The first thing Alexis and Michael knew they wanted was for their wedding to feel straight out of a Nancy Meyer’s film. The vibe they were seeking was warm and elegant, with classic and understated décor, of course, a glamorous edge. More than anything, capturing the “feel-good” essence of Nancy Meyer’s films was key, and wedding planner Alicia Townsend of Design Details did not disappoint.
All love stories have a beginning; Alexis and Michael met while they were pursuing undergraduate degrees at Georgetown University and found themselves working on a group project together. From postgrad days working in New York in advertising and singing “Fly Me to the Moon” to each other in Central Park to sunny Los Angeles years while Alexis was pursuing her MBA at UCLA, their relationship has thrived for over a decade. More recently, after a few years in the Bay Area working in tech, Michael proposed to Alexis outside the Palace of the Fine Arts, a favorite local San Francisco spot of theirs. After years together spanning coast to coast, the two advertising executives have since returned to Los Angeles, where they tied the knot and are currently residing while working in strategic partnerships for Google and UberEATS.
A strong basis of Alexis and Michael's relationship was traditional values and ideals, which connected the two initially. For their wedding day, it was important for the couple to wed in a Catholic Church, and the St. Monica Catholic Church featured an airy, grand aura and unique old-world architecture. The ceremony was carefully curated to blend motifs of love, faith, humor and inclusivity, making it a truly tender and meaningful experience for the entire audience. The Maybourne Hotel in Beverley Hills served as a venue for an outdoor cocktail hour and indoor ballroom reception, and the recently renovated space encapsulated Old Hollywood glam with a modern SoCal twinge. Invitations were printed on a vintage letterpress and many décor details featured a recurring charcoal and cream chinoiserie wallpaper in chic ways. Florals stuck to the neutral palette of the event with flourishes of lush greenery. A floral highlight was in the ballroom, where Bloombox created an installation to flank the stage featuring roses, parrot tulips, veronicas, gardenias, and Queen Anne’s lace. In a touching moment, Alexis and Michael shared a private first dance to the same Frank Sinatra song they used to sing in Central Park, sung by a world-class crooner.
Photographs by Jessica Mangia Photography and videography by Dreamwood Photography & Cinematography showcased authentic displays of love and celebration throughout the day with gorgeous shots and videos. With three expansive spaces highlighted during the day including a first-look venue, ceremony venue and reception venue, photos and video effortlessly captured vistas and loved-up moments with elegant coherence.
One aspect of Alexis and Michael’s fairytale wedding that was an instant standout was their fashion choices, ranging from bride to bridal party. Alexis stunned in a Monique Lhuillier ballroom design, with intricate lace designs and a dramatic train. Perhaps the most unique feature of her gown was the neckline, which was custom-created by the Monique team, and paid homage to Alexis’ dance background by evoking a look inspired by Swan Lake. For her something borrowed, a 120-year-old ring from her grandmother brought over a century of family history into the fold. For her second look, Alexis’ Ines di Santo was reminiscent of Caroline Bessette-Kennedy's own dress from decades past. This dress featured a stunning low back and stylish draping and was a bold contrast to her first look that made for a delightful showcase of bold delicacy. Bridesmaids were adorned in champagne hues, which added a soft and romantic feel to the bridal party. Michael brought formal finesse to his timeless look, featuring a suit from Suitsupply and accessories from Montblanc. The looks of the wedding brought all the details and the entire vision together in cohesion, and as many guests reported after the wedding, it truly felt straight out of a movie.
