The New Children’s Museum in San Diego is a wonderfully eclectic venue brimming with all things cheery and whimsical. Playing off of its design + color palette, Afton + Reid were able to tell their whole love story in a very creative manner, with the help of event designer, Lace and Likes, and planner, Kingsley and Co Events.
Here’s the bride with a bit about the inspiration: Mid-mod gets thrown around a lot these days, but we really gravitated toward the clean lines, pops of color, and geometric shapes associated with that style. With color palettes and design boards taking shape, we just needed the right environment to create the experience we wanted. When pictures of the New Children’s Museum came up on an afternoon of searching, the connection was immediate. As a couple, we’re both playful and lighthearted. We were thrilled at how seamlessly the museum would reflect that.
Proceed to the party + see all the fun snaps captured by Studio Castillero!
A lively location means you’ve got to rock fun shoes, right?!
The Florals
Siren Floral Co. crafted one bright + poppy bouquet, brimming with peachy pink ranunculus, yellow anemones, and a touch of texture.
The First Look
Oh my goodness, their expressions!!
How absolutely stunning does Afton look in her Berta Bridal gown?! Um, that deep V and those all lace sleeves… plus that intricate beading. So, so good.
Whimsical Wedding Portraits
Do they look good together or what?!
GORGEOUS.
When you’ve got walls + backdrops as fun as this one — you’ve got to use it for portraits! I mean it says, “Stand here and think about someone you love!” That’s just begging for a photo op.
The Wedding Party
The wedding party all rocked classic black and white, and we love it! So modern, so fresh, so cool.
The Ceremony
Do you adore those hanging florals by Siren Floral Co. as much as us? We love that they’re displayed at different levels to add even more flare + interest.
Afton walked the first part of the aisle alone in memory of her father, who had passed away a year and a half earlier, and finished it on the arm of her 92-year old grandfather.
Processional: Groom: Hallelujah (acoustic ukulele) by Jake Shimabukuro; Bride: I Will Follow You by Toulouse
Recessional: I Do by The Marvelows
First Dance: Calico Skies by Paul McCartney
Our vows. They were hand-written in a journal designed by Afton’s brother and we both agonized over whether or not we’d write our own. We’re so glad we chose to put down in our own words what we value in each other and in our partnership. Sharing those feelings – and insights! – with our guests lent an intimacy to the ceremony we would have missed otherwise.
As a DIY touch of personalization, the groom made signage and laser-cut escort cards for the big day!
The Escort Cards
A hanging curtain to display the table numbers? So creative!
The Reception
A+R are known to make a killer maple bourbon sour at home, so naturally that was their signature cocktail.
The tables were clean and modern and topped with whimsical details to create interest.
Carousel
Carousel
Make step one of the process an honest conversation about the atmosphere you want to create on your wedding day and the absolute must-haves that will make or break that vision. I’m sure the same is true for other couples post-wedding, but it’s funny to remember now how close we were to shedding tears over special napkins and chargers. Y’know, things that grow your budget, and your guests don’t notice. It always helped us to think back on weddings we'd attended over the years and remember what it was that struck us as most well-done and memorable.
Some parting words from these two: Select vendors who are a reflection of your priorities. Afton loves to dance, so snagging the right DJ was important. On recommendation from our incredibly talented planner (a bride’s best friend — get one), we met the perfect guy for the job. Case in point: he was booked by two other couples from the dance floor that night. Lean on your team for advice, especially in areas where you feel uninspired, less knowledgeable, or unsure. Although it may be yours, it’s not their first wedding.Â
Wonderfully whimsical + totally fun! Congratulations, Afton + Reid!
photography: Studio Castillero // venue name: The New Children's Museum, San Diego, California, USA // event design: Lace and Likes // planning: Kingsley and Co Events // florals: Siren Floral Co // wedding dress: Berta Bridal // bridesmaid dresses: Show Me Your Mumu // hair stylist: Amanda Thorne Artistry // makeup artist: Amanda Thorne Artistry // groom attire: B.Spoke Tailoring // videography: Atomic Tangerine // calligraphy: Alexandria Manson // catering: Root Cellar // tabletop rentals: Hostess Haven // furniture rentals: Witty Rentals // music: DJ A-Ko (Rob) with RedShoe // photo booth: Amigobooth // rentals: Designer 8 // rentals: Classic Party Rentals // rentals: Archive Rentals
What a beautiful fun wedding! Adore the minimalistic whisical touches xx
What a fun and adorable wedding!
Gorgeous wedding !
Love Love !
♥♥♥
STOP! đź’—These are so great! This is such an authentic wedding! Snaps to the couple and the authentic wedding photographer! (:
Very elegant. Heavenly beautiful!