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ALFRESCO ELEGANCE
K AREN DAVIS -WEYM AN & FR ASER WI RTH
October 13, 2013 Malibu, California
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Photographed by Laurie Bailey Photography
Though they were introduced a few years prior by the
groom’s cousin, it wasn’t until Karen Davis-Weyman
and Fraser Wirth’s mutual connection urged them to
sit next to each other at her birthday dinner that the
couple hit it off. “We didn’t stop talking the whole
night. There was already a strong chemistry between
us,” explains Fraser. Agrees Karen, “By the end of the
night, I knew he was the real deal. [I was sure that] the
moment I started to date him, he would be my last.”
For their first date, Karen offered to help Fraser
decorate his new apartment and arrived at his home
with design magazines and a movie in tow, as if they’d
known each other for years. Though he knew early
on that Karen was The One, Fraser waited for the
perfect moment to ask her parents for their blessing.
He proposed to his beloved with a custom-designed
engagement ring in their home before sharing the
news with friends and family at an annual holiday
party hosted by the bride’s family. “Our engagement
day was the absolute best day of my life leading up
to the wedding… I really did find my perfect match,”
shares Karen of the memorable occasion.
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RESOURCES
Beauty
Debora Bair for Howard Kurtz
Salon - hair
Kimberly Rosenberg for Howard
Kurtz Salon - makeup
Bridal Gown
Hayley Paige
Bridal Salon
JLM Couture
Bridesmaid Gowns
Amsale
Joanna August
Catering
Calamigos Ranch
Someone’s in the Kitchen
Consulting
Linda Howard Events
Entertainment
Traffic Jamm for de Bois
Entertainment
Favors
Pop-Gram Kettle Corn
Floral Design
The Little Branch
Formalwear
Hugo Boss; Mr. Tuxedo
Honeymoon
Zoëtry Casa del Mar Los Cabos
Invitations/Calligraphy
East Six
Jewelry
XIV Karats Ltd
Lighting Design
The Lighter Side
Linens
La Tavola Fine Linen
Mothers’ Gowns
Andrea’s Fashions; Tadashi Shoji
Photography
Laurie Bailey Photography
Registries
Bloomingdale’s; Crate and Barrel
Williams-Sonoma
Rentals
Archive Rentals; Luna Party Rentals
Town & Country Event Rentals
Venue
Calamigos Ranch
Videography
Amanda Madeline Studios
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The bride selected a romantic and inviting theme
for her Southern California wedding. “I wanted to
be outside and have a garden element in an elegant,
warm space,” she says. It didn’t take long for Karen
and Fraser to find their dream venue; in fact, “it was
actually the only one we visited,” shares the bride.
“[The ceremony space] immediately reminded
me of my childhood backyard and the search was
over.” With the help of a well-respected wedding
planner, Karen’s mother, and Fraser’s family, the
magical event came to fruition on a lovely, autumn
evening beneath a 100-year-old oak tree.
Karen and Fraser were married in front of 220
loved ones surrounded by an enchanting garden
bedecked with twinkling string lights, natural
verdure, and florals in soft hues of cream, pink,
and lavender. The bride, who was stunning in a
satin gown featuring an organza textured skirt
and crystal-embellished bolero, carried a large
bouquet of creamy roses, sprigs of lavender, and
thistles as she walked down the aisle to meet her
groom. Fraser donned a sharp charcoal suit, while
groomsmen wore suits in a similar shade with
plaid bow ties. Bridesmaids were elegant in light
pink gowns with differing necklines and carried
nosegays of florals in shades of deep purple,
lavender, and cream.
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Following the ceremony, which included a collection of Jewish and non-Jewish
traditions, Karen and Fraser recessed to one of their favorite songs, “Ho Hey” by The
Lumineers. Before joining loved ones for the reception, the couple felt it was important to
partake in a yichud (a Jewish custom in which the couple spends a moment alone together
as husband and wife). Meanwhile, guests enjoyed an alfresco cocktail hour complete with
an elaborate charcuterie and cheese display, as well as passed hors d’oeuvres served on
natural slabs made of tree trunks.
A dramatic tent featured elegant chandeliers suspended from above that cast a romantic
glow on the reception space below. Guests found their seats at long wooden dining tables
with lace runners or round styles draped with soft fabrics, which created the vintageinspired look the couple desired. “I wanted the night to be very personal and reflect our
style, and it absolutely did,” says the bride. Each diner’s place setting was marked with a
sprig of lavender hand-tied with personalized ribbon, as well as a baguette nestled inside
a velum bag printed with the evening’s menu. Low floral centerpieces decorated tables to
ensure loved ones could speak freely to one another throughout the dinner service.
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“Keep your eye on the big picture – you get to spend the rest
of your lives together as husband and wife.”
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Fraser, who was keen on the music and entertainment of the evening, selected
a live band to play a variety of tunes from the 1960s to today. “I wanted a great
band that we could dance to the whole night and that our guests would find
memorable,” he says. In lieu of a traditional wedding confection, which neither
Karen nor Fraser favor, the couple chose to showcase a dessert table featuring
everything from pie pops and blueberry cheesecake bites, to chocolate mousse
and whiskey donut holes with vanilla ice cream. As an additional sweet treat,
loved ones were sent home with personalized bags of kettle corn.
When faced with the stresses that stemmed from planning the biggest event of
their lives, Karen and Fraser found it helpful to remember what their wedding
was all about in the first place. “A lot of people stress over the details, but in the
end, your guests are there for you, not the appetizers – hopefully!” laughs the
groom. Says the bride, “I definitely recommend brides be flexible on the big day
because you can’t control everything!” The couple agrees that they wouldn’t
change a thing about their wedding celebration. Confides Karen, “It was such a
KELCY CHRISTY
magical day!”
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