What happens when you mix beautiful shells, sparkling jewels, one stunning couple and a gorgeous beach location? A truly spectacular wedding photoshoot! See it featured HERE on The Frosted Petticoat blog, HERE on Paper Moon Weddings, HERE on Fancy Pants Weddings – and it is still slated for a few more blogs coming soon!

We were beyond excited to shoot on location at the fabulous El Matador State Beach in Malibu. With a permit we were able to carry a full table set-up down the bluff (not a small task, but totally worth it!), and get full run of the amazing rock formations and coastline.

By far, my favorite element of the shoot is the cake and absolutely gorgeous cake topper by Melissa of ‘Bling Diva Designs’. While Melissa has covered everything from initials to Kitchen Aid Mixers with crystals, I challenged her to use some different materials: seashells. We worked together on a concept and selected several different sea urchins as our focus, and she was able to make an organic-feeling yet modern glittering topper which turned out amazing. After the topper was complete, I was able to work with Joeleen from ‘A Sweet Design’ to design a cake that was beautiful in it’s simplicity, as to let the topper shine. Seriously, it was so beautiful in the light!

The bouquet was hand-wired and included 6 different kinds of shells including pink murex, abalone, sea urchins and others. The shells were paired with brooches, rings, earrings and even doorknobs(!) that brought in both the sparkle and colors of the ocean. A piece of driftwood was used for the handle and left mostly bare to show the beauty of the natural element. This twist on the popular ‘brooch bouquet’ ties the beach and the bling together, and will be a beautiful keepsake for years to come.

The centerpieces are actually simple gold metal rings from JoAnn Fabrics, which were welded into orbs and then strung with different materials such as silk ribbon, pearls, crystals and shells. These 3D ‘dream catchers’ were surrounded by scattered shells, jewels and crystals. A light gold netting was also draped diagonally across the table and caught the sun beautifully!

The capiz shell name cards were also purchased from JoAnn, and the names written with a gold paint pen. Chic, simple and cost-effective! Gold flatware (ours!) and pretty dishes from Homegoods helped bring the look together: I especially loved the way the small plates shone like abalone in the light!

The Bride’s dress is Ralph Lauren, and by keeping the dress simple, classic and ethereal her fabulous bouquet and statement necklace (and her!) can really shine. Starting with her hair in a loose braid with pearls woven in for the ceremony, she then let her hair down for a more relaxed ‘beach’ look for the reception and a mini ‘trash the dress’ session as the sun set over the beach. Christine, our lovely model was such a trooper – by sunset it was more than a little chilly and the water was downright cold, but we were able to get some truly amazing shots of her in the ocean!

With a glorious pink sunset on El Matador Beach, the sparkling elements of the shoot really came to life. Captured beautifully by Robyn Preston Photography, I hope you all love this shoot as much as we did putting it together!

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shoot concept, event design, shell bouquet & wardrobe styling: Harmony Creative Studio • photography: robyn preston photography • shoot location: el matador state beach, malibu, ca • invitation design: waterfall creative • makeup + hair: monique powers beauty • cake topper: bling diva designs • cake: A Sweet Design • vintage furniture rentals: tasteful tatters • models: bride/Christine Enns bookingchristineenns@gmail.com, groom/Skyler Yeast • bride’s dress: Ralph Lauren • bride’s jacket: Forever 21 • groom’s shirt + pants: banana republic • groom’s jacket: model’s own • jewelry: Stylist’s Own