Candice + DeVaughn by Tracy Pacana

My home decor is white and beige, and I knew I wanted to bring the same vibe to my wedding.

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

I’m Candice, a PR director at a fashion company, and my husband DeVaughn, a music editor for film and television. We live in Los Angeles and are total foodies, so we spend a lot of time researching and trying new restaurants. When we’re not working (or eating), we’re running a book club for married and engaged couples with the goal of strengthening marriages and educating them on their true purpose, according to the Bible.

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

I was living in New York City when the pandemic hit and and like many others, decided to make a change. I had no idea it’d lead to meeting my husband.

In 2021, I moved to Los Angeles. I met DeVaughn on Hinge six months later. I now know that it was all God’s doing.

When we matched, I noticed how much we had in common: our faith and careers led us to big cities, we were raised in the Midwest, and so much more. It also helped that he was easy on the eyes.

We talked for a few weeks on the app, getting to know each other before he asked me out on a date. He knew I liked French food, so he set up a reservation at Le Petit Paris in Downtown LA. The funny thing is, I arrived on the date 30 minutes late (let’s blame LA traffic), so I thought it was going to be over before it even started. I apologized profusely, but he was so chill about it, and we ended up having an incredible date. Talking to him felt like I’d known him for years and he was such a gentleman the entire time.

When he asked me on a second date, it was an easy ‘yes.’

When did you first realise that this was someone you’d like to spend the rest of your life with?

It was the little things that he did early in the relationship that spoke volumes of his character and how he’d behave as a partner.

For example, I had long box braids in my hair and told him I was getting ready to take them down, which would take a couple of hours. He offered to help me, which I didn’t expect at all. I accepted the help and went to his place, where we sat for a few hours, taking my braids down and binging TV. Once we were finished, my hair was a complete mess, but I felt comfortable showing him that side of myself. This moment, and various others, showed me how thoughtful, kind and caring he was.

When he eventually told me he loved me, I said it back and meant it.

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding.

My home decor is white and beige, and I knew I wanted to bring the same vibe to my wedding. Once we knew the wedding would be in California, I loved the idea of hosting it at an estate or garden. Once we secured the venue, Monserate Winery, I was able to think through design elements that would complement the venue’s old-world Italian feel.

I opted for stone signage and vases, a linen seating chart that hung from an olive tree, fabric menus and place cards, and all-white florals. We rented white and beige furniture for lounge areas and had baskets of parasols and fans that brought the garden party to life. As for the reception, which would be in an indoor barrel room, I loved the idea of long tables that would make it feel like a giant, decadent dinner party. We lined the centres of the tables with single-stem white roses and candles.

What styling and visual elements worked best for you?

Monserate Winery is already such a stunning canvas with its florals, lakes and sprawling vineyards. Our all-white floral arrangements were the perfect complement.

What did you enjoy most about the planning process and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?

My wedding planner told me that the most exciting part would be the styling. I have to agree. I already have an interest in interior design, fashion and art, so loved creating mood boards, looking for inspiration and essentially daydreaming about the big day and how everything would come together.

My advice for couples who are starting the process is to keep in mind that some of the inspiration that you’ll see on social media is from six-figure+ budgets. This could create unrealistic expectations if you’re not working with that, especially in a state like California. I definitely wasn’t working with that and had to pair back on a few things that I originally had on my mood board.

During the budgeting process, it could be helpful to create a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves, research the average costs of what you want, and adjust from there.

If budget allows, I do recommend hiring a planner (not just a coordinator) to help guide the process. Even if you feel you can handle a lot of it on your own, having expert advice/help is invaluable as they know ins-and-outs of the industry that you might not be aware of. I also consulted various planners before hiring one and they gave me a sense of what I could realistically do with my budget.

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, is there a story?

For the ceremony, I wanted to go for a timeless look that I could look back on decades later and say, ‘I looked good.’ I opted for a strapless mikado silk Monique Lhuillier ballgown with a scoop neckline and thigh slit. I paired it with ivory Manolo Blahnik Hangisi pumps, pearl earrings and a cathedral-length veil with my hair in a sleek bun. I went for soft makeup, lots of blush and thin winged liner.

What was one, or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a liIle more on?

We didn’t mind spending a little more on the venue, which included catering and bar. The space was so beautiful on its own, so it was nice to figure out how to enhance it rather than work with a blank canvas.

Did anything happen on your wedding day that you laugh about in hindsight (even if it was stressful at the time)?

I had a clean bustle on my gown and despite receiving a demonstration prior, no one could figure it out the day of, haha. It made us late for our reception entrances and my dress wasn’t bustled correctly throughout the night, but I was on such a wedding high, I didn’t think about it much.

BRIDE Candice Watts, @candicewatts_ GROOM DeVaughn Watts, @devaughnmwatts VENUE Monserate Winery, @monseratewinery PHOTOGRAPHER Tracy Pacana, @tracypacana CONTENT CREATION Dee Hernandez – The Social Club, @thesocialclub.xx PLANNER Shauna Wise – Palm & Pine Events, @palmandpineevents FLORIST Sweet Floral Dreams, @sweetfloraldreams CELEBRANT Groom’s Father – Delbert Watts ENTERTAINMENT Andorian Ramsey, @djbeatific HIRE Adore Folklore, @adorefolklore; 2 Create Designs, @2createdesigns CATERING Monserate Winery, @monseratewinery CAKE Jenny Wenny Cakes, @jennywennycakes STATIONERY MinimalMoon Paperie, @minimalmoonpaperie SIGNAGE Seating Chart – Look Good on Paper Co., @lookgoodonpaperco RINGS Burbank Jewelry Outlet BRIDAL DRESS Monique Lhuillier, @moniquelhuillierbride BRIDE’S SHOE Hangisi White Satin Jewel Buckle Pumps – Manolo Blahnik, @manoloblahnik MAKEUP Manuel Espinoza, @88manuel88 HAIR Kamari and Ricki of Royal Hair Creations Beauty Supply/Salon, @royalcreationshair, @beautymarkedbymari, @rickistyles_
BRIDAL PARTY MAKEUP Angel Collier, @angelfacemua BRIDESMAIDS SHOE Topshop, @topshop BRIDESMAIDS DRESSES Massimo Dutti, @massimodutti; Meshki, @meshki; MUMU, @showmeyourmumu BRIDESMAIDS ACCESSORIES Earrings – Anthropologie, @anthropologie GIFT REGISTRY Zola, @zola