We’re so smitten with Meagan + Jack’s Darlington House wedding, you guys. First, it’s perfectly elegant and formal, which is neat to see in a place as casual as SoCal (though we love it both ways, obvs). Second, they included a bit of old-world charm with French + Italian influences—an homage to places the bride had previously lived. They even incorporated nods to a trip to Tuscany they’d taken by including olive branches and seasonal fruit too. And the dress—we haven’t even gotten to the dress! It’s all in these editorial-inspired photos by Brogen Jessup with planning from Weddings by Lisa Nicole, and Layered Vintage florals.
Their love story… We are actually from the same hometown of Sandwich, MA. Jack is the oldest of three kids, and his younger sister has been my best friend for the last decade! I always knew of him as Emily’s cute older brother, but it wasn’t until the summer after I graduated college that we actually hung out and went to a 4th of July party. We (VERY) unexpectedly hit it off and kept in touch long distance over the next year while I was in France and he was living in San Diego. When I returned, we reconnected in person, and realized this was something we need to take a shot at!
K, it’s about time we talked about the dress, huh? It’s actually Alexandra Grecco’s ‘Etienne’, paired with a removable BHLDN tulle skirt. Gah, SUCH a brilliant decision!
We immediately fell in love with the Darlington House for its eclectic mix of architecture details and styles. Stepping inside, a sweeping staircase in the foyer leads to His & Hers dressing room suites. Outside, French doors open to a brick garden patio, where we held our ceremony behind a small fountain. Jack and I are both avid readers—our apartment is filled with books, so highlighting the Library with its gorgeous Moorish architecture was a no-brainer! We placed the main bar inside the library and hosted the Cocktail Hour in the adjacent enclosed Patio. Our main reception was hosted in the biggest outdoor space–the Rose Garden—where there was enough space to accommodate dinner and dancing.
The bridal bouquet included greenery mixed with delicate, impactful blooms such as garden roses, delphinium, lisianthus, and larkspur, all tied with a cream silk ribbon.
Being based in California with roots across the country, their biggest hurdle was choosing which coast to have the wedding on! Once they decided on California, they only had about 6 months to plan the wedding with most of the 125-person guest list coming from New England. That made them even more determined to show them all a trip they wouldn’t forget, so they planned a long weekend that included all of their fave California activities. Not a bad vacay for your guests, if you ask us!
M + J infused olive oil and Meyer lemons, put them in small glass jars, and the day of the wedding, the bridesmaids helped tie them all with olive branch springs and name tags to make a seating chart of sweet favors.
It was important to me that my bridesmaids could wear a dress they would feel their best in and that it would be something they would want to own and look forward to wearing again. For continuity, I requested they pick something floor-length in a neutral or pale shade, but to otherwise follow their own taste and style. Some of the dresses had a little glam, some were soft and romantic. We ended up with a group in light grays, pale pinks, dusty blues and soft golds; each dress as unique as the woman wearing it!
Ah, California *and* Tuscany. Our two fave places ever!
Congratulations, M + J!
Photography: Brogen Jessup / Venue: Darlington House / Planning: Weddings by Lisa Nicole / Floral Design: Layered Vintage / Hair: Jessica Hanley / Makeup: Tori Mackenzie / Invitations: Minted / Cake & Donuts: VG Donut & Bakery / Catering: Abbey Catering / Rentals: Abbey Rentals & Farm Tables & More / Photobooth: Indybooth / DJ & String Lighting: Matt Phipps / Bride’s Dress: Alexandra Grecco ‘Etienne’ & BHLDN ‘Delphi’ Skirt in Ivory / Shoes: Sam Edelman Gold ‘Yaro’ Sandals / Cathedral Veil: The Dress Theory San Diego / Lipstick: Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupté ‘Pink in Paris’ / Perfume: Chloé Eau de Parfum / Nail Color: OPI ‘It’s a Boy’ / Engagement Ring & Band: David & Sons in San Diego, CA / Crystal Pendant Earrings: Anthropologie / Groom’s Suit: BLACK by Vera Wang
