We’re calling this one a cosmic love—written in the stars! Ashley + Teo have always been enamored with constellations, the universe, and the beauty of space; therefore, they wanted to incorporate a celestial-inspired theme to their day. But with planning a wedding in San Diego whilst on the East Coast, they had to make sure everything was simplified and special, and The Best Wedding Co. made that happen!
Ashley shares: I would find items and repurpose them in order to keep my DIY time to a minimum while still exuding style and our starry theme. Teo and I both knew we wanted to get married in San Diego since that is where we met and fell in love. We had several locations in mind after our initial search, but they always fell through either due to cost or vendor requirements. My mom found Nan Couts Cottage after searching online, knowing we wanted an outdoor ceremony and a place that we could execute our celestial vision. Once we were ready to book, we learned that a gorgeous, fig-covered brick arch known as The West Terrace was attached to the La Mesa Recreation Center in the same park! It was the perfect backdrop for our ceremony. We took a leap of faith by booking the cottage. It wasn’t what we originally had in mind, but it was absolutely the perfect canvas for our theme.
Ready to be starstruck? Let’s wander through the photos snapped by AshGabes Photography:
The Outfit
Ashley shares: I knew I didn’t want to wear white and since pink is my favorite color, it had to be included somehow. I searched high and low for months on end, but I couldn’t find anything online that I wanted. So, I started searching evening gowns, prom dresses, and other non-wedding categories to see what I could find. I then found Fame and Partners’ website where the first image I saw was the Claudie gown: a pink and white gingham taffeta dress with fabric overlay and boned bodice. I was in LOVE!
Ruffles + frills, we’re seriously crushing on these Avec Les Filles heels.
The Wedding Party
To contrast the pink gingham print, the wedding party rocked dark blue hues. Also, do you LOVE that floral tie? Check out our GWS x Neck & Tie Co. collaboration here!
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Way to rock the Topman!
Teo and I met 5 years ago on OkCupid. He immediately caught my eye, not because of his photo (though he was SUPER cute) but because of what he wrote. He was the only guy who didn’t comment on my looks right away; he responded to a part of my profile and we started a conversation to get to know each other better. Once he knew pink was my favorite color, he even found a video on Youtube explaining the science behind it and sent it to me. It was the sweetest gesture! When it came to our first date, we talked so long at dinner that we almost missed our movie! We then made up any excuse to keep the date going: coffee, dessert, and then we drove to a park near my apartment and talked for hours under the stars.
After 2 1/2 years of dating, Teo received an amazing job opportunity across the country in Connecticut, and thus we embarked on a long-distance relationship for two years. We traveled back and forth multiple times while juggling full-time jobs, dogs, part-time school, dance rehearsals, and thousands of miles. It was incredibly difficult, but we both wore “Love Knows No Distance” bracelets the whole time we were apart as a great reminder of how much we meant to each other. In the end, the sacrifice was worth it. At the end of my last semester, Teo flew to San Diego to visit and surprised me with a proposal! He got down on one knee in the very park where we would talk under the stars.
We always sat in our park under starry skies, and felt our love was cosmic.
The Ceremony Space
Bride: Teo’s vows. Hearing him express his love, gratitude, and honor of being my husband was the most meaningful and touching moment of my life.
Groom: The speeches. I was floored when I heard my best man’s speech and the Maid of Honor’s speech. They brought tears to my eyes and I will be forever thankful for those moments of love.
The Moody Reception
Moody meets modern, with a touch of glam! To tie in the constellation theme, they hung these stars from the ceiling. Such a cool touch, right?
Pick 3 items that mean the most to you when it comes to your wedding. For us, it was hiring someone to do the work on the day of the wedding, good music, and good food. Those were the areas where we focused our funds. It made it easier in the long run to create a budget and not feel like we were scrimping in other areas. Also, be flexible! We added our ceremony arch and videographer last minute, but it was worth it. Be open to the process and trust your gut.
Love the constellation card to indicate which table is which!
We’re simply *starry-eyed* over this galaxy cake crafted by Wednesday Cake.
How cute are these two?! To see more of the out-of-this-world magic, check out this clip from Darcy Bly:
photography: AshGabes Photography // venue name: Nan Couts Cottage, La Mesa, California, USA // event design: Bride + Groom // planning: The Best Wedding Co // florals: bride’s + bridesmaid’s bouquets by Native Poppy // wedding dress: Fame And Partners // hairpiece: veil by Blair Nadeau Bridal Adornments // bride's shoes: Avec Les Filles // bride's ring: La More Design // hair stylist: Sam Shepard, Tiger Eye Hair // makeup artist: Chelsea English Make Up Artistry // videography: Darcy Bly // paper goods: Rifle Paper Co // cake: wednesday cake // furniture rentals: Platinum Event Rentals // linen rentals: cv linens // acrylic astrology sign holders : CB2 // ceremony/reception wayfinding signs: Bride designed them // ceremony arch: Enticing Tables // moon hoops on sweetheart table: What Katy Did Next // earrings: Aldo // second shooter: Love Lee Portraits // ceremony arch flowers + reception garland on brick mantle: Costco // reception flowers on tables: Fifty Flowers // crescent moon ring: Eugenie Bee // black onyx ring: bride's grandmother’s // cake topper: Joestephs // wall tapestries: Ana Rut Bre Designs, Society6 // white star paper lanterns: Starlight Lanterns UK // silver star paper lanterns: Michaels
Wow this is just fabulous !!
Love it ! ♥