DNT Elite Events: Hartley Botanica

Mariel and Randy tied the knot surrounded by close family and friends at the beautiful Hartley Botanica in Somis, California. The couple had a contemporary ceremony with Buddhist and Japanese traditions including an Ojuzu Presentation and a San San Kudo Ceremony. After an exchange of heartfelt vows, the couple was presented with Ojuzu beads. The Ojuzu is a string of twenty-one beads, symbolizing the joining of families. Two beads represent the couple, one bead represents the Buddha and the other eighteen beads represent family and friends. Then, once pronounced Mr. and Mrs., they take part in a San San Kudo ceremony, which literally means "three, three, nine." In Buddhism, three is considered to be a sacred number and the number nine signifies potential. The sake is a symbol of purification and celebration. The bride and groom each take three sips of sake, three different times, sharing the sake with their families. This gesture symbolizes the unification of both families in hopes that the marriage will attain its highest potential. Cheers to happily ever after!

Following the beautiful ceremony, cocktails took place in the Lotus Tea Garden where guests were taken to a garden oasis, surrounded by lush greenery and the smell of Jasmine. Guests continued the celebration as dinner took place in the Paliuli Garden, where they were welcomed by the DIY elements of the wedding from the organic lantern centerpieces to the personalized succulent favors... everything was made with love!

As family is such an important role in Mariel and Randy's life, they wanted their loved ones to be an active part of their wedding, so family members were encouraged to create homemade desserts for the scrumptious dessert bar. With a beautiful display of colorful goodies and tiers of chocolate bars and mochi balls, the dessert bar was a sweet success! So much love was put into Mariel and Randy's wedding day, we congratulate them with all the happiness marriage has to offer!