Modern Romance by the Ocean: A Black-and-White Wedding at The Waterfront Beach Resort
- Makayla Allyse
- Nov 25
- 3 min read
Working with Sam and Tram from the very beginning of their planning journey was truly something special. As full-service clients, I partnered with them from August 2024 all the way through to their wedding day in September 2025. Our planning journey included scouting venues, refining their vision, mocking up their design details, and bringing every moment to life with intention. There’s something so meaningful about walking alongside a couple from day one, and their wedding at The Waterfront Beach Resort in Huntington Beach was the perfect example of what that partnership can create.
Finding the Perfect Beach Wedding Venue
Sam and Tram dreamed of a romantic, elevated, and timeless celebration with an outdoor ceremony (ideally with a water feature). After touring several properties together and learning what truly mattered to them, The Waterfront Beach Resort quickly rose to the top. The team there was truly exceptional to work with, and the venue’s modern aesthetic paired beautifully with the couple’s vision: black, white, candlelit, and moody, with touches of disco-ball sparkle.
Designing a Day That Felt Like Them
From sweetheart stage mock-ups to the final cake display, we worked closely with Sam and Tram to intentionally find the pieces to bring their vision to life. This wedding was full of thoughtful side-by-side transformations, where vision boards and renderings became reality.
Design & Decor Highlights:
A romantic sweetheart stage with modern lines and soft candlelight
A sleek black-and-white palette elevated with disco balls for subtle shimmer
A timeless cake setup displayed on custom pedestals
Layers of candles and florals to create an intimate, glowing atmosphere
With florals from PETAL by Radleigh & Sage, the space transformed into a blend of modern romance and classic elegance.
Getting Ready & Vendor Team
Sam and Tram’s morning began with glam from Makeup by Lucky and Hair by Miranda Islas, before capturing their portraits with Virisa Yong and Bella Camerino behind the camera and James Martinec on video. As the day unfolded, our coordination team oversaw every detail, including the installation of their custom rentals. Lotus Event Pros brought the vision to life with sleek stage panel covers, cake pedestals, and disco balls, while Above the Top Events completed the look with a classic black-and-white checkered dance floor. With every design element coming together seamlessly, Sam and Tram were able to stay fully present and enjoy each moment.
A Celebration Filled With Personality
The reception was nothing short of unforgettable. DJ Mikenificent from My Bridal DJ kept the energy high all night. One of the most unique moments came courtesy of their videographer: a live kiss cam. Guests absolutely loved it, and the live feed that projected onto the venue walls, ended perfectly on the couple at the cake table. It was a cinematic segue into their cake cutting.
And because no celebration is complete without something sweet, Castles Confections brought the cutest ice cream cart stocked with ice cream bars that guests enjoyed all evening.
Why Full Service Means So Much to Us
Working with Sam and Tram from the ground up allowed us to truly understand them: their aesthetic, their priorities, their personalities. We were able to help create a day that felt like an authentic extension of who they are. Full Planning isn’t just logistics. It’s building a relationship on trust, and having a built in bridal bestie throughout the process. Seeing their vision fully realized, from the first venue tour to the final dance, was truly such a rewarding moment.
Planning a wedding in Southern California and want a team who knows the venues, the landscape, and how to bring a design from concept to reality? We’d love to be part of your journey and create something unforgettable with you.
With Love & Life,
Makayla
Lead Planner- Read More About Me