Under a stunning floral arch and surrounded by lush greenery, this wedding was a celebration of timeless elegance and vibrant cultural touches. Held at a beautiful outdoor venue, the couple brought their vision to life with soft pastel blooms, romantic candle-lit settings, and an evening filled with unforgettable performances. From a lively dance floor to surprise entertainment, their day perfectly balanced sophistication and excitement, all planned beautifully by Amorology Weddings.
Location: Veracruz, California, USA
Style: Romantic, elegant, vibrant
Time of planning: 1,5 years
Number of guests: 157
Setting: Garden
Season: Summer
Meili and Tom’s love story began quietly on Floor 38 at 200 West Street, amidst the fast-paced world of Manhattan investment banking. Sitting next to each other at work, they kept their growing connection a secret for a year and a half—long enough to leave the company and avoid its strict relationship policies. Though they were surrounded by the bustling city, their moments together were marked by subtle gestures. As Meili recalls, if they ever had a disagreement, Tom would slip a chocolate bar into her desk drawer before heading out, a small but meaningful reminder of his affection. For Tom, their first meeting in a corner room with sweeping views of Midtown and Uptown Manhattan remains etched in his memory—a perfect backdrop to the start of their journey together.
Location & Planning
Meili and Tom’s wedding took place at Rancho Vera Cruz, a meaningful location that has hosted numerous family celebrations over the years. Nestled in Oceanside, California, this private ranch, surrounded by lush landscapes and historic charm, was the perfect setting for their garden-inspired summer wedding.
With the expert guidance of their planner, Amorology, the couple transformed the space into a romantic oasis. Their vision seamlessly blended the beauty of land and sea, reflecting the couple’s story that spans from London to California. Amorology’s careful planning brought their dream to life with a blend of 1920s art deco touches and classic romance, creating an elegant black-tie affair infused with lush florals, whimsical details, and the charm of an antiquated hacienda.
Bridal Morning
On the morning of her wedding, Meili was surrounded by her bridesmaids, each dressed in elegant, complementary shades that added a touch of softness to the day. Meili wore a stunning gown by Pronovias Atelier, its intricate lace detailing and fitted silhouette reflecting her modern yet timeless style. She completed her look with delicate accessories, including the gold ring her mother wore on her own wedding day, adding a meaningful and sentimental touch.
Meili’s bouquet, designed by Posey Pop, was a lush arrangement of soft blush, ivory, and lavender blooms, harmonizing beautifully with the natural tones of the garden setting. Her bridesmaids, each wearing dresses in coordinating hues, carried smaller bouquets that reflected the same romantic palette, adding cohesion and elegance to the bridal party’s look.
Her hair and makeup, created by Danielle Ryan Beauty, embodied effortless elegance. Meili chose a soft, romantic updo adorned with a few loose tendrils, perfectly complementing her gown’s classic style. The look was completed with a fresh, dewy makeup palette that highlighted her natural beauty, radiating joy as she prepared for the day ahead with her closest friends by her side.
Groom's Fashion
Tom prepared alongside his groomsmen in the charming setting of rancho. He chose a classic cream tuxedo jacket from Oliver Brown, which paired perfectly with a sleek black bowtie, striking a balance between traditional elegance and a touch of modern flair. His boutonniere featured a simple yet refined arrangement of soft blooms, complementing Meili’s bouquet and adding a cohesive detail to their look.
Tom’s groomsmen wore black tuxedo jackets with cream bowties, a reverse match to his own attire that created a visually striking contrast.
Ceremony
Meili and Tom’s ceremony took place in a lush garden, surrounded by towering palm trees and vibrant greenery. A beautifully designed floral arch served as the focal point, covered in cascading blooms in shades of blush, ivory, and lavender. The aisle was lined with matching arrangements, creating a garden pathway that felt whimsical and romantic. Guests were greeted by the fragrance of fresh flowers as they found their seats, each detail carefully chosen to enhance the natural beauty of the setting.
Adding to the charm, the couple incorporated unique touches to the ceremony that honored both family and tradition. As guests arrived, they were invited to scoop dried lavender into small sachets to toss as Meili and Tom made their way back down the aisle after their vows, infusing the air with a gentle floral aroma. A live string trio played softly in the background, filling the space with timeless melodies and setting a serene tone for the ceremony.
"The couple planted a tree on the property as well with their siblings which has now had it’s first bloom!"
Private Moment
After the ceremony, Meili and Tom took a quiet moment alone to savor the beauty of their surroundings and reflect on the vows they had just shared. Strolling hand-in-hand through the garden paths of the ranch, they were enveloped by the soft rustle of leaves and the gentle evening breeze. The setting sun cast a golden glow across the lush landscape, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere as they paused to take in the significance of the day.
These private moments allowed them to step back from the celebration and simply enjoy each other’s presence, surrounded by the serene beauty of the garden they now held dear.
