One Couple's Chic Entomology-Inspired Vow Renewal at Muckenthaler Mansion in Fullerton, California

To reaffirm their love and commitment to each other in honor of their 16th wedding anniversary, Matilde and Faust planned an al fresco vow renewal at Muckenthaler Mansion in Fullerton, California. The colorful affair harnessed a garden- and entomology-inspired vibe with butterfly motifs appearing throughout the event. "Our vow renewal had a natural history museum theme," explains Matilde. "I have the most amazing childhood memories of the natural history museum and both my husband and I love science."

"Our vow renewal ceremony and reception were outdoors so we made use of natural elements like the trees and garden at the venue to anchor our decor," explains Matilde. "We also made use of the beautiful historic Muckenthaler Mansion to host our cocktail hour. Our guests got to enjoy the art exhibit on display at the mansion." 

Matilde goes on to share that "we had lots of candles and amazing dried and fresh florals to decorate the space which not only helped carry the theme throughout the event space but made it feel romantic. The table numbers featured flora and fauna as did the seating cards with details inspired by crustacea, entomology and ichthyology." She says, "I would describe the florals in our vow renewal as romantic and prehistoric. They were the perfect fit for our natural history museum-themed wedding. The colors were bold and included a mix of dried and fresh florals like pampas grass, moss, roses, and ranunculus but also amazing greenery like ferns and eucalyptus. The centerpieces included terrariums and potted plants. The florals played a very important role in helping to carry the theme throughout the event space and really brought it all together."

Since this was a vow renewal and not a wedding, Matilde and Fausto also took the opportunity highlight the first 16 years of their relationship. "We displayed pictures of our wedding day as well as a 'history” of us.' We worked with our custom invitation designer Kelley to put together a timeline of our relationship and featured the most amazing flora and fauna, like the Maryland blue crab which has a very special meaning for our family."

Looking back on the entomology-filled vow renewal, Matilde shares that her "favorite part of the wedding was getting to celebrate life and love with my husband and my two girls, but also with my family and friends. Because of the pandemic, it truly felt like such a blessing to get to experience that day."