A Cinematic Bridgerton-Inspired Celebration Amid the Historic Gardens of Park Winters

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[field title=”The Inspiration”]

Athena, the planner and designer behind Weddings with Athena, drew inspiration for this Regency-era styled wedding shoot from her deep admiration for all things grand, romantic, and timeless. She has always been captivated by the regal elegance of the Regency period—live musicians, sweeping gowns, rich color palettes, and the overall sense of elevated celebration. When she toured the breathtaking Park Winters estate, originally built in 1865, the venue’s historical charm and lush floral gardens immediately sparked her imagination. Walking through the sunken garden, Athena felt as if she had stepped into a secret love scene—romantic, cinematic, and slightly forbidden. It was beneath a cascade of blooming purple wisteria that the concept solidified: Bridgerton. This modern Regency show reflects everything she believes a wedding should be—romantic, transformative, and visually spellbinding. The purples and spring tones woven throughout the shoot were directly inspired by the show’s symbolism, blending the Bridgerton family’s blue with Simon’s red to represent growth, love, and new beginnings. With that vision in mind, Athena infused every detail of the shoot with intention and storytelling.

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[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

The color palette for this shoot featured dreamy shades of purple, soft pinks, and light blues, creating a romantic and ethereal atmosphere. These hues beautifully contrasted with the vibrant greenery of the venue’s gardens, making every detail pop against the lush natural backdrop. Both gold and silver metals were intentionally incorporated to add dimension and elegance, mirroring the opulence of the Regency era. This blend of soft tones and metallic accents brought a sense of timeless charm and modern sophistication to the entire design.

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[field title=”The Venue”]

Park Winters, located in Winters, California, is a historic estate that beautifully blends 19th-century charm with modern elegance. Established in 1865 by George Washington Scott, the Victorian mansion stands as a testament to the area’s rich agricultural heritage. The estate spans 10 acres and features meticulously curated gardens, a seasonal flower farm, a sleek pool area, and a restored inn offering luxurious accommodations. The lush gardens, adorned with mature trees and vibrant blooms, provide a romantic setting reminiscent of the Regency era, making it an ideal backdrop for weddings and styled shoots. The flower farm invites guests to immerse themselves in seasonal beauty, offering experiences like “pick-your-own” bouquet sessions and creative workshops. The pool area, complemented by a hot tub and fire pit, offers a serene space for relaxation amidst the countryside. Park Winters’ commitment to preserving its historical essence while providing modern amenities makes it a unique and inspiring venue for any event.

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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]The bride wore a timeless satin gown from La Venus Bridal, radiating purity and elegance with its smooth, structured silhouette. Sheer tulle sleeves delicately embroidered with pearls added a soft, whimsical touch, while a cascading train and lace-up back adorned with lilac petals gave the look an artful, romantic finish.[/field]
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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

The florals, thoughtfully designed by Ada Wong, were the heart of the shoot and brought the Regency vision to life with regal elegance. From lush aisle sprays to a continuous floral runner across the caterpillar-style reception tables, every arrangement was carefully crafted with movement and grandeur in mind. Roses took center stage, with Ada blending shades of white, purple, pink, and blush to evoke softness and romance. To add depth and texture, she incorporated blooms like verbena, lavender, and clematis, along with curated greenery that gave each piece a full, luxurious feel. The decor for the shoot was a carefully curated blend of antique charm and romantic elegance, telling a story through every detail. Using a mix of vintage rentals from Frances Lane and unique pieces sourced from antique shops, we brought the Regency-inspired vision to life. From the porcelain swan filled with roses on the cake table to the vintage books and hand-painted lamp in the lounge, each element added character and depth. One standout feature was the tea cup installation, created by our calligrapher, Krista the Scribe, as a guest experience moment—each guest would find their name on a hand-lettered butterfly perched on an antique tea cup from Frances Lane, which also doubled as a sweet way to enjoy a cup of English tea. The furniture from Standard Event Rentals struck the perfect balance of elegance with a nod to the past, complementing the overall styling beautifully. On the tables, vintage pillar candle votives from Frances Lane held softly colored candles, allowing the florals to remain the focal point. The bride and groom also used Frances Lane’s antique lace umbrella, which added a delicate, romantic touch to their portraits and tied the whole aesthetic together.

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[field title=”Favorite Design Element”]

The favorite design element was the caterpillar-style tables, which brought both elegance and innovation to the layout. This trending setup offers a fresh take on guest seating, allowing for a continuous flow of floral arrangements down the center, reminiscent of a blooming river you’d see at a royal wedding. To elevate the design even further, we added cascading florals at each end, creating a stunning waterfall effect. The tablescape was a feast for the eyes, adorned with mismatched vintage plates that stayed within the color scheme, adding charm and character to each setting. Purple vintage goblets and hand-written menu cards completed the look, making the table design one of the most captivating visual moments of the day. Bridal hair and makeup stylist Jacqueline Banuelos crafted a look inspired by the soft romance of Bridgerton and the timeless grace of Victorian beauty. A modern French twist paired with delicate, face-framing tendrils created a silhouette that felt both regal and effortless—elegant from every angle, yet soft enough to let the bride’s natural features shine. For makeup, Jacqueline chose glowing skin, rosy cheeks, and sun-kissed warmth to subtly enhance her bride’s complexion and complement the intricate embroidery of her gown. The tones were carefully curated to feel fresh, modern, and wearable, while still being long-lasting and camera-ready. Every detail was designed to evoke softness, confidence, and timeless charm. This look is for the bride who wants to feel like herself, elevated, radiant, and unforgettable. To complete the ensemble, we curated every accessory with intention. All of the bride’s jewelry was sourced from Grace de Bloom, known for their luxury, handmade designs. Her romantic tiara and delicate white floral drop earrings beautifully echoed the gown’s graceful aesthetic. The crown was the final magical touch that transformed the bride into a true vision from a fairytale, tying together the look with charm and modern-day princess elegance. One of our other favorite design elements was the custom pillows created by Napa Valley Linens, made from the same luxurious fabric as the table linens. These pillows added a beautiful pop of color and texture to the lounge area, seamlessly tying in not only the color palette but also the intricate pattern and soft amethyst shimmer of the linens. The added sparkle brought a dimensional and cohesive touch to the entire space.

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[field title=”Tips To Pull Off The Look”]

To pull off a Regency-inspired wedding look, it’s all about layering in romance, history, and intentional detail. Start by curating vintage elements—mismatched china, antique books, lace accents, and colored glassware—to create a sense of time-worn elegance. Stick to a cohesive palette of soft pastels and rich jewel tones like lavender and blush, paired with both gold and silver to elevate the overall aesthetic. Florals should feel abundant and natural, with cascading arrangements and garden-style blooms that evoke the grandeur of a royal celebration. A caterpillar-style table setup allows for a flowing, connected floral runner that feels straight out of a Regency garden party. For added charm and immersion, thoughtful guest experiences like handwritten menus or antique teacup escort cards with English tea create meaningful, memorable moments. Live musicians, such as our harpist, Amy Anh, help transport guests into the romantic world you’re creating—our harpist added a dreamy, cinematic feel to the day. And perhaps most importantly, you’ll need a photographer with a keen eye and refined style to capture it all. Vivi of La Venus Studio brought this vision to life flawlessly with her expertise in lighting, composition, and posing, ensuring every romantic detail was preserved as beautifully as it looked in person.

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