An Ethereal Wedding with Celestial Vibes at Franciscan Gardens

Lauren Megerdichian
March 20, 2019
Categories: Real Weddings, The Blog, Whimsical

This wedding is so good it’s literally out of this world. No, seriously you guys… this Franciscan Gardens wedding day planned by Fawn Events is jam-packed with celestial details and stunningly ethereal moments. The two styles blended so seamlessly together, creating a cosmic connection in one of the most stand-out weddings on SMP! We’re so excited to share these stellar photos captured by Ashley Burns Photography. This one is truly extraordinary…

From Ashley Burns Photography… What really sets this gorgeous wedding apart was the blending of two different trends and making them one – ethereal and celestial. Soft yet modern. Both trends played off the day and each other so effortlessly. The day was super detail oriented – from the unique floral arrangements, to the subtle star and universe touches (like the brides ombre star veil), to the carefully handpicked metallic bridesmaid gowns, down to the custom handmade charcoal grey velvet napkins with tiny crystals as the napkin tie. It was the perfect day – perfect sunny weather, perfect setting – until unexpected rain came during their first dance. The forecast didn’t even predict this rain, It came out of nowhere. The couple remained dancing in the rain to Ocean Eyes by Billie Eilish, then everyone used their velvet napkins as umbrellas and gathered inside where the ceremony was for the rest of the evening and danced the night away! Although the day did not play out how the couple envisioned, nothing rained on their parade. It was still the best night ever.

The venue is hidden in the middle of a small historic Orange County town called San Juan Capistrano. It offers both an indoor, industrial setting, in addition to a gorgeous, private outdoor garden area.

Instead of traditionally exchanging vows at the alter, the couple days prior to the wedding went to the Rise Festival in the Mojave Desert and wrote their vows on lanterns (and in a vow book) and released them into the sky. During their first look, they shared what they wrote one another on their lanterns. It made for a very poetic, unique way to commit their lives to one another. The location for the first look was at the historical Mission of San Juan Capistrano, which was a Spanish mission founded in 1776.

From the Bride… It doesn’t rain in Southern California, and it rained. Unexpectedly, it down-poured, right as the garden reception was beginning. In an incredibly heartwarming effort, all of our friends and family came together to ensure that we had the night of our lives. Right before our eyes, the indoor ceremony space was transformed into an impromptu reception! Members of our bridal party and photographer, Ashley, replicated our sweetheart table inside – as guests and staff alike brought in the centerpieces and decor elements. While guests enjoyed their salads from their laps in their ceremony seat, our coordinator, Laura, and the 24 Carrots staff carried in tables and set up the room so fast that no one even realized how they were suddenly eating at a table with a glass of champagne. The running joke was that our handmade velvet napkins (by our guest Peggy!) made great umbrellas. Quickly our disappointment turned into an overwhelming love and gratitude for all of our guests. We danced the night away right in the place where we said “I do”, and it was nothing shy of perfect.