the day, you’re planning one of the best days of your life, so enjoy it. And if you can’t afford something, or a small detail goes wrong, no one will notice and no one will judge – have fun and go with the flow.
Alina & Raphael’s little white book
Photography and videography – Lin & Jirsa
Venue – Four Seasons Westlake Village
Wedding planner – Delicate Details
Bride’s dress – Ines di Santo purchased at Lovella Bridal
Bride’s shoes – Marc Jacobs
Groom’s attire – Dolce & Gabbana, Ferragamo and Lanvin
Flowers – Butterfly Floral
Cake – Sweet Escape By Seda Ash
