Hello! I want to share the informal photos of our daughter and son-in-law’s Classic Casual Wedding Party in Santa Monica, California last weekend. They were married in Madrid, Spain and this was their “hometown” reception.
I didn’t take my phone to the party (wanted to live in the moment). So these photos are ones I took beforehand or were given to me by friends. There was a professional photographer, so we will have those in about four weeks!
Alexandra and Luca’s vision for the hometown party was: small, intimate, relaxed…more of a cocktail party with passed hors d’oeuvres and large food stations for dinner. With the added concern of the virus, we wanted a good amount of outside space and open doors.
We investigated several venues months ago and all four of us (Howard, Alexandra, Luca, and I) liked the “vibe” of the Fairmont Miramar in Santa Monica…and especially after we tasted the food there!
The Invitations
Alexandra and I had a Zoom call and looked at all the options on MintedWeddings.com. We selected a “museum weight” paper with gold foil palm trees. Minted addressed the envelopes and gave us a free website.
“Setting The Stage” For A Classic Casual Wedding Party
We wanted to re-arrange the furniture in what the Fairmont calls The Library for more seating inside and outside where we “annexed” part of the parking lot. And we wanted to create a dance floor! I had the floor plans in mind before the day of the party and with the help of the efficient hotel staff, we got it quickly accomplished.
The Mid-Century Modern Front Room
The Second Room Adjacent to the “Dance Floor” Library
Alexandra printed some photos from the Spain wedding.
We brought the orchid plants from San Francisco and placed them all around with this little tag that I had printed tucked into them…
The Outside Oceanview Deck and Annex
We had bars set up in both outside areas.
The Classic Casual Wedding Party
MintedWeddings.com also made the welcome sign.
Howard is making a funny welcome toast (something about “lots of babies”). I love that guy!
Father-Daughter and Mother-Son Dances
There is normally furniture in here. You can see the antipasto and seafood (lobster tails, crab legs, shrimp) stations in the background.
Paella Station
Here’s the Paella station in the “Annex/parking lot.” It will be ready when the shells open.
My sister, Teresa, and good friend Laura (they also hosted Alexandra’s Bridal Afternoon Tea).
My dress is by Theia and Alexandra’s dress is by Zimmerman. Here is she is with her cute friends.
That’s all I have for now. But there was a lot of dancing into the night and even the Hora Dance (a traditional Jewish dance where the newlyweds sit in chairs and are lifted into the air while their family and friends dance around them).
Can you tell how happy we are?
Thanks for joining us!!
Talk about a summer of joy!
Everything planned, styled and LIVED to perfection!
And this is where the joys grows in new and miraculous
ways.
BEST of LOVE in LIFE ahead!
🤦🏼♀️Whoops! “the JOY grows”
Thanks, Lynne!
Everyone looks fabulous. It looks like a good time was had by all. What a whirlwind summer you’ve had. Such fun!
I know! We did nothing this past weekend but relax.
It’s all beautiful Mary Ann…great venue! Love your dress and Alexandra’s. Looking forward to seeing the professional photos.
I love the orchids and signs. So clever and cute. Congratulations again!
Thanks, Dawn!!
Mary Ann,
What a lovely reception for the kids coming home reception. Such a fun event and the best memories.
xo,
Karen
Yes! Great memories, Karen.
What a gorgeous celebration, thank you for posting the photos! And I noticed the Gucci loafers too – learning that they were his grandfather’s makes me think that this lucky young couple shares strong family roots. By the way – does Luca by any chance come from a famous movie family? 😉
Yes! That’s his grandfather in the movie business!
Very cool!!
What a fun, exciting time for your family! Thank you for sharing the beauty!
Thanks, Pat. I know you have had similar occasions!
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful wedding party with us! The men were handsome, the women beautiful, the Fairmont was perfect, the food spectacular, etc., etc., etc. Thank you, again, for inviting your viewers, too.
Such a kind comment, Judie…thanks!
Wow! Both wedding celebrations look simply amazing. Your daughter’s dress is stunning in its design ( so is she) Everybody looks so happy! The settings are beautiful too!
Do you know if your sister is wearing a dress by Shelley Komarov? The pleating is distinctive, I have two that I adore, they travel well too.
My sister, Teresa said that yes, the dress is by Komarov and she loves it too.
Congratulations! Thank you for sharing these wonderful photos.You have inspired me to do something similar for my son next year as he will be married in London, but we will have a reception here.
Yes…the Fairmont was great if you are near L.A.
Exquisite! No other words necessary,
I’ve so enjoyed experiencing your daughter’s wedding through your blog. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks, Connie…everything seems so dull now 🙂
You can see by your smile how happy you are!!
