Taylor and Brendan's Colourful California Wedding in the Vineyards by Leana Myra Photography

I have the most gorgeous wedding to share with you today, full of colour and the most stunning design details. Taylor and Brendan were married on 1st June 2024 in Paso Robles, California. The whole day was filled with so many personal details that intertwined the love and creative forces of their friends and family. I just love the pastel colours mixed with the pop of terracotta, which work perfectly together. Mix in the stunning signage, the welcome sign and the ‘we saved you a seat’ seating plan and the beautiful flowers and you really do have a wedding full of the most amazing details. Oh, did I mention the donkey’s? What a delightful addition to the celebrations. Big thanks to Leana Myra Photography for the gorgeous photography.

The planning

From the moment we set foot on the grounds of our wedding venue, we knew it was where our love story would unfold in the most enchanting way possible. Nestled amidst rolling hills and surrounded by towering trees, our venue captured our hearts instantly with its natural beauty. It wasn’t just a place; it was an experience—a feeling of being immersed in the embrace of nature itself.

When it came to designing our wedding decor, we were fortunate that our venue lent itself beautifully to our vision. The natural surroundings provided a canvas that needed little enhancement, so we focused on complementing its organic charm. Inspired by earthy tones and natural textures, we chose a palette that echoed the colors of the landscape: teal/green, terracotta, cream, and olive.

The colors we selected—teal/green like the lush foliage, terracotta reminiscent of sun-kissed earth, cream like the soft petals of wildflowers, and olive like the sturdy trees—brought a harmonious blend of serenity and vibrancy to our celebration. These hues not only reflected our love for nature but also infused a sense of warmth and joy into every detail of our wedding day.

Our wedding theme was a celebration of love in harmony with nature. Every element, from the floral arrangements to the table settings, was thoughtfully curated to enhance the natural beauty of our surroundings. We incorporated elements like wooden accents, wildflower bouquets, and natural linens to create a serene and inviting atmosphere that felt both elegant and relaxed.

The wedding

The evening began with a cocktail hour set against a backdrop of love and craftsmanship. At the heart of it all stood the bar, a masterpiece handmade by my grandfather. Its rich wood and elegant lines echoed the warmth of his smile as he stood proudly beside my grandmother, a picture of timeless love. My mother’s artistic touch graced the seating chart, a labor of love adorned with delicate details that guided our guests to their tables adorned with hand-sewn napkins and antique water glasses glinting in the evening light. Each table a canvas of beauty, adorned with bud vases that spoke of a timeless elegance.

Laughter and friendly competition filled the air as guests enjoyed specially designed Jenga and Cornhole sets, lovingly crafted by my mom and grandfather to match our wedding theme. And then, just as the evening promised to reach its peak, our beloved Boozy Burros made their grand entrance, delighting everyone with their charm and cocktails.

As the night progressed, an ice cream truck rolled in, offering sweet relief from the summer heat. Our dance floor beckoned, a testament to the joyous spirit of our guests who danced with abandon under the stars. The rhythm of our love story found its beat as our guests celebrated alongside us.

Amidst the revelry, moments of quiet reflection. My grandfather’s bar, a symbol of tradition and craftsmanship, stood as a tribute to our roots and a promise for our future. Beside it, the seating chart, a testament to my grandparents’ and parents’ love and support, a legacy we will carry forward.

In the midst of it all, a moment captured with my parents by the popcorn cart and machine they lovingly built and decorated, a sweet nod to our shared love for popcorn and the joy of family craftsmanship.

Father Jamie, the priest who officiated our union, stood as a pillar of faith and friendship, his presence a reminder of the spiritual journey that brought us together at UCLA, where our love story began.

Our wedding day was not just an event, but a tapestry woven from the threads of family, craftsmanship, and love. Each detail spoke of who we are and where we come from, a celebration of the past, the present, and the future we will build together.

As the night drew to a close and we looked out over the twinkling lights and smiling faces, we knew that our wedding day had been everything we dreamed of and more—a testament to love in its purest form, surrounded by those who mean the most to us.