A Colourful Vineyard Wedding In Malibu

Updated Apr 23, 2015

| By Weddingbells

Toronto native Chloe Beckerman and Californian Justin Hardt both attended Camp White Pine during the summer of 1997, but they didn’t officially meet until the following year. “I had a major crush on Justin, but he was older and in a different section,” Chloe shares. “The next summer I went back to the same camp determined to make the cute Californian my boyfriend.” True to her word, Chloe and Justin became inseparable that summer and cemented a friendship that would span over a decade.

“We kept in touch through emails and phone calls,” Chloe describes. “He was back in L.A. and I was in between New York—where I was working with my sisters on a fashion line and pursuing a degree in the textile industry—and Toronto.” Love blossomed when Chloe decided to visit Justin in L.A. “He was persistent in trying to convince me to come out,” Chloe says. “I realized what a great idea that was, wrote him a message on Facebook, and the rest, as they say, is history!”

When it came to planning their wedding, the two were instantly sold on an alfresco setting in California. “We just love the outdoor vibe, which is why when we got to Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu, with its winding dirt roads and amazing views, we knew it was the right spot for us,” Chloe shares. The property offered the couple plenty of places and spaces to celebrate, but it was the newly introduced Château Le Dome, with its hilltop location overlooking the vineyards, that ultimately sealed the deal for the two.

Come wedding day, the pair enlisted the help of David Pressman of David Pressman Events to bring their colourful vision to life. Bright florals, rustic farmhouse chairs and vintage glassware came together to create an eclectic yet warm and inviting space for all 90 of Chloe and Justin’s guests. “I am a very laid-back person and the wedding had a very relaxed but intimate vibe. The colours were soft and beautiful, creating a lush and magical environment,” Justin shares. “The most important thing was making sure everyone had a good time. Chloe and I spent a lot of time planning the wedding and going over all the details. Many of our friends and family were travelling across the country to attend our wedding and it was really important that everyone had fun.”

The reception began with a delicious sit-down dinner followed by heartfelt speeches, the bouquet toss and the couple’s first dance as husband and wife. Also on the evening’s itinerary was a decadent dessert table brimming with everything from banana cream pie with chocolate sauce to brownies and lemon bars—the table was a testament to Chloe’s huge love for sweet treats.

Guests hit an ultimate high the minute Chloe and Justin’s DJ, Eric Cooper, took centre stage. “He was incredible, everyone was immediately on the floor,” Chloe recalls. “Our wedding turned into one of the best dance parties ever.” Eventually the evening tapered off with guests getting shuttled back to the hotel. As two of the last to leave, Chloe and Justin stepped into their limo and relived their entire day. “The emotions I felt the day of the wedding are hard to describe. I was all over the place,” Justin concludes. “But, most of all, I was happy. I married the girl I had been in love with since I was 16 years old. Fate brought us together and love kept us in touch through the years.”

Chloe Beckerman and Justin Hardt, May 18, 2013, Malibu, California.

Photography courtesy of Next Exit Photography.

Vendors Ceremony and reception location: Saddlerock Ranch Bridal gown: Prabal Gurung at The Room Bride’s shoes: Heels by Oscar de la Renta; Flats, Isabel Marant Bridal party attire: Isabel Marant at TNT and Proenza Schouler at The Room Cake: Charm City Cakes West Catering: Arli’s Exclusive Catering Table decor, chairs and chuppah rentals: Archive Vintage Rentals Flowers: Krista Jon Groom’s tux: Hugo Boss Hair & makeup: Lou Lou Brady Invites: Antiquaria Design Studio Linens: La Tavola Music: DJ Eric Cooper at Dash Entertainment Save the dates: 3EggsDesign at Etsy String quartet: Andromeda Trio Tables, dance floor and lighting rentals: Town & Country Event Rentals Wedding designer/planner: David Pressman Events LLC