Embrace Love's Whimsy: A Butterfly-Kissed Celebration of Unity and Style
The Genesis of a Love Story: From Glitch to Genuine Connection
Fashion designer Ariel Rezek's journey to finding her soulmate, documentary photographer Lindsay Apatow, began with an unexpected digital encounter. A system anomaly on a dating app led Ariel's profile, typically hidden from searches for women, to appear on Lindsay's feed. This serendipitous event sparked an immediate and profound connection between the two. Their initial months involved extensive conversations, cultivating a deep friendship before their first in-person meeting, making their eventual encounter even more significant and cherished.
A Heartfelt Proposal: A Private Moment in Palm Springs
Lindsay Apatow realized by their third date that Ariel was the one she wished to spend her life with. Eager to propose, Lindsay had already identified Ariel's preferred diamond ring style within three months of dating. By the sixth month, the ring was in hand, with an initial plan to propose on their one-year anniversary. However, Lindsay's excitement led her to propose a month earlier during a birthday trip to The Parker Palm Springs in April 2023. Opting for a private moment, Lindsay proposed on Ariel's birthday morning, before she had even had her coffee, a gesture that made the moment uniquely theirs and has been celebrated ever since.
The Dream Venue: Tony Duquette's Dawnridge Estate
For their wedding location, Ariel had a specific vision in mind: Tony Duquette's Dawnridge Estate. She had long admired the estate's maximalist design, bold colors, and Art Deco influences, having saved photos of it since 2018. Upon their engagement, a tour was promptly arranged, and the couple instantly fell in love with the estate's ability to transport them to another world without leaving Los Angeles. This unique ambiance perfectly matched their desire to create a magical, whimsical, and romantic experience for their guests, leading them to set their wedding date for June 2, 2025. They entrusted Melissa Sullivan of Studio Sully with the planning, confident in her ability to bring their vision to life with meticulous care and creativity.
Butterfly Motifs: Symbols of Transformation and Beauty
A central design element woven throughout the wedding was the butterfly motif, holding deep symbolic meaning for the couple, representing magic, transformation, and a quiet beauty that served as a good omen in their relationship. These delicate creatures graced various aspects of the celebration, including the dramatic floral arrangements crafted by Ren Mac Donald Balasia of Renko Floral. Ariel had a clear vision for the flowers, desiring a lush, romantic display reminiscent of a vibrant oil painting. Ren's expertise in sourcing unique and extraordinary blooms allowed her to elevate this classic aesthetic, creating truly special and one-of-a-kind arrangements.
Bridal Attire: A Blend of Personal Style and Thematic Elegance
Butterflies also found their way into both brides' wedding day attire. Lindsay envisioned a "black tie cowboy" ensemble, drawing from her personal style's Western influences. She collaborated with Los Angeles-based suiting brand High Society to design a sophisticated black, double-breasted suit with flared trousers, blending traditional Western tailoring with a refined, fashion-forward sensibility. To complete her cowboy-inspired look, Lindsay commissioned hat maker Nick Fouquet for a custom black felt hat adorned with a vintage silver butterfly she had personally sourced. She complemented this with a pair of Nick Fouquet x Lucchese cowboy boots, achieving a cool and distinctly Western aesthetic.
A Secret Message: A Hidden Emblem of Love
Among the many exquisite details, Lindsay's most cherished fashion element remained unseen by guests. Tucked within the jacket and hat was a custom silk lining, emblazoned with a handwritten note Ariel had given her on their third date—simply "I love you." This intimate detail, stitched into the fabric of her attire, imbued the entire look with profound personal meaning, making it an even more special and private symbol of their enduring affection.