California Wedding Day

“I wish I could somehow go back in time and tell that little twelve-year-old boy that he had just laid eyes on the girl he would spend the rest of his life with,” Caden read at the beginning of his vows to Ella, a reflection of their young love and friendship that set the tone for a lifetime together. The couple’s relationship being rooted in adventure and connected to the water, it only made sense that they chose the oceanside views of The Montage Laguna Beach as the setting for their destination wedding weekend. 

Aiming to reflect that fun-loving nature of the bride and groom, a bold palette of chartreuse, romantic lavender and other soft pastels came together for an ambiance that was equal parts trendy and authentic. Mimicking the tides that served as a backdrop, a subtly wavy aisle was crafted. Surrounded by happy bursts of blooms, Ella stunned as she walked down to the custom crafted altar in a square neck fitted dress with floral embellishments. Caden and Ella became husband and wife with an unbridled enthusiasm, which was clearly reflected in the design choices of their day. 

For more bold wedding day inspiration, tap the link inour bio!

Bridal Attire | Martina Liana Bridal Designs; LUMO; gorjana
Cake | ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ s t e v i a u b l e
Draping + Rentals | Hensley Event Resources
Entertainment | Bobby French; Jarrell Entertainment
Flooring | Steve Olive
Florals | Ash + Oak | California + Destination Florist
Hair | Sprinkle🌻
Lighting | Divinity Event Productions
Makeup | Kylee Hudson —Hair and Makeup Artist
Photography | Mashaida + Andrew Tran
Rentals | BBJ La Tavola; Casa de Perrin; Found Rental Co. | Wedding & Event Rentals; Theoni Collection
Signage | Mojave Maker
Stationery | Emily Baird Design; Dee Cutrona
Venue | Montage Laguna Beach
Videography + Content Creation | Deanna & Grant Harrison
Virtual Guest Book | Text Prompts, Capture Memories 💛🪩
Wedding Planning + Design |  Destination Wedding Planner - Mandy Marie Events

Happily ever after is usually followed by a lot of “whats.” What’s for dinner? What should we get at the grocery store? What do we want on this wall? What color should we paint our bedroom? The rose-colored glasses of newlywed bliss are removed, and you are faced with the reality of making dinner every night and creating a home that effortlessly encapsulates you as a couple—minus the “effortless” part because it is no easy feat. Luckily, there are two fresh books on the shelves ready to help newlyweds endure this new chapter of their lives.

The Newlywed Table by Maria Zizka is a book filled with easy-to-follow recipes that are equally delicious. Fret not about leftovers rotting in the fridge, most recipes have a “what to do with leftovers” section so you can get the most out of each dish. Featuring comfort foods like grilled cheese and tomato soup to sweet and savory breakfasts and beyond, there is no shortage of mouthwatering content. With advice on how to stock your kitchen, organization tips, wedding registry recommendations and more, you’ll be the next Gordon Ramsay in no time. For the Pinterest junkies and wannabe interior designers, The Newlywed Home is for you. Written by Anush J. Benliyan, this book is a wealth of information about producing a stylish, yet functional, abode with your partner. The book takes readers on a journey room by room, sharing advice ranging from design tips to storage ideas. No matter your aesthetic, this book guides you in shaping a space that honors your unique spirits while celebrating the life you are building side by side.

Excerpted from The Newlywed Home by Anush Benliyan (Artisan Books). Copyright © 2025. Photograph by Douglas Friedman/Trunk Archive. Designed by Butter Lutz Interior

Welcome to August! Our newest spotlight article has arrived and you won’t want to miss it.

Expert Roundup: The Conversations That Matter Most Before You Say “I Do

Our wedding professionals share the conversations they believe lay the foundation for a meaningful wedding day and a lasting marriage. Be sure to head to the link in our bio to read all about it!

Photography | Kristin Adams • Big Sur and Carmel Wedding + Family Photographer courtesy of Chic Event Rentals

After 5 years of bonding over their love of food, travel and “snacktivities,” Brett and Hamida’s love story culminated in a two-day celebration of life, love and resilience. 

Shortly after their Malibu beach engagement, Hamida began receiving cancer treatment, which prompted the couple to elope at the courthouse so they could face the challenges ahead as a true team. Throughout the tribulations, they found their partnership had only strengthened, and when the time came for their wedding, they infused the event with intentionality and profound joy. 

The first of their two-day celebration at La Lomita Ranch was the Sangeet, a vibrant blend of color, culture, mouthwatering food and non-stop dancing. Uniting their families, the energy was electric as choreographed dances were performed, accompanied by lively drumming; guests were adorned with intricate henna, and heartfelt speeches left each person in attendance feeling connected. 

The following day provided a balance of breezy, understated elegance marked by lush florals that incorporated the dazzling reds and pinks of the Sangeet. Deeply proud of their respective cultures, Brett and Hamida made the traditional ceremony their own, each participating in the other’s cultural practices as a representation of their unity. 

