Sealed With a Kiss

Trends
Written by
Megan McCarty Allie Flinn

Published:

Fall/Winter 2013

A much-needed girls’ catch-up night at a no-frills bar took an unexpected turn for Susan Kesser when Robert Benvenisti walked in. After exchanging numbers that night, the couple began a whirlwind romance that led to Rob proposing on the sands of Paradise Cove in Malibu.

Saddlerock Ranch, a winery and working ranch, provided the perfect backdrop for their nuptials. The couple, wanting to take advantage of the picturesque surroundings, worked with their planner, Kristeen LaBrot, to create escort cards that each featured a Pink Lady apple, which attendees were encouraged to feed to the zebras and horses that greeted them upon arrival.

A faux “kissing booth” was created by Susan’s sister, who worked with a San Francisco artist to bring it to life. The booth, filled with Hershey’s Kisses, offered a wonderful photo opportunity and played perfectly into the couple’s modern sensibility with a touch of vintage flair.