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

    • 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Read More
    • Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Reclaim your space by parting with things in your home you no longer use or have been damaged over time. Read More
    • 93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner.
    • 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
    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    The sweetest way to say "I love you" is with one of these heartfelt, homemade Valentine's Day desserts. Whether you're looking for a treat for your partner, your Galentine's crew, or the co-workers who adore your home baking, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this collection, filled with heart-shaped cakes, cupcakes, and cookies—plus, easy chocolate truffles and decadent mousses and parfaits. Our recipes include desserts for two to share and sweets that feed a crowd. We rate them all above a bunch of red roses any day.
    • 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
    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Halloween Party Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • Adult Halloween Costumes
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    These blooms are tolerant to the chilly conditions, which will allow you to get ahead on your spring flower garden.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    The spots develop when water dries on glass and leaves behind the minerals that were trapped inside.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    • 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
    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    From disco ball art to punch needle embroidery, these are the projects that will dominate the DIY world in the new year, experts say.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    In short, yes—should you have a skin type that might benefit from an occlusive product.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up and turn into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown. You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives—and they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. 
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • 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. This Malibu Wedding Was Inspired by a French Chateau and Citrus Fruits
Martha Stewart Weddings

This Malibu Wedding Was Inspired by a French Chateau and Citrus Fruits

Victoria Velez, Freelance Writer
By Victoria Velez
Skip gallery slides
Pin
bride and groom holding hands outside for portrait
Credit: Jessica Rieke Photography

This professional event designer created her own customized celebration.

Start Slideshow

1 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
bride and groom holding hands outside for portrait
Credit: Jessica Rieke Photography

Courtney and Josh's love story actually began on a dating app. After the connection they felt on their first date, they both deleted their accounts—and have been together ever since. Courtney says, "I knew from the moment I saw him that Josh was the one." On their two year anniversary, Josh proposed to Courtney in their home. The bride-to-be had her suspicions—she knew that Josh was going to pop the question over dinner that evening—but was still a bit nervous (and excited!). Little did she know, Josh had also invited close friends and family, so the night actually doubled as their engagement party. Courtney describes Josh's thoughtful surprise as "the perfect way to celebrate."

Courtney and Josh were married on September 22, 2018, at the Hevadu Estate in Malibu, California, in front of 150 guests. While they both very much wanted to be married on September 21st, as a reference to the Earth, Wind & Fire song, it fell on a Friday, so they decided the 22nd of September was the next best thing. As a professional event designer and stationer, Courtney ensured her wedding was perfectly aligned with the aesthetic she wanted to cultivate: A luxurious outdoor estate wedding with homey touches. The result? A chateau-inspired event filled with all kinds of unique accents, like dried citrus and wildflowers, that was all about family (including the couple's dog, Cosmo!). 

The bride and groom's accute attention to detail helped them execute their big-day design vision. Their biggest goal, however, was ensuring their friends and family had a memorable eperience: "Our guests' comfort and enjoyment was at the center of all of our decisions," says the bride.

1 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Do You Remember?

white and navy save the dates
Credit: Jessica Rieke Photography
Creative Save-the-Dates to Kick Off Your Wedding

The save-the-dates, which were designed by the bride, nodded to Courtney and Josh's desired wedding date with a playful homage to "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire.

2 of 23

3 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Handmade Keepsake

cosmo design white stationary suit keepsakes
Credit: Jessica Rieke Photography
Meaningful Ways to Honor a Pet at Your Wedding

Courtney designed the stationery herself, too. The invitation envelope was custom-printed with the couple's signature toile illustration by Rana Akhavan. The toile design included cosmo flowers, a rendering of the Hevadu Estate, an illustration of the couple, and a headshot of Courtney and Josh's chocolate labradoodle, Cosmo. The invite itself was printed on handmade paper and bound to a rectangle of linen; Courtney even printed a customized illustration of the cosmo flower on the linen, ensuring the invitation was also a keepsake. Calligraphy was provided by Fawn Lettering.

3 of 23

Advertisement

4 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Gifted

citrus and cosmo themed wedding guest welcome basket
Credit: Jessica Rieke Photography
46 Welcome Bags from Real Weddings

Guests were delighted with welcome baskets containing gifts that aligned with the wedding's theme. Goodies included a Lait candle and a custom chocolate bar called "Cosmo's Chocolate Bark," which was wrapped in a cloth with the couple's custom cosmo illustration.

4 of 23

5 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Unique Rings

unique silver hexagonal shape wedding ring
Credit: Jessica Rieke Photography
How to Shop for an Engagement Ring Together and Still Be Surprised

The creative bride had a hand in creating her own engagement ring. The ring's base, a unique silver hexagonal shape, actually belonged to Josh's mom. Courtney knew she wanted sapphires incorporated in the ring design, and says "the rest of the design came together around" the base.

The diamonds in Courtney's wedding band were also family heirlooms—they were given to the groom's mother by his dad on the day of his birth. "Wearing those pieces in my band means the world to me," says the bride.

