Alex and Bill's Sophisticated Santaluz Wedding

By Jordan Lemke

Alex and Bill are proof that the best love stories can be those that begin in puppy love, but not the kind you might know from a romcom. After a chance meeting in New York City, the couple withstood a cross-country move, career changes, and even potty training a new puppy, Ruby—with the first lesson following their engagement.

Bill schemed with the dog breeder to set up a surprise proposal with Ruby in tow. Immediately after she said, “Yes!” Ruby peed on the carpet. Hey, real love comes with its fair share of surprises!

As for their big day at The Santaluz Club, the couple planned it with sophistication and laid-back California touches top of mind. “We wanted our guests, who were mostly flying in from the East Coast and elsewhere, to see a glimpse into our Southern California life and why we love it here so much,” Alex says.

Modern Bouquet designed a show-stopping floral chandelier that hung from the tent’s ceiling, and a cake from the Dessertier was a centerpiece of the evening. But it was the first dance to the Beach Boys’ “God Only Knows,” that the newlyweds will never forget. Both were nervous about everyone watching them dance but when the time came, Alex says, “It was so natural that I forgot that anyone else was there and was actually sad when it was over.”

Nevertheless, their real-life love story played on into South Africa for their honeymoon and beyond.