A Monochromatic Micro Wedding In California

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wedding couple portrait in garden — Jose Villa

Kristin and Kayvon had booked famed photographer Jose Villa and were working with The Lynden Lane Co. to plan a large destination wedding. And when they realized that they would likely need to postpone due to pandemic restrictions, they decided they'd have a faraway celebration or no celebration at all—for a time, that is. "Our intention was to get married in Lake Como," says Kristin, who had always dreamed of an Italian wedding. "We had no intention of getting married before Italy, but then one day we just decided that we were done waiting." Within three days, they had booked the rest of their vendors and launched plans to marry in California in less than two weeks. "Our goal was to create a magical, modern Italian experience with our immediate family in a safe way," says the bride.

For the venue, Jose recommended a private home in Montecito, where he had previously done a photo shoot. "When my planners saw the venue they knew it was a way to bring us to Italy without having to leave home," Kristin says. The manicured grounds of the estate featured expansive lawns, stone stairways, and a breathtaking glass structure that stood sentry over the garden. "It was literally the perfect spot," says the bride, whose vision was "clean, white, and modern, but still romantic."

In addition to commissioning a big-day look that was classic with an edgy, modern twist, the pair also put a lot of thought into their musical selections. During the ceremony, an acoustic guitarist offered a simple accompaniment that fit the moment. The reception was led by internationally known Chris Norton and his band, an experience the couple will never forget. "[Chris] is a singer, trumpeter, and band leader, and just made the whole evening magical, switching from classics to pop with a modern jazz interpretation," says Kristin. "He just kept the whole night feeling like we were floating on a cloud." Chris' band was also key. "They made [the atmosphere] feel elevated and intimate," adds the bride. "I am not sure how, but they made it feel like a party for 50 when there were only 10 of us."

Kristin and Kayvon still plan to exchange vows in Italy before a large group of family and friends when the time is right. "We are hoping for 2022," she says. "I still have two more dresses that I bought that I have to wear!" However, their intimate nuptials will always stand out. "Just because you are planning a small wedding doesn't mean you have to miss out on décor and a great venue," confides the bride. We are so happy we went all out with everything, even though it was just 10 people."

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Ethereal Beauty

bride and groom walking together for portrait — Jose Villa

Kristin instinctively knew she wanted a lace, strapless mermaid wedding dress for her big day, and the delicate Monique Lhuillier gown she originally chose translated beautifully from the Lake Como event to the one in Montecito. Her cathedral-length veil—also by Monique Lhuillier—featured delicate appliqué work and was her favorite part of her look.

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Sparkle and Shine

elegant jeweled white wedding shoes — Jose Villa

Crystal beads encircled the heels of the bride's satin sandals.

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03 of 19

Strong Suit

groom in black tux with bowtie — Jose Villa

Kayvon donned a timeless Armani tuxedo in classic black.

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Private First Look

couple smiling at each other during first look — Jose Villa

The entrance of the beautiful property served as the location for the couple's first look. "I was nervous and excited but also ready to get married," says Kristin. "It was so special because it was just us. It seemed quiet and peaceful and only for each other."

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Lovely Landscape

elegant wedding venue with fountain — Jose Villa

The walkway to the ceremony site was placed alongside an exquisite fountain on the grounds below a breathtaking greenhouse.

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Ceremony Style

white floral wedding walkway — Jose Villa

"Our floral and wedding designers came up with the idea of making the flowers look like they were planted," says the bride of the blooms that led the way to the altar. "Each stem was singularly put into the grass to create a super-dramatic, but organic aisle." An arbor of white roses was placed at the altar, and fairy lights were wound around nearby trees. "The altar was my dream," says Kristin. "We used white-on-white garden roses to create something really beautiful to say our vows beneath."

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07 of 19

Step Right Up

white roses and candles on wedding stairs — Jose Villa

A stone stairway was also decorated with monochromatic roses and candles for a romantic glow.

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Puppy Love

bride and father and two dogs processing at wedding — Jose Villa

The couple's golden retrievers, wearing flower collars, escorted the bride and her father down the aisle.

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Floral Moment

bride and groom being showered in white petals during wedding ceremony — Jose Villa

After the pair exchanged original vows and were pronounced husband and wife, live music began to play and floral canons launched flower petals into the air.

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Party Time

small white wedding reception table — Jose Villa

Dinner took place behind the greenhouse, on the other side of the property.

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Table for Two

elegant white floral garland on wedding reception table — Jose Villa

Roses, orchids, and sweet peas adorned the couple's candlelit sweetheart's table, as well as the ground before it.

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Around the Table

white and clear wedding reception chair and table setting — Jose Villa

Acrylic chairs surrounded a velvet-draped guest table set for 10, which was topped with vases filled with snowy roses.

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Fashion Plate

elegant all white wedding reception place setting — Jose Villa

Each gold-rimmed dinner plate featured a beautiful bespoke menu card. "We had them letterpressed with our monogram and mounted to leather boards to feel really intentional," says Kristin. The bride's favorite detail? Luminous pearl napkin rings.

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Haute Cake

elegant white wedding cake with flowers — Jose Villa

Their two-tier wedding cake was extremely important, they say. "We worked with Maison De La Fork to create a vegan cake that had the most insane handmade sugar flowers," says Kristin.

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Bold as Brass

man in white suit playing trumpet for wedding — Jose Villa

The multi-talented Chris Norton played the trumpet, sang, and led the band during the reception.

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Dinner Party

couple sitting at table for outdoor wedding dinner — Jose Villa

Kristin, Kavyon, and their guests enjoyed a multi-course vegan dinner. "The chef was amazing," says Kristin, "and actually used the kitchen on property, which made it almost feel like a home-cooked meal."

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Brought to Light

bride and groom watching wedding sparklers at night — Jose Villa

Sparklers unexpectedly went off as Kristin and Kayvon stepped onto the dance floor. "My mom and wedding planner surprised me with them, and it was such a magical moment," says the bride.