Date

Guests

50

May 2, 2014

When Krystal Palisoc and Phillip Edwards became engaged they knew their day would be small and intimate. Inspired by a destination wedding they attended in the Dominican Republic, they wanted their wedding celebration to have the same fun vibe but in a different location-California was the ideal choice.

"Most of my family from my mother's side already lives in California, and a lot of our friends had not been to the west coast," Krystal explains. Not long afterward, while browsing a blog, Krystal happened upon some amazing photos of a gorgeous wedding on the helipad of Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards. "When Phillip came into the room and saw it, he couldn't believe his eyes and asked me where it was," Krystal recalls. "We booked it immediately."

With 50 of their friends and family in attendance, Krystal walked down the aisle wearing a classic Pronovias trumpet gown complete with a custom-made sequined veil to match. Playing in the background was "Spend My Life With You" by Eric Benet featuring Tamia. "It touched on the feelings we both felt that day-so much so that Phillip started crying as soon as he heard it, and when I saw him crying I started crying too!" Krystal reminisces. Seeing Phillip for the first time in his tuxedo, and standing by him, was also an emotional part of the day for Krystal. "It felt like the culmination of our relationship to that day, and at the same time the start of another chapter," she muses.

While the couple's closest family and friends flew in from Toronto for the wedding, there was one important person missing-Krystal's mother, who passed away from cancer. In her honour a single rose was placed on an empty chair before the couple exchanged vows. "It was to make it known we were thinking of her that day and she was with us in spirit," Krystal says.

Après-ceremony, the newlyweds immediately took advantage of the scenic vineyards to take their wedding photos. "While we were climbing up one of the small hills, family and friends back at the estate were cheering us on and clapping in encouragement," Krystal says. "It was absolutely one of my favourite moments."

Krystal Palisoc and Phillip Edwards, May 2, 2014, Malibu, California.Photography courtesy of Krista Fox.

For their reception, the two kept the decor simple yet chic with white floral centrepieces on the tables, a hanging crystal chandelier and flowing white drapery. Guests mingled, enjoying appetizers and a three-course meal by caterer Room Forty. "Everyone was raving about the food," Krystal enthuses. "One of our friends said he would have been happy just eating appetizers all night." For foodies Krystal and Phillip, knowing their guests enjoyed the meal as much as they did was the icing on the cake.

Speeches about the bride and groom were shared before guests joined the couple on the dance floor to tunes spun by their friend, Toronto's DJ Swiss. In keeping with tradition, Krystal and Phillip participated in the classic Filipino money dance, where attendees pinned money onto the couple to bring good fortune. Toward the end of the reception guests took home macarons as favours, a tribute to the couple's engagement at the top of the Eiffel Tower on their first trip to Paris.

For some the party didn't end at the reception. "A few people flew back to Toronto, while some joined us in Las Vegas for a post-wedding party," Krystal says. This included dining at SushiSamba, staying at The Venetian and heading to Tao nightclub. "Everything went beautifully and, most importantly, I got to marry my best friend," Phillip says with a smile.

Vendors
Second photographer: Megan Strating
Ceremony and reception location: Malibu Rocky Oaks Estate Vineyards
Bridal gown: Pronovias
Groom's tux: Tuxedo Junction (ceremony), Hugo Boss from Harry Rosen (reception)
Cake: Charm City Cakes West
Caterer: Room Forty
Favours: Vanilla Bake Shop (macarons), Compartes Chocolatier (welcome bags)
Wedding planners: Envision Weddings and Events
Music: DJ Swiss
Hair: Mackenzie Casey
Flowers and decor: Envision Weddings and Events
Stationery: DIY, Cards and Pockets (printing)