At a rooftop pool party celebrating the Fourth of July, John Weintraub was struck by the contagious smile of Veronica Rok. Though there was an initial spark, it was a while until they acted on their attraction. It was at another Fourth of July party where they made their relationship official, two years after they first met. A couple years later, they moved in together and John was ready to propose.

Although his future bride is in the jewelry industry, he wanted everything to be a surprise. Accompanied by his sister to the jeweler, John designed a ring he thought felt right. “I’m so glad it worked out this way because it truly does feel like ‘me,’” Veronica confides. “The fact that he designed the ring with that in mind made it that much more special.” The hopeful groom also made sure to fly down from New York to Miami, in order to speak with the man he planned on making his father-in-law. “My approach was to loosen him up with a few beers, but I was too nervous for all of that,” John confides. “So I just asked.”

Armed with the blessing of Veronica’s father and a custom engagement ring, John began planning the perfect proposal. Just as when they first met, John planned the special moment to take place on a rooftop – this time at their own building, which also happened to be where they had their first date. “It was 11:30 a.m.; I thought we were going to a Broadway show,” Veronica explains. Instead she saw the roof decorated with rose petals and flowers, with glasses of Champagne prepared. As John popped the question, a photographer who was hiding in the bushes captured the moment. That night, both families joined the happy couple to celebrate over dinner.

Desiring nice weather for an outdoor ceremony in the fall, Veronica and John decided to host their nuptials in Southern California. Alyson Fox of Levine Fox Events helped to plan the event-packed wedding weekend for the pair, who resides on the opposite coast. The family of the bride was also heavily involved in making everything go smoothly. Illustrating her vision for the celebration, Veronica shares, “I wanted the theme to be like an enchanted forest – ethereal with lots of greenery; organic, but polished.”

“I wanted the theme to be like an enchanted forest – ethereal with lots of greenery; organic, but polished.”

The aesthetic came to life once the special Saturday in September arrived. In accordance to the Jewish faith, the ceremony did not begin until after the sun set. However, the verdant archway over the aisle and equally lush chuppah were still perfectly showcased thanks to well-placed lighting. The bride appeared as the epitome of romance in an A-line gown with a pale blush lining and soft ruffles layered over the skirt. Beading trailing from the bodice past her waistline was complemented by the sparkling headpiece draped over the crown of her head. After exchanging their personalized vows, a confetti canon went off to celebrate the new union.

Guests were wowed by the magical look of the reception space – filled with twinkling lights, candles, crystal candelabra and chandeliers, trees, and flowers. Three different table arrangements, featuring roses, orchids, ranunculuses, tulips, gardenias, hyacinth blossoms, and more, added texture to the design. It was almost as if a formal dinner party was held in the midst of a forest.

Though they had only spent the prior week rehearsing, the newlyweds impressed loved ones with their choreographed dance to “I’ve Got the World on a String” by Frank Sinatra. The father of the bride gave a touching speech before he joined his daughter on the dance floor, swaying together to “I’ll Stand By You” by The Pretenders.

With some help from In-N-Out Burger for late-night snacks, the revelers partied to upbeat, high-energy music until 2:30 a.m. Attendees who preferred sweet to savory flavors were satiated by an impressive seven-tier cake that paired banana chocolate chip with vanilla bean layers. In addition to the live band that kept people moving, a DJ also played a set in order to incorporate Spanish music into the festivities. “We’re both half Cuban!” the bride notes of the pair’s shared heritage.

After the wedding weekend drew to a close following a luxurious morning-after brunch, the East Coast couple drove off in a convertible up the coast to enjoy their honeymoon in Laguna Beach, Santa Barbara, and Napa Valley before returning home to New York to start the rest of their lives – together.