Engaged Cakies, Thomas + Ashley’s modern tropical wedding at San Diego Botanic Garden is full of creative summer wedding ideas. Just like at home, these two wanted their wedding to have tropical, bohemian and mid-century modern accents. The talented Melissa of MD FLORA helped them create a design that had warm tones paired with dark blue accents and even utilized a few key pieces from the couples’ own abode. Thanks to Geoff Rivers Photography for sharing the images below!
Some pretty Show Me Your Mumu bridesmaids for all you neutral-loving brides.
Isn’t this soft, tropical invitation suite so lovely? Design by Laney was behind the paper goods + lots of details throughout.
Having an intimate (90 guests) and personalized ceremony made it really special + memorable for them both.
Ashley’s modern, tropical bouquet recipe: coral charm peony, magenta peony, Julies Elie mauve peony, queen protea, blushing bride protea, ball dahlia, Café au lait dahlia. Find more design inspiration on their Pinterest!
K, how’s this for a tropical tablescape? Totally gives off those island vibes right here in California.
Super cute coffee favors!
We wanted to highlight the gardens’ natural beauty and chose multi-colored and loosely arranged florals that popped next to the lush greenery. A mix of pinks, corals and indigos with brass accents and lots of natural texture. In addition to the rentals, we used a handful of our own pieces, including a 1970s vintage wicker screen that was used for the escort card display. We also brought pillows, baskets, lanterns, frames and plants from our home.
These DIY Hmong indigo napkins were a sweet project, as Ashley ordered fabric from Thailand (where Thomas proposed on a trip with friends!) and their family helped cut and sew them for the place settings. Now they also have a little keepsake from the wedding that they can entertain with for years to come.
Before we got married, we were chatting with one of our married couple friends who gave us a good piece of advice. They said that they spent almost their entire reception making way to all the tables to greet their guests and didn’t really get to enjoy their party. Our photographer was great about being super efficient with family photos and portraits after the ceremony and we were able to make the last half of our cocktail hour which is when we got to greet everyone. After dances we were able to completely enjoy ourselves—it worked out perfectly.
On the engagement… We had a long, year and a half engagement. I knew I wanted to take my time and not feel stressed with the process. I always knew I’d wanted a summer wedding. So when he proposed at the end of November, we both knew that the upcoming summer would be out of the question. At the top of our list was to find an outdoor venue that was local and allowing us to bring in our own vendors. Since we were also only considering BYO venues, we definitely needed all the extra time to we could get. Living in Encinitas, the San Diego Botanic Gardens was the perfect fit. We fell in love with the lush greenery and how each part of the gardens was so different—the various themed gardens made for amazing photos!
Sounds like the perfect timeline. Cheers to the happy couple!
Photography: Geoff Rivers Photography / Venue: San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas, CA / Coordination & Florals: MD FLORA / Hair: Stephanie Wirkus Hair / Makeup: Emily Mejia Makeup / Invitations & Paper Goods: Design by Laney / Cake: Küchlein Bakery / Dessert: The Baked Bear / Coffee Favors: Dark Horse Coffee Roasters / Rentals: Folklore / Catering: MIHO / Bar: Barçon Cocktail Co. / Band: Republic of Music / DJ: Glasz Productions / Officiant: Friend / Photobooth: Pixter / Dance Floor Rental: Affairs Party Rentals / Bride’s Dress: Essence of Australia from The White Flower / Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Veil: Handmade / Engagement Ring: Ritani / Other Jewelry & Accessories: Family / Earrings: BHLDN / Hair Accessory: A Bit of Love on Etsy / Bridesmaids Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu / Robes: Piyama / Bracelets: Kendra Scott / Groom’s Suit: Bar III / Shoes: Cole Haan / Tie: Original Penguin / Groomsmen Suits: Jos A. Bank
