As seen on The Knot
Alyssa and Ryan’s Malibu Calamigos Ranch wedding was a lovely summer soiree, with sorbet-inspired accents and a citrusy color palette.
A New York love story
This LA couple first met while they both lived in New York, at a bar in Manhattan for a friend’s birthday. They bonded early in their relationship over dinner dates and episodes of Narco (they say their love of cartel shows is just one of their many compatibilities!).
Even though their meet-cute was in New York, Ryan chose the California coast for his proposal. He decided to pop the question during their annual winter holiday trip to Ojai; he’d taken Alyssa on many work trips before, so she didn’t suspect anything out of the ordinary. The couple spent the evening shopping and dining in Santa Barbara’s Funk Zone, and the next morning, over coffee and room service breakfast at El Encanto, Ryan got on one knee.
A summery garden party in Malibu
With a year and a half to plan, the couple set their sights on Malibu for their wedding. Alyssa and Ryan envisioned an elegant summer soiree tucked into the hills, offering their out-of-town guests a warm California welcome. Their venue, Malibu’s Calamigos Ranch, perfectly captured their vision for a light, relaxed celebration. Alyssa and Ryan’s palette of yellows, peaches, oranges, warm neutrals, and a tiny pop of pale blue created a fresh and inviting atmosphere among the Santa Monica Mountains. Alyssa’s sister Michaela, an interior designer, helped HoneyFitz Events weave personal, exquisite touches throughout the event.
Wedding wardrobe perfection
Alyssa said that her wedding dress, designed by Lihi Hod, was love at first sight. The “Luka” gown checked every box. She added Jimmy Choo heels and heirloom earrings, worn by both her mother-in-law and grandmother-in-law at their own weddings.
Ryan complemented Alyssa’s understated sophistication in a charcoal Tom Ford suit, Prada loafers, and his grandfather’s cufflinks.
Their Malibu Calamigos Ranch wedding celebration
Their alfresco ceremony featured lush greenery and white blooms, leading down the aisle to a whimsical chuppah draped in pastel florals. Floral designer Lark Farnum sourced seasonally-conscious blooms, setting the perfect tone with whimsical pops of yellow and pink at the altar. Alyssa and Ryan’s Jewish ceremony was presided over by the same rabbi who had also led Alyssa’s Bat Mitzvah two decades earlier (such a beautiful full-circle moment!).
Guests then moved into cocktail hour, where they lounged on stylish Found Rentals furniture vignettes and sipped signature drinks from the bar. The reception brought warmth and elegance together with playful centerpieces, white linens, vintage amber goblets, and overhead draping of tulle and string lights.
The couple were thrilled with their vibrant celebration and, with the help of The Mosaics, danced the night away. In hindsight, Alyssa shares, “I am so grateful for the time we gave ourselves to plan. Nothing about the process felt rushed. We didn’t have any stress and got to enjoy the lead-up with so much excitement and anticipation.”
Alyssa was so thoughtful and sweet to share these words about working with me:
“I can say with utter confidence that Emily is talented beyond measure. She kept me calm, gave me so much direction, entertained my countless questions, and even kept me laughing through each phase of the day. She exceeded all expectations in every possible way. Her talent for shooting exquisite photos is unparalleled. It was really important to us that she captured all of the design and details that went into creating our ‘summer soiree,’ and boy, did she deliver. The photos are vibrant, artistic, and timeless.
Once your big day is over, all you’re left with are the memories and photos. Be sure to work with Emily so that you love your photos as much as we do.”
—
If you could see my face, you’d know I’m blushing hard. I adored working with Alyssa and Ryan! For more garden party loveliness, check out Sophie and Andrew’s Santa Barbara wedding at Simpson House Inn.
—
Wedding planner: HoneyFitz Events
Floral design: Lark Farnum Design
Venue: Calamigos Ranch
Rentals: Found Rentals + Borrowed Blu
Linens: BBJ Linen
Videography: Amari Productions
Entertainment: Dart Collective
Stationery: Presence Fine Paper
Wedding dress: Lihi Hod
Cake: Fantasy Frostings
