Actress Brittany Daniel was visiting a popular Santa Monica hangout spot at Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows with girlfriends when she first saw Adam Touni, who was visiting from San Francisco and celebrating Fourth of July Weekend. “What Adam likes to tell of our ‘how we met story’ is that I approached and hit on him first,” shares Brittany, who told her future husband that he was very handsome. Adam remembers, “I was floored by her beauty and kindness.” A romance ensued, and it wasn’t long before Adam was ready to ask Brittany to marry him.

“After spending Thanksgiving with Brittany’s family, I knew I wanted to make her family a part of mine,” beams Adam. He reached out to his beloved’s twin sister, Cynthia, to help him choose the perfect diamond. With just a week to craft the sparkler, Adam was able to pull off a surprise proposal with a custom engagement ring designed by a close friend of the family. On Christmas morning, after a four-mile hike, Adam parked his car so the duo could take in the picturesque views at the Marin Headlands, north of the Golden Gate Bridge. “He got down on one knee and pushed the ring on my finger before even asking the question!” laughs Brittany.

Since their choice venue had an available date in just three months, the couple decided not to wait and enlisted the help of Charley Izabella King of Bluebell Events to coordinate the details. Along with their planner and the bride’s sister, Brittany and Adam set out to design a stylish fête at an urban-chic venue in Downtown Los Angeles. “We were pleasantly surprised by how well we worked together in producing a great wedding,” smiles Brittany, noting she was involved in the creative visuals while Adam took the reins on the menu and music.

On the summer evening of the ceremony, 140 people joined the couple for the vow exchange in a warm space featuring brick walls and wood flooring. The bride was stunning in an off-the-shoulder, figure-hugging gown as she walked down the aisle carrying a bouquet of roses and dahlias tied together with blush velvet ribbon. “We asked our life coach, Jamie Greene, to be our officiant because he knows us personally and has guided us through our relationship,” affirms the bride. Other elements dear to the pair were also incorporated into the service, including Native American, Catholic, and Kabbalist traditions. “Our guests loved it and said it was one of the most spectacular wedding ceremonies they had experienced,” notes Brittany.

Once the couple kissed and were then pronounced husband and wife – “I was a little excited, so I jumped the gun,” jokes Brittany – attendees transitioned to the reception, which featured long wooden farm tables surrounded by mismatched seating to feel inclusive and family-oriented. Geometric copper terrariums housing candles were suspended above tables, and low floral arrangements filled with soft blooms allowed guests to speak to one another with ease throughout the evening. “As Adam and I looked around the room, it was nothing I had experienced before. No Michelin-star restaurant could come close to the look and feel we had created because it was uniquely our own creation,” says Brittany. In fact, the bride cites one of her favorite moments of the day as spending time with loved ones savoring the fare: “The table was beautifully set, the room dimly lit, the food delicious, and we were surrounded by our closest family and friends. It was truly magical!”

Following the buffet-style dinner service, attendees celebrated with the newlyweds as a DJ spun lively tunes. “We wanted to make sure our guests had healthy, California cuisine to enjoy, so they would be light on their toes and ready for the dance floor,” confirms the groom. While dinner featured music selections from the decades of their lives – from the ‘70s to today – the dancing portion of the evening showcased hip-hop, R&B, and EDM to keep revelers energized. Slices from the couple’s charcoal-hued wedding cake adorned with a copper image inspired by Banksy’s Balloon Girl, a piece of art cherished by the couple, and a dessert table also kept friends and family on their feet.

When looking back on their special day, both Brittany and Adam agree that every moment was incredible – they only wished the celebration would have lasted longer. “I loved looking around the room and seeing all of our closest family and friends gathered around enjoying the beautiful setting that we created together,” muses the bride. Her groom adds: “The outpouring of love and support the day of the wedding was nothing I had experienced before. It was truly amazing!”