Meeting through a mutual friend in college, Meghan Hayden and Michael Jack reconnected about a decade later while they were both in New York City. “When we ran into each other again, it felt like no time had passed at all,” describes Meghan of their effortless fate. “There was an undeniable connection that I felt instantly, and even though we’d both changed over the years, it was clear we were meant to cross paths again. I’ll never forget the butterflies I felt when I saw him, and that same feeling still hasn’t faded.”

Over a Fourth of July Weekend in Crystal Beach, Ontario, a place near and dear to Meghan and her family for generations, Michael surprised everyone when he got on bended knee to propose to his beloved. “I couldn’t have imagined a more meaningful setting,” illustrates Meghan of the moment when literal fireworks were going off down the beach and a crowd of loved ones had gathered to celebrate with the couple. “It was magical, and I couldn’t have felt more loved.”

In an effort to bring their East Coast family to experience quintessential California, they felt that a gorgeous ranch in Malibu with an elegant, yet relaxed, atmosphere was the ideal location to host their nuptials. “The private, serene setting made it feel like our own world. The venue’s blend of rustic charm and modern touches resonated with us, offering both intimacy and grandeur, and creating an unforgettable experience for our guests,” says the bride, who planned a fairy-tale affair for the next year through the guidance of their wedding planner, Charley Izabella King of Bluebell Events.

“The private, serene setting made it feel like our own world.”

Beneath a grand 100-year-old tree, the betrothed wed in a lush, perfectly manicured garden. “We wanted to keep the natural beauty of the ceremony location, so we added eye-catching florals in white and green down the aisle and allowed nature to create the chic look we desired,” recounts Meghan. The décor concept was inspired by the glam of Palm Beach, a heartfelt tribute to the couple’s Florida roots, and their California lifestyle, seamlessly blending the best of their coastal worlds.

Meghan made her grand entrance wearing a classic off-the-shoulder gown featuring a full skirt and circular train. After a loving vow exchange, the newlyweds walked up the aisle to their recessional song, “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This).” Unbeknownst to the groom, he dipped his bride for a kiss right on the beat before the petal cannon set off. “The petal cannon was a surprise to Michael, which was so exciting and so much fun to see his reaction,” remembers Meghan. “It also created the perfect photo moment with petals raining down on us and all our guests.”

During a lovely English garden-inspired cocktail hour, family and friends found themselves drawn to the stunning décor elements, including over 200 oyster shells that Meghan’s mother – a former teacher and artist – hand painted to use as escort cards.

As guests shifted to the reception space, they were further impressed by the details. “We’ve always been drawn to the timeless elegance of palm trees and the golden eras of Palm Beach and Hollywood glamour, and we wanted our celebration to reflect that iconic, sun-drenched sophistication,” tells Meghan.

To bring the bride’s vision to life, their planner Charley designed impressive tablescapes that featured a blend of sleek, gold serpentine tops, while others were covered in elegant gold linens, and a third set showcased deeper gold linens paired with mirror tops.

“The table settings were an absolute dream, centered around a striking black-and-gold Italian geometric plate I fell in love with, which became the unifying design element across all tables,” Meghan shares. The floral design was as majestic as the bride imagined with breathtaking centerpieces incorporating gold palms, frothy blooms, and candlelight that ran the length of long tables.

As the magical evening went on, Meghan’s most unforgettable moment – in addition to her sentimental father-daughter dance – was “watching Michael absolutely dominate the dance floor all night,” thanks to the talent of the live band and their contagious energy. “The dance floor memories will stay with me forever,” confides the bride.

To close out the wedding and get everyone outside for a grand exit, a conch shell was blown – a long-standing tradition in the bride’s family when someone is reunited or leaving. “It’s easy to get caught up in all the details. Taking the time to be present in the moment makes all the difference!”

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