An eight-foot moon suspended above the band stage, custom-built trees rising from reception tables, and a color palette of caramel, burgundy, and green. Brittany and Austin’s wedding at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa in San Diego was a gorgeous mix of California elegance and unexpected, artful details. Planned and designed by our member, Valentina Weddings & Events and captured by Nathan George, the three-day celebration was inspired by the couple’s love of music, travel, and a few wonderfully specific requests from the groom.
The two first connected in Denver after a series of chance encounters at concerts, and music has been part of their story ever since. Think RÜFÜS DU SOL, ODESZA, and the kind of dance parties you never want to end. Naturally, they wanted their wedding to capture that same energy, balancing a romantic ceremony with a colorful, immersive reception and an unforgettable night of dancing. And you know we love a good disco wedding!
The festivities extended well beyond the wedding day, with a poolside welcome party, a Saturday morning pool party, and a sunset cruise aboard a 115-foot yacht. A full weekend of celebrating in the California sunshine? Yes, please.
The Fashion
Brittany chose an Alon Livne wedding gown for the ceremony. (Did you happen to see our NYBFW coverage of Alon’s latest collection, btw?). For the after-party, she changed into a look by Kyha, perfectly suited to a night centered around music and dancing.
Austin wore a custom tuxedo by Indochino, bringing a tailored, classic element to the couple’s wedding-day style.
A Romantic Ceremony with a Hint of Color
For the ceremony, Brittany and Austin kept things beautifully timeless. A circular, stepped platform was surrounded by lush white blooms, creating a romantic focal point against Rancho Valencia’s greenery.
The aisle, however, offered a little preview of what was to come. Flowers gradually transitioned from white into the richer tones of the cocktail hour and reception, connecting the different spaces through color. It’s one of those thoughtful design decisions that makes an entire wedding feel cohesive without everything looking exactly the same.
An Eight-Foot Moon, Custom Trees, and a Colorful Reception
Now for the really fun part. Austin had two requests from the very beginning: a moon and trees. And not just a subtle celestial reference or a few potted plants. We’re talking an enormous, eight-foot moon, custom-built, textured, and painted by hand by Lavish Design, suspended above the band stage.
Custom trees sprouted from the dining tables (yes, actual trees!), while burnt-orange draping, dramatic lighting, and layered rentals gave the outdoor reception a cozy, almost theatrical feel. It was colorful, a little unexpected, and anything but your typical wedding reception.
Rather than repeating the same tablescape throughout, Valentina designed three distinct looks using caramel, burgundy, and green, each with its own linens and napkins. Florals by Leah Mai added another layer of color and texture, while custom candles brought a little extra warmth to the tables.
Banquette seating and high chairs gathered around a circular bar kept things cozy and conversational, encouraging guests to mingle and enjoy the atmosphere.
The moon made appearances throughout the paper details as well, from the invitations to the menus and bar signage. Even the seating chart took inspiration from a RÜFÜS DU SOL song. And in one particularly cute personal touch, the couple’s cat Ellie was illustrated on cocktail napkins and stirrers.
A wedding cake by Connor Craft Cakes and a photo booth added to the festivities, but the evening’s biggest transformation was still to come.
Following dinner, toasts, and a joyful hora, a saxophonist led guests into an entirely new setting: a ballroom dressed in dark green velvet and shimmering disco balls. The after-party felt more like an intimate nightclub than a traditional wedding reception.
We love how this wedding evolved throughout the evening, from soft, romantic whites to saturated color and finally a disco-filled dance floor. Every space had its own personality, but the entire celebration felt connected by the couple’s love of music and a willingness to do things a little differently.
Because sometimes the most memorable weddings are the ones that don’t follow a formula. For Brittany and Austin, that meant a giant moon, a room full of trees, and a dance floor worthy of their favorite concert.
Congratulations to the happy couple!
Photography: Nathan George
Videography: Titus & Jo
Design and Planning: Valentina Weddings & Events
Venue and Catering: Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa |
Cruise: Flagship Cruises & Events
Florals: Leah Mai Floral Design
Hair & Makeup: KC Witkamp
Wedding Gown: Alon Livne
After Party Dress: Kyha
Groom Custom Tuxedo: Indochino
Band, Ceremony Pianist and Violinist: Downbeat
DJs: Chris Cauldron, Maximo and Nothing New
Cake: Connor Craft Cakes
Photo Booth: Tipsy Twins
Rentals, Structure, Lighting and Draping: Folklore Event Rentals
Custom Candles: Brasa Candle Rentals
Ceremony Aisle, Platform and Band Stage: Town & Country Rentals
Dance Floor: Trejo Dancefloors
Linens & Napkins: BBJ La Tavola
Welcome Sign, Seating Chart and Custom Moon: Lavish Design
Lighting, Sound and AV for After Party and Boat Cruise: Control Entertainment
Day-of Decor: Sunkissed Native
Flat Lay Styling and Props: The Flat Lays Styler
Seamstress: Bustles on Wheels
Guest Transportation: Highline Charters
