San Juan Capistrano

California Vintage Garden Wedding

August 17, 2014

Pacific Weddings

Lauren and Marshall's vision for their outdoor celebration in California was romantic and botanical and The Villa at San Juan Capistrano was perfect. The venue has the feel of a backyard garden wedding with vines and greenery that appears centuries-old. The gorgeous bride says, "we wanted our wedding to be personal and inviting. We both love nature and we were inspired by the ceremony site at The Villa San Juan Capistrano. There was a beautiful, established green vine that scaled the white spanish-style building in the backdrop. I realized I wanted to bring that natural touch to the rest of the wedding. "

"We wanted to get married in San Juan Capistrano because it was our meeting place when we lived in different cities at the beginning of our relationship. The Villa stood out immediately among other venues because of it's history and charm. It looks unassuming from the street, but once inside, it's like you are in your own little world."

My dress was designed by Jorge Manuel. It was exactly what I was looking for-- a little lace to add texture, fitted and unique. I had never seen a dress like this before. My veil and headpiece were from BHLDN.

 As for the bridesmaid dresses, I wanted each girl to choose a dress that was unique to them, but all fit into a blush, cream, taupe color palette. All the dresses looked lovely together. 

Our color palette included green, blush, white and metallic elements. I love that we incorporated wooden slabs and lichen branches along with clean, white vases. Krista Jon Florals and Archive Rentals hit it out of the park.

My favorite details were the cranes. My family folded and strung 1001 cranes for the occasion. It's a Japanese tradition done at weddings to bless the new marriage. It was a major labor of love and something I will always cherish.