A Garden Wedding at a Rancho Santa Fe Estate With Classic Style and a Splash of Drama

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”][/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

The wedding palette featured soft pinks, natural tones, and greens with Tuscan-inspired elements, designed to complement the natural beauty of the property and the lush landscapes of Rancho Santa Fe. The decor blended seamlessly with the rose gardens, mature trees, and serene surroundings. The black attire of the bridal party was echoed in the black and white checkered dance floor, creating a striking contrast against the softness of the greenery and natural tones.

This wedding was a seamless collaboration between the couple and their wedding planner, Olivia Johnson of Amor Atelier, bringing together a shared vision of classic, romantic, and elevated design. AJ and Becky’s wedding day was a beautiful blend of classic elegance and romantic charm, set against the intimate and meaningful backdrop of AJ’s childhood home. The design vision focused on timeless beauty with lush greenery, soft natural tones, and the serene glow of the canyon at sunset. The reception featured a stunning long table set beneath greenery-adorned arches and chandeliers, creating a magical atmosphere. The space around the pool was thoughtfully utilized to maximize seating, ensuring every guest felt included and surrounded by beauty. From the striking ceremony arch filled with Colombian roses to the sophisticated black and white checkered dance floor, every detail contributed to an elevated yet welcoming ambiance. The result was a celebration that felt both personal and unforgettable, with the natural setting enhancing every cherished moment. Planning a wedding at a private residence came with unique challenges, requiring more coordination, customization, and flexibility than a traditional venue. From the start, Olivia’s expertise and personalized approach reassured the couple that planning a wedding at a private residence is a unique opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind celebration. She made every detail feel significant and customized to their design style and love story. Her seamless approach to managing the complexities of a home wedding included thinking outside of the box, collaborating with vendors, and executing every element of their vision to create an authentic representation of them as a couple. The result was a beautiful and unforgettable day where everything felt effortless, allowing the couple to focus on celebrating with their loved ones.

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

AJ and Becky met where all true love stories begin—at a bar in Pacific Beach, San Diego. Introduced through mutual friends, we felt an instant connection. Dating during a pandemic wasn’t easy, but it allowed us to spend genuine, uninterrupted time together—between quarantines and nasal swabs, of course. Our relationship quickly became an adventure, including a 16-day road trip through the West, camping in Yellowstone during a snowstorm, and sharing “I love yous” under the beautiful Joshua Trees. Four years, two dogs, and countless memories later, we knew we wanted to spend forever together. For my 32nd birthday, AJ planned the perfect day filled with all my favorite things—dog beach mornings, mint mojito coffee from Philz, and the promise of a romantic dinner. On the way to the restaurant, AJ suggested a sunset stop at our local beach. What started as a casual stroll turned into an adventure, climbing up a bluff in heels, of course. At the top, I saw a beautifully staged blanket, rose petals, and champagne, and I knew this moment was meant for us. After AJ proposed with the sweetest words, the surprises kept coming. Our “quiet dinner” turned out to be a surprise party with our closest friends and family, making an already perfect day even more special. We feel so blessed to share this new chapter surrounded by the people we love most and can’t wait to celebrate our love and commitment with everyone together in one place!

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

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

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

[/board_carousel]
[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]Becky’s wedding gown, the Jaclyn design from Madi Lane’s Serene line, showcased a strapless, sweetheart neckline with elegantly draped fabric that created a flattering and structured bodice. The full A-line silhouette, combined with a subtle yet dramatic front slit, added a modern twist to the classic bridal style. The flowy skirt and gentle pleats brought a sense of movement and grace, striking the perfect balance between timeless elegance and playful charm.
To complete her look, Becky wore iconic Manolo Blahnik heels, a special choice made with her sisters during a memorable shopping trip to Bergdorf Goodman in New York City. This thoughtful detail added a sentimental touch to her bridal style, making every step down the aisle even more special.[/field]
[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

The goal was to make sure each bridesmaid felt beautiful and had a dress they could wear again. Black was the perfect choice for versatility, allowing bridesmaids to wear a dress they already owned, choose from any designer, or easily repurpose it for future events. The approach balanced comfort, style, and the freedom for each bridesmaid to express their style. The bride’s adorable 4-year-old niece wore a custom white dress, earning the special title of the only other person allowed to wear white. She looked like the cutest little mini-bride, stealing hearts (and maybe a few dance moves) throughout the night!

