Mikayel and Sophia’s wedding belonged exactly where it unfolded: at Sophia’s childhood home, a place layered with memory, history, and quiet meaning. The day felt intimate and intentional, like a gathering that had naturally grown into something extraordinary. Guests arrived for a garden ceremony on the front steps, followed by a pizza-fueled dinner party that blurred the line between celebration and an after-hours soirée. Produce-forward florals spilled across the tables, and rain-softened light filtered through umbrellas that were chosen as thoughtfully as the linens. Sophia’s bridal looks mirrored that same instinctive confidence: a silk 1930s nightgown and a vintage Armani suit that was perfectly tailored. The atmosphere was warm, slightly decadent, and deeply personal—less "wedding" in the traditional sense and more a beautiful dinner party you wish you could have stayed at forever. It was a celebration rooted in love, memory, and the art of knowing exactly who you are.
Our Love Story
The Day We Met
In June 2018, we decided to meet halfway between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles at my grandparents’ not-yet-sold home in Malibu. We had been communicating for weeks by message and phone calls—little did I realize Mik had actually come to my 21st birthday three months prior but never introduced himself. Mik handmade pappardelle with a simple pomodoro sauce; I brought homemade cookies. We walked down to the nearby seaside and stared at the stars.
The Proposal
At the very same beach as our first date, we went to see the super blue sturgeon moon. In true form, I ended up falling down the sand-worn wooden stairs. We laughed our way to the beach, where a few dogs and frisbee players were wrapping up their days. As the sun continued to set, we found a little cove, and Mik asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. It was just me, him, and Kato, and few moments have ever felt so perfect.
The Engagement Ring
I had a difficult time figuring out what ring would suit me best, as many of the options I had seen erred a bit too feminine for my personal style. I happened upon a gorgeous white gold, four-baguette ring from the 1940s. I love tank and signet rings, and this fit the bill without being too chunky or overwhelming. I particularly love the N/S placement of the baguette diamonds.
Our Wedding
The Vision
I wanted our day to feel beautiful yet lived-in. A garden ceremony on the front steps, with a big, sexy pizza dinner party in the backyard. More Oscars after-party than wedding. Elegant and intentional, full of love and warmth. I wanted everyone to feel taken care of, well-fed, and buzzing with joy.
Our Team of Vendors
Jes was the first person I contacted when Mik and I chose our date—I knew that no matter what we settled on for our event, I wanted Jes capturing it. Katie came on board soon after, and thank God. Her expertise in design and tablescapes goes above and beyond. She introduced us to Megan, who created the most beautiful florals, highlighting produce in ways far beyond my wildest dreams. La Morra Pizzeria had always been my dream caterer, and with Katie, Marlee, and Chef Zach’s help, they crafted the perfect menu and made the best tiramisu we’ve ever tasted.
The Location
Once we decided we were doing “the wedding thing,” the venue became clear—my childhood home. A vital part of our wedding was honoring my late mother and having her presence felt. We decided there was no better place to commit to one another than the home she built from the ground up with my father. I’m so grateful to my dad for opening up his home, as well as for his patience and generosity. Getting married on the same steps where I used to take first-day-of-school photographs felt surreal and tender.
The Ceremony
Our ceremony was brief and personal. My father, brother, and (dog) son Kato walked me down the aisle; Mik’s parents walked him. Our chuppah was crafted from my father’s tallit, which still has my mother’s lipstick on the corner, and it felt even more like she was blessing our union. Four of our closest friends held the chuppah, and our good friend and former roommate Alex took the reins as officiant. He matched our energies and told our story perfectly.
The Cocktail Hour
Due to a small schedule change because of rain (yes, in Southern California in September), cocktail hour began in the front yard directly after the ceremony. Both our fathers and siblings gave the most heartwarming speeches—words and memories we’ll cherish forever.
