After Zachary Wolf “super swiped” Natalie Clingensmith on a popular Jewish dating app, she found herself excited to have found a match and spent the next couple of weeks getting to know him by phone. “I will never forget the moment I met him,” she describes, “I knew he was the one for me.” And she was right. Zachary eventually proposed to his beloved under the guise of it being his father’s birthday party.

Wedding planning began and over the next year, Natalie recognized how consuming the process can be. Luckily, she had a supportive group around her. “I am very fortunate that I have a mother who is willing to help with anything to make me happy, a mother-in-law who really knows how to throw a party, and a wedding planner who was able to make all my dreams become a reality,” describes the bride. 

The Texas-based couple was certain they wanted to wed in California and settled on a property boasting groves of olive trees, shimmering fountains, and stunning views. “I loved the different textures that the venue had to offer,” the bride explains. Electing to host their ceremony outdoors, an extraordinary chuppah was constructed on a grassy stage and bedecked with fresh white clusters of hydrangeas, roses, and orchids as well as greenery. The vast lawn was dotted with full arrangements of white blooms placed in wooden planter boxes. “We covered the entire ceremony footprint in faux green grass,” reveals Natalie of the distinct look.

Bridesmaids wore long metallic ebony dresses, creating a lovely contrasting complement to Natalie’s feminine all-white lace gown. She was a vision. Her long locks were styled into loose curls beneath a timeless cathedral veil. Zachary and the groomsmen were equally dapper in classic black tuxedos. “My most memorable moment was when I was walking down the aisle and I saw Zachary standing by the chuppah, and I knew that I was about to spend the rest of my life with him,” remembers the bride. 

“Our wedding was everything Zachary and I could have envisioned and more... It was the most perfect night surrounded by all the people we love most.”

Once the traditional service concluded, guests shifted over to the tented reception where they found an impressive entryway – a massive wisteria ceiling installation suspended overhead, sheer draping, candlelight, and a neon pink sign that read “Wolf Pack.” They next located their seat assignments by way of a large Lucite sign decorated with light watercolor brushstrokes. A bar area offered signature drinks, artfully garnished and made complete with personalized ice cubes. 

Guests also enjoyed dinner from decadent food stations ranging from American fare to Southern comfort to Asian choices. Dessert also proved to be as delicious as it looked. A layered “barely naked” wedding cake offered tasty flavors such as banana pecan, strawberries and cream, crème brûlée, and chocolate cocoa nib. “I cannot take credit for much, but I did enjoy working on the menu,” smiles Zachary.

Reception tables were covered in lace ivory linens and decorated with mixtures of high and low centerpieces composed of vanilla roses, ranunculuses, tulips, and orchids. Clear charger plates with gilt details, bullion flatware, and a champagne-colored silk napkin with a single orchid decorated each attendee’s place setting. 

Family and friends clapped and cheered as the newlyweds performed their first dance to the song “Baby, I Love Your Way” by Big Mountain. Loved ones took to the dance floor, which had been decorated with a very dramatic ceiling treatment highlighting swagged cables of greenery and wisteria. Trucker-style hats imprinted with “Wolf” were passed to guests to add a little pizazz. Before they knew it, the new Mr. & Mrs. were exiting the party as their loved ones held up sparklers to create a magical departure. 

As the newlyweds reflect on their big day, they couldn’t feel more grateful. “Our wedding was everything Zachary and I could have envisioned and more,” reflects Natalie. “It was the most perfect night surrounded by all the people we love most.” Her groom muses: “The wedding is just the beginning of the best journey in life – and you get to experience it with your best friend.” 


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