Confident in their choice of location, Rikki Bass and Adam Sevell planned for a beautiful wedding ceremony with a view of the sparkling ocean and surrounding cliffs. “The Montage has the most beautiful backdrop,” describes the bride of the seaside setting of the luxurious property. Envisioning a spectacular celebration on the grounds of the opulent hotel, the couple worked towards creating an ethereal atmosphere with a special emphasis on family.

The aisle, sprinkled with powdery rose petals, paved the way to a stunning chuppah that was created from sheets of gauzy white fabric and lace. “Adam always loved weddings with [decorative] trees,” explains the bride. “So, we incorporated the most beautiful sand-blasted Manzanita trees and draped them with phalaenopsis orchids.” Bunches of snowy white florals were also placed in tall, cylindrical vases of glass to accompany the towering arrangements. Shades of vanilla and sea foam were prevalent throughout the décor, but a lovely shade of peach was also incorporated to “warm it all up.”

A traditional Jewish wedding service, complete with all the long-established rituals, included a variety of sentimental tokens. Israel is a destination that the couple explains is religiously significant to them, so they opted for a ketubah handmade in the sacred land. For the Jewish ring ceremony, meant to illustrate their bond, Rikki and Adam used the ring that the bride’s grandmother utilized in her own nuptials. The final component was the tallit, Adam’s prayer shawl, in which couple was wrapped to represent the life they will share together.

A jazz quintet and six-string orchestra filled the grassy area with lovely melodies, and then Adam and Rikki entered escorted by their respective parents. The bride made her way down the aisle carrying a hand-tied arrangement of white peonies and lambs ear. Rikki’s delicate Monique Lhuillier gown showcased gorgeous lace detail, and a long-flowing veil complemented her classic chignon. Adam looked regal in a smart black suit and tie with an orchid boutonniere as a finishing touch.

The bridal party danced their way up the aisle for the recessional, commencing the celebration about to ensue. “We wanted to show that we were ready to get the party started,” laughs Rikki. The bride earnestly adds, “Adam and I picked songs that were special to us and really encompassed the music that we love.”

For the formal reception, the couple maintained the palette used in the ceremony. “We wanted to keep the feel of the breezy beach throughout the night,” explains Rikki. A large Manzanita tree was erected for the center of the place-card table. The eye-catching arrangement featured a variation of florals, which included phalaenopsis orchids, roses, and fluffy hydrangea bunches. The ballroom – beautiful on its own – was decorated with walls of plush ivory drapery, gilded chandeliers, and romantic mood lighting. Unique Lucite chairs with rounded backs encircled beige tables. Bouquets of peach-toned garden roses, white hydrangeas, and snowy orchids floated atop glass cylinders on some tables, while Manzanita branches arranged to compose life-like trees adorned with flowers were displayed on others. “We wanted the room to be elegant and beautiful, yet warm and welcoming,” says Rikki. “I think [we] accomplished that just perfectly.”

A sit-down dinner was enjoyed by guests, followed by pieces of wedding cake. The four-layer, all-white confection was draped in orchid blossoms and surrounded by votive candles. Soon it was time for the festive hora, in which the bride and groom are lifted into the air on chairs for a celebratory Jewish dance. Then, Nocy (former guitarist for the Gypsy Kings) performed, a wonderful surprise for guests arranged by Rikki and Adam. “It was awesome to see almost 270 people get up out of their seats onto the dance floor,” remembers Rikki.

At the conclusion of the evening, the couple reflected in sheer amazement. “We just couldn’t believe how perfect it all was!” confides the bride. And in a final testament to the success of their big day, Rikki affirms: “It was truly the most amazing weekend of our lives… it was a dream.”