So many lovely things came together for Ashley + Grant’s bougainvillea-inspired wedding here in SoCal. Ashley + Grant each sell vintage clothing through their own shops, Milk Teeths and Cardigan King, that they operate out of Long Beach. Growing up, working, and living in the area, they were all about keeping it local. They’ve even dined at nearby Five Crowns Restaurant for years, so imagine their surprise when the restaurant’s outdoor event venue popped up in their search. It was close to them, close to their guests, and close to the beach, so they didn’t even look anywhere else. Many of the the vendors they worked with were even people they already knew, like their photog Casey Liu, who these two met awhile back via Etsy.
Ashley explains, If I had to put a name on it, I’d say our theme was laidback bohemian glam with a strong SoCal influence. I’m Orange County born and raised and Grant is an avid surfer so getting married a block away from the ocean was a no brainer. Also, because we’re Southern California natives, we both have a love for bright pink bougainvillea, citrus, and the other native plants that grow like weeds throughout the county and knew that this would inform the feel, florals, and color choices for the day.
Ashley’s friend, the talented Casey of Second Nature Creations, included *five* different kinds of bougainvillea, not to mention, garden roses, Juliet roses, and ranunculus, into the bridal bouquet.
And our bride learned brush lettering for the escort card display + place cards.
We didn’t do a first look so when I walked down the aisle it was our first time seeing each other. We both started tearing up instantly; this moment had been 9 years in the making and its one that I’ll never forget.
Even the ceremony draping was DIY, thanks to Ikea and Grant’s dad!
Ashley scored the hair combs off of Amazon, and Robyn Schapiro tucked in white roses and eucalyptus sprigs to go along with the updo.
It took me about a year to plan everything and the planning felt manageable because of how relatively small our wedding was with 88 guests. I’m sure people don’t want to read this, but there were no hurdles to overcome, truly. I lucked out by having close friends who just also happen to be amazing vendors (photographer, florist, and hair and makeup!) and I trusted their abilities completely and they delivered above and beyond. So my advice would be once you’ve picked out your vendors (which I’m sure you’ve done exhaustive research on) don’t stress, let them do their jobs, and relax and enjoy the day!
Gotta love when things work out just right, ya know? Congratulations to Ashley + Grant!
Photography: Casey Liu / Venue: Five Crowns Restaurant / Florals: Second Nature Creations / Hair & Makeup: Robyn Schapiro / Cake: Susie Cakes / Catering & Bar: Five Crowns Restaurant / Chair Rental: Apex Tent and Party / Officiant: Jon Olson / DJ: Sincere Sound Design / Bride’s Dress: Anna Sui from BHLDN / Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Engagement Ring & Wedding Band: Artemer / Bridesmaids: Show Me Your Mumu, Lulus, ASOS / Groom’s Suit: Banana Republic / Shoes: Clarks / Groomsmen: Friar Tux
