Traditional Style Takes on a Modern Twist in This Earthy Old Towne Orange Wedding

bride and groom smiling under floral ceremony arch in windowed indoor venue

Kristine and Nick’s relationship started out like a scene in a romantic comedy. The couple met in school in fashion class where they both were pursuing a career in the fashion industry. These two creatively spirited lovebirds were able to incorporate their love for fashion not only into their budding relationship and eventually, their wedding day.

We wanted to be able to say, “We made that!” By putting both of our creative talents to work, we were able to spend a lot of quality time together making displays/installs, tiled pillars, and leather catchalls

Their celebration was held at Grand Gimeno in Old Towne Orange, California. It incorporated handmade elements crafted by the couple that really made the wedding feel like “them”. They then trusted Events by the Cea to handle every meticulous detail to pull off their fabulous event. Sydney Noelle Photography captured every pretty and emotional picture that will last a lifetime.

A Fresh Take on Traditional

bridesmaids in olive green dresses helping a bride fix her veil

A classic, timeless aesthetic was the inspiration for Kristine and Nick’s wedding. After COVID put a hold on their original plans for a trendy and colorful affair, the couple decided to go back to the basics, with a modern twist. bride with long blonde hair in a silk wedding gown and simple makeup

Kristine’s choice of a Madi Lane dress was a fantastic one – but that doesn’t mean it was easy! After trying on a whopping 71 wedding dresses, Kristine finally found the one that was meant for her. 

At first, I thought I wanted a super detailed dress and tried on a lot of styles like that, but they all felt very not ‘me’. If it wasn’t over the top, I wanted the polar opposite, something simple and classic that made me feel beautiful…I tried on my perfect dress and I knew my opinionated fiancé would love it too! I felt like an angel and that was it!

embroidered wedding veil

embroidered wedding veil

If you thought we were done with the pretty dress details – you’re wrong! An extra special touch was added in the form of an embroidered veil. On the end of the train were lyrics from Nick and Kristine’s song, “Overwhelmed” by Tim McMorris.

The People You Love

Olive Green Bridesmaids

Kristine’s bride squad was dressed to the nines in their matching sage green gowns. An excellent choice for their organic, earthy theme.

groomsmen and groom in all-black suits

The men kept things classic with black jackets and white dress shirts. Nick wore a sleek all-black ensemble.

All Black Wedding groom's suit

bride and groom first look in Old Orange Towne, California

Kristine approached Nick in a first look they’ll remember forever.

bride crying during first look

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

We both said our first look was the most memorable. I think there was just a lot of bottled-up emotion (almost 2 years worth) that we were finally able to release at this moment. It felt like everything was finally actually happening after postponing for so long.

bride and groom happily posing after their first look

bridesmaids and groomsmen smile as bride and groom share a kiss on their wedding day

Labor of Love

hand-cut marble wedding signage

As we teased before, there were many elements of this wedding that were lovingly handcrafted by the happy couple. You’re looking right at one of those things! Kristine found this stunning piece of marble and hammered it away to give it a beautiful, raw edge. What a stunning DIY wedding piece!

wedding ceremony with ghost chairs and natural light from large windows

Our Musical Choices

Processional: To Build A Home by The Cinematic Orchestra

Recessional: I Believe In A Thing Called Love by The Darkness

First Dance: Overwhelmed by Tim McMorris

greenery and floral wedding ceremony arch

Everything about this arch is to die for! Fleur.ish created an organic and earthy ceremony arch that perfectly captured the couple’s theme. The greenery to floral ratio harkens back to traditional wedding decor, but with an elevated, modern twist!

bride and groom at ceremony altar in Old Orange Towne

bride and groom sharing their first kiss in front of a greenery and floral ceremony arch

A special “something blue” was incorporated all throughout while the couple said “I Do”! The blue framing of the venue’s windows were a symbol of the venue’s well wishes for the bride and groom.

bride excitedly pumping fist after being pronounced husband and wife

bride and groom hugging and smiling while exiting their wedding ceremony venue

Cheers to the newlywed husband and wife!

A Peek Into Forever

groom in gold wedding band and bride with solitaire engagement ring and curved wedding band

Nick is officially donning a gold wedding band from Nuggets & Carats for life! Kristine’s pear engagement ring was paired with a curved wedding band by Anna Sheffield.

black and white photo of bride and groom holding hands walking towards their wedding reception

bride and groom standing under outdoor rattan lanterns

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Ask for help when you need it. Stay open-minded at your dress appointments. Give your vendors some creative freedom. Don’t sweat the small stuff!

Grand Gimeno Orange California Wedding

Earthy, (Cali)terranean Paradise

modern three tiered wedding bar

Not only does Kristine work in the catering industry with Jay’s Catering, but she and Nick also fancy themselves cocktail enthusiasts. A stellar bar was crucial to have on their big day!

pink and bourbon signature wedding cocktails

Their custom-made signature cocktails were The Botanical (a nod to where Kristine and Nick tied the knot during their micro wedding in 2020) and The Saddleback (the school that they attended and met in Fashion Design class).

gold mirror seating chart

Following along with the free-flowing, organic theme were these amazing gold mirrored seating charts. The cutouts were shaped to represent ponds of water.

round tables and ghost chairs for outdoor wedding reception

sweetheart table with floral and greenery arch

The sweetheart table was a site to see! Not only is it visually stunning, but it was another instance of Kristine and Nick pouring their love into their wedding. The couple handcrafted the two tiled pillars framing their seats and garnished the background with an additional floral arch.

Grand Gimeno Orange California Wedding

Grand Gimeno Orange California Wedding

The hints of “something blue” carried on into the reception with delicately placed light blue flowers on each table.

outdoor wedding reception in Old Orange Town, California

leather favor wall

Guests were treated to handmade leather catchalls as wedding favors. The couple’s hard work in DIYing contributed to the woodwork behind the signage and shelving. 

leather favor wall

‘Til Death Do Us Party

bride and groom holding "till death" wedding flag

Grand Gimeno Orange California Wedding

The reception air was filled with the sound of killer music! The Oldies, Hip-Hop, and Pop-Punk all made stylish appearances at Nick and Kristine’s wedding.

Bride sipping a cocktail

bride and groom kissing at sweetheart table

Congratulations, Kristine and Nick! Your wedding was picture perfect, and the team at GWS wishes you a lifetime of happiness!

photography: Sydney Noelle Photography // venue name: Grand Gimeno, Orange, California, USA // event design: Kristine Montgomery // planning: Events by the Cea // florals: Fleur.ish // wedding dress: Madi Lane Bridal 'Fawn' // wedding dress boutique: Luv Bridal // hairpiece: Hermione de Paula (custom) // bride's shoes: Marc Fisher // bride's ring: Anna Sheffield // bridesmaid dresses: Baltic Born // hair stylist: Julie Hiles Beauty // makeup artist: Julie Hiles Beauty // groom attire: Mens Warehouse // groom's shoes: Thursday Boots // groom's ring: Nuggets & Carats // videography: Hector Mejia // paper goods: Velvet Fox Designs // handmade details: Bride + Groom // catering: Jay's Catering // cake: Jay's Catering // desserts: Jay's Catering // tabletop rentals: Bright Event Rentals // furniture rentals: Witty Rentals // linen rentals: BBJ Linen // specialty rentals: Sundrop Vintage // officiant: John Garcia // lighting: Team Impulse Events // photo booth: Desert Luna Photobooths // cocktails: Pour by Jay's // additional linens: La Tavola Fine Linen // dance floor: Team Impulse Events // seating chart ponds: Velvet Fox Designs

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