Emilia and Shark’s wedding at The Swanner House in San Juan Capistrano was the perfect balance of vintage charm and intimate celebration. Set against the backdrop of lush citrus groves, their day felt like a beautifully curated dinner party for their closest friends. Every detail, from the whimsical florals to the personal touches, reflected their love story and vision for a wedding that broke from tradition. Photographer Taylor Stuck captured the day’s essence, turning quiet moments and bursts of laughter into stunning memories that will last a lifetime.
Location: San Juan Capistrano, California, USA
Style: Contemporary, vintage, coquette, classic
Time of planning: 1 year
Number of guests: 16
Setting: Farmhouse
Season: Summer
Emilia and Shark, both based in Los Angeles, met by chance at a concert, and their connection was instant. After nearly five years together, Shark proposed in the spring on the sands of Newport Beach. When planning their wedding, the couple envisioned an intimate celebration where every moment felt meaningful, and they could spend quality time with their closest friends. Their main focus was on creating a relaxed, personal experience—free from traditional formalities.
Bridal Morning
For her wedding day, Emilia wore a two-piece bridal set from Clair De Lune, featuring a delicate corset with lace-up details and a flowing crepe skirt. She completed her look with a floor-length embellished veil from Jay Kay Braids & Bridal. Her hair, styled in soft waves by Jordan Hix, and her natural makeup by Sarah Mae highlighted her effortless elegance and modern take on bridal fashion.
"I wanted to blend both a vintage and modern elegance for my bridal look!"
Groom's Fashion
Shark embraced a vintage-inspired look, wearing a textured brown suit from Friar Tux. His suit was a perfect match for the theme of the day, blending seamlessly with the venue’s charm and Emilia’s timeless style. Together, their looks reflected both the nostalgia and modernity that defined their wedding.
Ceremony
The Swanner House was the ideal setting for their summer wedding. This historic farmhouse, surrounded by lush citrus groves, evoked a European countryside atmosphere that perfectly aligned with Emilia and Shark’s vision. The natural beauty of the venue was complemented by neutral tones and soft textures, while whimsical floral arrangements from Paloma Floral added an elegant touch to the setting.
The ceremony took place on the lawn beneath the citrus trees, where Emilia and Shark exchanged heartfelt vows in front of their six-person wedding party and 10 guests. They chose to speak from the heart instead of reading pre-written vows, making the moment even more personal and emotional. The setting was simple yet full of meaning, with the sun shining down on the couple as they promised their forever.
"It was totally untraditional, but everything they ever wanted!"
Cocktail Hour
After the ceremony, Emilia and Shark welcomed their guests to the cocktail hour, where the warm California sun bathed the celebration in a golden glow. With signature cocktails in hand, the couple mingled with their loved ones, savoring the relaxed and intimate atmosphere. The open bar served a variety of refreshing drinks, and the couple’s personal touch could be felt in every detail, from the artisanal presentation of the bar to the effortless flow of conversation as guests soaked in the beautiful surroundings.
Guests enjoyed a thoughtfully curated grazing table by Sunday Gathering, featuring fresh seasonal bites that perfectly complemented the laid-back, summer vibe. For those needing an extra boost, the mobile coffee bar from Fauna Coffee provided rich espresso pours throughout the day, ensuring that everyone was fueled for the rest of the celebration.
"Like the theme for most of the day, Emilia and Shark continued their trend of foregoing traditional wedding reception normalities."
Decor & Setting
Emilia and Shark’s reception was a beautifully curated outdoor setting that perfectly complemented the vintage charm of the farmhouse. Under the shade of a grand tree, the long reception table was adorned with lush white florals, simple ivory candles, and elegant linens, creating a romantic yet refined atmosphere.
Delicate place settings with handwritten menus added a personal touch, while the soft sound of the nearby fountain enhanced the serene and intimate atmosphere of the evening. The intricate white chairs and thoughtful details made the reception both inviting and effortlessly chic, a perfect reflection of Emilia and Shark’s vision for their day.
Reception
The dinner was also anything but traditional. The atmosphere was relaxed yet lively, with soft music playing in the background and guests sharing countless laughs. Instead of a grand formal dinner, the couple opted for a more intimate experience filled with heartfelt toasts and lively conversations.
The guests enjoyed a delicious multi-course meal, crafted by the talented private chef from La Dolce Vita Catering. With each course, the celebration became more personal and joyous, making the evening a memorable gathering of love, laughter, and great food, just as the couple had envisioned.
"The couple loved getting to spend such intentional time with everyone in such a romantic and private setting!"
Evening Celebration
As the evening continued, Emilia and Shark cut into their cake, a delicate creation from Honey & Gather. It was a soft, beautifully frosted dessert, decorated with pastel flowers and fresh grapes, adding a touch of whimsy to the design. The moment felt simple yet memorable and playful, leaving a sweet note on an unforgettable celebration.
The entire day was beautifully captured by Taylor Stuck, whose photography style perfectly matched the wedding’s overall theme and vibe. Her use of film added a touch of vintage charm, while her contemporary approach highlighted every detail in a fresh, modern way—just as Emilia and Shark had envisioned. Taylor’s work seamlessly blended the old with the new, reflecting the couple’s unique vision for their special day.
Advice from the couple:
• Surround yourself with the ones you love most!
• And don’t be afraid to forego any elements, traditions, or aspects of a wedding that aren’t suitable for your vision and desired experience! Do what truly makes your hearts race, and keep your combined priorities at the forefront of your planning process!
• Make intentional decisions together too! It makes a huge difference in your overall experience!
• Also, hire a planner that you can truly trust so that you can let go and give them full creative control! We owe all that our day was to our planner, as well as our incredible team of vendors!
PHOTOGRAPHER Taylor Stuck | VIDEOGRAPHER Ricky Meyer | PLANNING & DESIGN Chenelle Nussbaum | VENUE The Swanner House | FLORALS Paloma Floral | MAKEUP Sarah Mae | HAIR Jordan Hix | DRESS Clair De Lune | TUX Friar Tux | ACCESSORIES Jay Kay Braids & Bridal | CAKE Honey and Gather | COFFEE TRAILER Fauna Coffee | GRAZING TABLE Sunday Gathering | APE BAR & DRINKS Bottega Designs | CONTENT CREATOR Dee Hernandez | PHOTO BOOTH Roma Photo Booth SoCal | LIVE WEDDING PAINTER Bianca Gargicevich Almeida | FOOD La Dolce Vita Catering | SPECIALTY POTS Still Interiors | SIGNAGE Chenelle Nussbaum & Rent Boho Babes | STATIONERY Danielle Connell | RENTALS Chenelle Nussbaum
