Real Weddings: Kristen + Matt

Every now and then I come across a wedding that is not only drop-dead gorgeous, but it’s so creative it warms my soul. That’s Kristen and Matt’s wedding. Kristen, an art director for a cosmetics company, created the entire event herself from start to finish, and the result, photographed by the talented and sweet Daisy Varley, was absolute perfection.

Kristen chose a Mexican fiesta theme for the wedding, full of bright colors, family traditions, paper flowers, and fabulous details!

Bridesmaids were asked to choose a Mexican peasant dress and hem it to their liking.

The wedding was held at Condor’s Nest Ranch in Pala, CA.  Guests were able to stay on the grounds, so signs pointed the way to the wedding and the camping!

Kristen created ceremony programs that doubled as fans and guests received maracas to shake during their first kiss.

The arbor was decorated with colorful and whimsical paper flowers and papel picado banners were strung from the trees.

Matt and his groomsmen wore classic three-piece gray suits by J Crew.

Kristen’s bouquet and all of the fresh floral designs were created by Rebecca at Lily Pad Floral Design in Hermosa Beach.

I love this photo of the ceremony - guests with maracas at the ready and marigold petals in the aisle, left from the flower girls’ walk.

Kristen and Matt’s love is so palpable in the portraits that Daisy captured.

Kristen didn’t let a detail go unfinished for the reception. She bought lace to top the tables and had serape blankets everywhere to add to the color and theme.  Papel picado flags, lighting, paper lanterns, and venetian red candles galore completed the look!

Place settings at the children’s table included lollipops, crayons, and Mexican folk art outlines that Kristen created from some found designs, as well as jars filled with candy.

The adults received favors of Fiesta Eggs, traditionally called “cascarones”.  Each guest received a box containing two eggs filled with confetti and glitter, as well as a history behind the cascarone.

Pinback buttons were a bit hit for the guests - Kristen made over 500 pins, with photos that mirrored the Mexican fiesta theme, sayings like “I love nachos” and “I love margaritas”, or artwork by Kristen, such as the “M&K Forever” pin.

Kristen also incorporated elements from the Mexican celebration El Dia de los Muertos.

The grounds of the ranch made for such a casual and fun atmosphere!  Guests dipped their feet in the pool, children ran in the grass, and over 60 guests camped at the ranch for the wedding.

In addition to being so creative, Kristen is musically gifted as well, and she sang Matt a song during their reception.

Vendors:
Photography - Daisy Varley
Floral - Lily Pad Floral Design
Venue - Condor’s Nest Ranch, Pala CA
Day of Coordination - Amorology

Daisy and Kristen, thank you so much for sharing photos and details from this unique and inspirational wedding!

xo,
E.