Once engaged, event coordinator Arika Jeter and investment banker Matthew Kogan chose Allegretto Vineyard Resort in Paso Robles for their destination wedding weekend. “I truly believe that the venue should be a reflection of the couple at that exact time in their lives—their style, their vibe, and their personalities,” the bride explains. “Our main flower, a white rose, was a direct reflection of the overall goal for the wedding—simple, yet timeless and elegant. Allegretto was the perfect venue backdrop to make this all come to life.” The couple was especially charmed by the Italian aura of it all. Winding pathways, intimate balconies, blooming rose bushes, olive trees, and rosemary plants decorated every scene. Amanda Holder Events coordinated each detail while Rachael Kazmier Photography captured every moment. Guests received a custom Minted invitation suite.
“I remember feeling determined to find the dress in one day of shopping in my hometown of Chicago, and I succeeded!” Arika notes. “While I would have envisioned myself in something sparkly, I chose a dress I never imagined I’d pick—a sleek, chic ball gown with a simple satin blend with a long train from a local Chicago boutique called Weddings826.” Arika paired the look with a pearl-detailed veil set in place with a Swarovski crystal headband. The glam team, Selina, Layla, and Abby of Anomalie Beauty Agency, created her bridal beauty look that emulated an elevated version of her day-to-day hair and makeup.
“I absolutely loved wearing something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue from the women on both sides of our families,” the bride shares. On the day-of, she donned a bracelet from each of her grandmothers, earrings that had been passed down for decades in Matthew’s family, and the engagement ring that her father used to propose to her mother. “It was so special to wear these family treasures down the aisle.”
Matthew worked with a local Chicago tailor, BLVDier, to create a custom navy suit that he wore with Mezlan shoes. Bridesmaids complemented in champagne-colored satin dresses by Revelry.
The weekend began with an upscale boho-inspired rehearsal dinner. The dress code? Colorful. A ranch water station doubled as a seating chart that led everyone to their places underneath shining string lights. Afterward, guests indulged in specialties by a festive ice cream truck.
On August 6, 2022, soft melodies and glasses of Champagne summoned guests to the ceremony space. Arika and her father walked down the aisle, lined with Fluidbloom florals. Matthew was waiting under the chuppah, featuring his own draped tallit. Following a culturally blended ceremony, Matthew broke the glass, and the newlyweds jumped the broom. “Drenched in the California sun, our hearts were so full,” the bride smiles. “There’s nothing like that ‘just married’ feeling!”
Arika worked with Rose & Wrench to create an artful seating chart that served as the focal point of the cocktail hour. As everyone toasted to the newlyweds, a live band from Ben Mallare Events & Entertainment popped in with a surprise song and led guests through the gardens and into the courtyard for the sunset reception.
Guests sat at tables set with BBJ La Tavola gold and cream linens, vintage-inspired dinnerware, and gold-trimmed glassware as steak was served alongside a wine pairing. The newlyweds shared a first dance to Old Dominion’s “One Man Band.” In lieu of a cake cutting, Arika and Matt sipped from a Champagne tower of coupe glasses filled with Veuve Clicquot dotted with fresh flower petals.
Later on, the bride revealed her second look, and Matt’s brother, Ethan, stepped on stage and performed a rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me To The Moon.” Everyone stayed close to the dancefloor all evening. “We are beyond grateful for such an incredible wedding celebration with our dearest family and friends,” Arika smiles. The next day the two flew to the Maldives for their honeymoon.
