GAME NIGHT

Sometimes a wedding can be all fun and games. At Calamigos Ranch in Malibu, Sarah Tuberman and Ben Green transformed their shared love of board games into the theme of their elegant yet playful wedding. Everywhere guests looked, there were tasteful touches that highlighted the couple’s beloved pastime. The chuppah beneath which the ceremony took place teemed with roses in hues that echoed those of Monopoly game cards; look-alike cards served as place cards during the reception.

At the reception, guests could play an oversize game of Jenga in between rounds of cornhole, which had been customized with the couple’s names. A massive Connect Four board, with discs printed with “Sarah & Ben” in a retro font, was positioned on the dance floor. The couple’s cake was a creative masterpiece consisting of four layers, each one representing a different game. Decorating the dining tables were even more whimsical touches. Cootie catchers, which are usually found on elementary school playgrounds, were given a sophisticated revamp, serving as the menu for the evening. Geometric centerpieces with colorful streamers stood tall, featuring the same shades of roses as those in the chuppah and bringing a rainbow of color to the venue.

–Sara Hubbard

Cake: SWEET & SAUCY SHOP (sweetandsaucyshop.com)

Florist: BUTTERFLY FLORAL & EVENT DESIGN (butterflyfloraldesign.com)

Photography & Videography: DMITRY SHUMANEV PRODUCTION (shumanev.com)

Rentals: RENTAL AVENUE (therentalave.com), MTB EVENT RENTALS (mtbeventrentals.com)

Venue: CALAMIGOS RANCH (calamigos.com)

Wedding Planner: BEST BRIDE (bestbride.la)

SMALL GROUPS, BIG ADVENTURES

Mini-weddings make it easy to incorporate unexpected twists and adventurous moments. In lieu of a traditional cocktail hour between their intimate ceremony and dinner-party reception, newlyweds Jessica Martinson and Nick McClain took their closest friends and family out for two hours of sailing with Santa Barbara Sailing Center (@sbsailing). The newlyweds go on sailing excursions whenever they can, and the short guest list became an opportunity to treat their guests to one of their favorite ocean activities. Guests from Nick’s home state of Mississippi got a tour of the Santa Barbara coastline from the sea while sipping drinks and celebrating. —T.E.

Photography: Staci and Michael Photography (@staciandmichaelphoto)

“I grew up going whale watching on the Double Dolphin as a kid, and then as adult[s], we learned they do happy-hour cruises. What could be dreamier? We also knew our friends from Mississippi would love to see Santa Barbara at its best: from the water!” — Jessica Martinson, bride

Heavenly Heels

Angelei shoes (@angeleishoesofficial) are made for the bride who wants to brush aside trends and embrace her unique style. “No two pairs are the same, [just as] no two women are the same,” says founder Marcie McGovern. Each pair of Angelei shoes is handmade in Italy and can be customized to the bride’s individual taste, down to the color and crystal arrangements. Plus, brides can stride down the aisle with purpose, knowing each line of shoes is associated with a different children’s charity. Angelei also recently launched its Walk the Walk campaign to open up opportunities for models from all over the world and with a diverse range of backgrounds. The design team dedicates time to researching new techniques and styles to ensure it stays ahead of the curve and provides distinctive flair. Angelei designers were the first to use the laser-cutting method that gives the shoes their idiosyncratic, intricate look. Their designs include sculptural shapes, gorgeous colors and fabrics and handcrafted details.

Best of all, Angelei makes every bride feel like an “it girl” as she walks down the aisle.

As McGovern puts it, “It’s about wearing authenticity, quality and class.” – S.H.