What is your favorite wedding day memory?

There was a moment after the ceremony and after the first rush of greeting our guests, where we looked around the field and were so happy to see friends and family from all over the world and different phases of our lives together in one spot. The vibe of the evening was so joyful and colorful, and we loved looking out together and seeing everyone talking and playing together. We were so excited to see so many of our favorite people in one place, and had the realization that they were all there to support and celebrate us as a couple. We felt extremely loved.

What did you DIY for your wedding?

We DIY’d alot! Tom and a friend of his brewed all of the beer for the wedding and we intentionally purchased wine that was either made in California {our home!} or South Africa, where I lived for over 3 years! My dad made all the signage and friends of ours helped with DJ’ing that evening, invitation-making, doing my hair and makeup and setting up and tearing down everything. We had planned to DIY the flowers, but found a florist who was happy to work with proteas {the national flower of South Africa} as the center of everything. We got to take a trip with her to the LA Flower Market and show her flowers that stood out to us as being colorful and a little weird looking. She was so excited to create touchable and unique flower arrangements that were perfect for our playful wedding! One of Tom’s former students created a mini coloring book with a story of Tom and I. We made copies of the book and put them on all the tables with crayons. Instead of a guest book, we made a Mad Libs sheet for each of our guests to fill in! We also had Italian soda table and had a table for guests to make their own Italian sodas, with different options for syrups, soda water, whipped cream, and paper straws. This was a big hit!

Did you have a something old, new, borrowed and blue?

My Something Old + Borrowed was my Grandmother’s bracelet I wore. My sister inherited the bracelet when my Grandmother passed away and also wore it in her wedding. It was both old, and I borrowed it from my sister. My Something Blue we’re my awesome peacock-blue suede shoes, as well as my sea-glass earrings! Lastly, my Something New was my dress!

Any advice for brides currently in the planning process?

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Many people had recommended getting a day-of coordinator. We kept pushing the thought aside, thinking that we could do it all ourselves. In the end, we decided to hire an awesome day-of planner. She was super chill and we were able to go into the day knowing that all the details would be taken care of! We also took up friends, family and former students up on the offer to help set up and tear down the event. It is hard to accept help sometimes, but we realized that these people loved us and wanted to support us in this way. I don’t know how it would have all come together without them. -Stephanie, the Bride

Event Credits

Photographer: Sun and Sparrow // Venue: South Coast Botanic Garden // Wedding Planner: Mandy Joy Sellick // Florist: Flower Duet // Catering: GUAC Taco Catering // Catering: Chicken Maison // Desserts: S'more Sweets // Invitations: Olivia McCoy // Officiant: Kenny Keating // Dishware Rentals: Dish Wish Events // Engagement Ring: Brilliant Earth // Bride's Attire: Bridal Elegance // Bride's Earrings: Esther Dobson Art // Bridesmaid's Attire: BHLDN // Bridesmaid's Earrings: The Teardrop Shop // Groom's Attire: Indochino // Groom's Shoes: DSW // Groom's Accessories: Nordstrom Rack // Wedding Band: Brightsmith