At Their Wedding in California, the Couple Asked Attendees to Wear Black and White to Be "Active Participants"—Not Just Witnesses

Christonya and Orlando met in college, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham—but not, as some college sweethearts do, at a party. In fact, they first crossed paths because Christonya decided against attending one, opting instead to watch the finale of Making the Band ("I can still feel the sheer enjoyment this moment in TV brought me," laughs the bride). When the episode was over, she headed out into the living room—which is where she first saw Orlando, who was standing there with the "biggest grin on his face." He'd been listening to every shriek and shrill, and knew he had to introduce himself. "That was the beginning of our journey as friends," notes Christonya.

Several years later, while Christonya, a fashion stylist, was on a job in Los Angeles, Orlando surprised her with a trip to Napa Valley, a "destination that she almost obsessively spoke about, but had never been to," he says. Towards the end of their trip—and under the guise of taking a few portraits with their newly-purchased tripod—they took a scenic drive up and down hills and through expansive fields, until they reached a trail. It led to a cliff that "truly felt like the end of the earth," notes the groom—which is where he dropped to one knee and popped the question ("Admittedly, I had some difficulty getting the ring box out of my pocket!" he says).

Despite the challenges the wedding-planning process threw their way—obstacles, which included securing a venue, they weathered with the help of Erica Estrada and Lauren Broussard of Erica Estrada Design—there was one big-day element that was a no-brainer: "Saying 'I do,'" explains Christonya. "Walking down the aisle and saying yes to my love, my partner, and my best friend was the easiest part. I didn't have one ounce of nervousness on that day and not one single doubt regarding committing my heart and soul to Orlando for life. I am infinitely blessed!"

After several days of pre-wedding events, including a mini pool party, joint bachelor and bachelorette night, and rehearsal dinner, the big day—held at Sunstone Winery in Santa Ynez, California—had finally arrived. The pair asked their loved ones to dress in black and white for the occasion, creating a unified, black-tie vibe that was tempered by the organic elements of their surroundings. The coordinated dress code also had another benefit: "We wanted the guests to feel like they all were active participants in this moment—and not just witnesses."

"I loved how I felt in this wedding dress," says Christonya of her printed silk organza Zuhair Murad gown; the pleated bodice added a touch of femininity and 1950s elegance, a style the bride loves. "For as long as I can remember, I loved the glamour of the '50s," she says. "This dress was very reminiscent of Grace Kelly's white gown from the movie To Catch a Thief."

The bride's 150-inch-long veil, which she ordered from Eteri Couture, incorporated details—like imported lace and beading—that her gown didn't have. Mixing those textures made magic, she says: "We ended up with a delicate, ethereal combination of beads and shiny pearls on soft Chantilly Lace and classic Spanish mantilla-style tulle. It flowed magically in the air."

Christonya held a simple arrangement of white spray roses, courtesy of Jenn Sanchez.

The bride's Manolo Blahnik pumps' gemstones reflected the light whenever she took a step.

Orlando and Christonya's flower girl gave her Sheyle dress a twirl ahead of the ceremony.

The groom and his attendants previewed the day's signature color palette—black and white. Orlando donned a white tuxedo blazer with black silk shawl lapel from Giorgio Armani; his black pants, also from Armani, featured a coordinating silk strip. Groomsmen wore sleek black iterations from The Black Tux. "I have always loved seeing how tailored and chic a man can look in a double-breasted suit," says Christonya. "I knew immediately that it was the ideal style for all of Orlando's groomsmen."

Christonya and Orlando's vision for their ceremony was clean and timeless, notes the pair's florist. "We decided on classic white flowers and lush foliage but wanted neither to read too heavy or overstated," says Jenn.

Various grasses and tall vertical blooms, like delphinium, were designed in a meadow-inspired fashion along both sides of the aisle.

"My amazing dad walked me down the aisle," says Christonya. "He was so overwhelmed with emotion on this day. My parents had a very small wedding, so being able to give Orlando and me this special experience meant the world to them."

The ceremony music, courtesy of Kourtney White and Enzo Innello, was a particular highlight: "Kourtney went viral years ago for her rendition of 'Tennessee Whiskey.' When I first heard her voice, I locked it into my memory bank for our special day. When we found out she was actually available and willing to fly in to perform at our wedding we were overjoyed," says Christonya. Enzo, a "special addition," accompanied her last minute, when Kourtney's guitarist could no longer make it. "His strings set the atmosphere of love, holiness, and the sweetest joy," says the bride.

During the duo's spiritual service, Orlando and Christonya exchanged heartfelt promises that put their mutual faith front and center. "Our vows reflected how impactful our spiritual journey has been and how it has shaped us into the people we are today," says the bride. "Undoubtedly, without that influence, we wouldn't be so blessed to share in the love that we so effortlessly live in today."

A Champagne tower awaited the celebrants as they processed into the cocktail hour-style reception.

The group sipped on two signature drinks, including the groom's go-to cocktail—an old fashioned—and an Italian Mule, made with vodka and limoncello, per the bartender's suggestion.

In lieu of a sit-down dinner, the couple served a series of appetizers during the reception, including these charbroiled oysters with parsley-infused butter and parmesan cheese.

Since the couple opted for a passed-app style meal, a mix of lounge-inspired furniture was circled around a low table.

Guests were encouraged to sip, sit, and mingle wherever they liked. 

A series of individual charcuterie boards were arranged along the tabletop.

Christonya and Orlando skipped the first section of their party to pose for portraits. "During one of the photos, we decided to offer a toast from the balcony of the villa, which turned out to be one of our favorite moments from the evening," notes the bride. "Seeing all of our loved ones below, cheering and celebrating, will be a moment that will live in our memories forever."

La Dolce, who catered the entirety of the event, also made the duo's two wedding cakes. The larger dessert featured layers of old fashioned vanilla bean, layered with a salted caramel buttercream frosting and homemade chocolate chip brownie pieces. The second, the groom's confection, was a rich, decadent chocolate, complete with a ganache center and brown buttercream frosting.

Due to a noise ordinance, the newlyweds weren't permitted to have a DJ onsite, so they outsourced their playlist to a professional, who curated a set with input from their guests. "It had every guest on their feet the entire evening," says the bride.

Photography, Lauren Fair Photography
Venue, Sunstone Winery
Videography, Symboll
Event Planning, Erica Estrada and Lauren Broussard of Erica Estrada Design
Flowers, Jenn Sanchez
Invitations, Bliss & Bone
Menu and Vow Books, McManus & Morgan Fine Art Paper
Bride's Attire, Zuhair Murad
Bride's Accessories, Eteri Couture (veil), Manolo Blahnik (shoes)
Hair and Makeup, Khamilia Smith
Bridesmaids' Dresses, Solace London; Fame and Partners
Groom's Attire, Giorgio Armani
Groomsmen's Attire, The Black Tux
Catering, La Dolce
Music, Kourtney White, Enzo Innello
Rentals, Theoni Collection