The Bride Donned a Unique Custom Look for Her Upscale Backyard Wedding in Ojai.

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      During a time when physical distance separated many, Britni Sumida—a model, actress, and fitness instructor—unexpectedly connected with professional skateboarder Sean Malto. They first crossed paths at a mutual friend's 51st birthday party amid the pandemic, with guests standing six feet apart on the curbs of a parking lot. "It wasn’t the most romantic scenario," Sumida reflects, but she took the initiative and broke the silence, getting down on one knee to ask him to take a shot of tequila with her. He declined but quickly explained his reasoning. Malto had driven to the event and offered to give Sumida a ride back to her car instead. "He said that was when he 'risked his life' to be with me because of stranger danger during a global pandemic, but love knows no bounds," she adds.

      From that night forward, the two were inseparable. Their bond strengthened through a mutual appreciation for dive bars, the Kansas City Chiefs, and their close-knit family and friends. "Every day we spend together is precious, especially since we both travel frequently for work," Sumida mentions. They traveled together, and during a skateboarding trip to Japan, Sumida realized her dream of experiencing her culture, as she is half Japanese and had never been to the country before. "I had previously anticipated a proposal in Italy the year before and felt a bit disheartened when it didn't happen, so I decided to set aside those expectations and fully embrace the beauty of Japan," she shares.

      After their travels from Tokyo to Kyoto, they checked into their hotel and got ready for the evening. "I heard Sean pacing upstairs," she recalls. "He asked me to come upstairs for a 'fit pic,' which was very out of character." Moments later, everything changed. "I agreed and posed beside him, and suddenly, he dropped to one knee and asked me to spend my life with him. I exclaimed ‘Yesss!’ I think everyone in the serene town of Kyoto heard my excitement. Sumimasen!"

      When it was time to plan their wedding, the couple approached each decision thoughtfully. They considered venues linked to their roots in Missouri and Arizona, but ultimately chose Ojai, California, a place they had previously enjoyed staying at the Capri Hotel, which had a welcoming and grounding vibe. "It felt like a place that was neither his nor mine but truly ours," Sumida describes. They set their wedding date for October 1, 2025, aiming for an "elevated backyard party" theme. "At first, I tried to force a spring vibe for our October wedding, influenced by other events, and I lost sight of what felt authentic to us," Sumida explains. "With help from my amazing florist and coordinator, Brittany [Porter], we shifted our focus just a month before the wedding, replacing bright floral arrangements meant for the reception with simple bud vases holding a single red poppy and tea lights that cast a beautiful orange glow through the evening."

      Read on to admire Sumida's dual-purpose dress from LOHO bride and the many thoughtful details that made their wedding special and personal.

      "My close friend and long-time makeup artist, Victoria McGrath, did my makeup for the wedding and engagement photos. I wanted to work with someone who intimately knows my face and brings a calming presence to my morning. She understands everything about my skin, which made the experience effortless—it felt like just hanging out."

      "The makeup look we chose was natural and luminous. I wanted warm tones and a healthy blush."

      Sean wore a custom brown suit from Alba paired with Gucci loafers. A black suit felt too formal, and white didn’t fit the ambience, but all brown was just right.

      "I gifted each of my best friends a hand-engraved compact mirror along with curated items for an at-home spa experience, allowing them to get ready with me."

      Here's a glimpse of the back of the bride's dress.

      **WWW Weddings Tip:** "Find a moment for yourself the morning of the wedding. You’re about to experience the best day of your life, and it will pass by quickly."

      "As someone who typically wears all black, envisioning myself in a white dress was challenging. I thought I knew what styles and shapes I liked, but once in the fitting room, it was a completely different experience. Christy from LOHO Bride noticed my struggle and encouraged me to sleep on it, inviting me to a bridal event they were hosting the following week. At the event, I connected with designer Patricia Voto from One Of, and we instantly clicked. She invited me to collaborate on creating