San Diego Botanic Garden Wedding
Has there ever been a more gorgeous location for a wedding or event than San Diego Botanic Garden? One glance at this wedding from Allie Lindsey Photography and we’re hard-pressed to say no. Krystal and David’s wedding was relaxed, filled with incredible wildlife, and featured a taco feast – and we’re pretty sure it doesn’t get better than that!
From the bride, Krystal: We wanted our wedding to be romantic, simple and California casual. Although we live in San Diego, and love the beach, I knew I did not want to get married on the beach or have the beach be our backdrop. We wanted to be outside, and I envisioned having a big oak type tree to say our “I Do’s” under. After touring several beautiful ranch type venues that did not fit our needs, we finally stumbled upon the San Diego Botanic Gardens. It was perfect! The venue is so beautiful in itself that we knew that we would not have to fuss to much with actual décor, and it had a trees! We also wanted to have tacos for dinner, which ultimately inspired the theme of the dessert table and décor.
Bouquet recipe: The bride’s bouquet was a simple arrangement of succulents and white roses. We used baby’s breath for the bridesmaid bouquets.
My secret pinterest board’s official name was “Romantic, Spanish, Garden Wedding”. I constantly fumbled when people would ask me, “What are your colors?” I usually answered with a “ummm, well, the groomsmen are wearing grey and the girls are wearing a pink type color.” I hated telling people my girls were going to wear pink. For me, the color pink conjures up a bubble gum/cotton candy type pink image, and it was not what I was going for. I usually told them it was a rosewater pink color, which ultimately got me confused looks. With that being said, I really focused on playing off the San Diego Botanic Gardens setting and wanted to make the reception have a modern, romantic Mexican style. As far as my invites, programs and information cards went – we used a floral print that brought in color and romance. We did as much DIY projects, as possible. My sister had a graphic designer friend that graciously helped us design the wedding invitations, ceremony programs, and reception cards. My bridesmaids made their own bouquets. The directional signs, the Mr. & Mrs. signs and the guest book sign were made by my step-mom, and dad. The whole desert table was done by a good friend, she even made the churros!
Any advice for couples planning their weddings now? Everyone should have a really awesome big sister who plans events for a living! She really made my vision come to life and handled my a million and one questions, thoughts, pins and breakdowns. If you don’t have a big sister, you really need a day of coordinator and a detailed day of plan. My “day of” plan and day of coordinator saved my life! Everyone had a timeline, the bridal party, the photographer, the DJ, the venue, and the day of coordinator everyone! This made our big day really easy and stress free! PS. my day of coordinator was also my dessert table baker. Friends and family are so willing to help for this big day, and although it might be hard to relinquish control, let them help!
View all images from this wedding in the gallery
Wedding Music:
I am a music junky! I love making playlists, and picking our wedding music was one of the first things I started on, and while I tried to get David’s input, ultimately, I was the music decision maker.
Bridal Party: “Your Hand in Mine,” Explosions in the Sky
Bride’s Processional: “Hallelujah,” Jeff Buckley
Recessional: “You Are the Best Thing,” Ray LaMontagne
Newlywed Entrance: “Treasure,” Bruno Mars
First Dance: “Into the Mystic,” Van Morrison
Father/Daughter Dance: “Wildflower,” Tom Petty
Mother/Son Dance: “Words of Wisdom,” Jump Little Children
Last Song: “Lover of the Light,” Mumford and Sons
There were 2 must play songs on my list for the reception: 1. MMMBOP by Hanson, because I am a forever Hanson fan. I had a friend bring me “Hanson” beer all the way from OK to drink at my wedding. It is called MMMhops and made by the Hanson Brothers. 2. “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. In college at UCSB, my friends and I had a tradition of singing this song at a local bar, and every wedding I have been to with a fellow Gaucho has played this song, and we all get in the middle of the dance floor and belt it out. It’s very nostalgic.
Wedding Location: San Diego, CA / Photographer: Allie Lindsey Photography / Wedding Planner: Amber Brown (AKA Best Sister Ever) / Florist: Franco’s Flowers Inc. / Venue: San Diego Botanic Garden / Wedding Dress: Eden Bridals via Ferndale’s Bridal / Wedding Shoes: Badgley Mishka / Bridal Hairpiece: Eucca Floral Studio / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: The Radical Thread Co. / Groom’s Suit: Macy’s / Groomsmen’s Suits: Men’s Wearhouse / Caterer: I Love Tacos Catering / Wedding Cake/Dessert Table: Jean Avner / DJ: San Diego Party Time DJs
The place Botanical garden you have chosen for your wedding is quite good. I loved the texture of the trees in the last click you posted. Have never seen such tree. Which tree is it?
And not forgetting about the wedding arrangements its simply amazing. The cake matches the decoration and the hanging lights are simply amazing.
Love the bridesmaid dresses! I also love the low succulents on the tables. Very cool.
Love the detail shots and those cake toppers are so fun
Your wedding looked stunning! I loved the colour scheme and the wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses were beautiful, congrats on what looked like an amazing day
What a cute cake topper!
Krystal – loved all the beautiful touches you made. If you have time for a question, I see your husband’s suit is from Macy’s…do you know the brand, style and color? It is exactly what we are looking for with our wedding.
Thanks and congratulations.