On September 14, 2024, zoe chrissos colton orr wedding celebrated their union at the stunning Madrona Manor in Sonoma’s Healdsburg, California. The day—blending personal heritage, artistic detail, and genuine emotion—was covered by Vogue and charmed guests with timeless elegance and heartfelt moments.
A Love Story Rooted in Friendship and Shared Passions
Zoé, currently an interior designer at Nicole Gordon Studio, and Colton first crossed paths as freshmen at Kenyon College in 2014. They bonded over period films, Belgian rapper Stromae—and, eventually, each other. Though friends at first, their relationship blossomed when Zoé made the first move, and their love flourished from that moment.
Eight years later—and during a sunrise hike to the summit of Padar Island in Indonesia—Colton proposed. The ring featured a diamond from Zoé’s maternal grandmother and a matching emerald, symbolizing support and strength. The setting, high above the group, mirrored the private significance of that proposal.
Venue & Vibe: Zoe Chrissos Colton orr wedding
The couple chose The Madrona, a 19th-century estate in Healdsburg, for its rustic charm and Mediterranean ambiance—perfect for blending Zoé’s Filipino-Greek roots with Colton’s connection to wine country. The estate’s rolling vineyards and citrus groves set the stage for romance, while its proximity to San Francisco made it easy for Zoé’s family to arrive from Manila.
Wedding planner Ashley Smith Events curated an atmosphere that felt cinematic—but never artificial, as Zoé described. A string quartet played “Merry-Go-Round of Life” (from Howl’s Moving Castle), one of Zoé and Colton’s first shared movie experiences. An arch of orange tulips and Queen Anne’s lace framed their vows, which were read by their favorite college professor—linking past and present.
The Dress: Personal History Woven in Pearls & Art Nouveau
Zoé’s gown, by Paula Nadal, took over a year to design, drawing inspiration from her great-great-grandfather, a 1920s Cartier engraver and watchmaker. The result: an ivory wedding dress with an Art Nouveau flair, hand-embroidered chandelier-like pearl and crystal design in the bodice—using freshwater pearls sourced from the Philippines.
The ensemble included a 17th-century French lace veil and moonstone-and-pearl earrings from a family jeweler. Even her Maison Margiela Tabi shoes featured coordinating pearl embellishments—each element echoing personal history and elegance.
Ceremony that Felt Timeless
Colton wore a sleek Dries Van Noten tuxedo, and Zoé walked down the aisle under a canopy of their shared cinematic past. Their friend Alex recited a poem by their former Kenyon College professor, bringing a profound emotional depth to the ceremony. Zoé recalls being so focused on Colton that “I lost track of time”—a testament to the day’s heartfelt power.
Reception: Intimate, Emotional & Joyfully Cinematic
The outdoor cocktail hour gave way to dinner in the citrus grove under flickering candles and draped florals in soft pinks. A Grand Reveal through curtained archways welcomed guests to long tables adorned with hurricane candles and blooms.
The highlight? A touching acoustic performance of “Simply the Best” by Broadway actress Maya Boyd—moving many to tears. As night deepened, Zoé changed into a second gown by Nadal, and dancing continued beneath a disco ball. Guests enjoyed late-night treats—fried lumpia and brick-oven pizza—before the celebration finally wound down.
Why This Wedding Stood Out
- Deeply Personal Design
Every aspect—from the ring’s stones to the gown’s pearls—echoed familial and personal significance. - Blend of Cultures & Aesthetics
The Mediterranean setting, Filipino-Greek roots, and Sonoma charm created a rich, unified aesthetic. - Emotional Resonance
Vows, music, and readings were meaningful and intimate, giving guests heartfelt connection. - Cinematic Yet Authentic Production
Thoughtful planning created moments of drama without ever feeling staged.
The Takeaway: Love Crafted, Not Staged
Zoé and Colton’s wedding wasn’t a production—it was a lived story. It proved that even meticulously planned events can feel spontaneous, emotional, and true to the couple. This celebration reminds us how anniversaries of personal history, meaningful readings, and intimate aesthetics can create an unforgettable experience.
In Summary
- When & Where: September 14, 2024, at The Madrona, Healdsburg, California
- Meet-Cute: College friendship turned romance, proposal in Indonesia
- Design & Details: Cartier-inspired pearls, Robe by Paula Nadal, French lace, intentional aesthetics
- Ceremony & Reception: Personal readings and music, beautiful venue, heartfelt toasts, dancing, and cultural fusion
If you’d like to explore even more about how heritage and personal narrative shaped this wedding—like details about family involvement, table settings, or photo highlights—I’m happy to expand this into a full-length 1500-word feature.
