When Oprah Winfrey surprises a couple with the wedding of their dreams, only the most opulent, unforgettable affair will do. After spending weeks poring over videos, one dynamic couple seemed to stand out from the rest—and the winners were Sharon and El.

Invitations are the first impression for would-be guests, and Colin asked the master herself, Ellen Welden, to create intricate, handcrafted invitations that set the tone for the elaborate affair. The couple jetted to New York where Sharon met with designer-to-the-stars Vera Wang, who graciously offered to design an haute couture dress—one of the five custom creations she produces each year. Sharon fell for a spectacular strapless gown fit for a princess, made of 18 yards of luxurious silk duchess satin which took over six months and 500 hours to hand stitch. For utmost glamour, the look was topped off with jaw-dropping Vera Wang chandelier earrings and diamond and platinum brooches by Neil Lane to add sparkle to her hair. El was outfitted with an Ermenegildo Zegna made-to-measure tuxedo, and the couple was set to celebrate their nuptials in top style.

The fairy tale wedding was held at the fabled Hotel Bel-Air. An extraordinary team of 200 was on hand to prepare for the 130 guests. Since flowers make an indelible impression, more than 5,000 roses were flown in from South America, including rare Terracotta Sahara and White Polo varieties. We wanted the ceremony to coincide with the sparkling sunset, so the event was called for 5:00 PM sharp. The focal point was a lush canopy of blooms, which was designed to frame the couple as they exchanged their vows. A string quartet hummed softly in the background as guests took their seats overlooking the swan pond. And to set the stage for Sharon’s unforgettable entrance, the bridal path was strewn with petals and lined with garden hook lanterns wrapped with moss and orchids.

Every detail was carefully orchestrated for the lavish and sentimental ceremony. To begin, Sharon and El cleansed their hands with orchid water as a symbol of purification. Each of them then rang a bell and shared memories of those close to them who had passed, before kneeling in front of each other’s mothers and making emotional vows to them. After traditional vows and the exchange of exquisite diamond wedding bands, the touching ceremony came to a close with the traditional “jumping of the broom” to represent the beginning of making a home together, and the start of Sharon and El’s life as husband and wife.

With the sun nearly set—and with much anticipation—the celebration moved to the enchanted garden. Upon entering, guests were overcome by the magical candlelit atmosphere that sparkled with romance. A gorgeous chandelier hanging high above the entrance welcomed guests, and 2,000 yards of amber satin and ruched chiffon were draped from the ceiling and walls to transform the tent. For an almost-surreal fairy tale effect, roses were suspended from the ceiling on invisible thread to create the illusion that they were floating overhead. Tables were adorned with tall willow branch centerpieces and more than 1,000 orchid blossoms flown in from Amsterdam. The luxurious custom-made linens, designed by Resource One, were copper-embossed burnt velvet with beaded trim, lending an opulent feel and color palette to complete the enchanted evening.

The menu was as elaborate as the affair itself, with 15 chefs spending one full week to prepare. The Perrier-Jouet Champagne flowed freely, and the four-course banquet began with tasty tuna tartar, sumptuous smoked salmon with potato pancakes, and lobster pumpkin bisque appetizers, presented on unique bronze rabbit serving dishes. For the main course, guests took delight in the perfectly prepared beef accompanied by haricot verts and fingerling potatoes—as well as a surprise serenade from jazz master Chris Botti. Another one of the evening’s high notes was the five-tier chocolate and caramel wedding cake that took 100 hours to create.

For the traditional first dance, Sharon selected Shania Twain’s “You’re Still the One,” but Oprah had another surprise in store. Sharon couldn’t believe her eyes when she saw that Shania Twain herself was on hand to sing the touching song.

But the night wasn’t even close to being over. With the party in full swing, guests made their way to one of the hotel’s banquet rooms, which was transformed into a sleek private nightclub, complete with a Pucci-patterned proscenium and shiny black dance floor. Guests grooved the night away to the sounds of Soulville, who kept the dance floor packed until it was time to call it a night. When it came time to bid adieu to their friends and family, Sharon and El retired to the hotel’s luxurious honeymoon suite. After El carried Sharon over the threshold, they found themselves surrounded by one last surprise: The room was illuminated with twinkling votive candles and strewn with rose petals. What a fitting end to a perfect evening, and the start of their life together.