Two-and-a-half years after Nicole Grice and Avery Schwartz first met in Los Angeles, he surprised her with a proposal at his parents’ Montecito home. “Montecito is where we really fell in love, so it’s always been a special place for us,” Nicole says. What she initially believed was a surprise birthday celebration revealed itself to be something far more intimate, as she walked into a backyard framed by a semicircle of yellow flowers—her favorite—before Avery got down on one knee. The evening continued with a private chef-prepared dinner for two, followed by a weekend at San Ysidro Ranch and a family brunch at Stonehouse. “Every detail was so thoughtful—it was perfect from start to finish.”

Continuing the thread of sentimentality, the pair chose the Big Island of Hawaii—the destination of their first trip together—as the locale for their wedding. The couple worked with Over The Moon Directory Photographer Lauren Fair and planner Bliss in Bloom to bring their vision to life. “We didn’t want anything to feel overdone or overly styled,” Nicole notes. “We wanted it to feel elevated but effortless, and really grounded in the beauty of Hawaii.”

Fashion played a defining role throughout each event. For the pool party, Nicole leaned into a look that felt polished yet relaxed. “I wanted something chic and timeless that still felt like me without being too bridal,” she says of her Lisa Marie Fernandez swimsuit paired with Dôen shorts and layered accessories.

The rehearsal dinner brought a more expressive moment—Avery in a custom purple jacket by David August, and Nicole in a custom Harbison Studio dress. “I wanted the rehearsal dinner dress to have its own moment and feel a little more bold and fun,” she explains. “The whole process of creating it was so special.”

On May 3, 2025, the couple exchanged vows at Kukio Golf & Beach Club. Set directly on the beach, the ceremony embraced the natural beauty of the island. Nicole wore an Oscar de la Renta strapless lace dress with floral appliqué that subtly echoed the hibiscus, Hawaii’s state flower. “When I tried it on, I immediately knew it was the one,” she says. Avery complemented the setting in a custom white linen tuxedo jacket by David August, reflecting their black-tie-optional vision with a lighter coastal feel.

The ceremony itself unfolded beneath the trees overlooking the ocean, where a chuppah adorned with red, pink, and white florals honored their Jewish traditions. “It felt so intimate and so us,” Nicole shares. “We felt incredibly present, especially when reading our vows.” Incorporating meaningful elements like the seven blessings and the breaking of the glass, the moment was both emotional and grounding. “Looking at the person you love and knowing the commitment you’re about to make—it’s indescribable.”

Following the ceremony, guests transitioned to the golf club for a reception that offered a distinct yet complementary atmosphere. “We loved that it felt completely different from the ceremony,” Nicole says. “The view of the sunset there is our favorite, so sharing that with everyone was really special.” Guests enjoyed an elevated menu featuring everything from wagyu, yellowtail, and ahi nigiri to a pasta station with mostaccioli bolognese served from a cheese wheel and truffle risotto. “The food was such a highlight for us,” Nicole adds. “Everything was incredible.”

The evening came to life with music from JB Project of West Coast Music, who kept the dance floor full all night—even through a brief rain shower. Heartfelt toasts from family members brought both laughter and emotion. “Hearing everyone’s words, their stories, and their perspective on our relationship meant so much,” Nicole says. The couple shared their first dance to “10,000 Emerald Pools” by BØRNS before the Hora brought everyone together in one of the most joyful moments of the night. “The Hora really set the tone—everyone was involved and it was just pure happiness.”

Rather than moving locations, Nicole and Avery chose to continue the celebration at Kukio, where DJ Tendaji took over and kept the party going until 1 a.m. “We wanted to stay in our favorite place all night,” Nicole explains. Late-night bites of pizza, sliders, and fries ensured guests stayed fueled on the dance floor.

Following the wedding weekend, the couple escaped to Kauai for a mini-moon, staying at 1 Hotel where they were able to relax, disconnect, and reflect on the celebration.