Four years after Ariel Smith and Vancouver Canucks right wing Kiefer Sherwood were introduced by their best friends, he proposed at Amanyara in Turks and Caicos. And once engaged, the two started planning their Tuscan villa-esque nuptials at Stonepine Estate in Carmel Valley, California.
“We envisioned an intimate weekend surrounded by our closest people, all staying together on property to make the celebration feel like one big house party,” Ariel shares. To bring this vision to life, the couple enlisted Alison Rose Events, while Nicole Ivanov and Mad Love Films lensed the whole weekend.
The weekend began with a welcome party, where Ariel wore a custom look by Seline Meisler, paired with a silk neck scarf by Tempête.
The next day, Ariel got ready with hairstylist Corinne Viruet and makeup artist Karly Kettelle. She then put on her Kim Kassas strapless dress from Bridal Reflections, styled with a custom skirt. “It gave such a vintage, regal feel that fit Stonepine perfectly,” she reflects. Her bridesmaids complemented her in butter yellow Odd Muse London and Maygel Coronel dresses.
The groom wore a custom Pantheon Limited by Ethan Weisman tuxedo jacket, which sweetly featured photos of Ariel and his family on the liner.
On July 26, 2025, guests gathered in the Cherub Garden for the outdoor ceremony, elevated with florals by The Flora Club. “Kiefer’s best friend and former Miami University hockey teammate, Karch Bachman, officiated, which made the moment even more personal,” Ariel shares. “Our dog, Luca, was our ring bearer—he wore a little tuxedo collar and absolutely stole the show. I walked down the aisle to the violin version of ‘Enchanted’ by Taylor Swift, played by Alan Milan. We exchanged handwritten vows, an emotional moment we will never forget.”
The reception aesthetic was more feminine and romantic. “Our invitations introduced a few key motifs—swans, cherubs, candelabras, and bows—which carried through the entire day,” Ariel explains. “One of my favorite details was the custom cocktail napkins printed with love notes Kiefer and I had written to each other. Our dinner menus included illustrations of Luca and were tied with satin ivory bows—tiny details that made the night feel truly ours.”
After a delicious dinner by Hollie Jackson Events, the newlyweds shared a first dance to “Young and Beautiful” by Lana Del Rey and cut their Tart + Tine Confections wedding cake. Then, the after-party kicked off at the Blacksmith Bar—decorated like a disco lounge with equestrian touches—with a DJ from Vital Event Group. “Late-night snacks were chicken tenders and fries in custom to-go boxes featuring Luca—naturally,” Ariel says. “We danced and celebrated with our guests until the last song played. It was the perfect ending.”
