With the help of some mutual friends to break the ice, Hila Bendavid and Daniel Farasat hit it off instantly when they met at a charity event. “Our connection was so strong when we first met that Hila went home that night to tell her mother that she just met the man she was going to marry,” gushes Daniel. After dating for some time, he decided to prove Hila right when the couple went on a vacation to Maui. “We went for Daniel’s 31st birthday – and Daniel decided to turn his birthday trip into the proposal,” the bride tells.

Though the groom popped the question the day before his birthday, the wedding itself was held on his 32nd birthday. Despite the couple being based in Los Angeles, they elected to host their nuptials in Carlsbad, near San Diego. “We wanted to give our guests an opportunity to get away for the weekend,” Hila shares. Once they selected the location, EverAfter Events was a natural choice to coordinate the affair. Together with Hila and Daniel, a classic black and white color scheme with greenery accents was chosen for the décor. A variety of centerpieces filled the tablescapes at the reception, from stark alabaster vases to rustic branches holding the floral arrangements aloft.

The party lasted well into the early hours of the morning, in part due to a later ceremony start time. In accordance with the bride and groom’s Jewish faith, the vow exchange occurred after the sun set. A chandelier illuminated their elegant chuppah as Hila and David made their promises of love and commitment. The recessional was one of the bride’s favorite moments, as they were able to take advantage of the night sky and have the guests hold sparklers as the pair walked up the aisle as husband and wife. “It was truly a magical moment,” Hila muses.

In addition to a surprise birthday cake for Daniel, guests were served a grand three-tiered passion fruit cake decorated with chic black and white details. “We decided to cut it at the very end on our own because we couldn’t stop the party!” exclaims the bride. After dancing all night, the revelers found they were well taken care of when they returned to their rooms – where they found gift boxes filled with the couple’s favorite snacks, beverages, and Advil for the next morning.

Although neither the bride nor groom would do anything differently for their wedding day, Hila does advise soon-to-be-married couples to avoid stressing out about details, such as what treats will be served at the dessert table. However, she does note that this is easier said than done: “Everything seems major when you’re planning a wedding; it’s only natural.”