“Our first conversation was memorable enough that I took a screenshot and put it on our wedding napkins!” exclaims Paige Blatt, who met her beloved Brian Sokolik on a dating app in 2019. “The third thing my now-husband ever said to me was ‘Marry Me,’ so I had to show it off.” 

In the midst of the Covid pandemic, Brian arranged a surprise proposal for Paige. With the help of Paige’s mentor – Debbie Geller of Geller Events – Brian was able to get Paige to Hotel Bel-Air under the guise of considering a suite for a client’s celebration. “When I walked in the room, my client was nowhere to be found and Tiffany [head of events at the hotel] and Debbie closed the door behind me, leaving me alone to find Brian on one knee!” shares Paige. 

Brian had a full itinerary written out – just as “wedding-planner Paige” would have done – filled with time to FaceTime loved ones, a private picnic at the hotel’s Swan Lake, favorite meals delivered by Postmates, and breakfast room service! “The best part was that it was a total surprise, and I’m usually the one surprising others,” she admits. “He did real good.” 

Since Paige is a successful wedding planner, Brian opted to share his opinions and simply allow his bride-to-be to do what she knows best. “He was very encouraging of my crazy ideas and aesthetic goals,” she smiles. The couple wanted a local celebration since most of their loved ones lived close by, plus they wanted a site where they could bring in their own food. “The taco cart and pizza truck had to play a big role!” Paige mentions. 

A historic Victorian-style farmhouse met all the criteria and was so beautiful on its own, it was the perfect fit for the natural and minimalistic ambience Paige envisioned. “I didn’t want anything that was trying too hard and really wanted the focus to be on a good time,” tells Paige. 

For the meaningful ceremony officiated by her best friend, Paige wore a feminine, off-the-shoulder bohemian gown with embroidered embellishments and carried a stunning bouquet of hellebores crafted by The Hidden Garden. “We aren’t religious, so it wasn’t important to us to force a rabbi or traditions that weren’t meaningful to us,” explains Paige. “We did break the glass per Jewish custom, and when we exchanged rings we acknowledged that the rings were my grandma’s and his great-grandma’s.” 

“Having everyone we love in one place was an experience like nothing I’ve ever had and gave me a feeling I didn’t expect and can’t explain.”

The music was an eclectic playlist that truly represented their relationship. “I loved walking down the aisle seeing the faces of all the people in my life and exchanging vows with Brian,” says the bride, who wanted the entire day to feel true to who they are as a couple. Brian made his way to the altar to “Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac, whilst Paige chose the acoustic version of “Simply the Best” by Noah Reid from the television show Schitt’s Creek. “We watched the series during quarantine and something about it resonated with me!” Paige confides. “Lastly, we picked Dua Lipa’s ‘Levitating’ for the recessional because it signaled the rest of the night was a party!” 

The color palette for the reception reflected the hues originally introduced in the custom invitation suite: dark green, black, and blush. Romantic candlelight and collections of blooms in cream, apricot, and light pink decorated tables covered in ebony floral linens, while the lush greenery of the alfresco space complemented with twinkle lights completed the unique aesthetic. The contrast was both striking and understated. 

Though Paige had cringed at brides in the past who had used their pet as a cake topper, she couldn’t help herself. “I have judged every client that illustrated their dogs in the details, and I had to have my pup on the cake and on the ice cream-sundae cups,” she laughs. Paige also points out their amazing pretzel favors. “If you are going to do something edible, make it really, really tasty,” she notes. “Plus, it was another great place to use a good pun: The night would KNOT have been the same without you!” 

And it wouldn’t have. The groom was in awe of how much thought Paige had put into every aspect of their big day. He loved that the dance floor was packed from start to finish, he loved the excitement that Paige exuded while jumping around in the bounce house, and he loved that they didn’t have seating arrangements and everyone just hung out and enjoyed themselves. “It was truly one of the best, most fun nights of my life,” he confides. “Having everyone we love in one place was an experience like nothing I’ve ever had and gave me a feeling I didn’t expect and can’t explain.”

This real wedding was originally published in the Fall 2022 issue of Inside Weddings magazine. 

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