After a nine-month adventure exploring 23 countries, immersing themselves in foreign cultures, and getting engaged in Bali, it was perfectly fitting that Leah and Skyler’s wedding at The Villa San Juan Capistrano had an old-world vibe that was rich in both culture and elegance. In addition to the traditional wedding events, the couple had a sofreyé aghd ceremony to pay tribute to the bride’s Persian background. Joy n’ Company selected romantic and timeless details that complemented the naturally gorgeous wedding venue, including lush green and white floral arrangements by Bloom Babes and rustic accents for both the ceremony and reception. The bride’s silk Karen Willis Holmes gown and cathedral-length Mantilla lace veil perfectly channeled the elegant, old-world vibe of the entire day (and looked absolutely stunning!). We love how Plum & Oak Photo captured every detail with such creativity and passion!
The Couple:
Leah and Skyler
The Wedding:
The Villa San Juan Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, California
Before I went wedding dress shopping, I knew I wanted a Cathedral length Mantilla lace veil. The dress I ended up choosing complemented it by being very simple and elegant, made of raw silk with structured stitching detail.
I surprised my groom with his wedding day gift by having Jeff, who runs the Shinola Watch Shop in Venice, CA, drive down to SJC with three watch choices that I had pre-selected. Skyler got to choose the one he wanted before we met at the aisle. He was totally taken aback.
Skyler‘s ring was made from the same gold as his late Father’s wedding band.
We chose The Villa San Juan Capistrano because it is unique, romantic, intimate, and outdoors. We wanted our wedding to feel organic to the space – natural and not forced. There were no specific colors, just neutrals, whites, and green florals, blush dresses, navy and grey suits, and a pop of color with the Bougainvillea at the altar.
Our families were really involved in the entire day. My Aunt Samira made our wedding cake, and my Aunt Kim was our officiant. My Aunt Kathy and Uncle Majid created our Sofreh Aghd (Persian tradition), my Uncle gave our wedding blessing, and Skyler‘s Mom sang a song. My cousins were our ushers at the ceremony, and my brothers stood on my side as we got married.
I made the escort cards by taking broken Terra-cotta tiles and painting them to look like old Spanish/Italian tiles, then writing the guests’ names and table numbers on them.
If we had to pick one moment that was the most memorable, it would be looking out at all our loved ones, dancing and celebrating at the reception. It’s absolutely overwhelming having so many people you love in one place, there for the two of you.
Processional – “Better Man” by Paolo Nutini
Recessional – “Canary in a Coalmine” by The Police
First Dance – “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young
The Wedding Team:
Photography – Plum & Oak Photo
Event Planning – Joy n’ Company
Venue – The Villa San Juan Capistrano
Floral Design – Bloom Babes
Videography – byDesign Films
Invitations – Camille Robinson
Makeup Artist – Elizabeth Root
Hair Styling – Katie L’Heureux
Wedding Dress – Karen Willis Holmes via Elle Bridal Boutique
Bridal Accessories – Schutz Shoes
Bridesmaids’ Apparel – Reformation
Groomsmen’s Apparel – Men’s Wearhouse
Groom’s Watch – Shinola Watch Shop
Rentals – Signature Party Rentals
Congratulations to Leah and Skyler on your beautiful wedding, and a special thanks to Plum & Oak Photo for sharing their photos with us! Love the old-world elegance this wedding captured? Then you’ll want to see all of the old-world details in this richly romantic Australian wedding at Deux Belettes!
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