[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]Green
White
Light pinks and yellows[/field]
[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]
We wanted our wedding to feel like a romantic getaway, warm and cozy, filled with love. It was important to us that we had lots of soft and overflowing flowers to create a dreamy, garden-like setting. Twinkle lights glowing all around us throughout the night were also a must-have for us. It was intimate and beautiful, like a fairytale brought to life, where everything felt soft, golden, and full of love.
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[field title=”Proposal Story”]We met on the first day of law school, at Duke Law School, in the fall of 2017. We were a couple a few months later and have been inseparable ever since. In April of 2023, we took a trip up to Santa Barbara. Jessica was pretty certain Sam was going to propose on the trip, so the surprise wasn’t exactly surprising. We spent the weekend having a wonderful time, and on the final day, Sam reserved a space at El Encanto hotel, in a grassy courtyard with a pond (a precursor to the outdoor wedding), and popped the question.[/field]
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[board_carousel title=”Getting Ready”]
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[board_carousel title=”Bridal Portraits”]
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[board_carousel title=”Flat Lays”]
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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]
I originally pictured myself in a fitted lace gown with jeweled accents, but when I tried on the wedding gown I ultimately chose, I instantly knew it was the one. It was a flowy and graceful dress made of soft, airy fabrics that moved beautifully with every step. The standout detail was a large bow in the front that looked just like a blooming rose. It felt effortlessly romantic and perfectly matched the dreamy, floral atmosphere of our wedding.
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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]
I knew I wanted the bridesmaids’ dresses to be green since that was the main color of our wedding, but it was just as important to me that my bridesmaids felt comfortable and confident. I gave each of them the freedom to choose a style that best suited their personality and body type. The result was a beautiful mix of silhouettes, all in the same shade of green that tied everything together perfectly. They each looked absolutely stunning, and together they brought so much elegance and individuality to the day.
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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]
Even though our wedding was outdoors, we wanted to keep the attire formal and timeless. The groomsmen wore classic black tuxedos, which brought a touch of sophistication that perfectly balanced the romantic, garden-like feel of the day.
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[board_carousel title=”Wedding Party”]
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[board_carousel title=”Ceremony”]
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[board_carousel title=”Cocktail Hour”]
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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]
We knew from the start that we didn’t want the typical, forgettable wedding food, so we were incredibly thoughtful in choosing a vendor. We ultimately went with a Mediterranean-inspired menu that still included all the beloved classics. During cocktail hour, guests enjoyed a delicious assortment of meat, fish, and vegetarian bites, catering to everyone. Dinner began with a generous spread of appetizers, including a variety of Mediterranean dips, fresh bread, and an overflowing cheese and charcuterie board. For salads, we served a vibrant arugula salad and a beautifully balanced heirloom carrot and pear salad. For the main course, guests had their choice of filet mignon, sea bass, or ratatouille. The food was truly exceptional, and we still find ourselves thinking about it. As for the drinks, we had to include signature cocktails. The groom chose a classic dirty martini, the bride went with a spicy mango margarita, and the ring-bearer, who was our sweet dog Teddy, even had his own–an espresso martini, of course. It was the perfect personal touch to a night full of amazing flavors and memories.
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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]
The florals and decor were truly the heart of our wedding atmosphere. It was romantic, lush, and completely transportive. Flowers were everywhere, creating the feeling of an enchanted garden. Soft, cascading arrangements in shades of blush, ivory, and touches of green adorned every space, from the ceremony arch to the tabletops. We used a mix of roses, ranunculus, and delicate wildflowers to create a look that was both organic and elegant. Twinkling lights were strung above us, casting a warm, golden glow as the sun set. The combination of soft fabrics, overflowing blooms, and ambient lighting made the entire space feel like a dreamy escape. Every detail tied together perfectly, bringing our vision of a cozy, intimate, and deeply romantic night to life.
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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]
Since my husband isn’t the biggest cake fan, I had free rein to choose the perfect one. I’ve never been drawn to overly sweet cakes and always envisioned something light, classic, and fruit-forward. I ended up choosing the iconic Triple Berry Cake from Sweet Lady Jane, which includes layers of fluffy yellow cake filled with fresh berries and just the right amount of whipped cream. It was everything I dreamed of in a wedding cake, not too sweet and absolutely delicious.
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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #2″][/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #3″][/field]
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[board_carousel title=”Couple Portraits”]
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[board_carousel title=”Reception”]
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Photography: Jasmine Marie Photography | Cinematography: Art of You | Event Planning: Bride's Bestie | Floral Design: City Flowers | Cake: Sweet Lady Jane | Wedding Venue: Hummingbird Nest Ranch | Beauty: Breluxe Beauty | DJ & Photobooth: Second Song | Rentals: Town and Country Event Rentals