[/field]
[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]The groomsmen showcased classic sophistication in timeless black tuxedos by The Black Tux, creating a polished and cohesive look. AJ stood out in a crisp white suit jacket, adding a modern twist to the traditional black-tie style. The couple’s nephews matched the elegance of the groomsmen in charming, smaller versions of black tuxedos.[/field]
[/section]
[board_carousel title=”Wedding Party”]

[/board_carousel]
[board_carousel title=”Ceremony”]

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

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

Guest experience was a top priority, with a focus on ensuring no one was ever thirsty, hungry, or left without something to enjoy. From start to finish, the goal was to create an evening that felt thoughtful and seamless for everyone. Serafina Mixologists crafted delicious cocktails that guests are still raving about. To keep the energy high, a pre-ceremony iced coffee bar provided a refreshing caffeine boost to kick off the festivities. Wild Thyme Catering brought the culinary vision to life with a menu designed to delight. Guests enjoyed an array of passed hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour, keeping the evening’s pace lively and fun. Dinner featured a classic plated meal with options that showcased local flavors, including delicate white fish, tender braised short rib, and rich brown butter gnocchi. It was a perfect blend of elegance and comfort, leaving guests both satisfied and impressed.

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

The couple’s extended family owns a renowned rose farm in Colombia, and their world-class roses became a central feature of the wedding’s floral design. Nadine Zines of Studio Fleurish worked her magic, incorporating thousands of these stunning roses into a breathtaking ceremony arch, lush table arrangements, and perfectly balanced floral accents throughout the venue. A special touch was added to the bride’s bouquet, with a white orchid creating a graceful teardrop silhouette. The combination of meaningful family connections and exquisite design brought a unique and unforgettable charm to the wedding decor.

[/field]
[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

Since neither the bride nor the groom is are big fan of cakes, a simple, single-tier white cake served primarily as a way to showcase a special vintage cake topper from the groom’s grandparents. The couple shared a small bite for the photo op, capturing the moment while keeping the focus on the meaningful heirloom. Guests were treated to a selection of custom desserts, which quickly became the highlight of the evening. These delicious bites added an unexpected and memorable touch, proving that sometimes the sweetest memories come from thinking outside the (cake) box.

[/field]
[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]The couple’s ceremony was deeply personal, with AJ’s sister-in-law, Robin, officiating and both of their mothers giving heartfelt readings.

Live music played a significant role in creating a magical atmosphere. As a former professional ballerina, the bride curated a selection of iconic ballet scores for the ceremony, including pieces from Swan Lake, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and The Nutcracker. A collaboration between a string quartet and a harpist brought these classical pieces to life, setting an elegant and timeless tone.

The bride’s processional to The Dying Swan by Tchaikovsky was a particularly meaningful moment, while Waltz of the Flowers provided the perfect backdrop for the bridal party processional. When a last-minute change led to the addition of trumpeter Matt Fitzsimmons, the couple’s DJ, Conner, turned an unexpected situation into a beautiful surprise. The trumpet’s bright sound complemented the music perfectly and led the recessional to Wedding March by Mendelssohn, fulfilling a dream scenario.

During dinner, guests enjoyed a classic wedding song playlist curated by the bride, blending timeless Motown hits by Stevie Wonder with modern favorites from Leon Bridges.

The dance floor opened with September by Earth, Wind & Fire—an ideal choice for the September 21st celebration. The energy remained high as guests danced the night away to a mix of upbeat tracks, making for a night filled with joy and celebration.[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

A standout moment of the wedding was a heartfelt live performance during the couple’s first dance. The bride’s sister and three close friends collaborated on vocals, cello, guitar, and piano, delivering a beautiful acoustic rendition of First Date by Blink-182, a nod to the groom’s favorite band. This personal touch blended the groom’s love of music with the talents of loved ones, creating a truly memorable experience. As the evening came to a close, the DJ played the original version of the song, setting the stage for a playful and unexpected twist—guests jumping into the pool. It was a joyous and unforgettable ending to a perfect celebration.

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

Becky incorporated meaningful family heirlooms and sentimental pieces into her wedding day attire. Her bouquet featured a cherished family pin, while she wore a pearl cocktail ring that belonged to her great-aunt, and her mother’s blue aquamarine bracelet. For something borrowed, Becky wore her best friend’s bridal earrings, which she borrowed just before leaving the Inn for the ceremony. These same earrings were worn by her friend at her wedding, where Becky had the honor of officiating. Each piece added a layer of love and history to the day, creating beautiful connections to the past.

[/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

The wedding favors were thoughtfully chosen to be more than just keepsakes, offering guests something they could use and enjoy long after the celebration. Personalized wooden place cards have been repurposed as charming Christmas ornaments, adding a sentimental touch to holiday decor. Custom matchboxes have also found a place next to favorite candles in guests’ homes, serving as a lasting reminder of the special day. These practical and meaningful details continue to bring joy and keep the wedding day memories alive.

[/field]
[/section]
[board_carousel title=”Couple Portraits”]

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

[/board_carousel]