Fourteenth: My Daughter's Celebrity Style Surprise Wedding
My daughter, Aubrey, and her college sweetheart, Terrence, were engaged on August 23rd, 2021. His proposal followed the traditions of asking permission and getting down on one knee. From that moment on, there was little to do with planning a conventional wedding. They did it their way!
Wedding Gown Weekend
Something Bleu Bridal, Saratoga Springs, NY
Something Bleu Bridal is one of my premiere bridal salons that carry our veil collection. I have had a wonderful relationship with them for many years. My daughter, Brielle, found her wedding gown there. I encourage all my New Jersey Brides to take the trip to Saratoga for an unforgettable and pampering experience.
We arrived to a welcome sign featuring a bride on a mountaintop overlooking the Ausable Chasm in the Adirondacks. The model was wearing our sleeved veil and headpiece design. Something Bleu’s photoshoot made the cover of Saratoga Bride Magazine! This greeting was a wonderful way to begin our search for the perfect wedding gown.
Bridal Accessory Design
When I asked Aubrey about her bridal accessories, she said two things: Mom, I don’t want a veil, and Mom, I trust you.
I designed a veil to drape from her waist made from luxurious hand-painted floral tulle from Italy. It was tediously embellished with white opals, clear stones, and pearls.
A 1922 sketch by Erté inspired me to design jeweled sleeves made of Freshwater pearl, and crystal, with a flounce at the wrist.
I always loved the pale blue silk jacquard fabric I used for Brielle’s engagement skirt. She left the skirt with me after her engagement photo shoot on Martha’s Vineyard. I decided to restyle it into a mother of the bride dress for Aubrey’s wedding.
The shop was so crazy that I only began designing my dress three days before leaving for the wedding in California.
California Wedding Weekend Surprise
When Aubrey began wedding planning, she told us she wanted to get married on the beach and rent a beautiful Airbnb in California. This was all we knew, and as time passed, we received little information regarding their wedding. Then we were told they wished to plan their wedding and have it be a surprise for the immediate family.
Family members arrived in Los Angeles and were given an address to put into Maps. It took one and a half hours to drive through L.A. traffic and eventually find our way up a very steep and windy road in the Hollywood Hills.
Aubrey and Terrence’s five-day wedding hideaway is nestled in Hollywood hills with celebrity neighbors and views.
Aubrey and Terrence’s Wedding Day
Wedding Photography by Genevive Rose Photography Editing by Arlyne Renee
BRIDAL ACCESSORIES | Headpiece.com GOWN | Flora SALON | Something Bleu Bridal HAIR | Sarah Combs Hair MUA | Tavena Beauty GROOM’S SUIT | Teresa Cristaldi FLORALS | Olivia’s Mum SWEETS | Couture Cakery CATERING | Chef Dora Presents PLANNER | A Social Affair Events
Aubrey told us limos for the guys and girls were arriving at 12:30 p.m. to take us to the wedding. Hair and make-up began in the early hour of 6:30 am so we would be ready and dressed in time.
I remember this moment so clearly. Aubrey asked that Lisa come up to the room. It was natural and beautiful. I asked Lisa if she could help put Aubrey’s arm jewelry on. This, to me, was the moment we joined as families.
Here I was, the mother of the bride, and designer to many brides, leaving for a wedding destination unknown but filled with excitement and pure joy.
Newport Beach, California
The limo pulled up in front of a magnificent waterfront home in Corona Del Mar. I assumed they rented this home for the wedding, and I suggested we use the bathroom before the ceremony. Aubrey politely replied, “Mom, we can’t use their bathroom. People live there!” The limo door was opened. Luxury cars were driving by and sharing their joy for the bride by yelling from their cars, beeping their horns, and flashing their lights. I still had no idea where she was getting married! Quietly, a beautiful woman appeared from the narrow walkway between the luxurious seaside homes. She approached the limo and said, “Aubrey, the yacht is ready!”
Upon arriving in Corona del Mar, Aubrey exited the limo and walked along the 280-foot dock to meet her dad midway and take her the rest of the way.
Aubrey and Terrence didn’t imagine their wedding day on their own. They had ideas, but with the help of event planner Lisa Mendiaz and artisan baker Jasmine Clouser, their dockside ceremony and intimate wedding celebration aboard a private yacht were fit for Hollywood celebrities.
Toward the night's end, we all found our way to the main cabin to enjoy time together. Many spoke, while some prepared; others used the moment.
See you next month on the Fourteenth