Tap the link in our bio to see more details from this San Luis Obispo wedding day 

Bar | 🍸 - MIXED EVENTS - 🍸
Bridal Attire | Grace Loves Lace | Sustainable Bridal; KYNAH; SHONA JOY
Cake + Desserts | Harmony Valley Creamery
Catering | Boutique Central Coast Caterer; South Asian Catering - OC/LA/SD/SF
Florals | Mark Dillon Luna Events
Groom’s Attire | KYNAH; The Grotto
Hair + Makeup | thequeensbees
Henna | Destination Wedding Henna Service
Lighting | Pro AV | Lighting | Photo Booth | DJ; Loven Light Events
Music | California Wedding DJ; Jon Millsap
Photography | Wedding + Elopement
Rentals | Central Coast Wedding & Event Rentals; DESIGN STUDIO + EVENT RENTALS; Butlerz Event Rentals; Draping by Kim; Got You Cover’d
Stationery + Signage | Rose & Wrench
Transportation | SLO Safe Ride 👨‍✈️
Venue | La Lomita Ranch
Wedding Planning | Loven Light Events

A wedding day showcases a year’s worth of decisions, from attire and cake flavor to floral arrangements and more, yet one element will remain a wild card: the weather. If you are determined to have an outdoor celebration, it’s likely you have been frantically Googling weather averages or paid an Etsy witch to keep the rain at bay. Thankfully, there is a way to ensure your soirée is safe, comfortable and dry. Enter Andrew Leavitt, founder and CEO of concierge meteorology service, Andrew Leavitt | Wedding & Event Meteorology With his extensive background in event production and 24/7 weather desk team, Leavitt is making events right as rain. The pandemic’s downtime and the rise of outdoor weddings in 2020 led him to bring his revolutionary idea to life, and today Ironic serves bustling regions across the globe. The concept struck him when he was a groomsman at a friend’s wedding, and a small storm began to form. He knew it would be brief, but the planner moved everything indoors. The quick shower passed, and the sun came back, resulting in a ceremony drenched in perspiration rather than precipitation.

Unlike weather apps, Ironic’s meteorologists track exact locations and timing, utilizing real-time weather data to relay information to clients. From historical forecast reports to premium on-call meteorology, Leavitt’s team helps everyone involved in the event, such as informing photographers of rain-free timeframes for outdoor portraits, ensuring grounds are secure for tent builds, or advising a bride to ditch the veil before the wind makes it take flight. It’s a domino effect; weather can tip the first domino, and if the event team isn’t prepared, it can impact one of the most special days of your life. Ironic keeps events safe and running smoothly, but the real gift is priceless: peace of mind.

Photography | Joel & Justyna for Engage!24 Nemacolin Gala courtesy of Ironic

Morgan and Anthony were set up by none other than their mothers, and despite the fact that neither of them was looking to date at the time, they agreed to meet up and instantly hit it off. Under the guise of a Christmas party, Anthony set up white roses and candles against the backdrop of a stunning oceanfront property to propose. Anthony reflects on the nerve-wracking moment, “Of course, Morgan had her suspicions, because I can’t hide anything from her!” After she said “yes,” their families burst out from hiding with sparklers and champagne to celebrate.

The joyous and family-oriented proposal would set the tone for their truly meaningful wedding day at Tar Creek Ranch. Embodying a “black tie meets barn party” vibe, the intentional laid-back elegance was picture-perfect against the rolling hills and tall cypress trees of the venue. 

Morgan had a clear vision in mind for the stand-out florals: a romantic garden-style aesthetic colored with soft blush pink as the hero color, alongside ivories and peaches layered within the natural greenery. The result was a scene that looked effortless, timeless and refined. 

Tap the link in our bio to see more!

Bridal Attire | Bo Lee; MWL Bride
Cake + Desserts | Seabreeze Cupcakes & Sweet Treats
Catering | Oak Pit Catering
Florals | HEPBURN + JANE
Groom’s Attire | Jack Victor
Hair + Makeup | thequeensbees
Music | D A V E T A T E; Pro AV | Lighting | Photo Booth | DJ
Photo Booth | Traveling Photo Bus
Photography | jessica miriam | CA wedding photographer
Rentals | Affairsofthehearteventrentals; SCOUT Rental co; SLO Party Rentals - Central Coast Wedding & Event Rentals
Stationery + Signage | Palette & Pine | Miranda
Venue | Tar Creek Ranch
Videography | Stories Told By Film
Wedding Planning | Wiere Weddings | Tiffany Wiere

Charming and refined, Sophie and Andrew’s wedding at Simpson House Inn was an intimate celebration. The couple first met at a work event, but soon after, Andrew left the company for a new opportunity. Sophie assumed their budding romance had ended when they went their separate ways for a few years. In 2019, however, Andrew bought a ticket to the Outside Lands music festival just to see Sophie, and that day they shared their first kiss—sealing their fate together. 

The secret-garden-inspired soirée began with the bridal party and close family and friends staying at Simpson House Inn. The artistic couple envisioned an elevated yet relaxed backyard gathering, adorned with lush greenery and a hint of European elegance. 
Personal touches added to the sentimentality of the day for the family-oriented couple. Sophie kept her late father close by attaching his Air Force name tag as her “something blue” to her veil. She designed custom wine labels, and together, the couple chose artwork from their home, along with Andrew’s own photography, for the es**rt card display. Sophie’s sister also revealed an especially meaningful wedding gift: their father’s cherished 1973 BMW motorcycle, which she had lovingly maintained for the past 15 years.

