Gina & Robbie’s intimate holiday wedding at the Franciscan Gardens was elegant and full of all kinds of festive touches. A week earlier, these two officially tied the knot at their church, accompanied by their immediate families. The bigger celebration fell the day right after Thanksgiving. We were all feeling the love at this romantic hideaway in the heart of San Juan Capistrano.
PORTRAITS AT MISSION SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
The ladies got ready by the coast at the Laguna Cliffs Marriott while the guys dressed in the parlor back at the venue. The entire wedding party dressed in classic, all black attire. Gina wore a gorgeous two-piece Hayley Paige dress and Robbie chose an all black suit from Friar Tux.
We all planned to meet at Mission San Juan Capistrano before the ceremony for Gina and Robbie’s first look. With the bridesmaid’s bouquets in hand, the groomsmen marched up the street to the Mission. All the ladies arrived by limo a short time after.
Robbie waited for Gina with his back turned, right in front of the ruins of the Great Stone Church. When she tapped him on the shoulder, his expression was of pure adoration. It might be one of my favorite moments to recount from this day.
INTIMATE CEREMONY AT FRANCISCAN GARDENS
Back at Franciscan Gardens, soft notes from the harp drifted around the garden as guests took their seats. Delicately placed candles lined the aisle, framing the beautiful ceremony arch adorned with Magnolia leaves. Robbie made his way down the aisle first and cast his gaze toward the gates hiding Gina. When the doors opened, I swear you would never know it was Robbie’s second time seeing his bride.
Their priest, Father John Weiling, also officiated Gina’s parents wedding. Mid-ceremony, Father John led Robbie in a sweet serenade to Gina. When everyone lifted their hands in prayer, Robbie couldn’t help but sneak another peek at Gina. And as soon as they were announced as husband and wife, both of them couldn’t stop grinning from ear to ear.
HOLIDAY WEDDING RECEPTION
As guests mingled at cocktail hour, the vendor team flipped the ceremony space for dinner. We took the opportunity to slip away for another round of portraits at Mission San Juan Capistrano.
The market lights and paper lanterns created the most beautiful atmosphere for the reception. Each table featured a festive wreath centerpiece and chocolate chip cookies for guests. Gina’s brother built a wood board for the escort cards, decorated with hand-painted magnolia leaves with everyone’s names.
The beautiful and emotional toasts from family and friends made this feel even more like an intimate holiday dinner. I’m pretty sure their first dance and parent dances didn’t leave a dry eye in the room either. Later at the reception, Gina surprised Robbie with a Raider’s themed wedding cake. And then Gina’s mom surprised BOTH of them with a Rolls Royce get away car!
I loved every part of this wedding and I hope you loved re-living it with me too. (Especially since this day happens to be their anniversary!) Congrats Gina & Robbie!
Their Vendor Team
Dress Boutique: Blush Bridal Couture Orange County // Dress Designer: Hayley Paige // Coordination & Entertainment: Ryan & Sevy, Glasz Productions // Catering: 24 Carrots Catering // Florals: Adrienne, The Bloom of Time // Getting Ready Venue: Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa // Groom’s Suit: Friar Tux // Invites: Minted // Jewelry: BHLDN // Make up Artist: Jessica Zeller // Portrait Venue: Mission San Juan Capistrano // Photobooth: Pixster Photobooth Rental // Photography: Paige Nelson Photography // Shoes (Bride): Jimmy Choo // Wedding Favors (Chocolate Chip Cookies): Susie Cakes // Ceremony/Reception Venue: Franciscan Gardens // Videography: Miah Idema, SunBeat Films
If you enjoyed this wedding, I recommend checking out Alvin & Jessica’s Romantic Garden Wedding or Hannah & Rocky’s Intimate Wedding at Henry Cowell.
