Nestled along the rugged coastline of Tomales Bay, Marconi Lodge offers a setting where nature and design come together smoothly. Once a site steeped in history, this now-transformed retreat became the backdrop for a wedding editorial that feels both contemporary and deeply connected to its surroundings. With an aesthetic inspired by organic textures, oceanic movement, and the soft, unstructured beauty of spring florals, this shoot reimagines coastal elegance in the most refreshing way.
Inspiration & Concept
The design for this editorial was born from the idea of natural harmony—where every element, from the florals to the fashion, flawlessly blends into the landscape. Rather than leaning into traditional nautical themes, the creative team took inspiration from the organic curves of shells and the fluidity of the coastline.
The floral arrangements, curated by Ash & Oak, mirrored this concept beautifully, incorporating delicate fritillaria, sweet peas, California lilac, and bearded irises. These blooms, arranged in varying vessels of different shapes and sizes, brought a layered, sculptural quality to the tablescape, echoing the movement of waves and wind.
Another standout idea is the concept of multiple bouquets. Just as modern brides embrace outfit changes, why not introduce floral transitions throughout the day? This editorial played with three distinct bouquets. For the golden hour dress change, imagine a fresh bouquet designed specifically for those iconic portrait photos. Then, for the dancing portion of the evening, a vibrant bouquet could add a pop of energy to your dance floor shots.
And why not bring back the nostalgia of the ’90s with a tossing bouquet, perfect for a fun and memorable moment with your guests? Each floral design complemented the shifting moods of the day, proving that flowers can be just as dynamic as fashion.
Fashion Choices
The bridal looks for this shoot embraced modern minimalism with unexpected touches. Unveiled Bridal curated a selection of gowns that balanced structure and softness—draped silhouettes that moved with the wind, complemented by delicate scarves, a rising trend in bridal styling.
The afterparty gown made a statement with voluminous fabric and a smoothly undone elegance, proving that a bride’s final look can be just as impactful as the first.
“Like the best-in-class professional that she is, Marisa Perel designed all of the hair and makeup looks to highlight the best features of each model,” shared the florist. One hairstyle played up the gorgeous natural curly texture of one model, while another used makeup to amplify the to die for cheekbones of another. The setting again rounded out both looks, and dress selections from Unveiled for a truly cohesive hair and makeup story.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place at the top of a windswept hill, overlooking the vast expanse of Tomales Bay. To honor the setting, the floral design felt organic and untamed—like it had naturally grown from the ground. Blooming branches and airy arrangements created a sense of intimacy without overpowering the landscape. The subtle blue tones of California lilac smoothly mirrored the ocean in the distance, reinforcing the connection between the design and the natural world.
"We wanted the floral designs to resonate with the type of client drawn to this venue—someone who values nature yet has an eye for style and respects it for its quirky history."
The entire shoot was woven together through a mix of film, digital, black and white, and color photography by Amanda Pool Photography. The blend of formats gave the images a unique depth—some moments feel raw and timeless, while others are bathed in soft light and rich tones.
Reception Design
For the reception, the team, led by Amri & Co., embraced a refined yet relaxed aesthetic. Dark wooden tables were adorned with florals in sculptural, modern vessels, playing with height and movement. The color palette leaned into muted nudes, soft pinks, and rich blues, reflecting the transition from daylight to dusk. Table settings were kept minimal—layered neutrals, crisp linen napkins, and delicate paper goods by Linen & Poppi added an understated sophistication.
And did you notice? No candles. A classic element often seen on wedding tables was intentionally left out, allowing the stunning floral compositions to take center stage. The arrangements filled the space so flawlessly that nothing else was needed.
"The result was a minimalist yet impactful aesthetic, perfectly suited to the venue's laid-back midcentury modern vibe."
Golden Hour & Afterparty Moments
As the sun dipped lower, the atmosphere shifted. A golden hour dress change called for a fresh bouquet designed for those luminous, once-in-a-lifetime portraits. Later, as the reception turned into an intimate afterparty, the bride swapped into a voluminous off-the-shoulder gown—playful, bold, and perfect for celebrating. A cozy lounge setup with striped sofas invited guests to sink in, unwind, and enjoy late-night conversations and laughter.
Final Thoughts
This shoot was a celebration of creativity, with each vendor bringing their unique vision to life while staying true to the coastal aesthetic and embracing fresh wedding trends. Ash & Oak transformed the floral concept, creating arrangements that felt like a cohesive extension of the natural landscape. The planning and styling were orchestrated by Amri & Co., who ensured that every design choice reflected the editorial’s refined coastal aesthetic. Each piece was carefully selected to enhance the setting without overpowering its charm.
The breathtaking photography, capturing both the softness of the setting and the energy of the day, was brought to life by Amanda Pool Photography. This editorial reminds us that wedding design doesn’t have to be about excess—it can be about balance, intention, and drawing inspiration from what’s already there.
"Set against the stunning backdrop of Marconi, it was truly an opportunity for all to showcase their best and brightest ideas"
FLORALS Ash & Oak | PLANNING & DESIGN Amri & Co. | PHOTOGRAPHY Amanda Pool Photography | VENUE Marconi Lodge | BEAUTY ARTIST Marisa Perel | BRIDAL SHOP Unveiled Bridal | TABLETOP RENTALS Theoni Collection | RENTALS Found Rental Co. | STATIONERY Linen & Poppi | MODEL Liz Lanza | COUPLE Jessie & Rob
