Bringing the Romance of Tuscany to Southern California at Maison Des Oliviers
The inspiration for this Editorial was to create a timeless and classic Tuscan theme. The colors, the details, and the design were chosen to be evergreen, a time capsule of a design that was so timeless, so effortless, and so elegant. Very mindful, very demure! With a Tuscan theme, Naomi Bennett Design wanted to create experiences through authentic elements. Weddings in Tuscany involve amazing food, delicious gelato, and delectable drinks, but they also revolve around family, connection, and community. Knowing this, we had a fun gelato cart, a beautiful Vespa bar, and long, connected reception tables to create that community, intimacy, and taste of Tuscany. This design started as an Editorial and unfolded in the best way possible- with our model couple getting engaged at the end of the shoot!! It was the most magical way to end this incredible day!
Maison des Oliviers is a private estate, a true hidden gem in San Juan Capistrano. Upon entering the gates, you truly feel transported to a different time and place. The property leaves you in awe and wonder. With a beautiful garden, a pool, stunning courtyard, patio fountains, perfectly manicured hedges, and olive tree grove, it felt like the perfect backdrop to our Timeless Tuscany design. Everything about this property feels like Europe in the best way possible! When our groom model, Noah, came to us with the idea to propose to Jasmine at the end of the editorial, I knew this property was the perfect fit for us. They always imagined getting engaged in Tuscany! Our design and setting couldn't have been more fitting for them to get engaged, so it truly felt like all of the stars had aligned.
Our beautiful floral designs and installations were so perfectly done by Angelical Flowers. They featured a combination of modern minimalism and a high-impact design. There was a grace and elegance to the florals, as well as whimsy and an organic nature. Just like the overall editorial design, the floral design was classic, romantic, modern, and timeless. From stunning centerpieces to a ceremony arch to ground florals to a cake nest, the floral design truly feels so effortless and like a match made in heaven. The tablescape featured a more modern, minimalist design, and we brought in impactful details through the menu scrolls, opulent floral centerpieces, and dining under the olive trees! Is there anything more magical than an al fresco dinner under the olive trees?!
A favorite design element was the stunning dinner menu scrolls created by Olumis Calligraphy. This editorial was modern and romantic but with a touch of grandeur, so the scroll design allowed for a unique feature at the tablescape but also added that regality.
When choosing to create a timeless and classic theme, it's important to stay true to what you love. Especially when wedding trends are coming at you left and right. With this design, I wanted to stay minimal yet impactful. We had a lot of modern, chic elements and then touches of whimsy that added a unique experience. Think of 2-3 experiences that you want your guests to have during your wedding and build around that. Don't try to do too much and "wow" your guests at every turn, but rather be impactful with the experiences that you choose. By sticking with only 2-3 experiences throughout the day, you allow the wedding to have a consistent and even flow, which helps you avoid overwhelming yourself and your guests.
