Secret Garden Wedding: Allison + Paul

bride and groom

Today’s wedding is inspired by one of Allison’s favorite classic English novels,”The Secret Garden” along with a bit of romance from Jane Austin. So many sweet English garden details in their wedding from the gorgeous floral invitations to the bouquets to the ceremony decor and floral centerpieces at the reception. So much prettiness designed by Canvas & Canopy Events and photographed by John Schnack Photography!

A bit more from Allison, “For the wedding, I wanted guests to feel like they’d been transported to an English garden and into a slightly different time. That’s where the theme started and then it morphed from there to a vintage English/boho feel. Obviously, this theme was more about me than my husband (and he was fantastic about it) so I wanted to do something at the wedding that was specifically for him. So, we designed a “gentlemen’s corner” at the reception that was vintage golf themed (since my husband loves to golf) with antique clubs, tee signs, plaid pillows and golf ball cake pops as well as other manly touches like antlers and vintage cut glass alcohol bottles and decanters.”

floral wedding invitation

vintage bride

bridesmaids

fan

Our Musical Choices

Processional: Pachelbel's Canon in D

Recessional: Gavotte in A from Oreste – Handel

First Dance: Thank You – Led Zeppelin

vintage doors

bright floral aisle decor

wedding program

bride and groom

bride and groom

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

Since I moved to San Diego, I've been hearing about the "green flash" - the pop of bright green light that happens on clear days just as the sun sets over the horizon - but I'd never seen it. During our dinner on the upper terrace of the hotel, I finally saw the green flash for the first (and only) time and I'll never forget my husband leaning over and kissing me right then. It was a magical moment!

flowers in vases

factual napkins

reception

floral napkins

vintage plates

floral table numbers

floral table numbers

vintage rug decor

bust floral centerpiece

wedding lounge

dessert bar bookcase

floral dessert tags

bride and groom kiss


I wanted to mention one of my favorite items from the wedding – our guest books. To fit with the theme, we decided to use old books and have blank pages inserted inside and then we had a Polaroid camera available for people to take pictures with a cool backdrop of a vintage door and bench and flowers. It was a lot of fun and I still flip through the books and look at all the funny pictures and messages from the people we love. It was such a special little touch that I was so happy we put the effort into. Those are the types of things that are totally worth all the effort at the end of the day! And I have to give credit to Lee Steiner who was so great to work with and did such a fabulous job with the books.

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

I think the biggest thing to remember is that no matter how much preparation you do ahead of time, the last few weeks will be crazy and that's normal. I also would advise brides to surround themselves with the people that will make things easier for them and understand completely (and still love you) if and when you start to slightly lose your mind at the end. Finally, if you can afford it, hire a coordinator/planner. It takes so much burden off not only you but also your family and then everyone can just relax the day of and have fun (rather than running around setting up and tearing down at the end).

photography: John Schnack Photography // event design: Cortnie with Canvas & Canopy Events // event planner: Alison of L’Auberge Del Mar // venue: L’Auberge Del Mar Del Mar, California// floral design: Isari Flower Studio + Event Design // wedding dress: Mystere by Claire Pettibone // hairpieces: Renee Pawele Bride // shoes: Prada // bridesmaid dresses: Custom skirts by D’Marie Couture // hair + makeup: Hair by Gianina Contin of Diesel Salon and makeup by Claudia Gonzalez Varga of Alexis K // groom suit: Jos. A. Bank // paper goods: Invitation from Seaside Papery and day of paper as well as custom painted sign by Lucky to Be in Love // catering: L’Auberge Del Mar // cake: Sweet Cheeks Baking Company // music: Wayne Foster Entertainment // vintage rentals: Urban Barn // dinnerware, rugs, and goblets: Casa De Perrin

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