1. Real Weddings

An Elegant Woodland Wedding on a Private Estate in Vista, California

Sarah Embrey (20 and works in retail) and Jacob Orozco’s (21 and a U.S. Marine) wedding was an intimate backyard affair with an elegant woodland twist

Sarah Embrey (20 and works in retail) and Jacob Orozco’s (21 and a U.S. Marine) wedding was an intimate backyard affair with an elegant woodland twist. The pair gathered their closest family and friends at Sarah’s grandparents’ home in Vista, Calif., a sprawling estate with tall oak trees, lush green lawns and wood paths, for a relaxing evening of al fresco dining and celebrating.

Drawing inspiration from the beautiful natural setting, the couple settled on a palette of sage green, ivory and lavender, which they paired with mahogany and burlap accents. The day started with a quaint ceremony under a majestic oak tree. French country chairs and romantic white rose petals guided the couple to a hand-crafted wedding arch and altar made by Sarah’s grandfather and father. Ethereal fabric and a lush garland punctuated with fresh, seasonal blooms framed the couple as they said their “I do’s,” heightening the romantic, whimsical feel of the ceremony.

After exchanging vows, the newlyweds led their families and friends to an open-air tent draped in airy white fabric and crystal chandeliers. A long farm table set the tone for an intimate, family-style dining experience, while colored class and bundles of ivory and lavender hydrangeas, thistles and lisianthuses arranged in sleek mahogany planter boxes brought an element of energy and vibrant color to decor. Touches like burlap table runners and green-and-white striped linens adorned with bunches of rosemary and lavender introduced a subtle rustic vibe to the tabletops.

A tip for the taking from Sarah and Jacob: “Make sure you plan together, it is about the bride, but the bride isn't marrying herself; the groom has to have some input even if it's just the music playlist. The wedding goes by so fast, so cherish every moment and don't waste too much time taking pictures.”

Sarah’s bouquet perfectly captured the wedding’s color palette with fresh, summer blooms like dahlias, roses and hydrangeas and in shades of purple, ivory and green. To keep the wedding party’s look feeling cohesive, similar blooms were incorporated into the groomsmen’s boutonnieres and the bridesmaids’ bouquets.
To give guests a sneak peek at the celebration to come, Sarah and Jacob chose invitations with woodgrain detailing that spoke to the venue's natural setting.
Sarah and Jacob kicked off the intimate celebration with a ceremony under a majestic oak tree. French country chairs in a deep mahogany wood and romantic white rose petals guided the couple down the aisle to a hand-crafted wedding arch and altar made by Sarah’s grandfather and father. Ethereal fabric and a lush garland punctuated with fresh, seasonal blooms framed the couple as they said their “I do’s,” heightening the romantic, whimsical feel of the ceremony.
As guests arrive to the reception, they were blown away by the stunning tent that framed the long farm-style dining table. Panels of airy white fabric and intricate chandeliers set a romantic, whimsical tone for the al fresco affair.
Wanting the florals to capture the natural beauty of the setting, Soiree Design and Events created chic, summery arrangements of hydrangeas, lisianthuses, succulents, wildflowers and greenery in mahogany planter boxes that struck the perfect balance of timeless elegance and rustic charm.
Green-striped linens adorned with bunches of fresh rosemary and lavender gave the tabletop a dash of Parisian market flair.
Sarah’s two bridesmaids stunned in playful sage green chiffon dresses in a classic A-line silhouette. The girls wore their hair in matching braided updos and completed their wedding day outfits with elegant pearl stud earrings.
Sarah donned two different dresses for the ceremony and reception to transition her look from day to night. For the ceremony she wore an elegant A-line gown in ivory silk with a romantic off-the-shoulder neckline and a corset back. She added a blush hand-beaded belt to define her waist and completed the look with simple stud earrings and silver sandals, which made walking in the outdoor setting an exercise in effortless. For the reception, she slipped into a mermaid gown with a halter neckline and sexy low back.
Truly Madly Sweetly Bake shop took Jacob’s desire for simplicity and Sarah’s woodland-inspired vision and creating a stunning three-tiered confection with classic white fondant, wispy curly willow accents and fondant leaves. The cake was then topped with fresh white dahlias and eucalyptus leaves for a romantic finish. Beneath the layers of perfectly formed fondant was red velvet and lemon cake.