Garden weddings, how we love you. Especially when they come along with lots of dreamy photos like the ones Ether & Smith sent over. S + S both grew up in Los Angeles and wanted their wedding at Maravilla Gardens in Camarillo to be an escape from the city for both them + their 145 person guest list. These two were set on sharing nature with their friends and fam, and boy did they pull it off!
Just smitten with all the paper pretties by AmourTheory throughout this wedding.
The bride says, I probably fell in love with a dozen fine art photographers that have beautiful creative shots with brilliant use of natural light. However, once you inquire and the photographer sends you the pixieset samples of their works from morning till night, that’s when you really get a true idea of the photos’ consistency. Through most photographers webpage blog or Instagram, they’re pretty much showcasing the “best” of their work. I really wanted to make sure every precious moment of emotion was captured and Emma of Ether & Smith was the one. Her level of attention to detail, responsiveness, capture of emotions, directive type A persona on day-of, and consistency of her captures made her the must have photographer in my book.
Susan’s romantic garden bouquet recipe: Coral charm peonies, blush and white garden roses, anemones, dahlias, lavender double tulip, fuchsia spray rose, with assorted foliage in a loose organic shape.
At first they had another venue in mind as well, but weren’t sold on having guests out in the direct sun for a ceremony during a heatwave. Maravilla’s sun shades and ceremony spot solved the problem instantly. Susan says, We liked how the ceremonial ground had tastefully hung sun shade that adds character and shaded our guest at the same time. The reception area was also breathtaking with open airy space, overview of nature and touch of just enough man-made landscape where guests aren’t completely out in pure farmland but got to enjoy beautiful rustic view of the cabbage/cilantro field while dining.
Dreamy!
The DIY list included the escort cards, dinner menu, favors, chair signs, table number mirrors, bridesmaid dress hangers, floral terrariums, sweetheart table overlay, and floral tissue paper photo booth by the bridesmaids. Impressive!
FYI, Susan snagged her Needle & Thread reception dress from BHLDN.
Lastly, the bride’s tips for planning a dream wedding: Susan was all about planning in advance, and being realistic about whether your dreams match up with your budget. If you’ve got wiggle room, you might as well book your fave vendors instead of hoping less expensive ones will come around when you know you have your heart set on someone—they could be booked by the time you make your decision! And if not, make sure you plan with enough time to find those that do fit that budget.
Congrats, guys! See more garden wedding inspiration on Susan’s Pinterest.
Photographer: Ether & Smith / Videographer: Seven Production / Venue: Maravilla Gardens / Florist: Violette’s Flower / Hair & Makeup: Chiali Meng Artistry / Invitations & Stationery: AmourTheory / Baker: Frost It Cakery / Ice Bar Cart: Enjoyer / Catering: Command Performance / Vintage Rental: My Lovely Events / Linen: La Tavola / Pergola Lounge & Vineyard Chairs: A Rental Connection / DJ: Elegant Event Entertainment / Officiant/Emcee (multilingual): Very Chic Wedding / Bride’s Dress: Custom from Shin Bu Bridal / Reception Dress: Needle & Thread from BHLDN / Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo & Watters / Engagement Ring: Tacori / Get Ready Robes: Plum Pretty Sugar / Shoes: Valentino / Earrings: Ted Baker London / Wedding Band: Vera Wang / Ring Box: The Mrs Box / Bridesmaid Hangers: DIY / Mother of the Bride Dress: Tadashi Shoji from BHLDN / Flower Girl Dresses: Jenny Yoo / Groom’s Tuxedo J. Crew / Groomsmen Suits: Zara / Shoes: Steve Madden / Ring Bearer Attire: Jack and Janie
