We’ve gushed about our love of Rancho Valencia before, but Erin + Legedu’s intimate, sophisticated wedding there totally renewed our love of the space. Considering that their fave place to vacay is Cabo San Lucas, they wanted to find a venue that would emulate the beautiful surroundings and relaxing atmosphere near where they met in San Diego. Once they landed the venue, they worked with Francine Ribeau Events to create the luxe, elegant vibe to celebrate with 60 guests. So, can we scroll on through Alexandria Monette’s stunning images already?!
Their story… We met when we were both “celebrity judges” at a local bikini contest. He was playing in the NFL at the time in my hometown of San Diego and the company I own sponsored the event which landed us in judges’ seats next to each other. I asked for his autograph; he asked me all about business and the business I owned, he talked about his interest in owning businesses post football while talking business all night—me thinking it was just a pick-up line—fast forward eight years, we own 5 business locations together with more dreams and projects in the works.
Their color palette was mauve velvet, gold, marble, salmon, and emerald with lots of velvet and a mix of textures.
On including their whole family… I have three children, so we elected to have the kids as our only “bridal party members.” My daughter (age 7) walked before me as my flower girl/maid of honor and my two sons (ages 9 and 10) walked me down the aisle. It was very important to us that we’ve involved them since they were the ones to “give me away” and our wedding meant just as much to us as it did to them signifying our family officially becoming one. As we reached the end of the aisle and the officiant asked who gives this bride away, they replied “we do.”
The modern and sleek table numbers were address numbers spray painted gold and glued onto white wood block pieces.
Kind of obsessed with how they used emerald in subtle ways throughout the decor and furniture, aren’t you? So chic!
For place cards on the modern geometric chargers, they had white slate rocks with gold names lettered onto each rock.
Photography was at the TOP of my list, let’s face it—when it’s all said and done, what do you have left? Your photos! But even more than that, I wanted our photos to evoke all the feelings from our wedding no matter how much time had passed after our big day. I searched and I searched and I searched. While searching I would look at the photographs to see if I felt like I felt the love in the picture or could imagine what the couple’s wedding was like… I also wanted “raw and organic” photographs, that didn’t look or seem crafted or posed. My search came to an end when both of those boxes were checked when we laid eyes on Alexandria Monette’s work.
Hey There, Cupcake sure nailed the theme with this modern cake!
Film by Rora Film Co.
Our biggest obstacle was undoubtedly having a small wedding. We had to remind ourselves of our original vision, and although there were so many people we would have loved to have there, it was important to us to have an intimate wedding where we could laugh, dance and spend the special day with only a selected group of those closest to us in life. This included not being able to invite our full families and friends. As much as your wedding day quickly becomes about everyone else except you, you have to remember what the day is truly about, and when it would get tough, we’d sit down and remind ourselves that the only ones that truly needed to be there was US and everyone else was a special bonus. Together, determine what it is the two of you want most, write it down and stick to it. As the day gets closer It’s easy to stray away from your original vision and to be influenced by the feelings of others.
Such a good reminder from our bride… Cheers!
Photography: Alexandria Monette Photography / Videography: Rora Film Co. / Venue: Rancho Valencia in San Diego, CA / Planning & Design: Francine Ribeau Events / Floral Design: Isari Flower Studio / Hair: Experience FP & Hair by Heather Bristol / Makeup: Shelby McElroy / Paper Goods: Paper Plum / Dessert: Hey There, Cupcake / Rentals: TBD San Diego / Lounge Rentals: Folklore / Chairs: APR Boutique Event / DJ: Vox DJs / Draping: Vario Weddings / Linens: La Tavola Linen / Officiant: Muzzii Events / Harpist: Naomi Alter / Wedding Gown: Galia Lahav from the Los Angeles Flagship Store / Lipstick: MAC / Custom Tux: Elevee Lifestyle / Shoes: Christian Louboutin
