A Boutique Hotel Joaquin Wedding Weekend Designed for Connection and Ease

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

For wedding day colors, we went with soft neutrals accented by deep purple to add dimension and uniqueness. We wanted it to feel romantic with a bit of edge and enough texture and personal touches to feel unique and surprising.

[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

We wanted to create an intimate yet elevated experience in one of our favorite cities over a long weekend. Hotel Joaquin was perfect with its unique design and ability to host all of our guests, so we could be able to hang out and enjoy the celebration with them truly.

[/field]
[field title=”Proposal Story”]

Kevin proposed on the Bordeaux leg of a Euro trip to Mallorca, Bordeaux, and London. We each picked days we would plan itineraries for, so it wasn’t suspicious to me when he had a plan for the day. He had a driver pick us up from our hotel to take us on a private tour around Saint-Emilion and its wineries. Our last stop was a beautiful Chateau that, to my surprise, Kevin had rented out for the day. I thought it was all part of our private tour, but after we did a wine tasting, we wandered off to explore the vineyard on our own – it was there in the middle of the grapevines that Kevin got down on one knee. After I said yes, we went back to the main house, where they had prepared a celebratory picnic for us. We returned to downtown Bordeaux that night for rooftop champagne followed by dinner at Son’ to continue the celebrations.

[/field]
[/section]
[board_carousel title=”Getting Ready”]

[/board_carousel]
[board_carousel title=”Bridal Portraits”]

[/board_carousel]
[board_carousel title=”Flat Lays”]

[/board_carousel]
[board_carousel title=”First Look”]

[/board_carousel]
[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

Rowan dress by Rivini and Bordeaux lace jacket by Verdin purchased from Bridals by Lori in Atlanta, my hometown. I saw the jacket first and knew I wanted to find a way to wear it – I fell in love with the beaded detail and uniqueness of the piece. The dress was the first one I tried on – I went to 3 stores and tried on multiple dresses, but ultimately came back to this one. I loved the balance of chic and classic and the combo of a fitted silhouette with a dramatic train. The dress/jacket combo allowed me to achieve two different looks on ceremony day – I wore the jacket during the ceremony and cocktail hour, and removed it + changed my hair for the reception.

[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”][/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”][/field]
[/section]
[board_carousel title=”Ceremony”]

[/board_carousel]
[board_carousel title=”Cocktail Hour”]

[/board_carousel]
[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]

MIHO catered all of our food on the wedding day, including passed apps at cocktail hour and a mix of family-style dishes and entrees served French style for the dinner reception. The menu was a mix of some of our favorite Mediterranean and Asian-fusion flavors and dishes. Drinks and cocktails were curated by the Hotel Joaquin food & bev team. We also had personalized cookies from a local Bakery – Buni’s Bakery – that guests could take for the road from our reception at Hotel Joaquin to our after-party in downtown Laguna..

[/field]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”][/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

Vintage Lambeth style 3-layer by Cakes by Frances

[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]

We had a string duo from Sunset Strings play music by the Beatles, Elvis, and Ray LaMontagne.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

1. Reciting the vows we wrote for each other (even though I could barely hold back my tears enough to get through mine!).

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

2. Welcoming all of our friends & family on night one at our welcome party.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]
3. Making our grand entrance and kicking off the after party with our guests and amazing band at Marine Room Tavern in downtown Laguna[/field]
[/section]
[board_carousel title=”Couple Portraits”]

[/board_carousel]
[board_carousel title=”Reception”]

[/board_carousel]
[board_carousel title=”Wedding Weekend Events”]

[/board_carousel]