Gabby + Jake
Wedding Date & Location:
August 9th, 2024 at Inn at Churon Winery in Temecula, CA
For our real bride, the vision was timeless and classic with a light, summery touch—seaglass green, navy, soft pinks, and touches of gold set the tone for a celebration that felt both elegant and fresh. The day unfolded seamlessly thanks to a trusted day-of coordinator, allowing her to be fully present in each moment. Special details, like a custom first-dance mix, a guestbook frame filled with wooden hearts, and golden hour portraits, made the celebration deeply personal and memorable. From caring for her wedding party with food and drinks to creating an atmosphere that felt joyful and relaxed, every choice reflected her thoughtful, intentional spirit. Her biggest advice to future brides? Don’t sweat the small stuff—slow down, savor each moment, and make time to eat and connect with your partner.
What was the vision for your wedding?:
My vision for our wedding was to create a timeless and classic atmosphere, but with a light and airy feel that captured the essence of summer. I wanted the celebration to feel fresh and natural, so I chose a color palette of seaglass green and navy blue, accented with soft pinks and touches of gold in the florals and decor. I also wanted the wedding party to feel comfortable and confident in what they were wearing, so I gave the bridesmaids the freedom to choose dresses that reflected their individual personalities, while still keeping within the color scheme. It was important to me that everyone felt like themselves while being part of the special day.
How did it go on the day-of?:
Our wedding day went off without a hitch, and I truly think a big part of that was having a day-of event coordinator. With someone handling all the little details, I was able to fully enjoy the day without worrying about anything! It really allowed me to be present in each moment, soaking it all in. As a dancer growing up, music was a big part of our celebration. For our first dance, I created a personalized music mix that reflected both our fun personalities and our deep love for each other. It felt like a perfect representation of us, which made the moment so much more meaningful. One of my favorite unique touches was our guestbook. Instead of the traditional book, we opted for a frame that doubled as a piece of décor. Guests signed little wooden hearts, which we later inserted around a picture of us. I love that it’s something I can display at home, so every day I’m reminded of the people who were there to celebrate with us, rather than just storing a book away. I also made sure our wedding party had food and drinks throughout the day—it’s a long day for everyone, and I wanted to make sure they were comfortable and having fun too! Keeping the energy light and joyful was important to me, and I wanted everyone to feel well taken care of. Our photographer, Nick, was amazing. He was relaxed and truly made me feel at ease throughout the day. I believe it’s so important to find a photographer who matches your energy and vibe, as that will help you feel comfortable and get the best photos. Plus, having someone familiar with the venue made the whole process smoother and faster. And a quick tip—know when "golden hour" is, because those sunset photos are everything!
What is your #1 tip to future brides?:
My number one tip for future brides is: don’t sweat the small stuff! You’ll spend so much time planning and perfecting every detail, but on the day of, remember that things might not go exactly as planned—and that’s okay! If something minor needs to be altered, don’t let it derail your experience. Take a deep breath, soak it all in, and enjoy the moment. So many brides say their wedding day felt like a blur, so I really made an effort to slow down and appreciate every detail. I wanted to be fully present, instead of rushing through the day. Also, don’t forget to eat! It might sound simple, but it’s easy to forget when you’re caught up in the excitement. My Maid of Honor was a lifesaver and kindly asked everyone to wait until after we had our meal before coming up to the sweetheart table. That small gesture gave us a peaceful moment to sit together and enjoy the delicious food we had picked out. It was such a nice, intimate time to connect before the celebration really kicked into high gear.
