In November 2020, my good friend Chris came to me with a secret; one he needed help with planning and keeping from his girlfriend.  With its roots in beautifully designed one-of-a-kind memories, we decided to use my other company Talk About a Party to curate the perfect moment for Chris to ask the most important question of his life.  What Chelsea thought was to be a casual beach day in Santa Monica, was set as a surprise luxury picnic complete with gorgeous flowers and personal touches, and a professional photographer hidden out of view capturing this very special memory that would last a lifetime.  Spoiler alert… she said YES!

Over the course of the next year, whenever I saw Chris and Chelsea, I poked and poked (out of love of course) for them to set a wedding date.  In November 2021 they were ready to take next steps and asked if I’d find them 2 venue choices.  With so much backup in venue calendars due to 1.5+ years of covid postponements, finding a date/venue in 2022 was next to near impossible.  In December 2021 I called the Bel-Air Bay Club to inquire about any potential cancellations due to the current surge of Omicron… and low and behold the date of 3.18.22 had opened ON THAT DAY.   I placed a hold on the date, called Chris and Chelsea, and very shortly thereafter they were confirmed (Bel-Air Bay Club is so beautiful that Chelsea instantly fell in love), and we were off to the races!

Turns out the hesitation (even with my poking) to move forward with a date/venue, was due to their feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of decisions and details that go along with wedding planning.  But, once I had helped them secure their dream venue and ideal date, they were eager to take on a whirlwind 3 month planning challenge which ended up being perfect for them.  Throughout planning, Chelsea was constantly saying “I’m so glad I only have 3 months. I don’t know how people stir over this for any longer”.

I booked all of my vendor fav’s, made everything seamless, and before we knew it, the day had arrived.   The entire day was picture-perfect from start to finish, with beautiful 75 degrees weather with bright blue skies, a stunning couple, killer vendors, flawless execution, and more love that could be filled in one venue.

It is such a special place to find myself wedged in the middle of friends getting married, in this unknown, weird, sometimes uncomfortable, exciting space.  It’s insanely rewarding to be given such trust from my friends through the process and watch the thrill of it all coming together on their faces as they say, “I do”.   Chris and Chelsea, thank you for allowing me to be your wedge, I am truly honored and grateful for my role in your love story.  Cheers to Mr. and Mrs. Athens – love you two!

·Coordination: @alwaysallegra_

·Venue: @belairbayclub

·Photography: @taylorkinziephoto

·Flowers: @theflowerlab

·DJ & Photobooth: @secondsong

·Linens: @247events

·Cake: @trishas_treats