When Morrie and Matt began planning their summer wedding, they knew they wanted to move away from rigid formality in favor of an atmosphere that felt organic, whimsical, and deeply personal. Set against the lush backdrop of The Maples, their celebration unfolded as a romantic summer garden party, pairing a nostalgic, storybook quality with clean, contemporary details. The result was an intimate and joyful event that looked and felt as though it had naturally blossomed within the surrounding landscape itself.
The Origin Story
While many couples recount elaborate proposals, Morrie and Matt’s journey began with a festive holiday introduction rather than a traditional engagement narrative. Their paths crossed just a few days before Christmas in 2018, when a mutual friend played matchmaker at an Ugly Sweater party. Amidst the festive garments and holiday cheer, what was intended as an informal blind date quickly evolved into something much more substantial. They officially started dating the very next day.
Rather than centering on one grand, cinematic moment, their relationship grew organically from the start. Built on a foundation of friendship, shared laughter, curiosity, and a quiet, mutual certainty, the pairing simply felt natural from day one, ultimately leading them to their sunlit summer celebration at The Maples.
The Design, Vibe, and Vision
The overarching design philosophy for the big day centered on an airy, effortless elegance. To achieve this, the couple embraced a light and joyful color palette featuring ivory and soft white, accented by subtle pops of butter yellow, blush, peach, dusty blue, and fresh greens. These hues were woven throughout the day via loose, garden-inspired floral arrangements and the bridal party’s attire.
By pairing nostalgic elements with sleek, modern touches, the overall environment avoided feeling overly stiff or traditional. Instead, guests stepped into a celebration that felt both elevated and deeply welcoming, capturing the essence of an idyllic summer afternoon spent outdoors.
The Fashion
Morrie’s bridal look was chosen to complement the natural surroundings of the venue. She wore a romantic Watters gown featuring layers of airy, softly pleated tulle that created graceful movement throughout the day. The strapless bodice was accented by delicate, sheer off-the-shoulder sleeves, while the full, ethereal skirt provided a touch of drama without feeling overly formal. A long, softly edged veil completed the ensemble, catching the natural light and gentle breeze to enhance the whimsical tone of the day.
Stepping away from traditional matching attire, the bridesmaids wore an eclectic mix of floral-print dresses in soft shades of blush, peach, butter yellow, dusty blue, sage, and ivory. Each member of the bridal party selected a silhouette and pattern that suited their individual style, creating a collected, garden-party aesthetic against the backdrop of The Maples. Paired with loose, organic bouquets, the bridal party looked very much like a natural extension of the summer garden.
For the menswear, Matt and his groomsmen opted for a timeless, polished look consisting of classic black suits, crisp white shirts, and black ties. Matt’s suit, sourced from The Black Tux, provided a clean, sophisticated contrast to the colorful floral dresses worn by the bridal party while remaining appropriate for the relaxed outdoor venue. Small botanical-inspired boutonnieres tied the menswear seamlessly back into the overarching garden aesthetic.
The Details, Florals, and Decor
Bringing the garden vision to life, Mignon Floral Co. designed loose, airy florals that appeared as though they had been freshly gathered directly from the property. Soft white and ivory blooms were layered with delicate touches of butter yellow, blush, peach, and dusty blue. With slender stems and playful movement, the arrangements maintained an organic, meadow-like quality.
The reception tables continued this effortless aesthetic, featuring layered place settings from Frances Lane, woven chairs from Theoni, slender taper candles, and low, abundant floral arrangements that allowed conversation to flow naturally across the tables.
Food and drink played a central role in the guest experience, with Jackson Catering & Events crafting a fresh, seasonal menu tailored to the setting. Attendees enjoyed passed Caprese Bruschetta and Wonton Tostadas prior to a seated dinner featuring a Farm Stand Salad alongside a selection of New York steak, sea bass, and polenta cake. The bar offered beer and thoughtfully curated wines, complemented by two signature cocktails: a Garden Margarita garnished with a snap pea and edible flower, and an Oaxacan Old Fashioned finished with an orange peel.
As evening transitioned into dancing, late-night bites of grilled cheese and pulled pork sliders were tray-passed to the crowd, while Domaine St. Vincent Brut was poured tableside for the traditional champagne toast.
The wedding cake offered a sweet, simple focal point infused with personality. Styled with vintage-inspired white piping, the confection bore the playful words “just married” alongside two tiny cat figurines perched on top. To offer guests an additional taste of summer, Let Them Eat Cake Davis also provided a strawberry shortcake bar. Attendees were able to customize their own desserts using fresh strawberries, tender shortcakes, and freshly whipped cream, offering a nostalgic and unfussy conclusion to the meal.
Several unique architectural and design elements enhanced the guest experience throughout the property. A thoughtfully placed lounge setup from Blossom Farm Vintage Rentals created an inviting transitional area between the dinner and dancing spaces, allowing guests to settle in with a drink while remaining connected to the energy of the celebration.
To anchor the reception on The Maples’ expansive lawn, Bright Event Rentals installed a 40-by-70-foot tent that established an intimate space within the open-air environment. By utilizing sheer, sailcloth-inspired draping and omitting the traditional vinyl roof, natural California sunlight filtered through the fabric while keeping guests comfortable beneath it. The result was an airy, ethereal structure that maintained a direct visual connection to the surrounding gardens.
The day also featured a deeply personal touch involving the documentation of the event. Krista of Krista K Photography served a dual role as both the professional photographer for the wedding and one of Morrie’s bridesmaids. This unique perspective allowed Krista to capture intimate, behind-the-scenes moments from the viewpoint of someone deeply close to the couple, before putting down her cameras to stand beside the bride and enjoy the festivities. The arrangement added an extra layer of warmth and familiarity to the photographic record of the day, culminating in a celebration defined by personal connections, joyful details, and the effortless beauty of a summer garden.
