Elegance by the Sea: Laura & Tim Johnson

Meet the Bride

Name: Laura K.

The Future: Mrs. Johnson

Age: 24

Dated her Man: 3.5 years

Engaged: 11 months

Ring Cut: Round

Laura is a true city girl who hales from the big apple, New York City. Passionate about travel, children and goodwill, Laura studied International Relations at Pepperdine University, volunteered at Fundacion Salvacion orphanage in Guatemala, and worked at Make-A-Wish foundation. Aside from planning her wedding, Laura enjoys cooking and dreaming up interior design plans in her spare time. Many describe Laura as a woman who exudes confidence, embodies the definition of selflessness and finds fulfillment in giving.

When asked, she answered:

What is the best part about planning the wedding? Spending time with my mom.

What is the worst part about planning the wedding? Having to make so many thousand little decisions—it’s exhausting.

What is something you’d do different? I knew what I wanted and didn’t deviate from my original vision, but looking back I wish I was more opening minded to alternate concepts.

Advice for Brides-to-Be? Don’t waste your time fretting about things and hire a wedding coordinator!

What celebrity would you invite to your wedding and why? If still living, Margaret Thatcher. I briefly spent time with her while living in London. Even in her old age she was humorous, delightful, kind, beautiful and completely inspirational. I bet she could have brought some excellent moves to our dance floor!

The Celebration

Arriving at Laura and Tim’s wedding was like stepping into a timeless photograph. From beginning to end, one couldn’t deny the traditional purity and evade the elegant aura.

The ceremony, held at Saint Monica Church in Santa Monica, Calif., was simple and traditional. Dressed in natural décor by the exquisite structure of the building and intricate interior design, the ceremony was nothing short of picturesque. Commencing at 1:00 pm, the processional began with a graceful walk by the groom’s parents followed by the bride’s mother being escorted by her son. Seven bridesmaids in knee length champagne colored dresses, each escorted by a groomsman in a black tuxedo with a black bow tie, floated down the aisle with ease prior to the flower girl and two ring bearers who held a sign saying “Here Comes the Bride.” With an anxious groom waiting at the end of the aisle, the bride made her grand entrance. Walking down the aisle in a trumpet dress by Lazaro from Panache Bridal in Beverly Hills, Laura was a vision in white. Her cathedral veil, reaching 10-feet in length, made an unforgettable statement that complimented the grand interior of the church and the long, center aisle added dramatic flare. Upon being united with her groom at the alter, it seemed like only a short moment before the couple said, “I do”, shared a modest kiss and officially walked out of the church as Mr. & Mrs. Johnson.

The day continued with a dinner reception at Casa Del Mar Hotel in Santa Monica, Calif. Situated on Ocean Way, the only thing separating this 5 star hotel from the sandy beach and crashing waves is a boardwalk- making Casa Del Mar Hotel the ideal venue for incorporating beach elements in a sophisticated manner. Cocktail hour started promptly at 6:00pm and was hosted on the hotel’s outdoor patio overlooking the expansive ocean. A variety of hors d'oeuvres from sushi to shrimp to an assortment of sliders and mini delicacies were served as guests made warm conversation and admired the remarkable sunset. At 7:00pm the doors to the ballroom were open and guests were invited to find their assigned seats. The grandeur of the ballroom was undeniable with several chandeliers hanging from the trey ceiling and stately décor. The tables were draped in champagne colored satin rose-appliqué textured cloth and accented with large gold centerpieces. Mr. & Mrs. Johnson entered the ballroom and shared their first dance to

Christina Perri’s A Thousand Years, performed by Rembrandt live band. The sweet first dance moment followed by a prayer blessing for the rest of the evening kick started the night’s celebration. After a four-course meal, the best man speech, maid of honor speech, a word from the bride’s parents and a whole lot of dancing, the marvelous event neared its end.

I stepped into the church that afternoon admiring its beauty and was enchanted by the elegance surrounding me at the reception, but I left with a joyful heart knowing that I witnessed a pure display of everlasting love between Laura and Tim.

Wedding Highlights

Date of Wedding: May 25, 2013

Number of Guests: 160

Wedding Colors: White & Gold

First Dance Song: A Thousand Years by Christina Perri
Honeymoon Destination: Greece- Santorini, Crete and Messenia

Best Wishes Mr. & Mrs. Johnson