An Organic, Intimate Wedding in California

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Bride and groom outside — Kelsea Holder Photography

Alyssa Alkoby and Tommy Bubonic's wedding was special for many reasons, including that it was strictly focused on the people closest to their hearts. Opting to marry in front of just 28 family members and friends, the pair's intimate celebration allowed them to relax and enjoy every moment. "It added a very personal and romantic touch to our special day," says Alyssa, noting that they were able to utilize their venue in a unique way that wouldn't have been possible for a large event.

"Sunstone Villa really spoke for itself," the bride asserts of the site she and her groom chose. "I was most captured by its Old-World architecture built from imported limestone from France, and wood beams and roof tiles reclaimed from a 19th-century lavender factory once owned by Queen Victoria. To be surrounded by history and beauty while getting married in Southern California was a no-brainer." Her vision was of an effortless, understated, and romantic affair with delicate greenery, muted tones, and lots of candlelight—less formal and more "European garden" than a traditional wedding. "Summer blooms packed with petals for lots of softness were juxtaposed with texture and foliage without losing that elegant look," says Davia Lee, the couple's event planner and designer, of the décor.

Prior to the wedding, all of the female guests were asked to wear neutral colors such as sands, blushes, and champagnes for the big day; their male counterparts donned black suits or tuxedos. "For such an intimate wedding, we thought it would be nice to ask all guests to dress within the color palette," explains Alyssa, noting that the main purpose behind this was to help everyone feel included in their union. "It also provided for beautiful photo opportunities!"

A grand dinner party served as the inspiration for this gathering—and a grand (albeit intimate!) occasion it was. "The easiest part of wedding planning was not having the pressure of a big day," says Alyssa. "I had fun making it special."

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Delicate Stationery

Wedding invitations on blush and white handmade paper printed with a pale gray ink — Kelsea Holder Photography

The couple's invitation suite from Fete & Quill was simple; blush-and-white handmade paper was printed with a pale gray ink and accented with a simple olive-leaf drawing.

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On a Whim

Bride in wedding dress of ivory silk crepe, flutter sleeves, a fitted waist, and an open keyhole back — Kelsea Holder Photography

Alyssa found her Leanne Marshall wedding dress while traveling through New York City. "It was quite fun!" she reflects. "I made the decision within minutes and didn't look back." The gown was made of ivory silk crepe and featured flutter sleeves, a fitted waist, and an open keyhole back.

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Lace Booties

Bride's lace-up booties with lace-applique details and satin trim — Kelsea Holder Photography

The bride's Bella Belle lace-up booties featured gorgeous lace-appliqué details and satin trim.

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Unstructured Bouquet

Wedding bouquet of ranunculus blossoms, dusty peach lisianthus blooms, and garden roses in hues of light gold and sand — Kelsea Holder Photography

As for the bride's bouquet, courtesy of Camellia Floral Design? Buttery ranunculus blossoms, dusty peach lisianthus blooms, and garden roses in hues of light gold and sand were tied with long ribbons in warm peach and muted terra-cotta tones. Delicate greenery, including honeysuckle vine and hellebores, provided texture and softness.

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Color Coordinated

Bridesmaids in long, apricot-colored gowns — Kelsea Holder Photography

Alyssa's bridesmaids wore long, apricot-colored gowns from Jenny Yoo in a bevy of styles; each woman chose the bodice that flattered them best.

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Timeless Tuxedo

Groom in custom-fitted black tux by Hugo Boss with lisianthus boutonniere — Kelsea Holder Photography

Tommy donned a custom black tuxedo by Hugo Boss accented with a petite lisianthus boutonnière, which was backed with delicate greenery and wrapped with a raw silk ribbon.

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Classic Menswear

Groomsmen in black suits and ties — Kelsea Holder Photography

The groomsmen wore the black suits and ties of their choosing, resulting in an utterly timeless look.