Tap the link in our bio to see more elegant garden wedding day inspiration from this local love story!

Bridal Attire | 𝐀𝐋𝐘𝐒𝐒𝐀 𝐊𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐍
Cake + Desserts | Lelé Pâtisserie
Catering | Boutique Central Coast Caterer
Florals | Anna Le Pley Taylor
Groom’s Attire | Suitsupply
Hair + Makeup | Nicole Samara Iyer
Music | Chris Fossek
Photography | Emily Loeppke
Rentals | BBJ La Tavola; Party Pleasers Event Rental Co
Stationery + Signage | K Designs
Venue | Simpson House Inn
Wedding Planning | Megan Rose Events

Weddings filled with color are taking center stage, and The Wards embraced the trend with a palette of soft blush and vibrant chartreuse at Monserate Winery. Thoughtful details, from custom drink charms to delicate pink calla lily place cards, transformed every guest touchpoint into part of the celebration. To end the evening, the bride changed into a stunning lace mini dress, the perfect look for dancing the night away. Congratulations Katie + Jake!

Cake & Desserts | Lemon Bar
Content creation I Candid Creations | Content Creator
Florals | Blackbird Blossom Co.
Hair & Makeup | Jay Kay Braids & Bridal; SAN DIEGO MAKEUP ARTIST ALEXIS NICHOLAS
Music | GoodMood - Boutique Event DJs
Photography | Tay Dempsey - destination wedding photographer/super 8
Rentals | Folklore
Videography | Megan Edgemond | California Wedding Videographer
Wedding Planning | Details, Darling

Downtown San Luis Obispo has a new destination for brides with an eye for fashion. Mareh Couture Bridal recently opened the doors to its expansive new boutique: a 3,000-square-foot space designed to make the dress search feel bespoke and truly luxe. Flooded with natural light, the showroom was carefully planned to highlight the true color, texture and movement of each design—giving brides a clear view of how their gown will look on the day it matters most.

The boutique’s location adds a meaningful layer to the story: the building once housed San Luis Obispo’s first bridal shop more than three decades ago. Today, Mareh Couture Bridal continues that legacy from the modern perspective. The ground floor sees a curated lineup of designers, including Paloma Blanca, Mikaella, Evie Young and Anne Barge, alongside Atelier Mareh— the boutique’s in-house collection of couture-inspired gowns crafted with a focus on fit and refined detail. Upstairs, brides and their party will find a salon dedicated to couture eveningwear by Anne Barge and Atelier Mareh.

Looking ahead, Mareh Couture Bridal plans to introduce creative workshops for young designers-in-the-making. The program will invite girls to design and create their own flower girl and special-occasion dresses—stitching a new generation into the fashion world.

After a traditional ceremony at Basilica Mision, Rachel and Stefano celebrated at Rachel’s family estate in San Juan Capistrano, blending Greek tradition with Italian romance. 
Guests arrived under clear blue skies and were welcomed by drinks from a custom “Ring, Sip & Be Seated” wall—a playful tribute to Italy’s historic wine windows. The ceremony featured sunset-hued florals, lush vines and single stems suspended above the open-air courtyard. Rachel’s bridal party wore vivid colors while she dazzled in a fitted, intricately beaded gown, her curls left free. Stefano grew emotional as Rachel joined him at the altar, and they exchanged vows in the sunlight. 
The outdoor reception showcased thoughtful details: handmade plates with olive-branch motifs honored Rachel’s heritage while citrus sculptures and overflowing bouquets adorned the tables. Gelato and cappuccino carts brought a taste of home for Stefano’s family. In memory of Stefano’s late father and his restaurant legacy, custom matchbooks were offered to guests. 
Tap our lnk.bio to see more romantic wedding day inspiration from this local love story

Bridal Attire | Anthropologie Weddings; Galia Lahav
Cake + Desserts | Poul's Bakery; Piccolino Ristorante; The Original Mobile Espresso Cart: Detroit/SoCal Since 1993
Catering | TGIS Catering & Event ServTGIS Catering & Event Services Wedding & Event ContSoCal Wedding & Event Content Creationoral DesignPaul Fenner Floral Designani
Hair + Makeup | Southern California BridalSouthern California Bridal Makeup Artist & Hair TeamarSan Diego bridal makeup artist| MAKEUP ARTIST | LA | OC | NEWPORT BEACHoto Booth Crowd Theoryh Rental | SouthPhoto Booth Rental | Southern Californias Wedding PhotogLos Angeles Wedding Photographer l Fatima Elreda Hollands & Design HArchive Rentals & Design Houseerrin; TMMPRO INCCasa de Perrin STMMPRO INCali Craft Designs; Heidi Cali Craft DesignsBlHeidi Davidsonlet
VideoBlack Diamond ValetElopement FilmsWedding & Elopement Filmsornia Wedding and EveCalifornia Wedding and Event Planner | Katelyn and Leslye