Nestled in the serene beauty of Rancho Santa Fe, CA, this wedding weekend was nothing short of spectacular. From the intimate welcome party to the stunning ceremony and vibrant reception, every moment was filled with love, elegance and unforgettable details.

The weekend began with a charming welcome party at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Guests were greeted with glasses of fine wine, champagne and expertly crafted cocktails, setting the tone for the celebrations ahead. A delightful spread of tray-passed and stationary appetizers kept everyone mingling, while a cozy fire flickered in the background. Inside and out, the atmosphere was warmed by the sounds of a live jazz band, creating the perfect ambiance for an evening of conversation and connection.

The wedding day started at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, where the bride and her family prepared for the big day. Beautiful getting-ready photos captured the excitement, including sentimental moments between the bride and her sister. Flatlay photography highlighted the carefully curated wedding details, adding a touch of artistic elegance to the morning.

Just down the street at the enchanting Secret Garden, guests arrived to a warm welcome of chilled champagne and custom-designed programs. The soothing sounds of a live string duo—a harp and cello—filled the air as guests settled in. The bride envisioned a floral design that blended seamlessly with the surroundings and our florist delivered a breathtaking arrangement that enhanced the natural beauty of the space.

After the heartfelt ceremony, instead of a traditional recessional, the couple opted for a hugging receiving line, allowing them to personally greet and thank each guest. It was a beautiful way to share their joy and appreciation with everyone who came to celebrate.

Cocktail hour was a celebration of creativity and personalization. Guests enjoyed signature cocktails featuring monogrammed ice cubes in Old Fashioneds and mesmerizing vapor bubbles in specialty drinks. The live string duo continued to play, enhancing the elegant atmosphere. A grand gold-framed seating chart stood beside an ornate gold mirror, where a card box and an audio guest book invited guests to leave heartfelt messages for the newlyweds.

As the cocktail hour concluded, a saxophonist emerged, playing lively tunes to guide guests into the reception space—a unique and stylish touch that built anticipation for the evening ahead.

The bride envisioned a speakeasy-style reception and we embraced the theme by draping off the entrance, creating the illusion of a hidden, exclusive space. Designing this reception was an absolute joy! The entrance featured a round welcome table adorned with a grand floral arrangement and candlelight, setting the stage for the magic inside.

To add depth and dimension to the space, we incorporated four distinct table designs, each featuring different shapes, chair styles, and floral and candle arrangements. The result was a dynamic and visually stunning setting that left guests and the bride in awe.

Before the festivities began, the couple snuck away for a few final portraits. With the golden hour light and the venue’s breathtaking backdrops, these moments were pure perfection, allowing the couple to soak in their first moments of marriage together.

The reception kicked off with the couple’s first dance, performed to the incredible sounds of a live band. The energy was electric as guests cheered and the newlyweds twirled across the dance floor. The evening flowed seamlessly with heartfelt toasts, an exquisite dinner, and endless drinks.

Live music from the phenomenal Ben Mallare Entertainment brought the perfect energy to the night, keeping guests on the dance floor and ensuring the celebration continued well into the evening. The combination of thoughtful details, a stunning design, and an atmosphere filled with love made this wedding weekend truly unforgettable.

From the romantic welcome party to the lively reception, every detail of this Rancho Santa Fe wedding was carefully curated to create a weekend filled with joy, beauty, and cherished memories. Cheers to the happy couple!

THE VENDOR TEAM

Planning & Design: Serene Events and Design | Photographer: Jarrod Joachim | Rehearsal Dinner Venue: The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe | Wedding Venue: The Secret Garden | Florist: MR Floral & Events | Band: Ben Mallare Entertainment | Videographer: Epic Event Studios | DJ: Lyons DJ Service | Catering: Coast Caterer | Bartenders & Cocktails: Snake Oil | Makeup: Courtney Leon Dapper MUA | Hair: Done by Domonique Baez | Content Creator: Candid Creations | Bridal Stylist: The Own Gown | Cake: VG Donut & Bakery | Illustrator: Renata Illustrations | Ceremony & Cocktail Hour Strings Duo: Our Strings 4 You | Rehearsal Dinner Jazz Band: Third Coast Jazz Band | Rehearsal Dinner Florist: Native Poppy | Rentals: Adore Folklore, Catalog Atelier and Hire Elegance | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Stationery & Signage: Sweet Paper