After meeting during Friday night Shabbat services, Jennifer Green and Brian Rivera decided to act on the slight spark that arose between them and go on a date. Electing to spend their outing at the beach, the two finished up their meeting with a burger from a famous California fast food chain. “We’ve been inseparable ever since, so needless to say, the date went well,” smiles Jennifer. Further on in their relationship, Brian popped the question while visiting the duplex they were renovating for themselves. “We walked into what would be our future bedroom and I saw there was a blanket with red roses, a cheese plate, and a little box,” Jennifer recalls. With her acceptance, the two shared the first of many happy memories in their new home by toasting their engagement.

Following over a year of meticulous planning, the bride and groom readied themselves for their special day with their wedding party on a sunny June morning. They had chosen a resort location in Newport Beach, California to host their nuptials. “We wanted something that wasn’t a complete destination wedding but that was far enough that we could justify staying in a hotel with some of our guests,” explains the bride. “We wanted it to be a weekend event, not just one night.” Wearing a chic fit-and-flare gown with intricate lace detailing throughout, Jennifer posed for pictures with her 10 bridesmaids, all in floor-length dresses in shades of blush and lavender. At the same time, Brian spent time with his 10 groomsmen, who donned classic black tuxedos. 

Carrying a cascading bouquet of scarlet, blush, and ivory blooms, the bride walked down the alfresco aisle toward her beloved. She strolled passed vintage-inspired vessels and underneath two arches – all displaying the same blossoms present in her bouquet. “The motif I really wanted to go with for the wedding had a ‘secret garden’ feel,” explains Jennifer. “We designed a beautifully light, floral, and classy event.” Having done a memorable “first look,” the pair had gotten out all of their nervous energy before the vow exchange. The rabbi conducted a very traditional Jewish ceremony, and before they knew it, the newlyweds shared their first kiss as husband and wife. 

After mixing and mingling during an outdoor cocktail hour, guests were led inside and found their seats by way of gilt escort cards atop drink stirrers in Champagne flutes. Reception tables were round and displayed light-hued linens with embellishments and patterns. Each place setting included a glass charger plate, a pink napkin, and a red ribbon to complement the color scheme. Centerpieces were a combination of low and high florals accented by lush verdure. “Our floral arrangements were soft and romantic – lots of greens dangling down with soft pinks and mauves, as well as a pop of burgundy,” affirms the bride. The façade of the sweetheart table was completely covered with vibrant blooms, and the entire ballroom sat underneath strings of fairy lights leading to a floral fixture suspended from the ceiling.

The couple feels that their celebration was a wonderful representation of their love. “We are both very loving and soft people but we have some edge to us as well – I think the burgundy pops of color really added a bit of edge to all the soft greens and pinks,” tells Jennifer. When all was said and done, the new Mr. and Mrs. only have one piece of advice for future brides and grooms: “Make sure you enjoy your party! Go to a few tables, but don’t make it a necessity to go to all – I missed a lot of dancing time!” Despite this, Jennifer and Brian ended the night on a perfect note by providing a late-night bite for attendees from a food truck serving the same famous burgers the pair ate together on their first date.