I’ll be there for you… Can we start today off with a round of synchronized claps for this darling duo? When Steve + Laura began planning their wedding with Lucky Day Events Co., they decided on a sort of romantic + moody vibe with organic textures, wild florals, and mixed metals. However, they really wanted to incorporate something that would make the day more “them.” (We TOTALLY hear you!)
Laura shares: We’re not a serious couple—so anything too formal wouldn’t fit for us. Then as we were sitting at home one evening, watching “Friends” for the bazillionth time (not even exaggerating—we have entire conversations in “Friends” quotes), we realized it HAD to be incorporated into the wedding. After that, everything kind of fell into place. Steven constructed all the main pieces (ceremony triangle and sign structures), and I went to work on the details…and I swear, I almost cried when we saw everything put together for the first time.
Oh yeah, did we mention that they DIYed almost everything? We’re calling this the one where they get married! Let’s wander through the “screenplay” and take a peek at all the memorable moments captured by feather + north at Franciscan Gardens! (*clap clap clap clap*)
Wouldn’t Rachel absolutely ADORE these Badgley Mischka kicks?
The First Look
“Hey, how YOU doin’?”
She rocked an altered Maple gown by Hayley Paige…and our jaws just about dropped.
Laura shares: I bought a pre-owned dress, and made minor design changes to the back so that it was “one of a kind.” My hair accessory was a clearance belt from David’s Bridal that I cut apart and turned into a hair piece!
Could they be any cuter?
The Wedding Party
All of her best gal friends wore these subdued rust gowns from Lulu*s. Which we could *totally* see ourselves wearing!
No spray tans necessary here! Don’t the groom + groomsmen look dapper as ever?
The Ceremony
That ceremony arch? They built it! We’re all for DIYing whatever you can! Mulberry and Moss added an elevated + textured touch with the pampas grass, proteas, eucalyptus and assortment of florals.
Laura: Walking down the aisle. Hands down. Even though we did a first look before the ceremony, there is something so powerful in seeing each other, and being in that moment, surrounded by your closest friends and family. I must have blacked out during the remainder of the ceremony (because I can't recall the vows to save my life!)—but I vividly remember the doors opening, and the feeling of walking towards him. I had goosebumps the whole way down the aisle.
Steven: The look on everyone's faces when we did The Routine. No one knew except me and Laura—we didn't even tell her mom. It was something we'd practiced and kept a complete secret. We even snuck away during the cocktail hour, pulled out the laptop and practiced one last time in the bridal suite. Laura taught me how dance with "1,2,3,4" counts. And I pretty much nailed it.
A little story about the proposal: I’d suspected a ring was coming…fbut wasn’t sure exactly how or when. I packed at least half a dozen “perfect outfits” for the vacation we were planning down to Cabo. The day before the trip, my boss dismissed me early from work to “let me prep for the trip.” As I walked out to my car, a town car and driver interrupt me with a note: “Welcome to the Scavenger Hunt!”
We proceeded to drive around Southern California, clue by clue leading me to significant locations throughout our relationship (our first date, our first weekend away, where we said ‘I love you’). The hunt ended in Laguna Beach where he got down on one knee. We spent the next few hours face-timing our family and friends with the news! He’d made reservations at Mama D’s (our first date location) to celebrate…but, by the time we notified everyone and got home, we were so exhausted that we opted for PJs, Domino’s pizza, and cheap wine.
The Newlyweds
Enjoy planning TOGETHER. It's something you only do once—so make sure to compromise and make it FUN. Don't let stress or budget or others' opinions spoil the process. When things do get overwhelming, step away for a few days. Do a date night or mini-staycation. Reconnect and remember why you're doing all this. In the end, you'll end up with drool-worthy centerpieces and an arcade basketball game.
The Living Room Lounge
We’re not kidding when we said they DIYed a ton. Their list of creations includes: invitation design + calligraphy all done by the bride, all wedding signage (welcome, bridal party, seating chart, quotes, etc.), table numbers, place cards, menus, donut wall, ceremony triangle, groomsmen gifts (bottle openers), favors (mini honey jars), and champagne flutes (Mrs. Ross + Mr. Rachel). Color us IMPRESSED!
Quick, everyone grab a coffee cup and go sit on the couch + engagement in sarcastic comments and witty banter.
The Dinner Party
We do love a good set of string lights over expertly set tables. 24 Carrots Catering + Events provided all the delicious bites, while the tables were decorated with pieces from Sundrop Vintage.
Isn’t this color palette absolutely divine? Dusty rose + subdued hues, for the win!!
The tables were lined with these ultra-chic acrylic signs, featuring tons of their favorite Friends quotes—LOVE THIS!!
Central Perk Delights
Of course, there was a “He’s Her Lobster” cake topper on top of this beauty from Grace and Honey Cakes.
Coffee, by none other than Central Perk. ;)
Carousel
Carousel
And that concludes The One Where They Get Married! How much fun was that?!
And in case you want even more of a recap, check out the full episode from Theater10:
photography: feather + north // venue name: Franciscan Gardens, San Juan Capistrano, California, USA // planning: Lucky Day Events Co. // florals: Mulberry and Moss // wedding dress: Hayley Paige 'Maple' // bridesmaid dresses: Lulu's // getting ready robes: Plum Pretty Sugar // hair stylist: Prive Beauty Group // makeup artist: Prive Beauty Group // groom attire: Nordstrom // videography: Theater10 // paper goods: The bride // calligraphy: The bride // handmade details: The bride // catering: 24 Carrots Catering + Events // cake: Grace and Honey Cakes // tabletop rentals: Sundrop Vintage // furniture rentals: Sundrop Vintage // music: VOX DJs
Wow this is gorgeous. Reminds me of parts of Greece 😍 amazing the DIY elements too. Beautiful!