A Divine Occasion: Matt & Carey's Sparkling Wedding

It was a normal morning in Los Angeles. Matt was in the elevator, on his way to the office, when Carey stepped in and sparks began to fly. They exchanged small talk about their college pasts and their love for the Boston Red Sox. Without knowing each other's phone number or last name, they were left with only the feeling of butterflies and the hope to meet again.

Carey's gym was located in Matt's office building, and what they didn't realize at the time, was that more sparks were inevitable. Sure enough, they met in the elevator again, and after two or three more of these sparkling meetings, Matt finally asked Carey to accompany him to a play at the theater.

On May 1st, after a whirlwind romance, and a three month long-distance relationship, with Matt working in NYC, Matt and Carey made plans to attend a friend's birthday party after wine tasting at Malibu Family Winery. But instead of driving to the birthday party, Matt took a detour and drove to a Leo Carillo State Beach, exactly at the time the sun was setting. With a bottle of wine and a perfect sunset, Matt asked Carey to be his wife.

Carey was very succinct in her style and vision for the big day; simple, elegant, romantic and white. She wanted to take advantage of the beautiful California setting, as this was going to be a destination wedding for most of their family; and she also wanted lots of white lights, candles and all white flowers interlaced with large phalaenopsis orchids.

Matt and Carey wanted their guests to experience the magnificent California sunset over the ocean; just like the night Matt proposed. With Carey’s family in Newport Beach, there were many beautiful hotels in the vicinity to choose from. It was determined that the Hyatt in Huntington Beach was the perfect location; with a beautiful outdoor ceremony arrangement, pedestrian bridge access to the beach, and a breathtaking view of the beach from the ballroom.

The bride wore an ivory Alencon lace over champagne charmeuse modified A-line bridal gown designed by Jim Hjelm, with a strapless sweetheart neckline and empire bodice, accented with floral feather and crystal appliqué on ivory satin ribbon. Complimenting the gown was a chapel length Alencon lace-trimmed veil. She carried a satin wrapped stem bouquet of white roses.

Carey’s grandmother, Martha, was recovering from her second stroke, and was not strong enough to travel from her home in El Macero. Carey wore her grandmother's diamond earrings and bracelet as a constant reminder of how much her Grandma Martha wanted to be there with her.

Matt is the former President of the LA Avengers area football team. At every game, the team would run onto the field to AC/DC’s "Thunderstruck." It was so much fun when the wedding party was announced into the ballroom, and Matt and Carey announced for the first time as husband and wife to "Thunderstruck." Like the arena on game day, the guests were on their feet clapping and were ready to party!

The couple had choreographed a waltz to Kenny Chesney’s "You Had Me From Hello" for their first dance; a song that reflected their first encounter on the elevator.