Marvel at an Enchanted Garden Wedding at Hummingbird Nest Ranch in Santa Susana, California
In the sanctuary of their first shared home, Jose Ordaz transformed the backyard he shared with Cassidy Johnson into a scene of romance with flowers shaped into a heart. Amidst this picturesque setting, their adorable puppy played a pivotal role, holding a little sign as Jose knelt and popped the question. Cassidy was genuinely and sweetly taken aback. Acknowledging the effort behind the proposal, she details, “I’m a hard person to surprise, and he pulled it off with help from some friends.” The engagement celebration that followed a few months later gathered their nearest and dearest, creating a cherished memory for both. “We celebrated with an engagement party with all our family and closest friends - such a special time in our lives that I will always cherish!”
The high school sweethearts have a penchant for fairy tales: they set out to create a wedding that reflected both their enduring romance and their refined tastes. Their journey to the altar was meticulously planned and steeped in personal touches. They envisioned a classic and timeless design, evoking a sense of romance that would remain eternally stylish. “My requirements for our big day consisted of two main elements, the design and giving our guests a fun night they will remember forever,” shares the bride.
The theme was crystal clear: an enchanted garden under a starlit sky. The venue, Hummingbird Nest Ranch, with its sprawling lawns and scenic vistas, offered the perfect canvas. Over fifty crystal chandeliers were suspended, casting a soft, romantic glow over ivory floral arrangements that adorned every corner. The stage was set for a black tie celebration that would seamlessly blend glamour with the natural beauty of the outdoors.
Outfit choices for the day were nothing short of spectacular, reflecting the couple’s personalities and the grandeur of the event. Cassidy had always known she wanted her wedding dress to be the centerpiece of her day. “I wanted a dress that worked well for both the ceremony and reception to fully represent this big day in my life,” she explains. After countless hours scrolling through designs and visiting boutiques, she found her dream dress—a stunning creation by Galia Lahav with delicate floral appliqué that seemed to cascade down the soft, blush fabric. Jose, determined to complement his bride while standing out from his groomsmen, chose a sleek black-on-black suit accented with a subtle floral design that changed visibility with the light.
On the wedding day, attendees gathered under the twinkling lights of the crystal chandeliers as they took in the breathtaking setup. The ceremony space, a transformation of the ranch’s lawn, looked like a page out of a storybook with its lush floral-lined aisle and an arch that mirrored the beauty of an enchanted forest.
As Cassidy walked down the aisle, the scene captured hearts. The garden-style florals and the gentle sway of the trees created an intimate atmosphere. The couple exchanged vows under a white-and-greenery floral arch. The celebration that followed offered a whimsical twist with the couple’s favorite desserts—cinnamon rolls and churros—served from a cart adorned with their initials. Laughter and light conversation filled the air as guests indulged in the sweet treats, mingled and celebrated the newlyweds.
The enchanted theme continued to charm. Each table was a display of elegance, set for a five-star meal, the ivory florals spilling across in a show of luxury. As the evening progressed, the dance floor, under the “starry sky” created by strategic lighting, saw old friends and new acquaintances alike twirling and getting down.
Looking back on the whirlwind of their wedding day, the bride offered some pearls of wisdom for future couples. “Take your time, and don’t rush any decisions! This is YOUR day, and you deserve to make it exactly how you want,” she advises, as her own experience was a testament to the magic that careful planning can conjure. She also emphasized the importance of being present: “Then my biggest piece of advice for the wedding day is to just be in the moment. It really is over in the blink of an eye, so don’t sweat the small stuff, just have fun! Be in the moment with your spouse and enjoy every second of this beautiful day.”