A Love of Soccer Inspired This Peach-Hued Wedding at Park Hyatt Aviara in Carlsbad, California

A deep love of soccer inspired Tallia Holland (30 and works in sales) and Matthew (Matt) Donaldson (30 and head of channel sales) as they planned their peach-and-taupe wedding. While dating, the couple would wear matching jerseys and get up in the middle of the night to watch Liverpool Football Club games from across the pond. The couple’s love of the British team runs so deep that Matt even selected Liverpool’s pregame anthem, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” by Richard Rogers, for the dance he shared with his mother. The nods to the sport started earlier in the day as the couple exchanged vows in front of a ceremony arch decked out with netting that resembled a goal. Then, at the reception, calligraphed soccer balls helped guests find their seats.

The couple introduced their colorful, garden-inspired aesthetic in invitations with watercolor blooms. On the wedding day, the botanical designs were just as vibrant as their stationery counterparts. Tallia’s bouquet included orchids, dahlias, ranunculus, astilbe, roses and cosmos. Flowers weren’t the only ingredient in the bouquet. The florist also wrapped Tallia’s late grandmother’s wedding dress sleeve around the bouquet. “My Nana was one of the most influential people in my life, so it meant the world to my family to know a piece of her was with us,” she says. 

A mix of textures added depth the wedding style: Velvet imparted a luxe feel, while rattan brought softness. Striped tablecloths gave warmth to the day’s beautiful design. Wicker chandeliers brought a residential vibe to the couple’s outdoor reception. Tallia and Matt paid homage to their love of travel with a vignette of assorted luggage. Some pieces were emblazoned with calligraphed phrases from loved ones. Meanwhile, at the rattan bar, guests had the choice of two signature cocktails: the “Full Don,” an old fashioned, and “Something with a Kick,” an Aperol spritz. 

It was paramount for the couple to honor loved ones who were unable to attend the wedding. In addition to a flower arrangement for a late groomsman, Matt wore cuff links that originally belonged to Tallia’s late grandfather. The couple also had a table with photos of family members who had died. “They couldn’t be there with us, but were there in spirit,” says Tallia. "One of Matt's best friends and groomsmen unexpectedly passed in 2020. We made sure to honor him by placing a floral arrangement in his place in line with the other groomsmen," shares Tallia.