Ojai Valley Inn and Spa Wedding: Joanna & David

Joanna and David’s wedding was anything but simple, yet it was kind of intended to be simple. Joanna didn’t want any of the things that she considered unnecessary (guestbook, cake knife, toasting glasses, cake topper, favors, garter, etc) but instead wanted to focus on the experience of just being with her family and friends and creating a night to remember. She did just that.

The wedding was actually a weekend affair held at the gorgeous Ojai Valley Inn and Spa just 80 miles north of Los Angeles. The men enjoyed golf, the ladies enjoyed the pool and the spa, and everyone enjoyed the rehearsal dinner held at a local winery.

October 10 dawned blue and beautiful with just a hint of fall crispness in the air. Thankfully, the Ojai Valley Inn and Spa has a pub that allowed David and his groomsmen to watch the Packers vs. Vikings game before they dressed for photos. During the game he had gifts sent to Joanna’s room: a pair of diamond earrings from Sarah Leonard Jewelers in Westwood, and a Packer’s jersey with their new last name on it. Great guy, that David!
The ceremony was held at sunset in the Hacienda courtyard underneath the gigantic Live Oak tree that was strung with twinkle lights and flowers in bell jars. The wedding was officiated by Judge Gerald Buchwald, a family member, and a sitting judge on the California Superior Court. Joanna and David’s parents stood up under the tree with them and their bridal party. Six of Joanna’s friends were brought up during the ceremony to each give a short blessing for the couple.

A fall chill started to set in once the sun fully disappeared, so after the ceremony the guests were escorted indoors to the foyer of the Anacapa Ballroom for the cocktail hour where the fireplaces blazed.

Joanna’s motif was a modern fall feel and her colors were metallics: silver, gold, bronze, and pewter. Her flowers were white Hydrangeas, Delphinium Orchids, Lisianthus, silver Manzanita branches accented with silver leaves. The tall silver Manzanita branch centerpieces were hung with candles that twinkled and glowed throughout the ballroom.

Aside from a few toasts, and the Father/Daughter and Mother/Son dances, the evening was free, per Joanna’s request, of the formalities that accompany most weddings. Joanna and David even quietly cut the cake in the corner with just their parents and photographers as they did not want to stop the dancing. The 160 guests danced until the party ended at midnight. Joanna’s grandmother Norma even danced and celebrated that night and the family will forever have fond memories of her dancing as she sadly passed away the Monday after the wedding. The evening was magical.

The celebration could not have been possible without the team of dedicated and professional vendors that worked their magic and my assistants Michelle and Ruby:

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa – Venue
Amber Gustafson, Amber Events – Wedding Coordination
Raya Carlisle, Raya Photography
Spotlight Music – Band
Yamaguchi ‘s Flowers – Floral (805) 525-9268
Skyline Videography
Ambient Event Design – Lighting
Ventura Rentals – linens, chargers, chair covers
La Starr – Wedding Cake
Casey Robinson – Bridal Makeup
Melina Guerrero – Bridal Hair


Joanna’s Dress and Accessories

Necklace: Neiman Marcus

Shoes: L.A.M.B. (Nordstrom)

Dress: custom made by Jose Flores of In Style by Jose Flores. Joanna and Jose designed the dress from a blend of a few pictures and Joanna bought the buttons at M&J Trim in NY.

Veil: custom made by Pol Atteu, Pol Atteu Couture in Beverly Hills (he also made Joanna’s mother’s gown)

In memory of Norma Joseph