This Retro Chic Valentine’s Day Wedding Incorporated Latinx Culture And Traditions

Anybody who overlooks the possibility of a winter wedding is forgetting about the MOST ROMANTIC DAY OF THE YEAR!

Jackie + Mark got married on Valentine’s Day weekend, and they absolutely made the most of the timing. Their gleeful, love-filled celebration at Estate on Second in Santa Ana, California incorporated tons of pinks and reds and sparkle. Retro disco details and Jackie’s short bridal look are just some of the proof of the two words this couple used to guide them on their planning process:  love + fun.

“When we picked our wedding date we knew with it being Valentine’s Day weekend, love was gonna be in the air and that felt so perfect for us,” says the couple. But the thoughtful details of their day didn’t stop there. “Another big part of making our wedding completely us was incorporating our Latinx culture and traditions through the night.” Guests enjoyed mariachi during cocktail hour. The couple included the money dance—a Mexican cultural tradition. And between the reception and after party, the bride + groom led their guests in a callejoneada—or wedding parade—complete with custom piñatas!

And let’s not forget their beloved pups!! Jackie + Mark’s dogs Teddy and Nigel were included every step of the way, and yes, it it exactly as adorable as you’re thinking it is.

Coordinator Yamileth from Magical Events By Yami helped pull the whole thing together and kept it running smoothly. And Corazon Photography was there to take tons of gorgeous pictures. 

Let’s check it out!

Brace yourself for this amazing red reception look! This pic is a little sneak preview of the Like Strawberries Princess Dress by Selkie that Jackie rocked towards the end of the night. And WOW how much do you love that custom white denim jacket with the fringe detail?!

Como La Flor created florals full of lots of romantic pinks and reds. Those pink feathers are giving major lovey-dovey vibes!

Jackie never tried on a single wedding dress. Can you believe?! From the start she knew exactly what she wanted: something short, retro, and custom. She reached out to Tony Bridal with some inspiration pics and they took it from there! “If you are thinking about getting your dress made I say just do it!” says Jackie. “Having something made specially for you on such a special day is priceless!”

If you adore the pearl details and short silhouette of Jackie’s dress as much as we do but a custom gown isn’t an option, take a look at the Willowby by Watters Matilda Tulle Convertible Wedding Gown from Anthropologie Weddings!

Jackie’s perfect, pearly ankle boots are the Betsy Johnson Cady Boots in Ivory!

We’re swooning for this maroon! So into Mark’s chic alternative to typical groom style. Take a look at this maroon menswear look from ASOS if you’re digging it, too!

Loving Jackie’s elegant bridal pony.

VERY into an all-black bridal party look! Check out our favorite black bridesmaid dresses in every style.

The Ceremony

Clear guest seating like Jackie + Mark used is a great way to keep your ceremony space feeling super open and airy!

Would it even be a Valentine’s Wedding without a custom heart-shaped neon sign?!

Our Musical Choices
			
Processional: "First Day of my Life" by Bright Eyes & "XOXO" by Beyoncé (acoustic version)
			
			
Recessional: "You Make My Dreams Come True" by Daryl Hall & John Oates
			
			
First Dance: "And I Love Her" by The Beatles & "Beyond" by Leone Bridges
			
		

The chandeliers in Estate on Second amp up the old-world romance of the moment.

We love that they created this painting together for their unity ceremony. Looking for additional unique creative unity ceremony ideas? We got you.

Jackie’s VEIL! Also a custom piece from Tony Bridal. We can’t get over the pink and red embroidered floral edging.

How great are Mark’s suit-matching maroon Nike high-tops?

This wedding has us deep in Valentine’s Day daydreams. Explore some of our fave cute Valentine’s Day outfits!

HERE THEY ARE! Teddy + Nigel. And yes, they are wearing little tuxedos!!

If you need more canine cuteness, here are 15 times dogs in weddings totally stole the show.

The Reception

Mark is a woodworker and Jackie is a kindergarten teacher, so this day included plenty of DIY projects including the disco J+M on the sweetheart table!

Jackie + Mark’s seating chart included handwritten letters for each guest.

Audio guest books like this one are a super-fun, retro alternative to your typical pen-and-paper option!

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding
Our first dance was such a special moment for us. We picked two of OUR songs (And I love her -The Beatles & Beyond -Leone Bridges) and had practiced a fancy spin a few times and of course the day before we couldn’t remember it. Which is very on brand for us.

Jackie: "Planning a wedding showcased my planning skills but with some things like our first dance we let our “go with the flow” mentality take lead and that of course was perfect for us. I almost fell as I got caught up in my veil but we played it off and it turned out to be such a fun memorable moment we got to share with all of our loved ones."

A nod to Teddy + Nigel on the wedding cake!

Veuve Clicquot…but make it DISCO!

Our Advice To Those Planning Now
Our advice to any brides and grooms planning a wedding is to just do you! Everyone at your wedding is there for you and are so happy to be part of such a special day. Don’t be afraid to color outside the lines. It is your wedding and your rules. Only you know how to do YOU and no one else does it better. Research your vendors and ask questions. Share your vision with them because at the end of the night you are trusting them with such an important day. Lastly, take it all in! It really goes by so quick!

Didn’t we tell you this red reception dress would be amazing?! Jackie + Mark made their way to the after party in a traditional Mexican callejoneada, and this retro flash photo moment captured all the love ❤️ (Here’s a list of red wedding dresses we’re obsessed with, btw, if Jackie’s second look has you in the mood for something rouge.)

So happy for you Jackie + Mark!! We really did fall in love with your Valentine’s Day Wedding!! Congrats from GWS!!