Shelby Luce & Ramzy Kahhale | October 14, 2023

Some weddings feel designed. Others feel lived in. Shelby and Ramzy’s wedding managed to be both—an elevated, multi-cultural celebration layered with intention, artistry, and unforgettable reveals, all set against the rolling golden hills of the Santa Lucia Preserve in Carmel, California.

Planned and designed by Karissa Paxton Events, this black-tie wedding unfolded across multiple locations on the Preserve. Culminating in one of the most dramatic barn transformations imaginable—under a rare lunar eclipse.

A Carmel Wedding Weekend Rooted in Culture, Hospitality, and Place

From the very beginning, this wedding weekend was about honoring where Shelby and Ramzy come from. Ramzy, who is Lebanese, envisioned the grandeur of a New York ballroom. While Shelby, raised in California, wanted the warmth and beauty of her family’s 40-acre private estate on the Santa Lucia Preserve.

The result was a seamless blend of worlds: modern and moody design, Middle Eastern hospitality, and California’s natural elegance.

Guests arrived for a thoughtfully curated weekend that included traditional Lebanese food at the rehearsal dinner, cultural touches woven throughout the celebrations, and optional group activities like pickleball, golf, and hiking. Setting the tone for a wedding that was immersive rather than rushed.

A Redwood Grove Ceremony at Santa Lucia Preserve

The ceremony took place in the iconic Redwood Grove at Santa Lucia Preserve, where towering trees created a cathedral-like atmosphere. Sleek black benches contrasted beautifully with abundant white florals, allowing the surroundings to speak while still feeling intentional and refined.

As the lunar eclipse quietly unfolded overhead, Shelby and Ramzy exchanged vows in a moment that felt both grounded and otherworldly. An experience guests would talk about long after the weekend ended.

Cocktail Hour by the Pool: Music, Movement, and Meaningful Details

After the ceremony, guests strolled along an oak-lined path to the bride’s family home for cocktail hour. Montenegro spritzes were served as soulful R&B sounds from Hablot Brown filled the air, transforming the poolside setting into a relaxed yet sophisticated gathering.

Instead of a traditional seating chart or escort cards, hosts personally escorted guests to their seats. An intentional hospitality-forward decision that elevated the experience and reinforced how thoughtfully this wedding was designed.

Every detail, from branded elements throughout the weekend to the black, charcoal gray, and currant color palette, reinforced a cohesive vision without ever feeling forced.

An Outdoor Black-Tie Dinner Beneath the Oaks

Dinner unfolded beneath the sprawling oak trees in front of the barn, where guests enjoyed a five-course Italian-style meal by A Taste of Elegance. Oversized silver pendant lights were painstakingly installed overhead, casting a soft glow that felt intimate despite the scale of the setting.

Shelby’s Galia Lahav gown, paired with Jimmy Choo heels and Geoffrey Young Designs earrings, embodied modern glamour. While Ramzy’s custom tux from Suit Supply struck the perfect balance between classic and contemporary.

The Ultimate Reveal: A Barn Transformed Into a Nightclub

Just when guests thought they had seen everything, the barn doors opened.

What had been a rustic structure moments before was suddenly a full Miami-style nightclub. Complete with dramatic lighting, custom installations, and a nine-piece band flown in from New York. The transformation took five days of installation, three rental companies, a private electrician, and extensive logistics to execute.

The reception band, The Miami Project, brought high energy to the space before Grammy-nominated DJ Andrew Luce took over for the after-party, keeping the celebration alive well into the night.

This reveal alone cemented the wedding as one of the most ambitious and memorable transformations the Santa Lucia Preserve has ever seen.

A Wedding Where Every Moment Was Thoughtfully Designed

From classic cars to outstanding lighting design, from personalized paper goods to seamless sound production, every vendor played a role in bringing Shelby and Ramzy’s vision to life. Every new space offered a sense of discovery.

More than anything, this wedding proved that luxury isn’t about excess, it’s about intention. Shelby and Ramzy’s celebration honored culture, music, family, and place. While still pushing creative boundaries in a way that felt authentic to who they are.

Vendor Team

Planner & Designer: Karissa Paxton Events
Venues: Santa Lucia Preserve (Ranch House, Redwood Grove, Private Estate)
Photographer: Britt Rene Photo
Videographer: Spencer Sarson Visuals
Florals: Burst + Bloom
Catering: A Taste of Elegance
Music: Hablot Brown, The Miami Project, Andrew Luce
Rentals: Theoni Collection, Chic Event Rentals, Elan Event Rentals
Linens: BBJ La Tavola
Hair & Makeup: Face Forward Bridal, O Salon Carmel, Glamology Beauty
Transportation & Vintage Cars: Monterey Touring Vehicles, Main Event Transportation