Morgan + Nick are so gorgeous and their wedding was as well. I love the photos that photographer, Natalie of {Natalie Lemus Photography} submitted to our team. These images are fresh and vibrant. Morgan + Nick were married by a close friend at {Racho Las Lomas}. The event was planned by the couple and Nick was insistent on hiring {Downtown Flowers by Krista}. We are so glad they did. Look at those bouquets. Catering by Cathy McKnight of {Dreamfire} with wedding cake and cup cake tower by Morgan’s Grandma. The stunning bridal gown is {Nicole Miller} and the bridesmaids were dressed in {CALYPSO St. Barth}. To see more check out Natalie’s {Blog}.
How did the two of you meet? Tell us your story. Although we went to the same high school, Nick and I only exchanged friendly smiles and hellos during that time. Who knew that seven years and one fateful shopping trip later, we’d meet again? Nick was working at a surf shop in Corona del Mar when I walked in for a little sundress fix. He was just like I remembered – happy, friendly and super handsome. I left the store a few hours later, got into my car and called my sister to tell her that I thought something really important had just happened to me.
What was the design inspiration for your wedding? Our design inspiration was more of a feeling we wanted to create for ourselves and for our guests. We wanted to feel comfortable and calm as bride and groom. A friend we both respect tremendously got ordained to marry us, which made us feel comfortable while reciting our vows. And, instead of walking down the aisle to the traditional march, I chose to walk down to Bob Marley’s Stir It Up. We wanted our guests to feel warm, welcome and appreciated. We made great food a priority, work really hard at creating accommodating table seating arrangements and gave each one a pair of flip flops as favors so they could kick off their shoes and dance with us.
Favorite design element of your big day: Instead of signing into a traditional sign-in book, we had guests sign in on a surfboard. You wouldn’t believe how cool it turned out! We’re going to hang it on the wall in our guest room.
Tell us about finding your wedding dress: I approached looking for a dress with a focus on function alone. Can I dance in it? Check. Do I still feel like myself? Check. My sisters, my mom and I got lucky – one boutique and we had it!
Describe your wedding flowers: Nick chose Krista of Downtown Flowers in San Clemente, California. She has brilliant ideas and, for her work, unique blooms are the norm. We wanted exotic blooms that looked like they could belong under the sea.
Describe your wedding cake: My grandma made our wedding cake and cupcake tower. She is a phenomenal. I love looking at pictures of the cake and knowing her little hands created all those details. Very special.
Our favorite detail of the wedding was: The location. Rancho Las Lomas is a zoological garden tucked away in the foothills a few miles from the high school we went to and the homes we grew up in. Not only that, the ceremony and reception can both held there, which makes the day easier for everyone.
What advice would you give to someone planning their wedding? We have two suggestions. First, a few days before the wedding, read your vows to one another in private. Really absorb the meaning of the words you’ve chosen to say to one another. Second, a few times during the reception, take a moment to step back. Having all of the people you love under one roof is something to really relish and make a concrete memory of.
What’s next for you as a couple? What are you looking forward to in the future? I asked Nick this one and aside from having a healthy family, we’re also really looking forward to becoming an old, wrinkly, flirtatious couple.
Congratulations to Morgan + Nick. We wish you the best as you age into that old, wrinkly and flirtatious couple!
I love the location. It goes with the design so well, and all of the colors are really beautiful together. I love that her grandmother made the cake, how sweet! Great photography too.