1. Real Weddings

Amy & Kurt: A Beach Wedding in Santa Monica, CA

A beach wedding suited Amy and Kurt’s personalities to perfection, so they planned their tropical theme celebration to coincide just before sunset at

A beach wedding suited Amy and Kurt’s personalities to perfection, so they planned their tropical theme celebration to coincide just before sunset at The Beach Club in Santa Monica. THE BRIDE Amy Miller THE GROOM Kurt Zech THE DATE August 7 It was the winter of 1998 when Amy went to a friend’s home in Lake Tahoe to snowboard and ring in the New Year. While there, she met Kurt, who was the house’s winter caretaker at the time. Turns out, it wasn’t just the calendar that would have a fresh start: After getting to know each other, Amy, a 28-year-old who works in film production, and Kurt, a 28-year-old real estate investor, began a relationship that lasted more than five years—several of which were spent long-distance. In the summer of 2001, Kurt made the move to be with Amy in Santa Monica. By September of 2003, the pair was thrilled to have more time together, and decided to take a trip to Costa Rica. On the third day of their vacation, the couple woke up early so that Kurt could go surfing. When they returned to the hotel, Amy was astonished to see their hotel room blanketed with tropical flowers. The stage was set: She went out to the balcony, where a romantic breakfast was waiting, and Kurt proposed as they looked out over the ocean.

Amy and Kurt’s ceremony began at 6 p.m. in front of The Beach Club in Santa Monica, and because the sun was going to set late that day, fans and parasols were available for guests to stay cool. Amy and Kurt exchanged personally written vows amid orchids, deep-pink calla lilies, gardenias, and tropical greens—blooms reminiscent of Kurt’s Costa Rica proposal.
Inside, tables were dressed in sand-color linens, and topped with white napkins tied with lily grass. Guests enjoyed a meal that began with an heirloom tomato salad and included mushroom-stuffed chicken with goat cheese.
Guests at Amy and Kurt’s wedding had their pick of cake flavors: two tiers of lemon-raspberry and two of chocolate ganache.
Guests sipped mai tais and white wine on the patio, which was illuminated with hanging white paper lanterns. The rhythm of a steel-drum band kept toes tapping as the glow of the lanterns and votives on all of the tables created a romantic vibe.
The bride wore a Domo Adami gown with ten layers of French tulle and silk organza.