While many blind dates go terribly wrong, the night Marcela and George Pearson met went entirely right. The couple began an amorous courtship, and within six months, George was ready to propose – “I knew I wanted her the moment we met,” he adds. His romantic proposal included a straw wrapper fashioned as a ring; however, it was quickly replaced with a bag of loose diamond stones to design an engagement ring she loved. After spending many blissful years by each other’s side, the pair returned to the proposal site for a glamorous late-summer celebration with friends and family to commemorate their 10th wedding anniversary.
Melodious music performed by a quartet filled the air as guests found their seats to witness the love of Marcela and George. The alfresco ceremony took place on a vast grass lawn overlooking the Pacific Ocean decorated with a dramatic tent composed of all-white drapery. Seating was arranged in the round so everyone in attendance would have a grand view of the couple renewing their vows on the raised altar, which was positioned beneath a sparkling crystal chandelier and surrounded by blanche wooden boxes filled with ivory hydrangeas, blush roses, and cream orchids that also lined the aisle. “Having all of our friends and family there, the room was full of love,” shares the groom.
Marcela was ravishing in a strapless ball gown featuring a jewel-embellished corset bodice and a flowing train. Her hair was worn down in loose curls beneath an ethereal veil. She carried a bouquet of light pink and ivory roses adorned with an angel wing necklace wrapped around the stems in memory of her late brother, Eric. “Looking into my wife’s eyes when we were exchanging vows was incredible,” says the groom. The couple’s daughters Melissa, Jasmine, and Anabella – who donned beautifully beaded dresses in an elegant champagne hue – served as bridesmaids and the groom’s son and grandson were groomsmen. “Our kids walking us down the aisle was something we’ll never forget,” notes Marcela.
Following the service filled with love and laughter, guests mingled at the cocktail hour and enjoyed Marcela and George’s signature drink, the “Pearson-tini,” served with personalized beverage napkins decorated with the words, “She said yes again!” Loved ones found their reception seating assignments written in pearl calligraphy on oversized mirrors in opulent gold frames before entering the ballroom, which showcased luscious décor with touches of blush, gilt, and crystal details.
Though the groom was “very involved with the guest list,” Marcela reveals that he left the planning entirely up to her and their team of wedding professionals. “It was all planned to be a surprise,” she adds. Desiring an event inspired by “Liberace and Marie Antoinette,” the bride and her team designed a romantic space with gold accents and sparkling details. Lush blooms by Flowers by Cina decorated nearly every corner of the room and elevated décor provided by Revelry Event Designers added unique, stylish elements to the space. The ballroom was draped with flowing fabrics and illuminated with soft rose-hued lighting to create an amorous ambience.
Reception tables featured either mirrored tops or metallic linens and were surrounded by golden chiavari or amber acrylic Louis chairs. Centerpieces included three exquisite designs: The first included a tall crystal vase topped with "Patience" garden roses, "La Perla" roses, spray roses, and hydrangeas in ivory and blush as well as vanilla orchids; the second showcased an opulent candelabrum-inspired floral sculpture with candlelit glass vessels on top; and the third style featured a low box filled with blossoms and floating candles. A single white rose adorned each guest’s place setting as well as gold flatware and gilt-rimmed glasses and dinnerware.
Marcela changed into a second wedding dress for the couple’s grand entrance and first dance to “At Last” by Etta James. Her strapless gown featured sparkling silver embellishments on the bodice and mermaid skirt, and her hair was worn in a classic updo. The couple chose to sit at a romantic sweetheart table showcasing two glass tiers featuring crystals dangling between each layer, along with rose gold chairs and champagne cushions. A lush arrangement of blooms decorated the table and golden candle votives provided a warm glow.
Four extra-large amber chandeliers were suspended from the ceiling, and a fifth covered with countless flowers was positioned directly above the custom dance floor emblazoned with their names in gold. Choosing a live band instead of a DJ was one of the couple’s favorite decisions of the day, as Bonnie Foster Productions provided entertainment for guests into the wee hours of the morning. “The entertainment was perfection!” affirms George. Lounge areas showcased tufted sofas and stylish coffee tables, providing a wonderful setting for attendees to rest throughout the evening. For further enjoyment, a wine station provided a variety of fine reds and whites, as well as cheeses, along with sommeliers on hand to offer their expertise on the pairings. Loved ones also enjoyed hand-rolled cigars as they sipped drinks from an adjacent cordial bar.
Guests savored slices of a towering cake with dramatic floral layers, a scroll design, gold ribbon details, and shimmering elements. “It was breathtaking,” muses Marcela. For her final dress change of the evening, Marcela emerged in a designer custom black beaded gown to dance the night away with loved ones before jetting off with her beloved on a 20-day honeymoon to the tropical islands of French Polynesia followed by a two-week stay at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora where Marcela enjoyed her passion, deep-sea fishing.