Cocktail Hour
As the ceremony concluded, guests entered a vibrant and beautifully arranged cocktail hour in the lush gardens of the ranch. The space, designed to feel both sophisticated and inviting, featured clusters of high and low tables draped in soft linens, surrounded by stunning floral arrangements. Pink and coral blossoms in terracotta planters echoed the natural landscape, while string lights and greenery above created an enchanting canopy.
Guests enjoyed an array of signature cocktails, each artfully crafted and topped with fresh garnishes—a burst of pink with a blackberry and a citrus-infused drink garnished with a slice of grapefruit. These flavorful drinks added a refreshing touch, perfectly suited for the warm evening atmosphere.
Elegantly dressed guests filled the space with energy, mingling and toasting to Meili and Tom as laughter filled the air. A unique “What’s the Tea?” station offered a charming touch, with custom-labeled jars of herbal blends that guests could take home in small sachets as a memorable keepsake.
"Another fun surprise that our couple planned for their guests were a couple of real donkeys that were mingling among the guests with bags full of champagne during cocktail hour to cheer up the crowd!"
Decor & Setting
The reception was a breathtaking blend of elegance and natural beauty, set beneath a canopy of string lights and lush greenery. The tables were draped in soft floral-patterned linens that evoked a sense of timeless romance, with ivory and blush tones creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. Florists adorned each table with stunning centerpieces of pastel roses, peonies, and delicate greenery arranged in vintage-inspired ceramic urns that added a touch of rustic charm. The tabletops featured blush-pink glassware and gold flatware, bringing a subtle pop of color and sophistication to the overall aesthetic.
Overhead, cascading greenery installations intertwined with twinkling lights created a magical canopy, enveloping guests in an intimate, garden-inspired setting. To enhance the ambiance, tall glass candle holders were placed throughout, casting a soft, romantic glow as the evening progressed. The reception space exuded an effortlessly chic vibe, with a mix of long banquet tables and smaller round ones, allowing for a dynamic layout that encouraged conversation and connection. The combination of natural textures, elegant floral arrangements, and candle-lit accents made the reception feel both refined and deeply personal, a perfect reflection of Meili and Tom’s vision for their special day.
Reception
As the sun set, guests found their seats under the enchanting canopy of string lights and cascading greenery. Everyone enjoyed a thoughtfully curated meal, savoring each course as heartfelt toasts filled the air with laughter and emotion. Friends and family shared stories and memories, celebrating Meili and Tom with words that captured the depth of their love and the joy of the day.
The newlyweds took to the dance floor for their first dance, a moment of pure joy as they swayed under the twinkling lights, surrounded by their closest loved ones. After the dance, Meili and Tom cut into their elegant, multi-tiered cake adorned with fresh flowers, marking another sweet moment in the evening’s festivities.
As the reception transitioned into a lively dance party, Meili and Tom joined their guests on the dance floor under a canopy of stars and string lights. The evening took on a vibrant energy as disco lights flickered and music filled the air, creating a celebratory atmosphere. Meili, now dressed in a chic, sleeveless mini dress, danced joyfully among her friends, glowing in the colorful lights as everyone celebrated the newlyweds. The upbeat music and spirited dancing kept the energy high, a perfect way to cap off a magical day.
When it was time to bid farewell, Meili and Tom made their way through an aisle of friends and family holding sparklers, illuminating the night with warm, glowing light. Laughter and cheers filled the air as the couple walked hand-in-hand, pausing to share a final wave before stepping into their vintage getaway car. As they drove off into the night, the guests continued to wave and cheer, sending them off with all the love and joy that had filled the entire celebration. It was a picture-perfect ending to a truly unforgettable day, with the couple surrounded by the warmth of family, friends, and the magic of their love story.
Advice from the couple:
• As hard as it is, try to relax ahead of time. Time only moves forward, and you only get to plan your wedding once, so try to enjoy it. Besides, we found we didn’t remember things that went perfectly to plan as much as some of the things that didn’t! For instance, our two flower girls walked down the aisle, each with one hand on the flower basket. They reached the end, then both turned to their respective sides and walked apart while still holding the basket. One flower girl tumbled, and flowers fell on the floor, but it was adorable and made for a great memory (and more flowers on the aisle!).
DESIGN & PLANNING Amorology | PHOTOGRAPHER This Modern Romance | VIDEOGRAPHER Film House Weddings | VENUE Rancho Vera Cruz | FLORALS Posey Pop | MUAH Danielle Ryan Beauty | CATERING Harvest Kitchen | BAR Snake Oil Cocktail | ENTERTAINMENT Ben Mallare, Pink Mozart, New Ivy League | DESSERTS Hey There Cupcake | STATIONERY Camellia & Co | BACKDROP Back Up Backdrops | OFFICIANT Colby Martin | RENTALS Adore Folklore, Catalog Atelier, BBJ La Tavola, Bright Event Rentals, Greystone Table | LIGHTING Brilliant Event Lighting | TRANSPORTATION San Diego Limo
