The Bold + Vibrant Vibe of This California Wedding Was Inspired by Baz Luhrmann’s “Romeo + Juliet”

“When Megan first came to us, we set out to design a high gothic fantasy wedding. But, once she found the dress, we knew everything had to change.” Sometimes, the right wedding gown can rewrite your wedding vision, and that’s exactly how the planners of Moonbeam Weddings + Events remember *the* dress inspiring the bold + love-struck design vision that became Megan + Gavin’s San Juan Capistrano, CA wedding. 

“The gown was so romantic that the natural choice became Romeo and Juliet — but not the typical version,” Moonbeam shares. “The couple wanted something bold, colorful, and full of life so the inspiration quickly became Baz Luhrmann’s vibrant 1996 film, with its iconic primary colors and modern flair.”

You know it well: Claire Danes, Leo DiCaprio, angel wings, flickering neon, the iconically romantic fish tank scene 😍 Australian director Baz Luhrmann (the man behind such famously maximalist flicks as Moulin Rouge, The Great Gatsby, Elvis, and Strictly Ballroom) breathed fresh life into Elizabethan drama in 1996 with Romeo + Juliet and has had all of us in a Shakespearean chokehold with it ever since. It’s bold, it’s dramatic, it’s achingly romantic, and it was the perfect jumping off point for Megan + Gavin’s wedding day’s design.

“The first step was finding the perfect venue,” Moonbeam remembers, “and Serra Plaza delivered with its open courtyard, glittering chandeliers, and dramatic fountain. A dream backdrop for a romance-filled ceremony!”

Joe+Kathrina took such glorious photos throughout the day, and we can’t wait to show you all of the rich + colorful details that made Megan + Gavin’s wedding the modern take on Shakespearean romance that it was. And, of course, the lacy statement-sleeve wedding dress that started it all!

“We worked together for over a year to translate their vision into a cohesive, immersive brand experience,” says stationer Paper Love Spell. “From there, I expanded their palette and concept to build out their full ‘wedding world.'” And that’s how the vision grew to become a unique aesthetic “dripping in moody, vintage, dramatic, romantic, and fun opulence,” as Paper Love Spell puts it.

But soft! Behold the stunning Rue de Seine gown that set the entire wedding design vision in motion. And to add some modern-meets-historical structure to the look, bride Megan paired it with this amazing corset from SAINT Bridal Couture.

Obsessed with the way the rich red rose details of this floral bridal hairpiece from Etsy popped against Megan’s raven locks and pearly white wedding veil.

“Megan’s dress was beautiful on its own,” Moonbeam recalls. “But then she added the corset, and it completely elevated her look. The veil, the flowers in her hair and a sentimental necklace finished off her look.”

“Not to be outdone, Gavin’s look equally had layers,” says Moonbeam of Gavin’s incredible embroidered groom suits. “He had his initials on his cuffs and his mother’s necklace around his wrist.”

As Juliet famously says in Act II scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet, “That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.” You’ll see a lot of show stopping floral arrangements from Willow Garden full of deep-red roses throughout Megan + Gavin’s day, but this bridal bouquet with its wide satin ribbons is one of our fave creations.

We know Megan’s bridal silhouette has you dreaming in boho, so definitely don’t miss our collection of the best boho wedding dresses!!

Loving the retro drama of this red-lipped winged-liner wedding makeup look and soft curl half-up bridal hairstyle by Emily Lynn + Co..

Under the Chandeliers

“We covered the space in lush red florals and floating candles for an ethereal atmosphere, then layered in the film’s signature electric blues,” Moonbeam shares of how they brought that trademark Baz Luhrmann richness to the venue’s courtyard.

We can’t get over how vivid the red florals look against these subtle + elegant champagne bridesmaid dresses!

A Rich Red Reception

“One of my favorite moments was the custom seating chart — something I gifted the couple,” shares paper goods genius Paper Love Spell. “Willow Garden helped bring that vision to life with stunning florals that perfectly tied into the branding aesthetic.” 

This custom monogrammed embroidered hoop for rings has such a distinctly Old World charm to it! (Plus: what a meaningful heirloom to pass down!! 🥹)

The ornate mini mirror table numbers add such a playful opulence to the tablsescape!

Baker Party Rentals, Sundrop Vintage, and Signature Party Rentals came together to outfit the celebration with all of its major motion picture-worthy decor + details.

Our Musical Choices
Processional
"Autumn Morning" (Shin Giwon Piano Cover) -- for wedding party || "Peach" (Shin Giwon Piano Cover) -- for bride Recessional:  
Recessional
"Enchanted" (Sam Yung Cover) First Dance:  
First Dance
"First Dance" by Norah Jones 

“The highlight?” Moonbeam muses: “A surprise drag queen performance by Romi Michelle LiqCour that paid homage to Mercutio’s legendary scene ending the night with everyone singing and dancing to “Young Hearts Run Free.”

And that expertly timed musical moment came courtesy of Sound For Ceremony.

As Leo says in the movie: “Did my heart love ’til now? Forswear its sight. For I never saw true beauty ’til this night.” Our hearts are seriously loving this bold Romeo + Juliet inspired wedding day. Megan + Gavin, GWS wishes you two not-so-star-cross’d lovers nothing but the best!!