Jessica & Greg's Modern Wedding at the Skirball Cultural Center
All photography by Randy + Ashley Studios
Mazel Tov to Jessica and Greg! Since weddings are one of the most ideal places to meet your future spouse--that is exactly what happened with Jess and Greg. They caught each other's glances while attending a wedding of their mutual friends. Across the room, Jessica spied the handsome and dignified Greg, a naval officer dapper in uniform. Although it would seem unlikely a long-standing romance could spark when you live across an entire country, that didn't stop their love. It was kismet, and they invested in each and nurtured their love and bond. However, it was a whimsical trip to France around Jess' birthday that Greg planned on popping the question. Getting down on one knee while at a picnic he delivered her birthday gift early to Jess with an engagement ring. Without hesitation, Jess accepted.
The next step was the wedding of course! Jen from First Pick Planning was their star coordinator and we adore her! These lovely beings hosted their modern, romantic, and yet traditional Jewish wedding at one of Los Angeles' most renowned institutions, the Skirball Cultural Center during Memorial Day weekend. A very personalized touch since Greg serves in the military. Additionally, the fresh architecture made the perfect backdrop for their ceremony. But before the nuptials, the groom prepped his wedding looks, complete with groomsmen, at The Portofino Marina & Hotel, also one of our favorite venues in the South Bay. The pale blue walls of the Portofino serve an elegant and chic atmosphere perfect for photo ops.
Jess & Greg's ceremony took place in the main outdoor atrium before the lily pond. The weather was perfect and the couple provided fun yellow sunglasses to protect their guest from squinting. Why yellow? Well, Jess is a Trojan alum and yellow and red played an important role. Before Jess walked down the stairs making her grand entrance for her groom-to-be and all their loved ones, musicians played beautiful music which elevated the event.
The two met at the rustic and romantic birch chuppah in the center where they exchanged their vows as Rabbi Mark Hyman officiated. The chuppah is fashioned from birch poles which gives the unique quality and rich beauty that not all chuppahs can offer. That connection it has to nature is why our couples adore it as much as we do. We love Jess & Greg's tallit strung atop with assymetrical orchids by Garden Florists. It is meaningful touch if a couple can personalize their arbor, chuppah, or arch with their own fabric and we are certainly fans of that. The ceremony was idyllic, fun, and absolutely perfect on that gorgeous day in May.
The couple also were greeted by members of the USC marching band as the savvy Randy & Ashley Photography team snapped photos with just the two of them after tying the knot. The bride jumped with joy as she heard them play. They also made quite a splash at the reception. Speaking of which, their party went above and beyond. For starters, there was a customary military sword entrance by USC ROTC. The highlights didn't end their. They also had live music, ice luges by Ice Bulb and what we love the most late night snacks by In-Out-Burger! And again, their colors couldn't have been more perfectly tied to the couple's connection with USC.
This wedding had it all: beauty, romance, elegance, tradition, and most importantly fun! They loved it, and so did their guests. Wishing you love, laughter, and long life together--Mazel tov Jessica and Greg!
Credits: Birch Chuppah Provenance Rentals | Photography Randy & Ashley Photography | Videography Flower & Stone | Planning & Coordination First Pick Planning | Venue Skirball Cultural Center Los Angeles | Pre-Ceremony Venue The Portofino Marina & Hotel | Officiant Rabbi Mark Hyman | Florals Garden Florists | March Band USC March Band | Sword Entrance USC ROTC | Ice Luges | Late Night Snacks In-n-Out Burger | Sound Jordon Music Entertainment | DJ Ricky Hayes for Vox DJs | Hair Becky Bayley for The Loft Salon | Make-Up Paige Kundert | Stationery Christie | Gown Matthew Christopher | Bridal Salon Mona Mie | Alterations Carol Lambeth | Groom's Uniform U.S. Navy | Ice Luges Ice Bulb