Garden Romance

One of my favourite hobbies is flower arranging, so having flowers play a big role in the day was incredibly important to me. We chose a palette of light purple, sage, and soft eucalyptus green, with arrangements that felt natural and effortless. One of my favourite details was the hanging amaranthus that appeared in both my bouquet and in Alne’s boutonniere. The flowers throughout the day blended gentle purples, greens, and subtle touches of pink, creating a romantic and delicate atmosphere that suited our celebration perfectly.

I found my wedding dress at a vintage bridal store in Los Angeles. After trying countless gowns in traditional boutiques that never felt quite right, I finally slipped into a gown from 1971, the same year my parents were married, and I knew instantly it was the one. The satin and chiffon layers, the boned bodice, the soft waistline, and the floaty three layer skirt felt elegant but also incredibly comfortable, which mattered to me since I was not sure if I would change for the reception. The open sweetheart neckline, lace ruffle sleeves, and embroidered floral details gave it a dreamy, whimsical feel that suited our garden style wedding beautifully.

I paired the gown with my mother’s pearl earrings and a single drop pearl necklace made for me by a close childhood friend, which made it even more meaningful. My shoes were also custom made with embroidered flowers inspired by our wedding colours, a little detail that made me smile every time I looked down. Later in the evening, I changed into a fitted ivory silk dress so I could dance and enjoy the dessert bar without worrying about my vintage gown.

Alne’s outfit carried its own beautiful sense of meaning. He chose his suit with help from his parents and sister and included personal touches like a watch from his father and cufflinks that belonged to my great grandfather. For the ceremony, he wore black velvet loafers, then later switched into custom Converse sneakers with green laces and purple eyelets, a playful tribute to our wedding colours. After ten years as a touring pop punk musician, it felt perfectly fitting for him to add a little edge to his look.

Hiring a wedding planner was one of our best decisions. Petra took our vision and turned it into something even more beautiful, guiding us to the right vendors and making the entire process feel calm and effortless. We also cannot recommend Quinta da Bella Vista enough. The setting is breathtaking, and the staff made our stay feel both luxurious and relaxed. Their incredible attention to detail allowed us to feel completely taken care of and fully present for every moment of our wedding.