Maravilla Gardens Wedding

Maravilla Gardens — try as I might, I can’t think of a more beautiful place to get married. Right in the heart of Camarillo, California, its lush surroundings are everything we dream of! With some incredible images shot by Bret Cole with design and florals by Sugar and Charm Events into the mix, and Mara (who is also a blogger) and Matthew’s big day adds up to one of the most romantically stunning weddings we’ve seen.

From the bride, Mara: Our wedding was so incredibly special because we were surrounded my our closest family and friends. We wanted to keep our wedding small so that it would be more special and intimate. I loved that I was able to talk to everyone during the course of the day.

I loved that Matthew and I chose details that were important to the both of us. Our wedding really reflected who we were as a couple. We chose the things that were most important to us (location and photography) and figured out how to balance our budget among the other things. Despite the couple morning of glitches, I was able to take in and appreciate the day completely. I am so happy I was present and in the moment because it went by way too quickly!

Matthew and I both wanted our day to feel very natural and intimate. We had about 80 guests, including a bunch of children, so I was able to do a lot of DIY projects to make it more personal. We wanted everyone to leave feeling like they were a witness to a beautiful and romantic day.

Our color scheme was blush pink, gray with pops of sage green and yellow. Here are some of the DIY projects I made: bunting for the ceremony arbor (and top of cake), wood burned baskets and signs, programs made by my brother, drink menu and food menu board, seating chart, cookies and milk bar with cake stands made from china plates and cups, stamped cookie bags, table numbers and centerpieces, and homemade pillows for the seating area. Matthew also brewed all the beer for the wedding! We definitely had a lot of DIY projects but it was fun because I included my friends and family in the process as well.

See Also

A Tuscan Inspired Wedding with Pastel Hues at California’s Filoli Gardens

Any advice for brides planning their weddings now? It’s good to take time doing research on what you like and don’t like. Make moodboards and inspiration boards and once you feel like you know what you want, go through and edit the things that don’t quite fit. Also include your groom in the process. Matthew loved being a part of the planning since it was going to be our day. I also reached out to my blog readers every Wednesday and asked their advice. So many were married or were going through the same process as me, so it was so great to get their thoughts and perspectives.

Wedding Music:
First Dance: “At Last,” Etta James
Father/Daughter Dance: “What a Wonderful World,” K.D. Lang and Tony Bennett
Cake Cutting: “How Sweet It Is to Be Loved By You,” Marvin Gaye
Bouquet Toss: “Wannabe,” Spice Girls (my best friends and I were obsessed with the Spice Girls so this was very fitting!)

Wedding Location: Camarillo, CA / Wedding Photographer: Bret Cole / Ceremony Venue: St. Charles Borromeo / Reception Venue: Maravilla Gardens / Event Design and Flowers: Sugar and Charm Events / Wedding Bouquets: Dee’s Flowers / Wedding Dress: Lazaro / Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Hair: Roxy of Dry Bar, Studio City / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Amsale / Groom’s Attire: Theory / Groom’s Shoes: Ted Baker / Wedding Caterer and Linens: Command Performance / Wedding Cake: Skiff’s Cakes / Videographer: Philip Hover of Soar Productions / Wedding Invitations: Ma Joie Press