While Rachel Weitzman was spending part of the summer in New York City before beginning medical school at Harvard, she was introduced by a mutual friend to Daniel Goldschmidt – who was finishing up his first year of law school at Columbia. In fact, the Columbia University campus was the site of one of their first dates and later the proposal! 

Just 10 months after the proposal, Rachel and Daniel welcomed 250 friends and family members to their nuptials in Dana Point, California, planning the wedding in just four months with the help of International Event Company. “We have no idea where we would be without Jonathan Reeves and his team at International Event Company,” shares Rachel. Her groom confirms: “Seriously, they were mentors, consultants, counsel, psychiatrists… everything!” 

On Memorial Day Weekend 2021, the couple was thrilled to host one of the first big events following Covid vaccinations. “We wanted to make sure that our vendors would be able to adapt to our new world and the challenges that a global pandemic presents,” notes Daniel. “We were blown away by what they were able to accomplish.” 

In order to keep loved ones safe and healthy, as well as fit their vision, both the ceremony and reception were held outdoors. “When we saw the views at The Ritz-Carlton, we were absolutely blown away and could not imagine getting married anyplace else,” he adds. The venue beautifully fit the couple’s wedding theme and the feeling they wanted their event to evoke. “I loved that it struck the balance of beautiful ocean views with a formal elegance to accommodate a black-tie wedding,” affirms the bride. 

Wearing a gorgeous long-sleeve Oscar De La Renta lace ball gown, the bride walked down the raised aisle towards her groom, who stood beneath the luxurious floral-embellished chuppah. Breaking tradition, Daniel came to meet her ¾ of the way and they walked to the chuppah together. “We think that this is a testament to our relationship: we’re equal partners and we’re so excited to go on this journey together,” smiles Rachel. They took part in Jewish traditions, and following German-Jewish custom, the groom signed the ketubah at the ceremony itself. “As a lawyer, I think Daniel just wanted a contract as part of the ceremony,” she laughs. 

“We were so touched by how many people came out to celebrate with us.”

For the reception, guests were seated at long mirrored tables or round varieties covered in crisp ivory linens by Luxe Linen. A blend of high and low floral arrangements featuring creamy roses, peonies, and hydrangeas helped to create a dynamic space that kept guests’ eyes moving about the alfresco site. “I envisioned an elevated garden filled with whites and soft blushes with pops of green,” explains Rachel of the design scheme. “Jonathan and the IEC team held multiple meetings with our vendors to enable each representative to share their input on how to bring these colors to life at our wedding.” 

After dinner, loved ones moved indoors for wedding cake, dessert, and more dancing. The Pacific Promenade was transformed into a club-inspired space that still beautifully complemented the wedding design introduced earlier in the day for the ceremony and reception. “It all felt like one cohesive party!” the bride shares of the night she didn’t want to end. 

Rachel and Daniel were in awe of the love and support they felt from their loved ones. “When we sent out our invitations, California wasn’t allowing events of more than 25 people. Even if restrictions eased, we weren’t confident that people would be willing to get on a plane and fly to California,” says Daniel. “We were so touched by how many people came out to celebrate with us.”