Timeless Reunion: Love's Resilient Journey at Mission San Juan Capistrano

The Planning
The Inspiration

Our story draws inspiration from "The Rose Window," a captivating tale about Pedro Huizar, a Spaniard in the 1700s, commissioned to carve a religious window at Mission San José. Instead of a spiritual design, Pedro dedicated the magnificent window to his beloved, Rosa. Tragically, Rosa died in a shipwreck on her way to New Spain after the window's completion, leaving Pedro to spend the rest of his life in celibacy and penance, carving the religious portal above the church entrance. In our reimagined story, Rosa survives and reunites with her true love, Pedro. They celebrate their enduring romance with a stunning ceremony and reception at his beloved Spanish Missions. Our narrative transforms the original tragedy into a joyous union, emphasizing the timeless elegance and romantic charm of the setting.

The Venue

Mission San Juan Capistrano, an iconic spot in southern Orange County, attracts tourists from around the globe. The venue is magnificent, especially in spring when bougainvilleas and California poppies bloom. Steeped in history, the Mission evokes the charm of Europe right in the heart of sunny Southern California. Each area beautifully showcases the blend of California's and Spain's heritage.

The Fashion
Wedding Gown
The bride's Marchesa gown was a vision of intricate lace patterns, beautifully paired with a matching lace cape that gave it a dreamy aura. Amanda Leigh Rush of Anthology Bridal showcased the bride's gorgeous curls, which danced stunningly in the breeze. Adriana Liz of Beleza by Claudia Pinto crafted a makeup palette that made the bride look like a beautiful painting. Both teams achieved a soft, natural look that perfectly complemented the organic elegance of the gown. Everything harmonized with the romantic atmosphere of Mission San Juan Capistrano.
The Details
Florals & Decor

Spring florals, the most colorful and delicate flowers beloved by florists across the continent, were at the heart of our decor. We adored the beauty and elegance of garden roses, while sweet peas added a touch of delicate, whimsical movement. Each petal, with its unique shade and pattern, added intricate detail to the ceremony, reception, and the bride's bouquet. Papier Handmade crafted enchanting stationery and paper goods, using gold foil and unique calligraphy strokes that encapsulated our love letter to Spain. Archive Rentals provided stunning tables, chairs, and decor, with the wood's detail making us feel as if we were celebrating the reconciliation of true love in Spain.

Favorite Design Element
We were captivated by the fashionable details of the bride and groom's attire. The bride's stunning lace wedding gown and the groom's vibrant lavender suit, accented with a bowtie, perfectly embodied our vision of what Pedro and Rosa might have worn if they had been reunited as lovers. Featuring the real-life couple, Estef and John Thomas Benson, added an authentic, intimate touch to our editorial, enhancing the romantic atmosphere with their genuine love for each other.
Tips To Pull Off The Look

To achieve a timeless, romantic look inspired by our styled shoot, begin with an exquisite lace wedding gown that exudes elegance. Complement this with a stylish suit for the groom, opting for a bold, artistic color like lavender, paired with a classic bowtie. For the bride's hair, let it look natural to flow beautifully, styled to move gracefully with the breeze. Keep the makeup soft and natural to enhance the organic beauty of the gown and the venue. Use vibrant spring florals like garden roses and sweet peas to add color and whimsy to your bouquet and decor. Finally, select stationery and table decor incorporating delicate details and a touch of gold foil, evoking a European charm that blends perfectly with the historical and romantic atmosphere.

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Photography: Ruth Yang Photography | Event Design,Floral Design: Traveling weddings with Taylor | Wedding Dress: Marchesa | Invitations: Papier Handmade | Groom's Attire: Don Morphy | Beauty: Adriana Liz Makeup | Beauty: Amanda Leigh Rush | Rentals: Archive Rentals | Beauty: Beleza by Claudia Pinto | Location: Mission San Juan Capistrano