Luxury Wedding with Open Air Tent Reception at Sherwood Country Club

Weddings
Written By Vanessa Todd

Ever since that unforgettable day when Kat and Will III "BT" first crossed my path at the stunning El Matador beach in Malibu for their engagement photos, bathed in the warm glow of the most colorful sunset ever photographed to date, I found myself eagerly anticipating their wedding celebration. Their engagement radiated happiness, and their wedding day was nothing short of classic elegance. It was a seamless blend of editorial finesse, Vogue inspired luxury design, documentary-worthy moments, and timeless romance - a day that left everyone in awe of the love shared not only by the enchanting couple but also by their beloved family and friends who surrounded them.

Kat and BT structured their wedding day in my (biased) favorite kind of way - they got ready early in the morning so they could see one another as soon as possible and spend the whole day together until their after party ended. The entire day unfolded as a continuous celebration, stretching well past midnight. Kat, her bridesmaids, and the special ladies in her life prepared at the opulent Sherwood Country Club, which also served as the venue for their elegant cocktail hour and lavish reception. Each of these remarkable women received the luxury treatment from the talented KC Witcamp, their talented hair and makeup artist. Kat's bridal look was a testament to her exquisite taste, with a half-up, half-down hairstyle adorned with pearls that mirrored the exquisite pearl-encrusted Jimmy Choo shoes she wore for her special day. This delicate, feminine touch extended to her classic "something blue" wedding invitation suite, a masterpiece crafted by Empress Stationery.

While Kat and her bridal party were transforming into radiant beauties, BT and his groomsmen were meticulously preparing themselves in the library rooms at Sherwood. BT's attire was the epitome of classic style, accentuated by an elegant bowtie and tuxedo. As a playful twist, he added a dash of charm with festive lemon-printed socks, maintaining a subtle touch of the color blue—a nod to tradition and personal flair before his much-anticipated first look with his bride.

Before the heartwarming reunion of this loving couple during their first look, Kat and BT exchanged handwritten wedding letters, a private moment that brought tears of joy to their eyes.

The veranda, destined to become the backdrop for the cocktail hour, was already an enchanting scene, adorned with lush greenery, hydrangeas, roses, and an array of florals masterfully curated by the Wen Floral team. The high-end design of floral-clad pillars and cascading chandeliers set the stage for Kat and BT's first look. Their first look was a sight to behold, as their smiles radiated pure joy. After this heartwarming moment, the couple embarked on their journey from Sherwood Country Club to the Maximilian Church, where their Catholic wedding ceremony awaited.

On the way to the church, Kat, accompanied by her father, cruised in a classic white Rolls Royce, a touching tradition that her father had also shared with her older sister the year before. My personal favorite moment from our time at the church was when they were met with a heartwarming "post-wedding flurry," a beautiful scene where friends and family showered the newlyweds with hugs, kisses, and congratulations after their walk up the aisle as husband and wife.

A personal touch that intricately weaved into the wedding's design was the escort card display at Sherwood Country Club, where guests gathered for the cocktail hour. Being an avid equestrian, Kat added a personal and stylish flair by incorporating tiny silver horse figurines with each name tag, celebrating her passion and fitting seamlessly with the overall theme.

Other details throughout the day, were carefully planned and executed by the lead planner, Candice from Milk Events. Perhaps the grandest detail of all that Candice brought to life was orchestrating the impressive construction of an open-air draped tent, spacious enough to host 300 guests. The elegant, all-white dance floor and a stage for a live band transformed the tent into a mesmerizing space.

Inside the open-air tent, where the reception, dinner, speeches, and first dance party took place, the atmosphere exuded timeless, classic wedding style. Soft shades of blue punctuated the predominantly white and green floral arrangements by Wen Floral, which elegantly wrapped around the pillars and adorned each table. One of the most captivating features of the evening were the custom circular bars crafted by MTB Event Rentals. There were two of these custom bars two in total, integrated with live trees that brought the space to life in a truly enchanting manner. Hanging gracefully from the ceiling were chandeliers of such grandeur that they reached towering heights, casting their magical illumination throughout the reception tent once the sun dipped below the horizon.

The wedding reception was nothing short of an unforgettable evening. The bride and groom's grand entrance featured a beautifully choreographed first dance that exuded romance, setting the stage for a magical night. Heartfelt speeches by the couple's fathers, sister, and best friend moved everyone in attendance. As the evening unfolded, guests enjoyed mingling and indulging in different courses of the sumptuous dinner. When the night was in full swing, the live band took the stage, the cake was cut, and a cappuccino bar opened. The revelry continued late into the night, marking a perfect summer soirée ideal for celebrations of love.

Kat and BT's wedding day was a masterpiece, a tapestry of luxury wedding details, editorial highlights, personalized touches, and an enduring sense of style. This Southern California soirée has will undoubtedly linger in my thoughts for a long time to come.

Shot on digital and 35mm film

Vanessa Todd
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