Everything looks incredibly beautiful!!
Happy memories, happy family time!!
Yes…so good to feel the joy all around.
Oh, Mary Anne … such fun and gorgeous photos of the happiest (2nd happiest?!) day! It’s been so much fun following the festivities. I love Alexandra’s dress. The first was amazing too. You and Howard look like newlyweds yourselves. Congrats and best wishes to all! xo
Thanks, Juliet! You have a wedding coming up too!
Cheers to you all on such a special occasion! 🥂
Thanks, Paula!!
Thank you for sharing your beautiful event!
Everything was so lovely! Your dresses were spectacular! And the note on the orchids so cheeky and cute!
Thanks, Mary Ellen. I’m not sure what my mom would have thought about those notes…but guests did take them home 🙂
Mary Ann, you look fabulous! Looks like so much fun.
Happy for all of you!
Thanks, Kathy!!
Mary Ann,
What a wonderful celebration for Alexandra and Luca’s hometown reception. Every detail was perfect from the Palm Tree themed invitations to the pretty orchid “take home” gifts to the wonderful library decor and outside patio spaces. It is indeed a beautiful hotel with delicious food and that Paella presentation was amazing. The bride, in her gorgeous dress, and the handsome, dapper groom looked so happy and in love. Loved your dress, you looked radiant and love the pic of your and Howard.
Wishing Alexandra and Luca a lifetime of happily ever after!
Thanks so much, Gail. You are one of the sweetest, most talented people I know.
Thank you for sharing. What a beautiful couple and you look lovely.
Thanks so much, Linda!
Everyone looks fabulous, but…your daughter’s dress is astoundingly beautiful. So different, ethereal almost. Looks like a fun time and a wonderful setting for the festivities. I think I shed a tear or two!
Oh you are so sweet, Laura. I thought our daughter looked so pretty.
Beautiful!
Thanks, Maureen!
Hi Mary Ann,
Everything is fabulous, wow, you are so clever with the Orchid and sign. You are extremely gifted on
so many levels.
The Hometown Wedding reception in Santa Monica was just so well thought through. So much love.
LOVE has been my operative word for the year, and this truly expresses the word perfectly. So much
LOVE.
Such a handsome couple. You must be so very happy and proud of your family. I am sure they will carry
on the tradition. “Leading by Example,” you both do that so well.
I so look forward to seeing the additional photos.
On a side note, my hometown is San Francisco, and Marin County, we have been living in Arizona since
1979. Yes, two different worlds. My heart will always be in my hometown. There is beauty everywhere.
We have local friends that just moved to Arizona (part-time for now) and they love it. Bet you don’t miss the fog 🙂
Thanks for your sweet, thoughtful comment, Katherine.
Yes, you do look happy and I love your dress (also your daughter’s), beautiful celebration!
Reality is going to have to set in for the happy young couple at some point after such a whirlwind of events. Off to a great start……
True, Wren. Both are really busy at work. Back to normal life but with some really nice wedding gifts 🙂
Where did you get your pretty dress?
Neiman Marcus…there’s a link above. Thanks!
All just beautiful! Such a wonderful celebration! Thanks so much for sharing!
Cheers! 🥂🍾🥂
Thanks so much, Judie!
Mary Ann! I can feel your happiness in these photos! It made me cry! In a good way! Congratulations!!!
xxxxx
Thanks, Annie. Wish you could have been there.
Beautiful venue, beautiful and happy people plus a fantastic menu! Who could ask for more!?!
Dear Mary Ann,
Happiness and love permeates these photos of your extraordinary casual party for your beautiful daughter and dapper son in law. You look absolutely gorgeous as you graciously participate and applaud your guests and servers. Thank you for sharing this monumental occasion in the life of your family.
Warmly,
Diney on Camano Island,
Thanks, Diney. I wrote the Fairmont to tell them “Job Well Done.” I hope the professional photos are good!
I LOVE the NO SOCKS GUCCI LOAFERS LOOK!I noticed that was the STYLE at the wedding TOO!
BEAUTIFUL dress your daughter FEATURED for HER PARTY!
YES, I would IMAGINE HERE COME THE GRAND BABIES………GRANDMAMA!!!!!
A NURSERY TO DECORATE WILL BE YOUR NEXT ASSIGNMENT!
Loved the TAGS on the ORCHIDS AS WELL………….
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
TIME TO REST YET?!!!
Those Gucci loafers were Luca’s Italian grandfather’s. I love to decorate a nursery 🙂
me too Elizabeth!!!