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

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!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Subscribe
Save Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 35 One-Pan Meals Just Right for Dinner Tonight

      One pan, pot, skillet, or Instant Pot is all you need to for these no-fuss family dinners, including salmon, pasta, pot roast, chili, and so much more. Read More Next
    • The Best 2021 Bedroom Paint Colors

      Explore the best 2021 bedroom paint colors, according to paint experts. Read More Next
    • The Ultimate Guide to Household Cleaning: What You Should Be Cleaning When

      Our printable checklists will tell you what you should be doing every day, week, month, season—or every once in a while—to keep your home in ship-shape year round. Read More Next
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD

    Quick, Easy, and Delicious Pasta Recipes Ideal for Weeknight Dinners

    When you need a comforting meal but don't have a lot of time, whip up one of these fast pasta recipes. All can be made in 45 minutes or less.
    • 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

    17 St. Patrick's Day Crafts and Decorations

    Looking for a golden idea? You're in luck. Kick off your St. Patrick's Day celebrations with our shamrock garlands, rainbow balloons, leprechaun traps, and more.
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING

    The Best Front Porch Decorating Ideas for Every Month of the Year

    Get inspired to make your porch your new favorite living space with these ideas designed to add a refined look to any outdoor space.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME

    How to Disinfect Your Kitchen and Your Food During the Coronavirus Outbreak, According to Experts

    Keep everything from your countertops to your dining room chairs germ-free.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING

    How to Keep Your Houseplants Happy in the Winter

    Help them thrive even when the temperature drops.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Your Hands Properly, According to a Doctor

    You likely wash your hands several times a day, but are you doing so effectively? Learn how to minimize the spread of germs with an extra few seconds of scrubbing.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS

    How to Plan a Beautiful, Meaningful Micro Wedding So That You Can Celebrate Your Postponed Nuptials Right Now

    • 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 Knit: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

    Learn how to knit your own mittens, hats, scarves, and more. We'll take you through the step-by-step instructions and teach you how to cast on, knit, purl, and cast off.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Six Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health While You Work from Home

    Start by carving out a designated work area in your space.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE

    How to Start a Virtual Book Club

    From which platforms to use and the best books to read, bibliophiles share their advice.
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
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!
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Real Weddings
  4. Pacific Ocean Waves Crashed Behind This Duo as They Exchanged Vows at a Private Estate in Malibu

Pacific Ocean Waves Crashed Behind This Duo as They Exchanged Vows at a Private Estate in Malibu

By Sarah Schreiber
February 12, 2021
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Credit: Larissa Cleveland

"The ocean is a big part of our lives," says the Hawaii-based couple of their micro event's driving inspiration source.

Start Slideshow

1 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Credit: Larissa Cleveland

"This is Dr. Pam," Pamela's friend and Zumba instructor announced to a group at the Honolulu Museum of Art, during an art-after-dark event. In that crowd was Michael—also a physician. "This is Dr. Michael!" one of his pals quipped up. "We ended up talking for several hours and, by the end of the conversation, Michael asked for my phone number," says the bride. "It was about two weeks later—after I vetted him with my work colleagues—that we went on our first date."

Pamela, an internal medicine hospitalist, and Michael, an obstetrician and gynecologist, dated for three years before they started talking about marriage. "And then, one day I came home from work and Michael—always a practical person—handed me a printed list of potential wedding dates and asked me which one I liked," shares Pamela. Together, they decided on January 21, 2021 (a palindrome!), and, shortly after, agreed that Northern California—a halfway point between Hawaii, where they live, and the mainland, where several of their loved ones reside—would make the most sense for their eventual celebration. "However, after finding our planner, ​Aimée ​Newlander of Weddings by Aimée, we extended our search and decided upon Malibu," says the duo. "Aimée​ found Casa di Pietra, where Amy Schumer was married. It was perfect for the event—and large enough to house several of our family members."

They had begun the planning process long before COVID-19 changed the world; even over the course of 2020, the pair held fast to their already-small original vision (a gathering with just 25 guests!) assuming the country would have the pandemic under control long before their wedding date. The year came and went—and since the already-tiny guest list had naturally dwindled down to five, the pair decided to keep their plan. This was, in part, a sacrifice, they say: Due to travel restrictions, their parents wouldn't be able to attend. They did, however, find ways to include them: "We were not too keen on live-streaming, so our plan 'pivoted' to include a videographer to capture the story of the day, for our parents and other guests who could not attend," they say, adding that they mailed their parents gift boxes, ordered them special food for the big day, and kept them in the loop with a series of text messages.

Surrounded by a handful of loved ones (who all received pre-travel COVID-19 tests within 72 hours of the celebration and then another when they arrived on-site), and with the help of a stellar team, Pamela and Michael put together a small celebration with great impact—and unparalleled details—in sunny Malibu, says the groom: "One detail stands out in my memory: Perched on the Pacific Ocean, the wedding participants and crew constantly enjoyed the warm breeze—we watched the waves wash in, the cloudless sky, a pod of dolphins swim by, and pelicans on the rocks."

