Alfresco Santa Monica Wedding Featured on Inside Weddings

We are thrilled to see Kris and Sami’s alfresco Santa Monica wedding featured on Inside Weddings! Texas natives, the pair ultimately chose to host their wedding celebration in Southern California. “We had actually found our venue, Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, before searching for a wedding planner,” Sami notes of her smart choice of location. “Ilana Ashley Events was on a list of recommended planners from the hotel, and we immediately felt like she was the right planner for us.” Organizing their nuptials from a distance, the bride and groom heavily relied on Ilana’s expertise in putting together their dream event. “She was thoughtful, warm, and organized – an overall perfect combination of a seasoned professional and a caring friend,” says Sami.

During their ceremony, the couple combined their different backgrounds in order to customize the experience. “Our wedding combined both Jewish and Christian traditions, as I am Jewish and Kris is Christian. Our ceremony was conducted by both a rabbi and a chaplain and they both added elements of each religion to the ceremony,” explains the bride. After reading their own personal vows to one another, they were officially joined as husband and wife. Friends and family moved inside the luxury hotel and into the ballroom for the reception, using escort cards with artful calligraphy as a guide to their table. “The wedding colors were white and lavender,” tells Sami. “The idea was to create a relaxing spa-like atmosphere, with a soft purple lighting.” Round tablescapes featured light grey linens, candles of differing heights, and small square vessels – creating a modern look – holding snowy blooms. The newlyweds’ four-tier, two-flavored wedding cake showcased the chosen tones of the event, sugar flowers, and decorative hearts.