When Devon Judith Payson first met Randy Wilson, she was immediately smitten. “I felt instantly at ease with him, but at the same time, I couldn’t stop grinning and giggling. He made me feel amazing!” recalls Devon. “We were together every day [following] our first date,” adds Randy. “I knew very early that it was right and she was The One.” On New Year’s Eve a few years later, Randy proposed to Devon in front of their loved ones on the same bench where he first said, “I love you.” Says the bride of the fairy-tale proposal, “It was so perfect and romantic!”
The couple selected a picturesque resort with dramatic ocean views for the location of their spring wedding. “We have always loved the Montage Laguna Beach, and I knew as soon as he proposed that I needed to call them right away!” says Devon. To create a cohesive, dreamy look for their alfresco ceremony and indoor reception, an ombré color palette that faded from blush to vanilla was chosen. “I had promised my husband that it wouldn’t be too pink,” the bride shares with a smile, “so we were able to focus the colors to look mostly white, with just the right amount of ‘fade to pink.’”
On the afternoon of the vow exchange, a piano quintet performed melodious tunes as guests found their seats on alabaster chairs dotting the expansive lawn of the seaside property. A grass aisle sprinkled with rose petals arranged in a beautiful swirling ombré pattern was lined with creamy hydrangeas. The entrance to the aisle was flanked on both sides by tall risers holding clear glass vessels topped with lush arrangements of garden roses and peonies in shades of champagne. At the end of the walkway, a dramatic floral-embellished chuppah composed of similar florals featured an enchanting backdrop of crystal strands that swayed in the ocean breeze throughout the service.
Devon carried a frothy bouquet comprised primarily of vanilla roses and peonies – her favorite flower. Complementing the theme of the décor, the bride’s gown, which she designed herself, was made of Chantilly lace that also faded in an ombré fashion. A piece of her mother and father’s wedding dress and tuxedo, respectively, were sewn into the gown. Though her parents escorted her down the aisle, Devon appreciated the feeling of having them “with her” throughout the celebration. Bridesmaids donned strapless floor-length dresses in light pink and held glamelia bouquets made of rose petals in various shades of blush. The groom and his groomsmen were dapper in charcoal suits with ivory floral boutonnieres.
Following the heartfelt service, which utilized popular Jewish traditions such as the breaking of the glass to acknowledge the bride’s family’s heritage, loved ones made their way inside the luxury resort for the reception. Seating assignments were found on a round table decorated with an arrangement comprised of roses and peonies in romantic hues, moss, and suspended glass orbs filled with petals. The sit-down dinner service took place in a classic ballroom that was transformed into a glamorous space by way of luxurious drapery, twinkling string lights, and a pretty-in-pink color palette featuring glittering silver accents. Round and rectangular tables were adorned with high and low centerpieces composed of roses and peonies in shades of blush and cream and were named after various locations in Italy that the couple has visited together.
Prior to dancing the night away, attendees enjoyed slices of a five-tiered ivory cake embellished with a lace pattern and metallic monogram, as well as fresh flowers that cascaded down each layer into a spectacular fading fashion. For individuals desiring additional sweets, an area of the ballroom dubbed “Devon’s Delights” was styled to look like a French pastry shop and featured a selection of cupcakes and macarons. Personalized boxes prompted guests to easily take home the delectable treats. Dance music and popular hits performed by a live band encouraged revelers to stay on the dance floor all night long.
Just before midnight, a hidden wall of curtains opened to reveal an impressive after-party space. As a surprise for Randy, Devon and her girlfriends kicked off the late-night festivities with a dance performance choreographed by the bride’s friend, Jacquelyn Umof, who is a Los Angeles Lakers dancer. The fête lasted until 1AM, and the couple was able to enjoy every minute with friends and family thanks to their team of wedding professionals. “I didn’t worry about anything the day of,” says the bride. “The flowers, [Devon’s] dress, the music, the food – all were perfect, unique, and unlike anything I have ever seen before,” confirms the groom. “It was exceptional.”