1 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Beachy Invites

Credit: Larissa Cleveland

Designed by Kelly Zeller of Look Good on Paper Co, the couple's main invitation card featured a blind debossed outline of the Malibu coast, with Casa di Pietra tucked into the cliffside. Inserts had a custom cut-top edge and were printed on shades of sand, teal, and blue; a custom wave-shaped pocket in navy held all of the pieces together. The abstract seen on their save-the-dates made a reappearance on the envelope liner—and each set was addressed with blue-and-teal watercolor calligraphy. Ahead of the event, Kelly curated a cohesive collection of modern and vintage stamps for a personal touch.

2 of 18

3 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Bohemian Lace

Credit: Larissa Cleveland

"I knew that I would have to get a wedding dress outside of Hawaii," explains Pamela. "I had been searching online when I found a short cocktail style that I liked—as well as a Temperley London dress that I didn't think I could afford. I ended up going to Miami for a quick getaway and found Couture Bridal Miami​; they carried the short number I saw online. While in the store, I noticed that they also carried several Temperley dresses, including the Beatrix." With some help from the store assistant, Gaby—who made Pamela's day when she told her that the garment was included in the store's current sample sale—she stepped into the bohemian gown with a high neckline, long sleeves, and Victorian lace motifs, fell in love, and promptly sent a photo to her mother. And when she called Michael? "He simply said, "Just say yes to the dress, my love,'" the bride reflects. "When I got back to Honolulu, I was able to find the perfect seamstress, Yee Mei, to take in the dress a bit."

  • Real Brides Wearing Long-Sleeved Wedding Dresses

3 of 18

Advertisement

4 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Flowers in Her Hair

Credit: Larissa Cleveland

Davida Buggs of Flowers by Lady Buggs put together a fresh hairpiece for the bride; the flowers included referenced those seen in her bouquet.

  • 20 Wedding Hairstyles with Flowers

4 of 18

5 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Vibrant Blooms

Credit: Larissa Cleveland

Her loose, hand-tied arrangement was an explosion of color and featured a broad assortment of blooms, including Juliet garden roses, quicksand roses, majolica spray roses, peach ranunculus, locally-grown white sweet peas, white lilac, blush butterfly ranunculus, seeded eucalyptus, and acacia foliage.

5 of 18

6 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Ready to Wed

Credit: Larissa Cleveland

The bride was surrounded by loved ones on the morning of the wedding. "I was up for hours getting my hair and makeup done before our first look," she shares. "My sisters, Rana and Paula, and my friend from college, Cathy, kept checking in on me, taking pictures, and, at times, bringing a phone in for me to chat with my parents."

6 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Groom in Green

Credit: Larissa Cleveland

Michael's look was inspired by two unique details: Green-painted British racing automobiles ("I have always liked them," he says) and the custom Gucci suit that Ryan Gosling wore to the movie premier of Ides of March. He was able to find an option that melded the two at Morigi Milano.

  • 21 Grooms Who Wore Colorful Wedding Suits

7 of 18

8 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Oceanside

Credit: Larissa Cleveland

Both the couple's ceremony and reception were held on-site at a private Malibu home, Casa di Pietra—and the Pacific Ocean was the backdrop of it all. "The ocean is a big part of our life and was included in the inspiration for our design," says the duo. "Our wedding planner ​Aimée of Weddings by Aimée created independent spaces for ceremony, cocktails, and dining so everyone was able to take in all the views."

8 of 18

9 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Asymmetrical Archway

Credit: Larissa Cleveland

"During hair and makeup, I watched through the bedroom window as Davida and her team brought in buckets of flowers and—piece by piece—constructed the most beautiful ceremony arch," says Pamela of the broken arrangement, featuring a myriad of garden rose varieties, olive leaf, and pepper berry foliage. "She turned my floral vision into the most beautiful romantic, artistic masterpiece that I could have ever imagined."

  • 59 Wedding Arches That Will Instantly Upgrade Your Ceremony

9 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Lanterns Lead the Way

Credit: Larissa Cleveland

White-washed rattan square-back chairs were amply spaced with the pandemic in mind. Turkish towels—a wedding favor—were displayed diagonally across the seats, adding clean lines and texture to the space. Gleaming antique glass lanterns were the finishing touch.

10 of 18

11 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Joyful Vows

Credit: Larissa Cleveland

Pamela and Michael walked down the aisle—and towards their officiant, their dear friend, Aaron—together. They wrote their own vows, during which Michael shared a funny anecdote about losing a contact lens right before their first date ("From what I ​could​ see, Pamela was gorgeous, smart, kind, generous, and strong," he said). Pamela also honored Michael's first wife, Sheila, who passed away in 2016: "I am thankful that you were able to open your heart to me and love again. I feel so blessed that we get to continue our amazing journey together."

