Real Wedding: Stephanie & Nick

Despite growing up in the same hometown, attending rival high schools, and both becoming USC Trojans, Stephanie, 27, and Nick, 32, never met.

Years later, they met at a bar in Newport Beach, then again at Stephanie’s brother’s wedding, where she was a bridesmaid and he was a guest. The two were inseparable throughout the night, and she even introduced him to her parents. “After the wedding, a hike in Laguna, and a date to the Orange County Fair, we were official,” Stephanie says. Following a sunset proposal in the Newport Harbor Bay, the couple hosted an intimate vintage garden wedding at L’Auberge Del Mar.

Quick Decision

Stephanie found her dress at a trunk show in Corona del Mar. Because it would be gone the next day, she had to make a speedy judgement. “It was an easy one, especially after seeing my mom tear up when I tried it on.”

In the Family

As a personal touch, the groom’s father performed the ceremony. “There was truly no other option,” says Stephanie.

Meant to Be

To keep the ceremony personal, Stephanie and Nick wrote their own vows. To their surprise, they each included the same anecdotes about their relationship and hopes for the future. “Right then, we both knew this was the best decision we could ever make.”

Something Old

Along with her ivory and blush bouquet, Stephanie held her grandmother’s handkerchief throughout the ceremony.

Use it Twice

To achieve a uniform and clean look, elements of the ceremony decor were repurposed in the reception space. The green garland lining the aisle was later placed down the center of the head table.

Secret Garden

To create a vintage garden aesthetic, Stephanie incorporated scalloped china, blush water goblets, and mix-and-match centerpieces made with milk glass, mercury glass, and green glass vases.

Focal Point

Stephanie’s favorite reception detail was the 33-person head table that ran down the center of the space. Framed by the birch wood ceremony arch, the bride, groom, and wedding party enjoyed a special place among the other guests.