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Climbing Décor

Wedding decor with cascade of greenery with flowers and candles — Kelsea Holder Photography

Come the ceremony, lit candles were placed at the foot of a climbing floral runner, which marked the altar. "An installation that climbed from the ground up the central wall space in the courtyard mimicked a growing, flowering vine up the wall," Alyssa describes. "A mixture of large-faced rose blooms in shades of butter, gold, peach, and dusty blush were mixed throughout the vines."

The flower beds on the ground swept around the base of the villa's marble table, which was swathed in heavy candlelight by the time the duo exchanged vows.

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An Emotional First Glance

Bride and groom during ceremony — Kelsea Holder Photography

Alyssa and Tommy decided to forgo a first look in favor of seeing each other on the aisle for the first time on their big day. "Seeing Alyssa in her wedding dress was unreal!" the Tommy shares. After the groom walked down the aisle with his mother to an instrumental version of "What a Wonderful World," Alyssa was escorted down the aisle by both of her parents to the song "Touch of Heaven."

The ceremony was officiated by Tommy's childhood pastor, and the pair wrote their own vows to make the ceremony that much more personal. "They were inspired by our like-minded faith in making God the foundation on which our marriage is built," says Tommy of the carefully written vows, which were printed on beautiful handmade paper to serve as keepsakes.

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Joyfully Wed

Bride and groom smiling together — Kelsea Holder Photography

The joyful couple embraced after they were pronounced husband and wife.

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Refreshing Sips

A Summer Crush wedding cocktail — Kelsea Holder Photography

Specialty drinks were offered during the cocktail hour, including the "Summer Crush," composed of vodka, chamomile-infused Blanc vermouth, cantaloupe syrup, saline solution, lemon, and club soda garnished with cantaloupe slice.

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Grazing Table

In addition to passed hors d'oeuvres, a table of imported and domestic cheeses was offered to guests, along with charcuterie boards, farmer's market crudité, seasonal fruits, and honeycomb.

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Sumptuous Tables

velvet-draped wedding reception table with loose organza overlays — Kelsea Holder Photography

Two long, velvet-draped tables covered with loose organza runners created a luxurious atmosphere for dining. "Low centerpieces were accompanied by clusters of pillar candles in shades of nude and honey on terra-cotta and brass trays," Alyssa says. Two medium-sized terra-cotta compotes were featured per table, along with bud vases displaying blousy garden roses, pillar candles, and votives. Theme flowers of dahlias, ranunculus, lisianthus, strawflower, and berries were accented with spilling vines and foliage.

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Exquisite Settings

Wedding place setting with golden flatware and chargers accented white plates topped with napkins and menu cards enveloped in vellum and sprinkled with dried flowers — Kelsea Holder Photography

Golden flatware and chargers accented white plates were topped with napkins; menu cards were wrapped in vellum and sprinkled with dried flowers. A silk ribbon with white calligraphy notified each guest of his or her place setting.

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A Mix of Beautiful Hues

Wedding centerpieces of flowers in shades of peach, nude, buttery gold, mustard, dusty pink, and cream — Kelsea Holder Photography

Flowers in shades of peach, nude, buttery gold, mustard, dusty pink, and cream infused the tables with color.

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An Ethereal Cake Design

Carrot cake with cascade of white on top of apricot icing for wedding — Kelsea Holder Photography

The couple worked closely with Whitnie Burke Elrod to create a custom confection based on the airy, textured feel of their overall event design. Carrot cake—the very same treat the pair shared on the day they got engaged—was the flavor of choice. A silky cascade of white blown sugar floated down stacked apricot-hued layers.

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A Meaningful First Dance

Bride and groom during first dance — Kelsea Holder Photography

Alyssa and Tommy took their first dance to "Speechless" by Dan and Shay. "If we would have married a year earlier, this song wouldn't have even been out," says Tommy of the meaningful tune. "I think when we both listen to the song, we know why we chose it. Some people say there is a honeymoon phase. I think this song goes against that. Because every time I look at Alyssa, I truly am speechless. She is the most beautiful, inside and out."

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