The Facts

What does it take to turn a historic landmark into a weeklong destination?

From a full estate conversion to private air arrivals and custom-scented moments, the wedding of Zuri Jones and Julian Toussaint-Lewis was more than just a celebration, it was a cinematic production in motion.

Explore the scale, story, and behind-the-scenes craftsmanship that made it all possible.

Guest Facts

GUESTS & ATTENDANCE

Total Attendees (All Week): 130
Wedding Day Only Guests: 80
Total Guests on Saturday: 210
VIP Guests: 40 (includes family, wedding party, and cultural leaders)
International Guests: 30+

TRAVEL & TRANSPORTATION

Private Flights via San Simeon Airstrip: 8–12 Jetset chartered flights from NYC, ATL, and LAX
Temporary Airport Buildout: Custom arrival lounge, tarmac upgrades, and on-site customs protocol (for international guests) were added under a special short-term lease
Ground Transfers (LA/SAN FRAN → San Simeon): Luxury SUV and sprinter fleet, coordinated by concierge dispatch
Shuttle Circulation: 4 coordinated guest shuttles managing on-site movements and satellite hotel transfers

lodging & Stay

65 Semi-permanent custom Bungalows:

  • 20 Signature Villas (VIP & Close Family)

  • 15 Artist Bungalows (Private, creative residencies)

  • 30 Companion Cottages (Extended family & general guests)

Satellite Performer Lodging: Maxwell and select performers were hosted in private satellite bungalows set just off the estate's southern overlook offering full security, personal chef service, and private transport access to the Roman Pool and Assembly Room

Saturday-Only Guest Accommodations: A nearby luxury hotel was fully reserved to host all one-day attendees.

Hospitality facts

STAFFING

Over 180 staff members were deployed throughout the week
Included estate coordinators, private chefs, hospitality liaisons, drivers, stylists, security, AV specialists, florists, and wellness providers. Full list
Staff worked in rotating shifts to maintain a 24-hour support cycle for guests and talent

LIGHTING & POWER

Power System: Silent industrial generators hidden from guest sightlines
Lighting Installations: LED up-lighting, full-spectrum dimmable path lighting, and ambient warm wash lighting for outdoor dinners
Sustainability Measures: All lighting and power structures were designed for reversibility and fully removed within 72 hours post-event

Medical & Wellness

2 on-site wellness tents with certified medical personnel and herbalists
Mobile hydration team, heat protocols, and daily wellness check-ins for high-touch guests
Private physicians on call for VIPs and family throughout the week

Security & Privacy

Discreet, full-perimeter security detail managed by a private firm
Two on-site surveillance teams ensured no aerial or external photography occurred
NDA agreements signed by all staff, vendors, and extended service providers

invastructure Facts

SITE CONVERSION & BUILDOUT

Planning Timeline: 11 months planning | 3 weeks physical setup | 1 week breakdown
Event Ground Architecture: Tenfold
Experience & Interior Design: Ideas.
Temporary Structures Built:

  • 65 Total Bungalows:

    • 20 Signature Villas (VIP & Close Family)

    • 15 Artist Bungalows (Private, creative residencies)

    • 30 Companion Cottages (Extended family & general guests)

  • Additional Facilities:

    • Welcome Pavilion + Lounge

    • Estate Kitchen & Fire-Regulated Culinary Setup

    • Open-Air Spa Pavilion

    • Luxury Estate Gym

    • Garden Lounges

    • Rehearsal Spaces

Private AIRPORT CONVERSION

To accommodate VIP arrivals and streamline same-day guest logistics, the Hearst Castle private airstrip underwent a full-scale temporary conversion for the wedding week.


Custom JetSet Lounge Pavilion: Climate-controlled structure with check-in, refreshments, and welcome amenities, staffed by 6 JetSet team members. Concierge-style service for bag handling, ground transport, and itinerary support.

Runway Enhancements & Safety: Runway resurfacing and temporary lighting for twilight arrivals. FAA compliance checks in coordination with regional authorities. Temporary landing clearance secured for 8–12 private flights over the week.

Ground Transport Hub: Fleet of luxury SUVs and Mercedes Sprinters queued for direct transfer to bungalows or estate checkpoints. Satellite dispatch coordinated real-time routing for all incoming parties.

financial Facts

Total Event Budget:

Estimated at $12.5–14 million USD (including site conversion, operations, and media components)

Breakdown by Category (Approx.):

  • Site Conversion & Buildout: $3.2M

  • Guest Accommodations & Bungalows (65 total): $2.4M

  • Staffing & Service Operations (185+ personnel): $1.8M

  • Food, Beverage & Culinary Production: $1.2M

  • Entertainment & Performances (Maxwell, DJ, Live Band): $950K

  • Transportation (JetSet, ground travel, logistics): $900K

  • Floral & Design: $800K

  • Security & Privacy Management: $350K

  • Media & Press Management (Harper’s, Docuseries): $750K

  • Gifting & Guest Keepsakes: $600K

  • Insurance, Permitting & Legal: $250K

Partnerships & Sponsors

Offset via Sponsorships & Partnerships: ~$4.2–5M value

Altair Estates (Luxury Real Estate & Hospitality):

  • Provided funding and support for bungalow design and site expansion

  • Partner in legacy property development post-wedding

  • In-kind contributions included furniture, fixtures, and architectural staging valued at $1.4M

JetSet Private Travel (Aviation Partner)

  • Provided 10+ private charters for guests, including full LAX-to-Hearst logistics

  • Covered airstrip conversion costs and guest arrival suite construction

  • Estimated contribution: $900K value across flights, fuel, and staffing

Blackwood Reserve (Spirits & Event Hospitality)

  • Developed custom bar experience ("The Old Hand Bar") and exclusive event liquors

  • Hosted cocktail events and after-dinner programming throughout the week

  • Sponsored product integration in gift sets and resort menus

  • In-kind and product value: $500K

    Primary Sponsors Contribution: $3.4M

Gifting & Product Partners

Gifting & Lifestyle Brand Partnerships:

  • Róen Beauty (cosmetic kits, palette launch)

  • Im Just A Boy (custom scents, rollers, incense, necklaces)

  • Paloma Wellness (spa oils, balms, masks)

  • F. Miller Skincare (In-room guest self-care)

  • Union Editions (stationery, letterpress)

  • Lark Teas (custom blends and glass set)

  • By Adia (Black-owned self-care curation)

  • Old Hand Spirits Gifting Extensions

  • Goyard (licensed collab)

  • Dior (licensed collab)

  • Rolex (Commissioned timepieces)

Gifting Partners Contribution: $800K–$1M

These partnerships as well as our sponsors significantly offset event costs while enhancing brand visibility and long-term collaboration potential.