1. Real Weddings

A Traditional Elegant Wedding at Los Verdes Golf Course in Palos Verdes, California

David Smith (27 and a physician) and Kate Wells (26 and a physician) met while studying in the library during their first year of medical school. The

David Smith (27 and a physician) and Kate Wells (26 and a physician) met while studying in the library during their first year of medical school. The two hit it off and became instantly inseparable. On a vacation to Kate's hometown in Oregon, David suggested a hike with a surprise picnic. Little did Kate know the picnic wasn't the big surprise as she reached into the basket looking for chocolate, and instead pulled out a ring! The wedding was held at the Los Verdes Golf Course, located in Palos Verdes where Kate had spent most of her childhood visiting her grandmother. The ceremony was held outside by the cliffs to the live music of a string quartet and the beautiful sunset lighting up the area. Friends and family then moved over for the outdoor cocktail hour, full of delicious passed appetizers like beef baguette, before heading into the country club ballroom for the reception. The venue was elegantly decorated in a color palette of white, ivory and gold on ornate tablecloths and ivory rose centerpieces. Softly lit trees lined the room for a graceful pop of color against the classic decor. After the traditional sit down dinner, guests joined the bride and groom in a night of dancing and catching up with old friends and family.

Blushing Bride Getting Ready
Groom Adjusting His Bow Tie
The bridesmaids wore strapless jersey knit dresses in a vibrant berry red. The bride wore a strapless, multi-layered gown with a beaded belt sewn in for extra sparkle. She borrowed a diamond necklace that had belonged to her grandmother and had been used in other family weddings.
David and his groomsmen each wore a sharp, black tuxedo with a white shirt and black bow tie. Each groomsmen wore a boutonniere of a single ivory rose and carried an engraved pocket watch that the groom had ordered from Etsy as a gift.
First Look Outside the Country Club
Los Verdes Golf Course Ceremony
The aisle was lined in a zig zag of ivory rose petal with matching bouquets hung on chairs throughout. The tall arbor was made of criss-crossed bamboo and draped in a delicate sheer white fabric.
For a fun twist on the traditional recessional, the bride and groom handed out small bags of pom poms. These bright craft store goodies were a fun way to congratulate the newlyweds and look great in pictures.
The sunset served as the perfect backdrop for Kate and David. They were able to take spectacular pictures atop the large rolling hill as their guests enjoyed a classy outdoor cocktail hour.
A local calligrapher addressed all of the invitations and made the place cards. A custom wax seal was made to seal all of the invitations. Wax seals were also used on these place cards to identify which meals had been ordered by each guest.
Country Club Reception Hall
The theme of the wedding was elegant romanticism. The bride and groom decorated the country club in hues of ivory and white with classy gold accents. The ornate tablecloths were a extra subtle touch.
The cocktail hour was held outdoors as the sun was setting. The string quartet from the ceremony continued to play and guests were treated to a variety of passed appetizers included beef baguettes and thinly sliced salmon hors devours.
Kate and David opted for a traditional white wedding cake. Each layer was lined with delicate detailing and ivory roses. The topper, a fun surprise, was made of a Lego bride and groom under a miniature arbor.
Bride and Groom First Dance