COVER STORY
Mariella and Daniel’s Intimate Wabi Sabi Wedding in LA
With
The Bridal Journey
In the heart of Los Angeles, where the magic of the city’s creativity flows freely, Mariella Rudi and Daniel Israel curated a wedding that was as much a personal reflection of their love as a celebration of the artistry surrounding them. Their hometown wedding—intimate, stylish, and refreshingly DIY—was a carefully woven tapestry of vintage finds, local talent, and hand-crafted elements that told a unique and heartfelt love story.
Photographer: Jannet Photo | Planning: Savreano Events
DISTINCT LOCAL ARTISTS CURATING A MAGICAL GARDEN (4)
Photographer Jannet Photo
The Vision: A Wabi-Sabi Garden Celebration: Mariella, a journalist covering art and culture for the L.A. Times and New York Times, approached her wedding planning with the same creative eye she applies to her work. Determined to create something distinct, she enlisted her network of local artists, designers, and storytellers to transform their venue into a celebration of upcycling and artistic collaboration. The result? A magical garden fête, filled with hand-crafted details, vintage treasures, and a sense of perfectly imperfect beauty.
Held at The Stone House in Brentwood’s Mandeville Canyon, a mid-century architectural gem by L.A. starchitect Allen Siple, the venue was an ode to rustic-chic elegance and L.A. history. The property, spanning six acres, provided a breathtaking backdrop, from slate quarried from the canyon to salvaged redwood beams from the old Venice pier. The outdoor space’s sprawling garden, intimate nooks, and stunning views of the Santa Monica Mountains set the perfect tone for the couple’s vision.
“The outdoor space’s sprawling garden, intimate nooks, and stunning views of the Santa Monica Mountains set the perfect tone for the couple’s vision.”
FLORISTRY BY TSB FLORAL CO (1)
Photographer Jannet Photo
PLANNING @SAVREANOEVENTS (1)
Photographer Jannet Photo
The Gown: A Masterpiece of Artisanal Craft:
Mariella’s wedding gown was one of the evening’s most personal and stunning elements. Collaborating with her best friend and maid-of-honour, Rebecca Danenberg—a legendary designer who helped establish 7 for All Mankind and was once a fixture in New York’s downtown punk scene—Mariella created a dress that was both nostalgic and avant-garde. The result was a romantic, historically inspired gown with sinuous silhouettes that nodded to the ’30s while incorporating the bias-cut drama of Y2K-era John Galliano.
The dress was crafted from vintage lace, hand-stitched beaded appliqué sourced from Mood Fabrics, and a custom peach corset. A simple yet avant-garde draped veil, created by yet another talented friend’s mother, was the final detail that completed the bride’s look, capturing the spirit of elegance and artistry that defined the wedding.
Gown by Rebecca Danenberg (1)
Chic & Functional Footwear (1)
Avant Garde Custom Veil (1)
Vintage Lace Design Accents (1)
The Food: Culinary Artistry Meets Local Flavour
Food was key in bringing the couple’s creative vision to life. Chef Heidi Ross, known for her food-as-art installations, designed a grazing table for cocktail hour that was nothing short of a spectacle. The display featured the best local, seasonal produce, from compound butter sculptures to checkerboard plates of caviar and smoked salmon.
Grillmaster Karla Subero Pittol of Chainsaw L.A. brought a South American live-fire cooking experience to the dinner, grilling a feast that included suspended chains of food in a 20-foot domed brasero, creating a striking visual and culinary experience for guests. For dessert, Red Bread’s chef Rose Wilde constructed a bespoke wedding cake that captured the beauty of the surrounding mountains, adding a sweet touch to an unforgettable evening.
SEASONAL SELECTIONS (1)
Photographer Jannet Photo
SEASONAL SELECTIONS (1)
Photographer Jannet Photo
Entertainment & After-Party: A Celebration of Fun and Freedom
True to their roots, Mariella and Daniel sought a wedding that felt less like a formal affair and more like an epic house party. Guests were treated to hand-rolled cigars and flash tattoos as they mingled and danced. As the evening drew to a close, the couple continued the celebration by hopping aboard a karaoke bus with two strip poles for an after-party at the legendary Chateau Marmont.
“The night was a whirlwind of laughter, music, and shared joy—culminating in a beautiful tribute to their 11-year journey together.”
CREDIT (1)
Photographer Jannet Photo
CREDIT (1)
Photographer Jannet Photo
SEASONAL SELECTIONS (1)
Photographer Emily Ferretti
The Personal Touch: A Wedding Crafted by Friends
What set Mariella and Daniel’s wedding apart was its creativity and the deep sense of personal connection woven into every detail. Every element was designed with love and care, from the custom gown to the bespoke food and floral arrangements. The couple’s friends played a key role in making the wedding a truly unique experience, with vendors such as the talented floral team at TSB Floral Co. and custom veil designer French Love Bridal contributing to the event’s handmade charm.
