Born + raised in Southern California, Jackie + Matt knew they wanted their wedding day to pay homage to the natural beauty and culture of their hometown that they’ve grown to know + love over the years. They hoped their celebration would have a cool Southern California vibe and as soon as they stepped foot on the picturesque grounds of San Diego Botanic Gardens – the only venue they visited in person – they knew they’d found the perfect place to bring their vision to life!
Jackie shares, We wanted native California plants and flowers and succulents and cacti. For our food, we wanted to celebrate our love of food trucks and Mexican food! We also felt our wedding needed to fit our personalities. We wanted an intimate wedding with people we knew and loved. Our goal was to celebrate our marriage with as little stress as possible and have a great party with good food and great music! Most importantly, we wanted the moments of the day captured in beautiful photographs so we spent the most energy looking for our photographers and planners.
Shout out to The Great Romance Photo + Hello Gem Events, mentioned above, for their beautiful work on this gorgeous wedding!
Jackie: It's so hard to pinpoint an exact favorite moment, but getting to see Matt before the ceremony for our first look was such a special moment. It was the only time during the wedding that we felt alone and seeing him gave me such a calm before the ceremony. He always puts me at ease when I'm stressed and that moment was no exception. He also looked so handsome; I was so ready to get married!
Matt: I also have many favorite moments but hearing our vows and being pronounced husband and wife was the best feeling. Afterwards, getting to take pictures alone with our photographers and have some private time to walk through the gardens was great.
Shop this entire wedding in our guide below!
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Processional: Sea of Love – Cat Power
Recessional: Signed, Sealed, Delivered – Stevie Wonder
First Dance: You Are the Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne
Hello Gem Events not only styled the entire setting, but also designed the beyond gorgeous florals which echoed the feel of the garden surroundings.
We would highly recommend getting at least a day-of coordinator! Having professionals in charge of the big day and the set up meant the world to us. As a bride, I wanted to be able to be as relaxed as possible and enjoy the day with my mother and sisters and friends. Knowing that everything was being taken care of by Chelsea and Christy meant everything!
photography: The Great Romance Photo // venue name: San Diego Botanic Garden, San Diego, California // event design: Hello Gem Events // planning: Hello Gem Events // florals: Hello Gem Events // wedding dress: BHLDN // paper goods: Hello Gem Events // catering: MIHO Gastrotruck // music: Party People San Diego -- partypeoplesandiego.comphoto booth: Pixster Photo Booths // wedding cake: VG Bakery // rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Absolutely stunning, simple elegance defined here – and loving the giant aloe plant decor!
Beautiful imagery! Well captured!
Good and inspiring set of images. Beautiful photographed details!