Sacheen never anticipated that her future husband Mark would live a floor above her new apartment. “We have always felt there was something special in the way we met. The two of us, very different people in this very big city, meeting and falling in love in what feels like such a magical way. We carry that gratitude with us every day,” she beams. Knowing they wanted to get married, the pair began planning their nuptials before their engagement. “We booked the wedding venue before Mark even officially proposed!” Sacheen remembers.

Envisioning a whimsical locale for their soirée, the couple selected an exclusive location in The Hollywood Hills. “The minute you step onto the Houdini Estate, you feel immediately transported to a different time period. The grounds feel incredibly enchanted and peaceful,” she affirms. “We knew right away this was the right place for us.” Guests gathered in the courtyard for pre-ceremony libations and treats. Shortly afterward, the couple tied the knot beneath a bohemian, 1970s-inspired chuppah for their non-traditional Jewish service. “The rabbi incorporated two unique characteristics into the ceremony,” Sacheen reveals. “He had me and Mark whisper a secret into each other’s ear, and he had each of us place our hands on the other’s heart as we recited the vows.” With the expert assistance of Yvonne Wolf Events, the couple was able to have their dream celebration on three separate levels of the estate – even transforming the ceremony lawn into a gorgeous reception setting in under 50 minutes while loved ones enjoyed cocktail hour.

Awed by the extravagance of the venue, the couple utilized understated décor elements for the reception to allow the unique locale to take center stage. “We decided on a minimalist aesthetic to allow the estate’s landscape and outdoor setting to do most of the work,” she explains. “We did add some romantic elements at our table settings with the glassware, lots of soft candlelight, touches of rose gold, and greenery.” Guests enjoyed the overall ambience and were excited to honor Sacheen’s son, who was unable to attend. “[He] was away at his college semester at sea, in the middle of the ocean without communication, so a cut-out of him was displayed for all the guests to take photos with,” she smiles.

Reflecting on her special day, Sacheen believes that engaged couples should remain true to their personal tastes. “Make the celebration exactly what you want it to be,” she muses