5 of 23

6 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

French Chateau by the Cali Beach

Hevadu Estate locale wedding venue
Credit: Jessica Rieke Photography

Courtney and Josh chose their location deliberately; as a wedding industry professional, it was of paramount importance to Courtney that she avoid any location that felt like "work." The Hevadu Estate, complete with horses and a vineyard (despite being minutes away from the beach!), evoked a sense of grandeur, but also supplied a feeling of home.

6 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Bridal Gown

Ines di Santo lace long sleeve wedding dress
Credit: Jessica Rieke Photography

Although Courtney originally did not want to wear a wedding dress, she fell in love with an Ines di Santo creation that she felt both spoke to the venue and her personal aesthetic. Her desire to find something "timeless with modern elements" was realized in her floor-length French lace gown. Intricate lace was also featured on the sheer sleeves; the bride describes the carefully-placed line of pearl buttons down the back as one of her favorite details.

7 of 23

8 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Loose Blooms

white cosmo floral wedding bouquet
Credit: Jessica Rieke Photography
64 White Wedding Bouquets

Courtney's bouquet, which she cites as one of her favorite elements of the day, was entirely comprised of white cosmos. Jenn Sanchez Design created the bouquet, which Courtney described as a perfect mix of "gathered and natural, but not wild" blooms. The loose blooms were tied with the same French blue silk ribbon that was used on the save-the-dates.

8 of 23

9 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Perfect Fit

off white jacket black tuxedo pant groom wedding outfit
Credit: Jessica Rieke Photography

Although the off-white dinner jacket and black tuxedo pants were one of the first outfit combinations he tried on, Josh visited around six other stores before revisiting the Hugo Boss pieces he ultimately selected. He describes tuxedo shopping with his dad as "very special"—and maintains that nothing else he tried on fit as perfectly as his Hugo Boss ensemble.

9 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Ladies in White

bride with bridesmaids wearing various white dresses
Credit: Jessica Rieke Photography
Chic Bridal Parties Wearing All-White Dresses

Bridesmaids were left to their own devices when selecting their dresses; the only stipulation was that the gowns had to coincide with the bride's mood board and color palette. They ended up in cohesive white numbers, many with lace elements as a callback to Courtney's gown.

Their bouquets were comprised of loose gatherings of various blooms; all were tied together with a French blue lace ribbon as a unifying element.

10 of 23

11 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Wolf Pack

groom with groomsmen all wearing black suits and bowties
Credit: Jessica Rieke Photography

The groomsmen all wore black tuxedos with black bow ties. Josh gifted them matching socks with a wolf howling at the moon as a nod to his college nickname: "El Lobo."

11 of 23

12 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

It's Actually Happening!

groom smiles at bride during first look
Credit: Jessica Rieke Photography
Tips for Making the Most of Your First Look

The couple's first look took place on a path on the estate's grounds. Josh says he could hear Courtney approach him, and was so excited to see her that he felt like "she took forever to get close enough for the photographer to give [him] the green light to turn around." He had not actually seen her dress before the big day, but was "delighted to see that her dress looked almost exactly like [he] had imagined." Courtney describes their first look as a very emotional moment—she says she cried when he turned around "because it was the moment it became real that we were actually getting married."

12 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

An Outdoor Ceremony

circular pattern chair outdoor wedding ceremony
Credit: Jessica Rieke Photography
Unique Ways to Seat Guests at Your Wedding Ceremony

Although both Courtney and Josh are Jewish, they decided to forego the traditional chuppah, opting instead to showcase the estate's natural beauty. White folding chairs were placed in a circular pattern surrounding the ceremony area and a lush assortment of flowers was arranged as a backdrop. Potted floral arrangements and small bushels of apples lined the aisle.

13 of 23

14 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Nontraditional Approach

bride and groom during wedding ceremony outside
Credit: Jessica Rieke Photography

Neither Courtney nor Josh identify as particularly religious, so they "kept the ceremony focused on their relationship" instead of religious traditions. The bride walked down the aisle alone by choice to a cover of "Such Great Heights" by Postal Service, played on acoustic Spanish guitar. They wrote their own vows; instead of a rabbi, a close friend served as the officiant.

14 of 23

15 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cosmic Presence

chocolate labrodoodle in bowtie outside on grass
Credit: Jessica Rieke Photography
Ways to Ensure Your Dog Is the Guest of Honor at Your Wedding

In lieu of a flower girl or ring bearer, Cosmo, the couple's chocolate Labradoodle, walked down the aisle in a "pupecedo."

15 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cocktails with a View

cocktail hour at wedding venue estate grounds
Credit: Jessica Rieke Photography

The ceremony was kept short to ensure guests had time to enjoy themselves during the cocktail hour, which made ample use of the estate grounds (attendees were invited to sit and relax by the water). As a personalized touch, Courtney, Josh, and Cosmo all had their own signature cocktails.

16 of 23

17 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Labor of Love

dried lemon and floral resin pendants escort cards
Credit: Jessica Rieke Photography
Outdoor Escort Cards That Won't Fly Away

Instead of traditional paper escort cards, guests' names were printed on white ribbon and attached to resin pendants (created by Courtney) which contained dried lemons and flowers.