11 of 18

12 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Mixology

Credit: Larissa Cleveland

Marsha Meyers—the creative behind The Natural Mixologist—hooked the couple on her cocktails during a food tasting. "We knew that alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails would be an important element," they say, "and Marsha created delicious custom drinks to pair with the menu items." She kicked off the festivities with an aptly-named cocktail hour offering, the "Married in Malibu" (a smoked tequila). "Our guests kept going back to the bar for more," say Pamela and Michael.

  • 38 Signature Drinks That'll Personalize Your Cocktail Hour

12 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Rose Garland

Credit: Larissa Cleveland

The newlyweds requested a European-style dining experience—something they wanted right from the start. A country table with curved legs set the tone, but the dramatic floral runner was the focal point; the arrangement's light, whimsical color scheme kept the lush piece California-appropriate.

  • Lush Wedding Garlands Guaranteed to Elevate Your Reception Tables

13 of 18

14 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

At Each Setting

Credit: Larissa Cleveland

Stone dinnerware kept place settings natural, not glam, to speak to the afternoon meal. Gold-and-teal flatware added a touch of drama, as did the wavy-edged menus that complemented the hand-calligraphed agate stone place card (another keepsake for guests). A navy ribbon, laced with a dehydrated orange slice, held simple white napkins together.

14 of 18

15 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Meaningful Words

Credit: Larissa Cleveland

"I cherish the many surprises arranged by my sisters," says Pamela,​ "from reading a letter of advice from my mother to the unexpected heartfelt toasts welcoming Michael into our family."

15 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Pizza Time

Credit: Larissa Cleveland

Following the sit-down meal catered by Blood Sweat + Butter, Pamela and Michael offered to-go pizzas made in the property's free-standing outdoor oven.

16 of 18

17 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sunset on the Beach

Credit: Larissa Cleveland

"Be flexible," advises Pamela, if you find yourself putting together a micro celebration during these trying times. "If you have the means to work with a planner, hire one that will work as your advocate and find vendors that get your vision. As a woman and a woman of color, I often feel that women are not valued enough. It was important to me to support the work of wonderful artists and artisans of small woman-owned businesses and businesses owned by women of color. The other piece is to recognize how hard these small businesses work. When it's a (baby) small business, I feel they give you their all and you get their very best."

  • How to Know If You Need a Wedding Planner

17 of 18

18 of 18

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sources

Credit: Larissa Cleveland

Venue, Casa di Pietra Malibu
Photography, Larissa Cleveland Photography
Wedding Planning and Event Design,
Weddings by Aimée
Videography,
Mary Omel Film
Floral Design, Flowers by Lady Buggs
Music,
Pitstop Musicians
Catering and Dessert, Blood Sweat + Butter
Mixology,
The Natural Mixologist
Rentals,
Papillon Rentals, Casa de Perrin
Transportation,
Black Diamond Valet Services
Save-the-Dates, Invitations, Custom Menus, Masks, and Agate Stones,
Look Good on Paper Co
Bride's Gown,
Alice Temperley
Atelier,
Couture Bridal Miami​
Seamstress
​, Yee Mei Seamstress
Engagement Ring and Earrings, Blue Nile
Wedding Bands, Bulgari
Bride's Shoes, Badgley Mischka
Bride's Clutch,
Salvatore Ferragamo
Bride's Nails, ​Ayumi at Miki'ao Nail Bar, Honolulu
Makeup, Nyrie, Symmetry Beauty
Hair,
Tilde by Matilde
Groom's Suit,
​Isaia Napoli via Morigi Milano
Groom's Accessories, ​Kiton (shirt); Burberry (tie); Tod's (shoes); Paul Smith (socks); Ted Baker (belt)
Favors,
The True Olive Connection (olive oil); The Loomia (Turkish towels)
Hotel for Guests, Malibu Beach Inn

18 of 18

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Sarah Schreiber

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
`
View All
  • Prince Harry Just Revealed Exactly When He Knew Meghan Markle Was the One: "We Went from Zero to 60"
  • A Small, Sweet Brooklyn Wedding with an Unforgettable City Backdrop
  • Colin Jost and Scarlett Johansson Are "Concerned" About Their Mystery Wedding Gift from Michael Che
  • Is It Necessary for Both Partners to Interview Each Prospective Wedding Vendor?
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 18
2 of 18 Beachy Invites
3 of 18 Bohemian Lace
4 of 18 Flowers in Her Hair
5 of 18 Vibrant Blooms
6 of 18 Ready to Wed
7 of 18 Groom in Green
8 of 18 Oceanside
9 of 18 Asymmetrical Archway
10 of 18 Lanterns Lead the Way
11 of 18 Joyful Vows
12 of 18 Mixology
13 of 18 Rose Garland
14 of 18 At Each Setting
15 of 18 Meaningful Words
16 of 18 Pizza Time
17 of 18 Sunset on the Beach
18 of 18 Sources

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Login

Martha Stewart

Magazines & More

Learn More

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

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
Martha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2021 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 . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

View image

Pacific Ocean Waves Crashed Behind This Duo as They Exchanged Vows at a Private Estate in Malibu
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.