Malibu Wedding: Brian + Nubia

NUBIA + BRIAN

MALIBU, CALIFORNIA

NOVEMBER 4, 2018

PHOTOGRAPHED BY Duke Images

It could be said that Nubia and Brian’s love story is an act of fate, having been a part of each other’s lives since infancy, “popping milk bottles” at the same daycare, to being “frenemies” in elementary school, to briefly dating in Jr. High. Their relationship didn’t officially begin until senior year of high school where Nubia's dance performance during the talent show caught Brian’s eye. Attending prom together, they remained inseparable throughout the following summer until college would eventually take their lives in separate directions. Initially determined to stay together long-distance, they ultimately drifted apart, until graduation when returning home they found their hearts to have remained unchanged - becoming inseparable ever since.

Knowing in his heart that Nubia was “the one,” and that he never wanted to be separated from her again, Brian began planning their perfect proposal. Originally having her 32nd birthday in mind for the proposal, the completion time of the custom-designed ring would push that date back. Still wanting to utilize the birthday as a cover for the proposal, Brian decided the ring would be disguised as a late birthday present. And so, it was during a fall evening, following a comedy show and picking up takeout along the way home, that Brian retrieved the package - prearranged with their building’s doorman - that contained Nubia’s “late birthday present.” After settling in for the night and getting comfortable together, Nubia opened her gift of a jewelry box, and as she opened the box Brian began to get down on one knee. As the reality of the moment started to set in for Nubia, Brian asked her to spend the rest of their lives together as husband and wife.

Nubia and Brian’s wedding took place at the gorgeous Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyard in Malibu, California. Guests were welcomed with a Senegalese basket containing items of the Yoruba tradition for Tasting the Four Elements. With a breathtaking view of the Santa Monica Mountains beyond, Nubia and Brian jumped the broom surrounded by loving family and friends. Nubia was stunningly elegant in a Valentini Spose dress, and Brian was classically handsome in his custom tuxedo.

Best Memories: During the garter ceremony, I remember looking up at Brian, in his handsome white dinner jacket and thinking “WHO IS THIS MAN!”Honestly, it felt as if Brian literally transformed into my ‘handsome husband’ at that very moment. Brian isn’t much of a dancer but he managed to execute a areally smooth two-step to get the crowd revved up. I absolutely loved it and was truly smitten during the ceremony.

Advice for Engaged Couples: Before I started the process of interviewing wedding planners, I took the time to synthesize my wedding vision into one holistic look-book. This allowed me to edit my ideas and to have clearer expectations, and more knowledgeable conversations, about what I wanted and what the planner was capable of executing. Also, because of the complexities of our venue and my desire to ‘be hands-off’ throughout the wedding weekend, I knew I wanted someone that could easily handle the logistics of hosting multiple weekend events and most important, understand my preferred aesthetic. This very detailed ‘look book’ covered everything from ceremony set-up, dinner seating, linen preferences, must-have cultural elements, even a shot list for the photographer.

My vision was clear yet unique, and it was imperative for me to do all of the upfront work (essentially a ‘brain dump’) so that once I turned it over to my planner Tricia Smith-Brown, I could truly enjoy the wedding planning process. Also, we can’t stress enough how important it is to focus on each other. Despite us dating for nearly three decades and living together for nearly 12 years, we were shocked by how some relatives had somewhat out of the blue expectations for their level of involvement and assumed considerations for their opinions. Also, about a month before the wedding, my dad provided some insightful advice in that despite this being a very happy time for Brian and me, we shouldn’t assume that everyone would automatically coalesce around us in support and that we were the focus of each other, and not necessarily everyone else. I think this made us even more appreciative of the friends and family that continued to show support in many forms, not just leading up to the wedding, but throughout the entire timeline of our relationship.

WEDDING PHOTOGTRAPHY: Duke Images WEDDING PLANNER: Tricia Smith Brown WEDDING VIDEOGRAPHY: Amor in Motion WEDDING INVITATION SUITE & DAY-OF STATIONERY: Papered Wonders WEDDING FLORALS & EVENT DESIGN: Avant Garden WEDDING LIGHTING & SOUND: 3D Sounds CEREMONY DRESS: Valentini Spose by J’aton Couture BRIDAL SALON: Dimitra’s Bridal Couture – Chicago CEREMONY BOOTIES: Freya Rose London CEREMONY COMB & BUN HALO: Lelet New York CEREMONY CROWN: Epona Valley RECEPTION DRESS: Monique Lhuillier RECEPTION SHOES: Jimmy Choo RECEPTION HAIRPIECE: Lela Rose BRIDE’S HAIR: Malaika Frazier BRIDE’S MAKEUP: Alex Butler JEWELRY: Keren Wolf RINGS: Kat Kim & McCaul Goldsmiths LONDON CUSTOM DRESSING GOWN: Catherine D’Lish GROOM’S CEREMONY TUXEDO: Knot Standard GROOM’S DINNER JACKET: Nicholas Joseph GROOM’S SHOES: Ferragamo BRIDE TRIBE MAKEUP: Shon Simon & Farzana Zaman BRIDE TRIBE HAIR: Malaika Frazier Salon BRIDAL SUNGLASSES: Burkinabaé DJ: DJ R’tistic CATERING: Whoa Nelly CATERING BEVERAGE: Liquid Catering RENTALS: Bright Event Rentals & Lux Lounge EFR DINNERWARE: Casa de Perrin LINEN: La Tavola Linen DANCE FLOOR: Laced Vinyl Shoppe CAKE: Dress My Cake WELCOME BASKET TREATS: Red Flour Creations VINTAGE PORSCHE: Legends Event Rentals STAGING: Special Event Contractors CEREMONY CARPET: Event Carpet Pros OFFICIANT: Halleemah Nash VOCALISTS: Philly and Jeronelle PHOTOBOOTH: OM Digital FLOWER GIRL DRESSES: Name of Love (w/ customization from Mood Fabrics NYC)

PLEATING: Tom & Sons International Pleating New York SISTERS ATTIRE: Fame & Partners MOTHER OF THE BRIDE ATTIRE: Paul Sisti GROOMSMEN ATTIRE: The Black Tux

CALLIGRAPHY: Write by Mike & Calligraphy by Laura SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMERS: Synchro Swimmers VENUE: Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate WELCOME RECEPTION VENUE: Calamigos Ranch WEDDING WEEKEND PHOTOGRAPHY: Kolin Mendez HOST HOTELS: Calamigos Ranch; Hyatt Regency Westlake; The Anza Calabasas; Westlake Village Inn