17 of 23

18 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Open-Air Reception

wooden table string light outside wedding reception setup
Credit: Jessica Rieke Photography

After the cocktail hour, guests made their way to the open-air table setup, which Courtney describes as "a fresh take on the French countryside." Celebrants were seated at either wooden rectangular farm tables or round tables. String lights were hung from the trees to help illuminate the reception space and dance floor after dark.

18 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Table Decor

citrus colored floral centerpieces with citrus fruit table displays
Credit: Jessica Rieke Photography
Wedding Centerpieces Bursting with Fruits and Vegetables

Loose blooms placed in urn planters defined the wooden tables. Additional décor included French blue taper candles, as well as citrus fruits (which provided an additional pop of color). Table numbers were printed on resin rectangles with dried lemon and flowers in the same style as the escort cards. Custom linen napkins, printed with the couple's signature toile pattern, were placed on top of white charger plates with blue designs.

At various food stations, guests were offered several California cuisine options from Made by Meg; there was also a make-your-own taco bar. Guacamole was made and served table side.

19 of 23

20 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

For You and Me

bride and groom first dance outside dance floor string lights
Credit: Jessica Rieke Photography

Courtney and Josh's first dance was also a cute reference to one of their first dates—a friend's birthday at a karaoke bar. When looking through the available songs, they both immediately chose to sing ABBA's "Fernando," but were booed off the stage after the first few seconds. They decided their first dance would be a fun way to reclaim the song.

20 of 23

21 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cake and a Cosmo

three tiered white frosted cake with custom cosmo flower illustrations
Credit: Jessica Rieke Photography
Wedding Cake Design Ideas That'll Wow Your Guests

Courtney, a self-proclaimed cake enthusiast, was seriously invested in the dessert selection. She and Josh each chose a flavor—hers was almond; Josh selected banana chocolate chip with cream cheese frosting. The three-tier confection, created by The Butter End, featured custom cosmo flower illustrations. Perhaps the most notable aspect of the cake, however, was an adorable rendition of Cosmo the labradoodle, which was placed on the bottom tier. As a small and thoughtful touch, a little hole was intentionally created to appear as if Cosmo had taken a bite.

21 of 23

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Choices, Choices, Choices

multiple guest wedding favor table display
Credit: Jessica Rieke Photography

Favors were displayed on a French-style "farm stand" table, which was decorated with flowers and baskets of citrus fruits. Courtney and Josh allowed guests to choose from three options. As an homage to Cosmo the labradoodle, guests could take home cosmo seeds to plant on their own; the packet was decorated with the event's signature cosmo flower illustration and also included instructions for care. Other iterations included a small bottle of homemade limoncello decorated with a dried lemon and a satchel of lavender.

22 of 23

23 of 23

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sources

bride and groom recessional walk after ceremony
Credit: Jessica Rieke Photography

Photography, Jessica Rieke Photography
Event planning, Samantha Phillips of Details, Details
Event Design and Stationery, Courtney Loeb of Cecile's Paper Co.
Catering, Made by Meg
Flowers, Jenn Sanchez Design
Calligraphy, Fawn Lettering
Custom Illustrations, Rana Akhavan
Cake, The Butter End
Spanish Guitarists, Cale Music
Band, City Connection
Rentals, Theoni; Signature Party Rentals
Hair and Makeup, Mirror Bridal Beauty
Bride's Dress, Ines Di Santo
Bridal Styling, Julie Feingold Style
Groom's suit, Hugo Boss
Lighting, Amber Event Productions
Custom Candles, Lait
Pet care, Black Tie Kids

23 of 23

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Victoria Velez

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • 9 Wedding Trends You'll See Everywhere in 2023, According to Wedding Planners and Event Designers
    • 7 Wedding Dress and Accessory Trends Every Bride-to-Be Needs to Know About in 2023
    • Princess Eugenie Is Pregnant With Her Second Child—and Is Due This Summer
    • How to Tell Your Loved Ones—Especially Your Parents—That You're Engaged to Someone They Haven't Met
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 23
    2 of 23 Do You Remember?
    3 of 23 A Handmade Keepsake
    4 of 23 Gifted
    5 of 23 Unique Rings
    6 of 23 French Chateau by the Cali Beach
    7 of 23 The Bridal Gown
    8 of 23 Loose Blooms
    9 of 23 A Perfect Fit
    10 of 23 Ladies in White
    11 of 23 Wolf Pack
    12 of 23 It's Actually Happening!
    13 of 23 An Outdoor Ceremony
    14 of 23 A Nontraditional Approach
    15 of 23 Cosmic Presence
    16 of 23 Cocktails with a View
    17 of 23 Labor of Love
    18 of 23 Open-Air Reception
    19 of 23 Table Decor
    20 of 23 For You and Me
    21 of 23 Cake and a Cosmo
    22 of 23 Choices, Choices, Choices
    23 of 23 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 2023 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

    This Malibu Wedding Was Inspired by a French Chateau and Citrus Fruits
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.