Caroline Chmiel’s first encounter with fellow Claremont McKenna College student Peter Tilton Jr. was when he messaged her asking for help with linear algebra homework. However, Peter has a different recollection. He revealed that he initially saw her donate bags of used items before heading back to New York for the summer. “Peter went to my stash of donation clothing and sold my designer jeans on eBay, all without me knowing!” Caroline laughs.
After seven years together, Peter proposed on the Big Island in Hawaii. “We were on a long weekend vacation, and he gave himself away—reminding me to wear a cute dress and providing strict instructions to meet for a sunset walk before dinner—so I had an idea that he would pop the question,” Caroline smiles. “He proposed on a sunset walk on Kukio Beach, and we shared a bottle of Champagne, soaking in the moment just the two of us."
Once engaged, the couple booked San Ysidro Ranch—where the bride and her mother had spent a wonderful weekend—for their 100-guest wedding. “I had dreamed of a whimsical, intimate dinner party for our wedding,” Caroline shares. “San Ysidro checked all of those boxes with an added element of pure magic everywhere you walk on the grounds. The cherry on top for picking SYR was their recently opened speakeasy bar for our after-party, which sealed the deal for the groom.”
To bring their vision to life, the couple enlisted the help of Over The Moon The List Planner Rosemary Events, and photographer Michelle Beller and Lola Video lensed every special moment.
For her wedding weekend wardrobe, Caroline collaborated with stylist Tara Maietta. She began the festivities in a “something blue” sequin mini dress by Monique Lhuillier, paired with Louboutins and a Bottega Veneta clutch, for the rehearsal dinner. The next night’s welcome party called for a red floral Zimmermann dress, styled with pink sapphire and ruby jewelry by Jennifer Meyer.
“For my wedding day, I wanted to wear a timeless yet high fashion gown,” the bride expresses. She chose an elegant Oscar de la Renta dress that was perfect for her rose garden nuptials. “For jewelry, I borrowed earrings from my mother, and my father gifted me a special bracelet from Irene Neuwirth to wear down the aisle.” Caroline completed the look with lace Dior heels.
As for beauty, Caroline was inspired by the Giambattista Valli Bridal 2024 show, featuring models with ribbons in their hair and dewy makeup. “As soon as Tara sent me Look 4 from the show, we knew a hair ribbon would be the perfect accessory to my wedding gown and after-party dress,” the bride says. “Reggie, my hairstylist, executed the look flawlessly.” And Amy Clarke applied her glowing makeup.
On September 14, 2024, the couple's pastor, Reverend Tim Vance, from First Presbyterian in Santa Monica married them amidst countless roses by Toast Santa Barbara. "Entering our ceremony felt surreal," Caroline recalls. "It was a special moment to walk down the aisle with my father, who made me laugh, as I started to tear up. It was nothing short of magic to enter the garden seeing my groom at the end of the path."
After Caroline and Peter were announced as officially married, guests sat for dinner at two long tables. "We worked with Sam Crosby on all of our wedding papers," the bride shares. "Sam dreamed up these whimsical floral menus incorporating guests’ names to guide them to their seats."
Once ready to dance, guests were shepherded with espresso martinis to the Carriage House, where The Dart Family Band was waiting. "After our first dance to 'Adore You' by Harry Styles, I snuck away with my best friend, Miranda, to change into my second look from Oscar and take a few photos," Caroline remembers. She then reunited with Peter to privately cut their cake, the Triple Berry from Sweet Lady Jane—her favorite part of the reception.
The after-party commenced at the speakeasy, Plow & Angel. "Our DJ and friend, Dre Basile, brought the house down with a remix of 'Empire State of Mind,' and we danced and ate late night fries with our closest friends into the morning," Caroline reminisces.
The day after the wedding, the newlyweds flew to Copenhagen for a Scandinavian honeymoon, filled with adventures exploring the fjords.
