Jenna Case and Dan Riggs succeeded in capturing a real sense of the beach and the shoreline’s stunning scenery at their wedding, while still maintaining a sophisticated look.  Like many brides, Jenna approached planning her wedding with great trepidation. She, however, was taken aback by how much she truly enjoyed the whole process. Staying organized throughout and enlisting the assistance of a wedding coordinator, Jenna found the experience to be a real treat. So much went into creating the perfect day for Jenna and her husband Dan that, when it did come, it seemed to whisk by too quickly.

The bride and groom, who were college sweethearts, wanted their wedding to have a timeless, elegant quality. This made their wedding setting, the Westwood Hills Christian Church a perfect choice. The church was a gothic styled cathedral with flying buttresses and intricately designed stained-glass windows. Upon entering the church, guests were met by two tall,  voluminous glass hurricane lamps, encircled by a satin, champagne ribbon. Guests were encouraged to share salutations with bride and groom on individual wish cards, which were then placed in the hurricane lamps.  The traditional dark wood pews of the church meshed nicely with the off-white tones and hints of champagne that made up the wedding’s specific color scheme.

The church was redolent in white roses. Two large urns overflowed with white roses and lilies struck a commanding position at the front of the church. Nosegays and roses adorned the church pews. Their ceremony was a traditional and deeply religious one, a moving testament to the couple’s commitment to one another. Jenna and Dan shared communion, took in melodious songs, and listened to favorite Bible verses. The bride wore an elegant gown that exuded classic grace. The bridesmaids donned satin champagne colored dresses and carried loosely assembled nosegay bouquets with white and champagne colored roses. As a touching tribute to her family, Jenna carried with her as she walked down the aisle a handkerchief her grandmother and mother had carried with them when they walked down the aisle—a tradition Jenna intends to continue with her daughter.

The beach theme permeated the reception, held at the Hotel Casa del Mar in Santa Monica, California. The off-whites and champagne accents were perfectly complimented by the breathtaking ocean vistas and sea-inspired theme. The hotel’s water-colored ballroom looked radiant beneath the enormous Venetian glass chandeliers. Satin champagne colors accentuated the menus and place cards. The centerpieces were a lush mix of white roses, hydrangeas, and lilies that cascaded out of tall silver candelabrum, and lower silver footed urns. Sculpted seashells were interlaced throughout the arrangement and were scattered across the tables. Stunningly decorated, the ballroom and patio were “sculpted” with hundreds of tiny white lights dotting their perimeters.

The cake boasted three flavors, lemon with fudge filling, chocolate with strawberries, and white cake with chocolate-coconut filling. The layers were coated with a delicious white butter-cream frosting, adorned with intricate scallop-like detailing. Guests enjoyed a delicious four-course meal that began with delicate crispy crab cakes and featured an entrée choice of salmon or filet mignon.

The newlyweds even incorporated their beach theme into their honeymoon, which they spent well-deserved time relaxing at the Hyatt Regency on the South Shore of Kauai.