Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      Kick-start your day by making habits out of these mood-boosting tips. Read More
    • Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      It's one of your favorite fruits, but does it belong on the counter or in the refrigerator? Read More
    • This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      A few easy-to-find ingredients are all you need to create a powerful formula that squashes weeds. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    Show your love of country by displaying these varieties on America's birthday.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    Make gathering with loved ones a priority.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We asked the experts to weigh in on this popular home design concept.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    Confused about when to do what to your favorite flowering shrubs? We have you covered.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Pillows

    How to Wash Pillows

    They're an essential element of a comfortable bed, so keep yours fresh and in their best shape ever with these expert-approved tips.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Get the traditional rules for who pays for the wedding details.
    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    Our easy melt-and-pour method saves the last bit of this home essential.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    This buzzy ingredient is a star player in many new-age hair care products.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Net Worth
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Real Weddings
  4. Wedding Styles
  5. Garden & Outdoor Weddings
  6. A Casual Outdoor DIY Wedding in California
Martha Stewart Weddings

A Casual Outdoor DIY Wedding in California

Skip gallery slides
Pin

1 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Molly and David

mw1004_fal04_md_couple.jpg

When her matchmaking mom called in January 2002 to say she'd met the perfect guy for her at the local kosher deli, Molly Stern was skeptical. But David Schlussel, the pastrami guy (now a screenwriter and director), soon won her heart. When David invited Molly to his apartment for a traditional Shabbat meal, he handed her two candles to light. Molly reminded him that only married women light two; since she was single, she should light one. As they were eating, the candle suddenly split in half and the wick unraveled, creating two flames. Says Molly, "For two very spiritual people like us, it was clearly divine intervention."

1 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Bouquet

mw1004_fal04_fabric_flwrs.jpg

A fashion designer and makeup artist, Molly created the fabric flowers for the bouquets, boutonnieres, and centerpieces. Each was shaped by hand and had a copper-wire stem.

2 of 22

3 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Ketubah

mw1004_fal04_ketubah.jpg

Richard Soclof, a childhood friend of David's, signed the Ketubah (the Jewish marriage contract) as a witness while Molly's father, Andy Stern, and David looked on.

3 of 22

Advertisement

4 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Mothers

mw1004_fal04_mothers.jpg

Before the ceremony, mothers Jackie Stern (left) and Rosie Schlussel -- both wearing outfits made by Molly -- broke a plate, symbolizing the irreversible agreement between the two families.

4 of 22

5 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Bride

mw1004_fal04_molly.jpg

The bride designed her own dress with a bustle composed of 10 different fabrics; her headpiece included lace that belonged to David's grandmother.

5 of 22

6 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Ceremony

mw1004_fal04_huppa.jpg

The couple was married under a huppa made from a veil worn by the groom's mother and grandmother.

6 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Mechitza

mw1004_fal04_mechitza2.jpg

Large banners explaining the wedding rituals were displayed throughout the wedding site.

7 of 22

8 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Signs

mw1004_fal04_mechitza1.jpg

For their interpretation of a mechitza (a curtain that separates men and women during dancing), the couple suspended several canvas panels between fabric-wrapped birch branches.

8 of 22

9 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Signs

mw1004_fal04_family.jpg

More panels decorated with handwritten words signifying what marriage means to the couple hung from the trees.

9 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Music

mw1004_fal04_band.jpg

A klezmer band played traditional Jewish music at the ceremony.

10 of 22

11 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Dancing

mw1004_fal04_reception.jpg

Molly sat as female guests danced the hora around her.

11 of 22

12 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Guests

mw1004_fal04_parasol.jpg

In keeping with the casual setting, some guests sat on quilts and pillows; others gathered at tables.

12 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Favors

mw1004_fal04_favor_ruga.jpg

For favors, rugalech (wrapped in cellophane) was tucked inside simple sewn bags tied with lace trim.

13 of 22

14 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cupcakes

mw1004_fal04_cupcakes.jpg

Chocolate-iced cupcakes stood in for wedding cake. "I just love cupcakes," says Molly. "Everyone gets their own." They were made festive with little flags (created by folding paper around short skewers and securing with double-sided tape); each was printed with a monogram, a palm tree, or polka dots.

14 of 22

15 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Details

mw1004_fal04_spf.jpg

Parasols, paper fans, and bottles of sunscreen were set out on a table near the entrance for guests to use. The parasols were held shut with paper bands displaying the icons that also decorated the cupcakes' flags; the bottles were wrapped in the same fabrics used for other details of the wedding.

15 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Napkins

mw1004_fal04_napkins.jpg

Cocktail napkins were customized using rubber stamps.

16 of 22

17 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Flower Girls

mw1004_fal04_two_girls.jpg

The flower girls -- David's nieces, Meredith Berlin, left, and Claire Schlussel -- wore outfits and carried bouquets made by Molly.

17 of 22

18 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Celebration

mw1004_fal04_guest_detail.jpg

Guests watched the toast while relaxing on cozy quilts.

18 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Dessert

mw1004_fal04_rugalech.jpg

Chocolate and cinnamon rugalech were on the dessert buffet, which also included brownies and biscotti.

19 of 22

20 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Drinks

mw1004_fal04_water.jpg

Cloth and ribbon were used to make a label for a jar of flavored water that was part of a self-serve bar with Molly and David's favorite drinks; other jars held iced tea, lemonade, and sangria.

20 of 22

21 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sunset

mw1004_fal04_guests_sunset.jpg

As the sun went down, the cliffside setting became even more magical.

21 of 22

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 22

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sources

mw1004_fal04_md_couple.jpg

Location: Wright Ranch, Malibu, California
Wedding Planner: Yifat Oren & Associates Special Events
Photographer: Lara Porzak
Rentals: Regal Rentals
Bride's Dress and Veil: Molly R. Stern for m.r.s, 323-782-0480
Hair: Jay Diola from Goodform, 323-658-8585
Makeup: Jillian Dempsey, from Delux Beauty Products

22 of 22

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • 5 Ways You're Jeopardizing Your Relationship With Your Daughter- or Son-In-Law—and Your Child
    • In Addition to Duke and Duchess, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Will Hold Other Royal Titles for Life
    • The 20 Best Dresses to Wear as a Wedding Guest This Summer
    • Ariana Grande Inspired These Grooms' Black-Tie Wedding in the Pacific Palisades
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 22 Molly and David
    2 of 22 The Bouquet
    3 of 22 The Ketubah
    4 of 22 The Mothers
    5 of 22 The Bride
    6 of 22 The Ceremony
    7 of 22 The Mechitza
    8 of 22 Signs
    9 of 22 Signs
    10 of 22 The Music
    11 of 22 Dancing
    12 of 22 The Guests
    13 of 22 The Favors
    14 of 22 Cupcakes
    15 of 22 Details
    16 of 22 Napkins
    17 of 22 Flower Girls
    18 of 22 Celebration
    19 of 22 Dessert
    20 of 22 Drinks
    21 of 22 Sunset
    22 of 22 Sources

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    A Casual Outdoor DIY Wedding in California
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.