Your Wedding Day - Cindy and Simon

Cindy and Simon


Bacara Resort & Spa, Santa Barbara, CA Cindy Day and Simon Cohen met when they were set up on a blind date by a mutual acquaintance in July, 2004. The couple is not quite sure whether it was ‘love at first sight,’ as the saying goes, but there was a definite attraction. “I was overwhelmed and impressed by her beauty, but hesitant because I thought she may be just ‘another beautiful L.A. girl,’” Simon said. “But I soon realized that behind the physical beauty were spirituality, kindness, and a warm heart.” In recalling that first night, Cindy said, “He was very quiet during dinner, but I could feel a good energy from him. He seemed kind, caring and gentle.” She was impressed by the fact that Simon listened when she talked and that he brightened up when she talked about how spirituality is important to her. “I wasn’t sure if it was a romantic or a friendship connection, but I knew there was something. He seemed very special.” Simon had to fly to Nice, France for what was supposed to be a week long trip. “In France, my thoughts were consumed by this wonderful woman I had just met, so after one day, I turned around and came back home,” says Simon. After ten months of dating, Simon asked Cindy to marry him. “We were having dinner at the Bel Air Hotel, and Simon proposed during dinner.” Cindy said. She knew he was going to propose, but she didn’t know when. “While we were having dinner, he began looking around nervously, so I knew it was coming! We were tucked away in a corner of the restaurant, so not only were we not visible, there wasn’t room for him to get down on one knee.” Cindy said she was touched by his shyness as he proposed. “It was very sweet and innocent.” When he presented her with the ring, a four-carat brilliant cut with a platinum setting, she of course, accepted! Invitations were designed by William Arthur of West Kennebunk, Maine, and sent out, announcing that the couple would be married on October 22, 2005 on the Miro lawn of Bacara Resort and Spa in Santa Barbara. With the help of wedding consultant Heather Ruben of Simply Elegant, a glamorous ocean-side wedding was planned. “I knew that I wanted glamour.” Cindy said. “Bacara itself gave me the inspiration for Old Hollywood glamour or vintage elegance. It has that feel to me.” Cindy and Simon chose white and ivory for their theme colors for a clean and elegant look. Their Chuppa was covered in white roses and draped with chiffon, and hurricane lanterns with white candles outlining the rose petal-covered aisle. Cindy’s gown, from R-mine Bridal in Studio City, fit the theme of Old Hollywood elegance perfectly. Once she saw the photo of the dress, she knew. “I wouldn’t try anything else on!” she said. It was ivory lace, very long and slender with a train. The bodice had a bustier look with beading and crystal detailing. Cindy chose shoes from Jimmy Choo of Beverly Hills and lingerie by la Perla. Makeup and hair, styled by Betty Kennedy Associates, was simple elegance with a sleek updo. Cindy designed her earrings, diamonds in a four-inch long shoulder duster-style and teardrop shaped diamonds at the ends. Her bouquet, by Mark’s Garden, was comprised of Calla Lilies wrapped with an ivory ribbon trimmed with beads and crystals to match the gown. Simon chose a black tuxedo by Zegna from Saks Fifth, Beverly Hills, and a traditional white Armani shirt and black tie. The maid of honor wore a long, golden champagne silk gown from Elon Michele of New York. The flower girl was in an ivory tea length dress with a golden champagne colored sash. The groomsmen were in black tuxedos, white shirts and black ties. The couple’s rings, a platinum eternity diamond ring for Cindy and platinum band for Simon, were designed by La Valencia Jewelers of Beverly Hills. The Latin Trio from West Coast Entertainment of Beverly Hills entertained with romantic classics before the ceremony. Reverend Matt Mills officiated, and the couple repeated their vows under the Chuppa, with the traditional breaking of the glass. The reception for the couple’s 80 guests, held in the Rotunda room of Bacara Resort and Spa, was designed by Nancy Kaye of Mark’s Garden in Sherman Oaks. Large centerpieces with white and ivory roses, atop candelabras draped with crystals and small flower arrangements with crystals were prepared for all tables. Ambient lighting was created with hurricanes in all window sills and an elegant chandelier was hung from the center with ivory fabric draped from the ceiling. The dance floor was set up on the large terrace with shabby chic chairs and sofas to give an elegant lounge feel. The reception, catered by Bacara Resort and Spa began with a cocktail reception on the terrace, with a seafood bar station with Crab Cocktail, Oysters and Shrimp. There were passed hors d’ oeuvres of assorted Dim Sum, Lobster Medallions, and Petite Lump Crab Cakes. The dinner continued in the Rotunda room, with stations featuring Prime Rib and Whole Roasted Tom Turkey.There was a Pasta Station, and a unique Martini Mashed Potato station with choices of Lobster and Sherry Mushroom Cream, and Wild Mushroom, served in martini glasses. The large assortment of desserts included Flourless Chocolate Cake, Crème Brûlée, White & Dark Chocolate Terrine, assorted Fresh Fruits and cheeses.	Handeland Tesoro Photography
	Wedding Consultant: Heather Rubin, Simply Elegant Ceremony & Reception Site: Bacara Resort & Spa Photographer: Handeland Tesoro Photography Officiant: Matt Mills Bridal Salon: R-Mine Bridal Lingerie: La Perla Shoes: Jimmy Choo Hair & Makeup: Betty Kennedy & Associates Jewelry: La Valencia Jewelers Bridesmaid Designer: Elon Michele Formalwear: Saks 5th Avenue Caterer: Bacara Resort & Spa Wedding Cake: Bacara Resort and Spa Invitations: William Arthur Florist: Mark’s Garden Entertainment: West Coast Music Videography: Amber Productions Rehearsal Dinner: Stella Mare’s Wedding Night Accommodations: Bacara Resort, Fess Parker Resort Honeymoon Accommodations: Bora Bora Nui Resort Gift Registry: Neiman Marcus, Williams-Sonoma

Bacara Resort and Spa also created the wedding cake which was designed to resemble Cindy’s gown. It was ivory with a lace overlay and a satin sash around each tier, then accented with a crystal brooch, all edible! The Latin Guitar Trio from West Coast Music continued to play during dinner, followed by a soul group, the Four Spirits, who serenaded Cindy with “You Send Me.” The couple’s first dance was to Celine Dion’s “The Power Of Love.” Photos were taken by Handeland Tesoro Photography of Sherman Oaks, and videography was by Amber Productions of Santa Barbara. On their wedding night, Cindy and Simon stayed at Bacara then left the following day for an eight-day honeymoon at the Bora Bora Nui Resort in French Polynesia. The couple’s other wedding festivities included a rehearsal dinner at Stella Mare’s in Montecito for 40 guests, many of whom had flown in from Hawaii, Atlanta, Israel, France, New York, Ohio, and Florida. They also treated guests to breakfast at Bacara the morning after the wedding. After their honeymoon, they returned to their home in Calabasas where Cindy is a real estate agent with Paramount Properties and Simon operates his nationwide magazine distribution company, Lucky Distributors.

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