Despite growing up only 15-minutes away from each other in Los Angeles and both attending the University of Southern California, Mia and Russell first met across the world in Melbourne, Australia, where they were studying abroad during the first semester of their junior year. While on a weekend trip to Tasmania, the duo spent hours learning more about one another as Russell drove, Mia navigated directions, and their friends dozed off in the back seat.

After a picturesque proposal years later surrounded by a field of wildflowers in Aspen, Colorado, both Mia and Russell began the wedding-planning process as a team. “I know some grooms tend to stay out of wedding planning, but that wasn’t the case for me,” Russell confirms. “Being in the real estate development business, I’m used to turning a vision into reality – something I really enjoy – so it felt natural for me to be actively involved in bringing our wedding plans to life.”

As they “wanted to create a thoughtfully curated weekend full of meaningful celebrations,” the bride describes, the couple selected a gorgeous resort venue in Ojai, California, where all of their guests could stay onsite – something the pair cherished. “It was so special walking around and constantly running into people, hopping from table to table at the hotel breakfast, and spending time with friends by the pool,” Mia remembers. “It’s a rare experience to have everyone you love staying in the same place – it made the whole weekend unforgettable.”

“[We] wanted to create a thoughtfully curated weekend full of meaningful celebrations.”

During the welcome party the night before, a traditional Moroccan Noche de Novia (Night of the Bride) ceremony was incorporated, where the bride donned a dress that has been worn by brides in her family for over 200 years, as well as a headpiece handcrafted by her grandmother.

On the day of the ceremony, however, she was stunning in a sleek gown with a square neckline and a classic veil, carrying an all-white bouquet as she walked down the aisle to an instrumental version of “Can’t Help Falling in Love” performed by a string quartet and acoustic guitarist.

The couple elected to have their alfresco Jewish ceremony take place after dark, adding to the intimate and magical atmosphere, so a sunset cocktail hour complete with a live jazz band took place beforehand. Choosing not to have bridesmaids or groomsmen, the couple’s family and siblings instead processed down the aisle. When Mia and Russell had both arrived beneath the verdant chuppah, their rabbis officiated a special and unique ceremony that concluded with the customary breaking of the glass.

Loved ones then made their way indoors for an elegant reception. “We wanted classic and neutral greens, whites, and beiges,” details the bride of their vision, which highlighted loose, organic floral arrangements that felt native to Ojai, designed by The Hidden Garden. “We focused on making the guest experience seamless,” Mia adds. “We knew that if we were having a great time and our guests were enjoying themselves, it would naturally turn into a fun and memorable weekend for everyone.”

Following a sit-down dinner service, everybody hit the dance floor. “Our priority was simple: dance music and sing-alongs only. Keeping the party energy high with nonstop music was essential. There’s nothing worse than the momentum dropping when the band takes a break, so we brought in extra musicians to rotate breaks seamlessly, ensuring a constant flow of live music all night long,” shares the groom of their fun-filled celebration. “It really was perfect and exactly what we had imagined and dreamed.”

This real wedding was originally published in the Summer 2025 issue of Inside Weddings magazine. 

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