Design Your Day: Expert Advice on Creating an Affordable and Luxe Wedding Day

In a world where inspirational shoots are typically too lavish or too impractical for most couples, Rachel Cohn—the visionary behind R. Cohn Events—wanted to offer an event design that felt achievable. “My main goal was to create something real and authentic for today’s bride,” she shares. Her intention was clear: To show couples how to envision their celebration in the space and then create it.

Cohn kept practicality at the heart of the design, focusing on affordable accents while creating an upscale and beautiful event. Alila Marea Beach Resort in Encinitas provided an idyllic yet contemporary setting for her vision. “I wanted the overall style and design to be organic and complement the unique, gorgeous, modern hotel that Alila Marea has created.”

Cohn’s decision to take the road less traveled —or, in this case, the location less often chosen—was based on surprises Mother Nature might bring to the big day. “I wanted to set the ceremony in a different location than most brides at Alila Marea use in order to show an alternative (or backup) plan in case of weather,” says Cohn of utilizing the Ocean Terrace. “I wanted to show how beautiful a ‘Plan B’ space can be.”

For the ceremony, an asymmetrical floral altar in neutral tones was accented by eclectic vases. For the reception, the tabletops were graced with pale tapered candles and centerpieces of both flowers and fruit, all featuring a palette of off-white, lavender and green. Rather than using typical linen-draped tables, Cohn highlighted the raw beauty of exposed tables to create an elevated coastal look. In a playful touch, dessert was a towering chocolate chip cookie cake rather than a traditional wedding cake. “[This was my] last, fun twist—I feel like brides still want that classic cake- cutting photo opportunity, but more and more clients are giving [their desserts] a different spin!” she explains. “Plus, who doesn’t love a huge cookie?!” This delicious detail added the final delightful element to the celebration, reinforcing Cohn’s belief that weddings should be a mix of tradition, fun and personal flair.