Working for SMP means every day I have a breathless “ohmygoodness” moment. Every single day I have one. And when I saw how Jessica Lewis Photography captured the light, the lavender field, the stunning couple on this beautiful California day, it was one of the biggest moments yet. I was left speechless at the beauty of the entire day. And since I haven’t quite regained my voice, visit the gallery. No words required.
My husband Brett and I met in Chicago at a real estate conference in 2006. We were assigned seats next to each other for the week and quickly hit it off. He lived in Dallas, TX while I was from Newport Beach, CA and although it seemed like a longshot to hear from him after the conference he called me a week after and we spoke on the phone every day until I moved out to Texas a year and a half later to be with him.
Our proposal happened at the Houston Botanical Gardens. I was taking a picture of the grounds and when I turned around to show Brett the photo he was down on one knee! After calling our parents to tell them the good news we made an impromptu decision to head out to New Orleans and celebrate our engagement with some great food and music in the French Quarter.
I found the initial stages of planning the wedding pretty daunting having never been one of those girls that had “the vision” already mapped out. We entertained having it in our adopted hometown of Houston, TX and even looked into Hawaii but ultimately landed on my original home state of California. I knew I wanted something intimate and surrounded by nature but wasn’t so close to home that it didn’t feel like a mini vacation for my guests coming from Newport Beach. After a little digging I found the San Ysidro Ranch and knew immediately I had found the spot!
As soon as you drive onto the property, through the lavender fields, you feel like you’ve been let in on this great little secret. Despite the fact its so well known it really feels like this private oasis. Once we set a date and began planning my main inspiration was the San Ysidro Ranch itself. When making all of my design choices I really tried to compliment the property and let its natural simple beauty shine through. I chose blush & cream toned flowers, ribbons and parasols, oatmeal linens, dove gray calligraphy on all invitations, menus and place cards.
My most vivid memory from the day was when it came time to exchange our vows. Everything leading up to that moment felt like a blur but that was the moment that things really crystalized.
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Photography: Jessica Lewis Photography | Cinematography: Isaac Hernandez | Flowers: Cody Floral Design | Event Design: The bride | Event Planning: Merryl Brown Events | Venue: San Ysidro Ranch | Ceremony Music: Sam Adams Guitar | Reception Music: DJ Mike Ober | Invitations: Crane | Shoes: Jimmy Choo | Dress Designer: Oscar de la Renta | Officiant: Rev. Jerry Bellamy | Men’s Suits: Hickey Freeman | Men’s Ties: Salvatore Ferragamo | Lanterns: Fusion Event Rentals