1. Real Weddings

A Chic, Whimsical Wedding at Leo Carrillo Ranch in Carlsbad, California

Mira Kostishak did not have to look far for wedding inspiration. Her chic, bohemian outdoor wedding to Nate Bourque at Leo Carrillo Ranch in Carlsbad,

Mira Kostishak did not have to look far for wedding inspiration. Her chic, bohemian outdoor wedding to Nate Bourque at Leo Carrillo Ranch in Carlsbad, California, was inspired the earthy style at her parents' wedding in their native Ukraine. “She wore a simple white gown with a garland sewn into it and a crown of tiny white roses in her hair,” Mira says. “Simple, white, ethereal, fresh, chic, effortless. I wanted this to be the theme for my wedding.” Decor was kept minimal, letting the ranch's natural beauty take center stage. The ceremony took place under one of its largest shady trees, which was decorated with flower garlands in soft sunset hues—pink, violet and coral. In a nod to Mira’s Ukrainian heritage, the couple exchanged vows while holding a rushnyk made by Mira’s mother. The flower-filled, bohemian theme continued at the on-site reception, where string lights hung over round, white linen-topped tables set with flower garlands and geometric terrarium-style vases. The couple’s playful side came through in the reception’s details. They opted for a nacho-cheese fountain and a custom wedding cake topper that resembled a couple on a Vespa—Nate picked Mira up in one for their first date. “My favorite part of the wedding was our personally written vows,” Mira says. “Nate's favorite part may have been the nacho-cheese fountain, which was his only wedding request.” —Carolyn Meers

Invitation designer Brittany Biggs used sunset hues throughout the couple's invitation suite. Mira used these colors—fuchsia, coral and pink—as inspiration for her flowers.
Mira's Jinza Couture gown had romantic, bohemian elements, like delicate lace. "My dress was a lace fitted bodice with spaghetti straps and a curve-hugging matte skirt—all one piece—that fit like a glove yet allowed me to move, dance and hug with comfort," Mira says.
Mira's bridesmaids wore their hair in low, loose updos adorned with florals for her wedding to Nate at Leo Carrillo Ranch in Carlsbad, California.
During their outdoor ceremony at Leo Carrillo Ranch in Carlsbad, California, Mira and Nate said their vows while holding a traditional Ukrainian rushnyk that was handmade by Mira’s mother.
"I really wanted the venue to speak for itself," Mira says of Leo Carrillo Ranch in Carlsbad, California. "I wanted to embrace its elements and add simple touches to heighten the natural beauty that was already there."
Sunset-hued floral garlands were used throughout the event. Here, one is draped over a wooden welcome sign.
Tables throughout the event were decorated with gold and glass terrarium-style vases.
String lights added ambiance to the outdoor reception at Leo Carrillo Ranch in Carlsbad, California. "I wanted the whole day to feel like a casual yet elegant dinner party filled with love, laughter and lots of dancing," Mira says.
Blossoms in warm tones of coral, pink and yellow added pop to the neutral palette.
Mira and Nate's wedding cake from Susiecakes was crowned with a custom topper of a couple on a Vespa—Nate picked Mira up in one for their first date.
"Focus on building the memory—that is, your wedding day," Mira says. "It will be cherished despite the seating chart that has misspelled names of your Ukrainian family members."