Fun Santa Margarita Ranch Wedding: Niki + Will

santa margarita wedding

Since both the bride + groom are big time into comedy (Niki is a writer for The Office and Will is an actor), they knew their day wouldn’t be too stuffy or serious. They choose the super rad Santa Margarita Ranch as the location for their festivities and they let their guests know from the beginning with their jokey save the dates that the day would be a fun party – with silly aspects to both the ceremony + reception. Love all the fun + personal aspects to their day and of course the stunning photos from onelove photography along with the event design by Love & Splendor. Congrats to Niki + Will!

santa margarita wedding

wedding invite

bride wearing jean jacket

groomsmen

first look

first look


How cute are they??!! Such a sweet first look.

bride and groom

bride and groom

pink and green bouquet

wedding program

vintage doors


Instead of doing the traditional jewish chuppa, Will built us this amazing backdrop out of three different, shabby-chic-esque screen doors he found out at a re-sale shop in Pasadena. Then he spent the next few weeks crafting his butt off, creating the multi-colored paper spiral flowers that he attached to them as decoration. It was exactly what we wanted: different, colorful, and fun.

outdoor wedding

santa margarita wedding

santa margarita wedding

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

Our readings and our vows! We had our two close friends Rob & Taylor read a scene from Quentin Tarantino's "True Romance" It was truly magical. Also our friend Bill read a hilarious poem by Steve Martin. And finally, our dear pal Lydia read a romantic Rumi poem. It was amazing. Aside from our vows and the ceremony, our dance party was off the chain!!! We just had the greatest group of friends assembled that really brought their A-game. People tore that dance floor up! It could not have been better food or music. And there certainly could not have been more love under one roof.

santa margarita wedding

santa margarita wedding

Our Musical Choices

Processional: "You're So Cool" from "True Romance" & The London Suede's cover of The Pretenders "Brass in Pocket"

Recessional: "Jackson" by Johnny Cash + June Carter

First Dance: "Dancin' in the Moonlight" by King Harvest

bridal party

bride and groom

wedding drinks

live band at wedding

succulent favors

wedding bib


As for our flowers, we decided to go all DIY on it (scary!) and did a succulent theme. We bought a ton of succulents, ordered some cute tins off ETSY, and then had a succulent planting party with some besties. We used them for our centerpieces and then found tiny succulents in little tin pales (also off ETSY) to use as our escort cards/party favors. Each table was named after one of my Texan father’s famous sayings (the man has a way with words.)

southern phrases

chalkboard wedding sign

first dance

first dance


I love their personalized bibs with their wedding logo – two back to back guns that go into a heart and read “Have fun. Get Messy.” Oh, and maybe you recognize one of their groomsmen? :)

wedding bib

pie bar

bride and groom cutting the pie


Both Will and I as well as ALL of our guests stayed at the Madonna Inn and it was a HOOT. So much fun. They also hosted our after party in their Silver Bar that was a full on dance party from 11-2AM. They provided food and a cash bar and a huge dance floor. They also let us use our own music. It was fabulous. I also wanted to mention that our shuttle buses were wonderful! Ride-On Transportation took everybody from The Madonna Inn to the Ranch and back. They were super great.

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

My only advice would be to have fun, try not to freak out, and don't sweat the small stuff. At the end of the day, nobody remembers whether or not the LED votives you bought were cute or not, they remember the food, the music, and most importantly, the vibe of the group you've brought together. They remember the party!

photography: onelove photography // venue: Santa Margarita Ranch // event design + planner: Angel Swanson and Michelle Cardona at Love & Splendor // wedding dress, shoes + bridesmaid dresses: Jcrew // hair + makeup: Felicia Howe of Primrose Organic // groom suit: Bloomingdales // invitations + paper goods: DIY // catering: Trumpet Vine Catering // pie: The Avila Barn // music: Red Shoe // transportation: Ride-On Transportation

 

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