Laid-back Classic Wedding at Casa Del Mar + Shutters on the Beach | Eleni & Brendan
Casa del Mar & Shutters on the Beach. Santa Monica, California.
planning by: Laurel & Party | dinner by: Casa Del Mar | florals by: Brad Austin of Imaginative Flowers | music by: Rembrandt | hair & makeup by: Makeup Therapy | rings by: Kwiat | Eleni’s dress by: Liancarlo, from L’Elite Bridal | Eleni’s shoes: Shoes of Prey | Brendan’s suit: Hugo Boss | Brendan’s shoes: Ferragamo | second photographer: the literally perfect Elli Lauren
Eleni & Brendan married at Shutters on the Beach, overlooking the ocean, surrounded by the most high-energy crowd of friends and family.
They managed to throw a celebration that was all at once: classic, extravagant, steeped in tradition, laid-back, full of joy and surprises and completely, utterly Them. They started the day by sharing handwritten letters with each other, and finished by dancing for hours to one of the best wedding bands I’ve ever had the pleasure of photographing. In the middle they were married by a dear family friend, and took a stroll onto the beach to watch the sunset with Santa Monica locals, bikes and boogie boards in tow.
The thing I remember most from the day was the sheer joy that spread across Eleni & Brendan’s faces. Photo after photo, moment after moment: ever-present, unrelenting gratitude and joy.
Eleni & Brendan’s inspiration.
Brendan and I serendipitously met in the Boston Commons park in the summer of 2012. I had just graduated college and adopted my Rhodesian Ridgeback mix Tucker. We spent every evening after work going for walks in the park, and one day we ran into Brendan and his Australian Shepherd Riggins. We hit it off right away and for two months we met up each evening with our pups in the park. Eventually we went out on a date, and four years later Brendan popped the question! We have always looked back on our initial meeting with immense gratitude. We thank our dogs and the universe for throwing us together. Living our lives with appreciation for that early magic has kept our loving growing.
When we first talked about planning our wedding, we both agreed wholeheartedly about one thing -- it was all about the people. Spending a fun, once-in-a-lifetime day with our closest friends and loved ones was our top priority. And as a half Greek, half Irish wedding, we knew it was going to be a party to remember. The beautiful sunny weather, amazing food, decorations, and killer band were all just bonuses!
A favorite moment from Eleni.
Brendan and I did a "blind sneak peak" before the ceremony started. We exchanged letters around a wall without looking at each other. I remember shaking as I reached out to grasp his hand and then just feeling this overwhelming sense of relief and happiness. All the jitters of the day disappeared. He'd written me the most incredible, creative, heartfelt letter that I still pull out to reread regularly. My second through fiftieth favorite moments after that all happened on the dance floor. Our friends and family know how to tear it up!
