MADONNA INN California 2021
Smith + James Events

This epic road trip elopement to The Madonna Inn was a dream come true. No idea was too big, no detail too small for this editorial I created alongside Smith + James Events. From a dreamy ride in a creamy white 1971 Corvette Stingray convertible (including my favorite detail, a keychain created by Idea Emporium and Amber Moon Design) to a custom powdered sugar stencicled pancake breakfast (specially made by the same designers) at the Madonna Inn restaurant, to the oceanside ceremony at Grover Beach, and their intimate dinner reception at the Inn's Hearts and Flowers room, every part of this day was an exciting adventure. Amanda Vidmar created a wall of gardenias inside the hearts and flowers room to enhance the romantic vibes. She included a candlelit walkway surrounded by alyssum and a lily of the valley and sweet pea floral centerpiece. Tory Smith designed our table for two, which was pattern-on-pattern perfection with floral placemats and custom silk ribbons printed with Sadie and Ben's names. As a nod to the classic movie scene — and because being a little extra felt just right — the couple ended the evening with a "Lady and the Tramp” style spaghetti dinner with cheeky Italian music playing in the background. The grand finale was when Sadie and Ben cut into the infamous pink champagne Madonna Inn cake and ate their cake slices in bed while wearing the Madonna Inn's floral print robes. Of course, a cake smash was a must.

This vision came to life with the help of Hair and Makeup artist Skyla Arts and fashion stylist Gabrielle Hurwitz. For look one, Gabrielle paired a Sophie et Voila jumpsuit with Reiss earring from Jennifer Behr, while Ben wore a casual suit from The Black Tux. For their second number, Sadie wore an Alexia Maria silk and wool dress with bow details, Sergio Rossi heels, Allanah Jennifer Behr earrings, and a Daphne Newman veil. Ben donned a white dinner jacket from The Black Tux, while our officiant dazzled in a lavender Ronny Kobo dress and Cera Jennifer Behr earrings. Cinematography by Hugo Film Co.