The Reception
In planning, I kept referring to the event as a big, sexy dinner party rather than a wedding. I wanted it to feel like a ’90s Oscars after-party and an al fresco night in Tuscany had a baby. We never really left each other’s sides, and I’m so glad we held onto the moment together. Dinner was just long enough, followed by dancing and dessert. A bright moment was when my sister-in-law-to-be, Anna, rallied the troops for a hora, which we had thought we would have to forgo due to time restraints.
The Special Touches
I really wanted everyone to feel seen and cared for. For name cards, I sourced vintage photographs that Mik and I then paired with each guest. For favors, I sourced vintage handkerchiefs embroidered with each guest’s initials. I wanted our loved ones to have a physical token from the day—one that would be useful and also provide an intimate memory. I love when things are one-of-a-kind.
A big thank you to Katie for sourcing umbrellas that matched the vibe perfectly, as rain was not on our wedding bingo card. I was also blown away by La Morra’s ability and dedication to accommodating dietary restrictions, as well as their and Katie’s help in communicating that to our guests.
Our Favorite Moment
For Mik—the vows. It felt out of body, as though it was just me and Sophia. For me, choosing a singular moment is so difficult. In addition to Mik’s, the immediate moment after—when we ran back down the aisle, went inside, and took a moment just for us. I thought it might feel anticlimactic, but instead it felt like the most wonderful minute in the world.
Our Style
The Bridal Looks
I never thought I would have more than one look and somehow ended up with three—and yet each was perfect. My ceremony dress was a 1930s silk nightgown I bought on a whim off Ruby Lane for $80 years ago. My look for drinks and dinner was an Ishq set by designer Shereen Mohammad. I wanted to include ruby tones to honor Mik’s heritage, and Shereen was kind enough to work with me on a custom neckline in homage to my mother’s wedding dress, which burned in the Malibu fire of ’94. Lastly, a vintage ivory silk Giorgio Armani suit I found online with a hope and a prayer. When it arrived, I was blown away by the craftsmanship and material. I had a vision of a shirtless suit, and Mik’s tailor, David at High Society, was able to adjust it perfectly.
Chanel created a timeless hair and makeup look for me. Day-of, we switched it up slightly to match the energy, and I couldn’t have been happier. I kept accessories on the lighter side—my mother’s pearl and diamond earrings, accompanied by diamond studs gifted by my mother-in-law. For shoes, I wore Maison Margiela Tabi shoes to modernize the nightgown and Ayede heels for my other two looks.
The Groom Looks
From the start, I knew I wanted my suit to be bespoke. I used to work in costumes for TV and film, so I understood the suit-making process and knew tailors in the city.
I’ve been a fan of High Society in LA for a long time and reached out to David, the shop’s owner, who could not have been more attentive or skillful. For shoes, I chose Bode opera pumps for a more whimsical look, and Sophia sourced my shirt—a vintage Acne Studios dress shirt.
Our Bridesmaids’ Looks
While we opted not to have a bridal party, I did ask three of my closest friends to get ready with me. I had no idea what they decided to wear but provided a small inspiration board. They absolutely pulled through, looking chic as hell, and I loved each of their looks so much.
Our Advice
For the Planning Process
Plan for the number of guests you invite. While there are always invitees who can’t make it, the typical 20% falloff was not the case for us. We were so happy to have everyone join us, but an increase in guests does shift many elements you may not anticipate.
For On The Day
If you’re open to it, use the lead-up for photographs. The day will fly by, and this allows you to take full advantage of time with your partner and guests.
For Post-Wedding
Make sure you send in your marriage license on time! We took our honeymoon immediately after the wedding and almost missed the cutoff.
Vendors
Photographer: Jes Workman
Wedding Planner: Katie Donahoe
Furniture & Decor Hire: The Ark, Found Rental Co, BBJ La Tavola
Florist: Megan Gray
Stationery: Olive Juice Design Co, Kei Han Goodman
Catering: La Morra Pizzeria
Music: Second Song
Hair & Makeup: Chanel Cross
Style
Reception Set: Shereen Mohammad
After Party Suit: Giorgio Armani
Shoes: Maison Margiela
Groom Suit: High Society
Wedding Rings: Marisa Mason