Jewelles Cosculluela and Konstantin Obuhov found themselves traveling through Greece enjoying their getaway, when unexpectedly, after a wonderful dinner, Konstantin led his beloved into a jewelry store. “The next morning, Kon requested the concierge bring all the rings I tried on back to our hotel, and that afternoon we rented a boat and he proposed. It was just perfect,” she gushes. “When we got back to New York City, he proposed again with my actual engagement ring while on our rooftop, which was very romantic and intimate.” 

Inspired by their love of travel, the couple easily decided on a destination wedding that would last several days. The pair kicked off their search for the perfect locale in Italy – from the Amalfi Coast to Lake Como. “After visiting both regions, we quickly realized planning an international affair comes with its own set of challenges. Being several thousand miles away while navigating regulations in a foreign country and dealing with a language barrier was just too nerve-wrecking and stressful,” explains the bride. “That is when we decided to pivot and explore venues within the USA. California was the perfect fit for us.” 

Living in New York, Jewelles and Konstantin knew that planning from afar could still be overwhelming, so they relied on the expert guidance of their wedding team from Sterling Engagements. A private helipad enveloped by magnificent rolling hills in Malibu, California, embodied the aesthetic the couple envisioned. “It gave me Italian vibes,” tells the bride. “We wanted to bring the Italian countryside to California and pulled ideas from our travels for the elegant affair.” 

“We wanted the room to feel like an elegant black-tie Gatsby-style party with glittering gowns, delicious fare, Champagne, and live music… I think we nailed it.”

On a sunny afternoon, over 100 loved ones took their seats for the ceremony. The surrounding vineyards provided a picturesque backdrop, so that little was needed to add to the area. Short arrangements of roses, ranunculuses, and hydrangeas decorated aisles, whilst a grand arch made of verdure and additional florals marked the spot for the vow exchange. Bridesmaids wore dazzling gowns in an assortment of styles and shades, which beautifully contrasted with the bride’s regal, fitted long-sleeve gown featuring a deep illusion V-neck. 

Music was very important to the couple, so they had spent much time curating the perfect playlists. “We really wanted the music to set the tone for the evening,” describes Jewelles, who opted for a live vocalist and a string trio for the service. “The combination was romantic and moody.” Because the couple had an international guest list – from as far as Russia, New Zealand, Latvia, and Ireland – and wanted to make sure everyone felt included, they provided non-English speakers with headsets through which a translator helped them follow along with the ceremony in their native language. 

Guests took their seats at long king’s tables adorned with an abundance of fresh florals and candles connecting down the center. Blue-toned glassware complemented chinoiserie bud vases, and atop each gilt-rimmed china plate sat a baguette inside of a paper bag personalized with the dinner menu. “We also suspended a ton of white blooms and delicate foliage from the trellis up above,” muses the bride. “It was so dreamy in combination with all the chandeliers and candlelight.” 

Wanting to surprise revelers with the ultimate international experience, the couple arranged for La Hora Loca Brazilian dancers, a Cuban cigar roller, a Russian-inspired caviar bar, and a dynamic performance by DJ/sax player Natty Rico. “We wanted the room to feel like an elegant black-tie Gatsby-style party with glittering gowns, delicious fare, Champagne, and live music… I think we nailed it,” says the bride. 

The newlyweds give full credit to their incredible wedding team for making the day even better than they had imagined. “It was truly a dream. No detail was overlooked, and I am so grateful,” says the bride. The entire weekend was most special knowing all of their loved ones were there with them: “We loved that they were experiencing these sacred moments with us,” adds Konstantin. “Wish we could relive it again!”

To see more from Jewelles and Konstantin, take a look at their honeymoon in Los Cabos and Mexico City!