The tranquil beauty of Filoli Estate in California served as the perfect backdrop for Casey and Jim’s romantic garden wedding. Set amid a kaleidoscope of vibrant blooms and lush greenery, the day radiated with color and life. Every detail, from the breathtaking arch overflowing with peonies and roses to the thoughtfully designed reception tables, celebrated the couple’s love of bold, joyful aesthetics. Bustle Events brought this vision to life with meticulous planning and creativity, ensuring a wedding as unique as the couple.
Location: Woodside, California, United States
Style: Garden-inpired, romantic
Time of planning: 9 months
Number of guests: 150
Setting: Estate
Season: Spring
Casey and Jim’s story began in San Francisco in 2021, brought together by their shared love of the outdoors, spicy margaritas, and skiing. Their relationship blossomed over weekend adventures and cozy evenings, leading to a memorable proposal on Balboa Island. Jim surprised Casey with a boat ride around the harbor after proposing on a dock just steps away from a family home filled with cherished memories. The couple wanted their wedding to reflect their deep connection and shared values, focusing on creating a joyful and personal experience for their guests.
Fashion
Casey’s wedding day look was a perfect mix of tradition and meaningful details. She looked radiant in a Martina Liana gown, tailored just right by the Wedding DeTailor, paired with sparkly Jimmy Choo heels. Her bouquet, designed by Amanda Vidmar, was a stunning mix of petunias, roses, and delicate wildflowers in soft pinks, peaches, and pops of red — a perfect reflection of the vibrant garden setting. One of the sweetest touches was an aquamarine ring, borrowed from Jim’s mom — her birthstone and her “something borrowed and blue.” For the party, she swapped her gown for a fun and stylish Alice & Olivia dress, perfect for dancing the night away.
Casey’s makeup and hair, styled by Sherri Long, complemented her look flawlessly. Her soft waves and dewy, natural makeup enhanced her bridal glow while adding a touch of glamour. Jim looked elegant in a classic J. Crew suit with Ferragamo shoes and accessories from Scully & Scully, gifted by his parents. His outfit was completed with an Eton bowtie, piqué shirt, and pocket square, perfectly complementing the romantic vibe.
First Look
The couple’s first look was a magical moment in the lush gardens of Filoli. Surrounded by vibrant blooms and serene greenery, Casey and Jim shared an intimate and emotional exchange that set the tone for the rest of the day. The quiet anticipation, followed by their beaming smiles, perfectly reflected the romantic atmosphere of the spring gardens.
Ceremony
The ceremony took place in the heart of lush gardens, a location that felt straight out of a storybook. The breathtaking setting was perfectly complemented by a bright, sunny day with clear blue skies. A stunning floral arch adorned with vibrant pink, and coral blooms was the centerpiece, creating a striking backdrop for the couple’s heartfelt vows. “We wanted it to feel unique to us, modern, and connected to the natural beauty of the setting around us,” shared the bride.
The bridesmaids fully embraced the garden’s vibrant aesthetic, wearing elegant dresses in blush, coral, and pink. Their coordinated looks added a layer of harmony and style to the ceremony.
A close friend officiated, weaving personal details and meaningful reflections into the proceedings, perfectly capturing the couple’s vision of love and commitment. Adding a touch of humor to the moment, the floral arch welcomed some unexpected guests — a swarm of bees — creating a lively and unforgettable moment of the day.
"During our ceremony, we asked our guests to take a set of community vows to support us in the next marriage chapter. Looking out at our community and hearing their support is something Jim and I will never forget. We are so grateful for our loved ones' support."
Cocktail Hour
The cocktail hour was a seamless continuation of the celebration, offering guests a perfect mix of elegance and fun. Signature cocktails, carefully crafted to reflect the couple’s favorite flavors, were served from a custom-built bar adorned with floral arrangements that matched the day’s vibrant aesthetic. Lounge areas, featuring cozy seating and luxurious details like velvet cushions and golden accents, provided the perfect spots for guests to chat and enjoy the view.
Bustle Events ensured the experience was as interactive as it was stylish, with a live electric violinist setting the tone and a station where guests could find their escort cards. It was an hour filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and unforgettable moments that set the stage for the evening ahead.
Decor & Setting
The reception decor was a visual masterpiece, blending natural beauty with sophisticated design. Bustle Events curated a setting that felt both luxurious and deeply connected to the garden surroundings. Long tables were adorned with lush floral arrangements by Amanda Vidmar, featuring vibrant pinks, corals, creams, and pops of golden yellow. These cascading blooms added texture and life to the overall aesthetic.
Blush linens, gold flatware, and personalized menus designed by Aerialist Press brought a refined, bespoke feel to every place setting. Towering glass candlesticks lined the tables, casting a soft, romantic glow as the sun set. String lights overhead added a magical ambiance, complementing the vibrant garden backdrop. Every detail, from the floral installations to the artfully arranged settings, reflected the couple’s vision of modern romance intertwined with the natural charm of the venue.
"Knowing the bride's love for flowers and her mother’s affection for “The Language of Flowers,” we knew we wanted the florals to be a big part of the overall decor. The inspiration was a mix of lush gardens and a deep, moody NY bar of the speakeasy space."
Reception
The reception was elegant yet lively, bringing together the couple’s loved ones for an evening of heartfelt toasts and dancing under the stars. The couple’s first dance to an epic live rendition of “Woke Up in Love” by Kygo, performed by their band, was a moment of pure magic, setting the tone for an unforgettable night. The centerpiece was the stunning three-tiered cake, a creation by Flour and Bloom. Decorated with delicate floral details in vibrant pinks and corals, the cake perfectly echoed the day’s lush garden theme. As the couple cut the cake, their guests cheered, capturing the joy of the moment.
“At the far end of the historic pool, we created Halcyon, a speakeasy named after the mythical halcyon bird, symbolizing peace, tranquility, and renewal — ideals that perfectly encapsulate our hope for this momentous occasion!” shared the bride. Scents of roasted herbs and spices and a smokey aroma filled the space and drew guests in.
The evening’s entertainment kept everyone on their feet, with lively music filling the air and a dance floor that remained packed throughout the night. The bride dazzled in her shimmering reception dress, a chic change from her ceremony look. Guests celebrated alongside the couple, savoring every moment of this unforgettable day.
"The Bustle Events team did an exceptional job bringing our vision to life and making sure that we could enjoy the day fully."
Advice from the couple:
• Everyone will tell you this, but the day goes by so quickly – stay together and talk beforehand about what is important to each of you during the day so that in the midst of the chaos, you can come back to what matters most!
PLANNER & DESIGN Bustle Events | VENUE Filoli | FLORALS Amanda Vidmar Designs | MUAH Artists by Sherrie Long | STATIONERY Aerialist Press | LINENS BBJ La Tavola | MUSIC Gen8 with Elan Artists | CATERING Taste Catering | CAKE Flour and Bloom Cakes | BAR Rye on the Road | RENTALS Found Rental Co., Hensley Event Resources
