Handmade San Diego Garden Wedding

This San Diego garden wedding doesn’t hold back when it comes to sweet, handcrafted details. From the darling gold and black wedding invitations to the streamers decorating the ceremony and reception to the necktie tied around the bouquet in honor of the bride’s father, this wedding from Mary Costa is teeming with emotion and beauty.

From the bride, Jess: I think it’s important to have a little backstory: We got engaged in November of 2011 (and have been together since 2004). We began planning for a big wedding, but then, last year, my dad passed away suddenly and very unexpectedly. Wedding planning got put on pause, of course, and the idea of picking it up again felt really overwhelming. Then, at the end of 2012, we looked at each other and said “let’s just do it.” We just wanted to be married! We considered eloping, but realized that neither of us could imagine getting married without our very closest family there with us. That’s how the idea for our wedding came about: intimate, meaningful, and personal. Rustic and comfortable, but still elegant. We had little touches, like a hanging collage of family photos, and I honored my dad by using one of his vintage ties instead of a ribbon around my bouquet.

There were SO many DIY projects involved! I took on nearly everything I could. Here’s a list: Invitations, centerpiece/flowers, table runner, backdrop, dessert banner, bouquet, boutonniere, hair, makeup, welcome bags, thank you notes, menus, confetti

Any advice for couples planning their weddings now? I love how our wedding turned out, but the morning of was STRESSFUL! I woke up at 5am with a migraine, realized that half of the flowers had died, and had so much to do. If you’re going to go the entirely-DIY route like I did, make sure you have someone who can help you out on the day. Also, if you choose to spend the night before with your fiancé, KICK THEM OUT in the morning! Also, some wonderful advice was given to us by a friend who has been happily married for many years: When you get up to the altar (whatever your altar may be), take a moment to breathe and look around you. See where you are, take in every face. The people you share your day with are the most important part.

See Also

A Bold Berry-Colored Vallejo Wedding

Wedding Music:
Processional: “Falling Slowly,” Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová
Recessional: “Home,” Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Both performed on acoustic guitar by a friend of mine from middle school!

Wedding Location: San Diego, CA / Photographer: Mary Costa / Wedding Flowers: Bride / Wedding Venue and Caterer: Inn at Rancho Santa Fe / Wedding Dress: Custom via Ouma / Bride’s Necklace: Mother of the bride, Whispered Secrets / Hair and Makeup: Bride / Groom’s Suit: J. Crew / Groom’s Shirt: Hugh & Crye / Dog’s Bow Tie: Little Blue Feathers / Gluten Free Wedding Cake: Rising Hearts Bakery / Gluten Free Pie: 2Good2B / Other Pie & Cupcakes: Elizabethan Desserts / Macarons: Lette / Guitarist: Jon Sarna / Wedding Stationery: Bride