Romantic Seaside Design Featured on Inside Weddings

As originally featured on Inside Weddings:

The creative teams of Sterling Engagements and Shawna Yamamoto Event Design took a step back in time for their “1920s Vintage Seaside Romance” styled shoot. “We wanted to design something that stands up to today’s design standards, [while embracing] the vintage elements,” they explain. The historic Bel-Air Bay Club guided the ambience of the event, which featured a classic color scheme inspired by the selected linen.

Constructed by Alphonzo Bell from 1927 to 1928 along the shores of Pacific Palisades, the property was intended to provide a beautiful place of leisure for prominent local citizens, socialites, and Hollywood celebrities. These were the individuals for whom this event was staged. Thus, seating assignments, indicated by names written with navy ink in elegant calligraphy upon sand-toned paper seashells, placed Mr. Bell at the head of the table. The Talmadge sisters – silent film actresses – and Douglas Fairbanks were also among the shoot’s honored guests.

Windows offering views of the Pacific Ocean were dressed with breezy ivory fabric gathered by bouquets of green and white flowers. Vanilla hydrangeas were lined on the low windowsill below. To anchor the essence of romance, a sculptural swirl centerpiece composed of a variety of pearl blooms, including hydrangeas, lilacs, stephanotis, anemones, and fringed tulips, started at one end of the table – dressed with an opulent ivory, textured tablecloth with gold threads – and ended at the other. Three small teardrop-shaped, beaded glass chandeliers accented the floral piece. Soft lighting emitted from taper candles in cylindrical candleholders and votives in golden vessels.

Offset by sapphire satin napkins, place settings of elegant china with gold rims and patterns and bullion chargers were paired with gilded flatware. Double Old-Fashioned glasses with modern gilt swirls, as well as wine glasses with rosy stems and bowls, were on hand for the libations at the celebration. A couple of treats awaited attendees when they took their seats in chic Infinity chairs with polished bullion backs and ivory cushions: a cupcake in a gold foil cup topped with frosting, artistic scalloped circles, and petite sugar flowers, and a cake pop sprinkled with gilded sugar. Additional treats were displayed on an Art Deco dessert cart, including a pastel blue cake embellished with golden ropes and sugar anemones with navy centers on a crystal cake plate.

Ultimately, all the elements harmoniously created a timeless aesthetic. “Together by the sea is a beautiful place to be” was gracefully handwritten on a cut-out, which was showcased on place settings to capture the scenic location as well as the sentiment of joyful gatherings. So as you plan your big day, be aware of how your venue and details that catch your eye can inspire the look of your celebration. If you are interested in seeing more events featuring vintage flair or gold and ivory color schemes, visit our weddings page and search by color or style.