WEDDING BLOG

Sabina and Carson’s wedding at Malibu Rocky Oaks had views for days and a sophisticated style that will blow your mind! The winery venue, which had a 360-degree view over Malibu, provided an Italian-inspired backdrop that looked gorgeous with the rich jewel tone color palette the couple chose. Esoteric Events set up the ceremony at the edge of the cliff, which gave a breathtaking view that they framed with a lush backdrop designed by Honey & Poppies. They also set up a luxurious reception under an open-air tent beside the pool that featured black velvet tablecloths, gold place settings, crystal chandeliers, and multi-colored rose centerpieces. But, the sophisticated feel didn’t stop with the decor. Sabina wore a stunning off-the-shoulder Chantilly lace Ester Haute Couture gown and delicate accessories that were timeless and chic. Every detail that photographer Katrina Jayne captured was unbelievably romantic and made us fall in love with winery weddings all over again!

The Couple:

Sabina and Carson

The Wedding:

Malibu Rocky Oaks, Malibu, California

I have always been drawn to dark, moody, wildly romantic elements (i.e. candlelight, roses, chandeliers, etc.). From the beginning, I wanted a wedding that would take your breath away in the most unsuspecting way. Our wedding had a definite vibe; there was a feeling, a mood.

I wanted my wedding dress to be unique and romantic. I fell in love with my dress because of the detailing; it was an off the shoulder Ester Haute Couture dress, made of French Chantilly lace, with intricate beading and embroidery. I kept the accessories simple, not to take away from the gown. I wore nude Aquazurra pumps and had a cathedral length plain veil. The only jewelry I wore was my engagement ring and wedding band.

Our photographer, Katrina Jayne, was a dream. We actually had her take our engagement pictures a year before the wedding. We were so thrilled with her work that we knew we had to have her on our special day. I think the photos speak for themselves!

Our ceremony was outside with a 360 view of Malibu; it was honestly one of the most surreal moments of my life. We had a string quartet, a wildly romantic arch made of roses and lush greens, and our wedding party was seated during our ceremony, making everything feel even more intimate.

Carson and I chose to say our vows privately; we went to the top of the house, out on the balcony and read our vows to each other under the dark night sky. When we had finished reading, the clouds parted and a full moon lit the sky overhead; a moment we will never forget.

Because our wedding was set at a winery, we thought wine (made at MRO) would be the perfect wedding gift. The bottles were labeled and had a picture of the venue on the front; our guests loved the wine and having a bottle as a keepsake was a nice touch.

My favorite photo is hands down us on the Malibu Rocky Oaks rock. I swallowed my crippling fear of heights to take one of the most spectacular shots ever. Being at the top was exhilarating; all we could hear was the chilly November wind swirling around us. There was nothing but mountains and the most gorgeous sunset as far as the eye could see. That was the only time in the wedding that Carson and I were truly alone. It was so intimate; time stood still up there.

Processional – “Kissing You” by Des’ree (Romeo & Juliet)
Recessional – “Hoppipolla” by Sigur Ros
First Dance – “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra

Congratulations to Sabina and Carson, and a big thanks to Junebug member Robert Michael Films for sharing this stunning wedding at Malibu Rocky Oaks with us! Looking for more sophisticated wedding inspiration? Timeless got a chic update in this Yale Union wedding and is bursting with style and decor inspiration!