Location: San Juan Capistrano, California, USA
Setting: Historic building and courtyard
Wedding season: Summer
The number of guests: 100
How long did the couple plan the event: 4 years
Wedding theme/style: Glamour with bohemian chic, contemporary, wildflower aesthetics.
This wedding story unfolded like a novel starting with Jack working in San Francisco, while Madeline was finishing her courses to become a licensed midwife hundreds of miles away in the Midwest.
Their adventure was marked with a snare when their original wedding planner closed their doors after the pandemic. With a serendipitous blend of fate and fortuity they connected with Weddings By Leigh. Having already discovered and contracted their ideal venue the foundation was set for a new planner to begin masterfully crafting the couple’s perfect day and making all their dreams come true.
Madeline and Jack envisioned a wedding that seamlessly blended glamour with bohemian chic. Their desire was to stand out and narrate their love story through a contemporary and trendy lens. Their inspiration was drawn from the beauty of nature, free spirit of wildflower aesthetics, and unique touches like a champagne tower that would make their day unlike any other.
Inspiration was drawn from the picturesque notion of a bygone era, reminiscent of a romantic drive through the Spanish countryside. So it was obvious choice that the couple chose the historic Franciscan Gardens in San Juan Capistrano for their venue, where the rustic charm of the courtyard and the serene beauty of the surrounding old-world garden created a magical summer setting for their 100 guests.
Madeline’s morning was filled with anticipation and excitement. She looked stunning in her sleek and chic design wedding dress that she chose after much deliberation. It was a perfect complement to her radiant beauty and the joyful spirit of the day.
Original choice for her wedding bouquet, featuring Clair de Lune peonies and orange Gomphrenas, was thwarted by an untimely heat wave in Holland. After a fervent search, a boutique farm in Connecticut provided the perfect alternative: vibrant poppies, which became the stunning highlight of her bouquet, symbolizing beauty’s enduring resilience.
Madeline and Jack’s first look was a moment of pure, unspoken emotion. Set against the historic walls and the tranquil fountain of the Franciscan Gardens, it was as if time stood still. The couple shared tender smiles and quiet whispers, a private exchange of love before the whirlwind of celebrations.
The wedding ceremony was a beautiful blend of tradition and personal touches. Under a canopy of twinkling lights and against a backdrop of lush greenery, Madeline and Jack exchanged vows, promising to journey through life together.
The venue, wrapped in the timeless elegance of rustic charm, became a living masterpiece under the wedding planner’s meticulous care. The air was perfumed with an array of wildflowers; poppies, marigolds, and roses were interwoven with lush Italian Ruscus to create a vibrant, lush garden oasis.
For the reception, each table was a vignette of romance, graced with hand-painted terra cotta pots spilling over with whimsical florals, and votive candles in floating acrylic globes casting a soft, dreamlike glow.
The floral arrangements and green garlands draped across the tables conjured the spirit of a serene Spanish countryside, marrying the untamed beauty of nature with the crafted hand of artistry. In this enchanting setting, every detail was a brushstroke, every moment a poetic scene, culminating in a celebration that was that was nothing short of artistry in motion.
The reception was a remarkable experience, filled with unforgettable moments, including whimsical champagne spraying and the grandeur of a dazzling champagne tower, which added a touch of undeniable glamour to the entire celebration. Every meticulous detail, from the thoughtfully designed wedding favors to the enchanting floral arrangements, flawlessly captured the essence of wildflower aesthetics, seamlessly transporting all the guests to the enchanting pages of a fairy tale. And let’s not forget the music – a carefully curated selection that injected a contemporary and trendy vibe, ensuring the dance floor remained alive and thriving throughout the celebration.
Advice from the couple:
• Trust your gut throughout planning, if something doesn’t feel right it’s not right. If you love a color, style, or decor piece, keep it no matter what everyone says. And know that all things happen for a reason, the day will turn out just as it is mean too.
PLANNER Weddings By Leigh | PHOTOGRAPHER Jess Living Photography | VIDEOGRAPHER Weaver Media | VENUE Franciscan Gardens | DESIGN & FLORAL WBL Design Studio | MUA KG Hair & Make-up | DJ Extreme DJ’s | CATERING 24 Carrots
