Life has a beautiful way of bringing people back into your lives at just the right moment. That’s what happened when Melissa (or Missy, as I had known her for most of my life) sought us out to plan her wedding to long time boyfriend, Gus. It was such an honor to be asked by not only someone you had known forever to plan their wedding, but someone of such style and taste. Working with Missy and Gus was going to be fun, that was for sure.
Besides being a super fun experience, working with Missy and Gus was easy. Missy was organized and decisive, without being overbearing. She knew what she wanted and trusted us to find the right resources. She was flexible and collected while remaining steadfast on her vision. Gus was perfectly resourceful as well in helping source the videography team and selecting the photographer (incredibly talented and oh so charming Ginny Silver). They were a perfect example of a couple working together, and working with them was an absolute dream.
Missy and Gus’ California wedding was a perfect fusion of lively outdoor and beachy romantic vibes. Modern, boho inspired touches gave the whole event a chic and carefree air with lots of attention to small details.
Romantic Beach Wedding Venue
The entire event was held at Avila Beach Golf Resort in Avila Beach, California. This property is extremely diverse and well laid out, so guests really had a chance to migrate through event spaces and have different experience for each section of the day. The ceremony took place on a grass meadow next to a peaceful estuary, with just the right amount of ambient noise from the beach. The cocktail hour was held in the venue’s Beach Clubhouse, a charming space that featured an outdoor patio for guests to enjoy a bit of the California summer sun. For dinner and dancing, guests were seated at long rows of farm tables under the stars on the venue’s main lawn area. Adirondack chairs flanked firepits down towards the estuary, giving guests a peaceful respite from the energetic dance floor.
California Chic Wedding Design
Missy wanted to keep her palette classic and neutral, sticking with ivories, creams, beiges, with just a touch of blush pink and warm gray. We decided to lean heavily on greenery with statement blooms for a looser, more organic feel. To add in a touch of modernity, we punctuated the design with gold and champagne gold elements such as the geometric accent arrangements used in cocktail hour and during dancing.
We found a true gem in Adornments Flowers when we met and started working with Laurel and her team. With great craft and care, Laurel and her team elevated our vision with their impeccable installations, including one of the most gorgeous flower arches I have ever seen! Along with romantic silk chiffon runners from Party Crush Studios, as well as custom signage from our in-house designer Menakshee Designs and top-notch rentals from All About Events, we were able to help Missy and Gus realize a wedding that truly represented embodied their vision.
Best Caterer in Town
When I first met Heather of Splash Cafe, I can honestly say I was speechless. Her energy and passion (not to mention killer sense of humor) was both refreshing and contagious- I literally could not have asked for a better vendor partner on this project. Heather and her team performed seamlessly, orchestrating the entire set-up, break-down, food production and service of the entire event without a hitch. The food was delicious, with guests dining family style on true California dishes such tri-tip, roasted brussel sprouts, and margherita flatbread.
A Wedding Day Full of Family and Love
Overall, the day was perfect. Missy wore a gorgeous Hayley Paige gown while Gus looked perfect in a Jos. A. Bank suit. Their sweet and moving ceremony started with a friend of the bride’s late mother singing as Melissa walked down the aisle. The couple also included their lovable fur baby, Saint, in the ceremony- although his adorable back wriggling nearly stole the show! The warm, familial energy carried into the evening with heartfelt speeches and toasts before ramping into a full on dance party which included an epic garter removal.
Towards the end of the evening, firepits surrounded by Adirondack chairs were lit and guests were able to kick off their shoes, fire up a s’more, and enjoy the perfect end to a truly perfect day.
Thank you, Missy + Gus, for letting us be a part of your gorgeous day!
We are OBSESSED with the photos from the event, done by the genius that is Ginny Silver of Retrospect Images. Take a look at some of our favorites!
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Venue: Avila Beach Golf Resort
Coordination + Design: MIRA Events + Design
Photography: Retrospect Images
Videography: Steelhead Cinema
Catering: Splash Cafe
Rentals: All About Events
Silk Runners: PartyCrushStudios
DJ: Caliber DJs
Bridal Hair: Hair by Nicole Wasserman
Bridal Gown: Hayley Paige
Groom Suit: Jos. A. Bank
Bridesmaids Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu