A Traditional, Romantic Wedding at Inn of the Seventh Ray in Topanga, California

Candles, twinkling lights and pastel-colored flowers set the romantic tone for this intimate, traditional wedding at the Inn of the Seventh Ray in Topanga, California. “I wanted to get married outside in the evening while surrounded by candlelight,” Lorenzia De Luca (34 and an aesthetician) says of her marriage to Emanuel Barbu (29 and in law enforcement). “I wanted the wedding to be small and intimate, and the Inn of the Seventh Ray was perfect because it is so romantic and charming.” The palette of navy blue, ivory and gold accented details throughout the day—from the navy bridesmaid dresses and groomsmen ties to the ivory escort cards printed with navy blue text bordered with gold. Lorenzia and Emanuel were married underneath a plastic-covered gazebo strung with twinkling lights and draped with white linens, captured on camera by Mark Laing Creative Photography. The cocktail hour was combined with the reception, where guests were seated at simple dining tables dressed in white tablecloths that were marked with black-and-white table numbers. A traditional guest book with a feather pen was displayed for the couple to remember all those who attended, and Jordan almonds were found at each table setting for guests to take home as a wedding favor. Finally, the traditional white wedding cake was filled with vanilla cream and berries, but we absolutely loved the nontraditional way it was presented—draped in a lush arrangement of flowers and leaves. "Enjoy every moment of your special day," Lorenzia says. "The day goes by so fast, so don't sweat the small stuff. Focus on the meaning of the day, which is marrying the love of your life and sharing that memory with your friends and family."