Modern Bohemian Wedding Ideas For Southern California Souls
A cheerful citrus palette inspired by Palm Springs was the foundation of the design brief for the latest gathering of wedding tastemakers and feyoncés in Southern California. Yep. I’m talking about The Big Fake Wedding – an immersive wedding playground for local creatives and engaged couples that spins the traditional idea of a bridal expo on its head. A powerhouse cast of west coast wedding vendors teamed up at open-concept, waterfront party space, The Lane, to host a real vow renewal with a nighttime ceremony, mid-century mod tablescape vignettes and a dance party framed by plenty of sweet treats that brought a whole new meaning to the phrase “lend me some sugar, I am your neighbor!”
Brides/Grooms-To-Be were able to play wedding guest and experience this smorgasbord of modern bohemian wedding ideas firsthand, and let’s just say, even we were more than ready to pull up a seat at these tables! Today we’re sharing an exclusive look at this colorful Southern California soiree, featuring a handful images from each of the wonderful photographers who covered the event: Amber Rain, Jess Living and Lindsay Melanie. Honestly, we wouldn’t be mad if you had a little grabbed a cocktail poolside while viewing, this playlist serenading in the background.
Spark & Sage Events has us wondering if we should take up aerial dancing now…. this swoopy modern draping is an aesthetic we want in our everyday lives! Accented by a larger-than-life brooch of dried sun palms and fluffy pampas grass, this ceremony backdrop encapsulated the fun, playful and laidback feeling of the day pretty perfectly.
And this bouquet from Sun Grown Floral? Ron Burgundy said “Stay classy, San Diego,” and these best friends-turned-florist partners understood the assignment. The loose shape, mixed textures is warm colors could not have worked with the mood + setting any better!
LC Makeup Artistry complemented the bride’s natural golden-glow skin the perfect kiss of sun dust, while Genevieve Grant spun her hair into loose waves with a bold braid halo. Quite literally runway ready!
Of course, what’s a party without cake! And Elizabeth Oliver Baking designed THREE. Featuring abstract patterns, bas relief techniques and edible gold flecks, the attendees were spoiled for choice when it came to the sweet treats.
The tables featuring such details as tinted glass goblets, wood-handled flatware, petal-shaped plates and classic stone bust floral vessels sat at the ready for a delicious feast from Sonya’s Kitchen. We especially adored the acrylic vintage motel key place cards etched with guest names that Loralei & Co. created to hark back to the light-hearted mid century modern vibes of the day!
San Diego Picnics made sure the bridal party had a fun setting for their pre-party grazing… and speaking of, SD Charcuterie whipped up the prettiest displays of meats, cheeses and other artisan accoutrements we ever did see!
Of course, the day would not have happened without Ivory & Lace Creative Weddings, whose expert direction made sure every moment happened seamlessly. Lending their creative hand to the design concepts behind tables 6 + 7 as well, we feel fortunate to even just be a witness!
Officiated by Your Wedding Belles, these lovebirds officially renewed their commitments to one another in the sweetest evening ceremony.
THAT KISS! It was time to strut back down the aisle with the kind of swagger you can imagine feeling backed by Dean Martin’s Cha, Cha, Cha D’amour.
The modern bohemian wedding pieces from Wonder Event Rentals were the stand-out design elements of the reception. From the woven placemats and matte stoneware plates to the fringed linen napkins and amber tinted stemware, it doesn’t get more luxe Palm Springs than this!
Ahhhh, a picture of our place…in life. Yes, I’m talking about the donut cart from Donut, Hello. I’m sure you’ll be with me once you hear about the menu, which included s’mores, churro, reese’s, pb & j, triple chocolate, cinnamon sugar and maple minis to name a few!
Alison Stephen Originals provided live entertainment throughout the day with her whimsical painting that incorporated the key design details and symbolic moments of the day. And the end result was as sweet as can be!
The dance floor was lit up like a costume at Coachella as DJ MOJOE spun discs post-dinner. And no one could hide their smiles as they glimpsed the groom twirling his bride, her mermaid gown from AFAROSE in sweeping motion and their joy beyond compare.
It truly was a magical experience. With an open bar from Moniker Cocktail Co., sushi boards from Ju-ichi and a full dessert bar from The San Diego Cake Company to boot, the party lasted late into the evening until the unique sendoff with flamingo + palm tree pool float favors!
Pictures may speak 1000 words, but we have a weak spot for wedding films too. Don’t miss the highlight reel from Madison The Guy Videography below!
Our love affair with modern bohemian wedding ideas is going strong, thanks to creative events like these. Do a little digging to see where the next BFW event is happening near you here, and be sure to tell us in the comments what your favorite design moment from this San Diego shindig was!
Cover Image by Jess Living Photo
Wedding Vendors:
Event: The Big Fake Wedding
Bar: Moniker Cocktail Co.
Bridal Accessories: Borrow Love Return
Cake: Elizabeth Oliver Baking
Catering: Sonya’s Kitchen
Coffee Cart: Shepherds Coffee Co
Day of Coordination, Tables 6 & 7: Ivory & Lace Creative Weddings
Dessert Bar: The San Diego Cake Company
DJ: DJ MOJOE
Donuts: Donut, Hello
Floral & Event Design for Tables 1 & 2 and Personal Flowers: Sun Grown Floral
Floral & Event Design for the Head Table, Table 3 and Ceremony Backdrop: Spark & Sage Events
Grazing Boards: SD Charcuterie
Hair: Genevieve Grant
Hotel & Vendor Cocktail Hour: Marriott Bayfront Downtown
Jewelry: Buckley & Co. Jewelry
Makeup Artistry: LC Makeup Artistry
National Partner: Nannocare
National Travel Partner: Taylor & Co.
Officiant: Your Wedding Belles
Photo Booth: Complete Weddings and Events
Photography: Amber Rain Photography
Photography: Jess Living Photo
Photography: Lindsay Melanie Photography
Picnics: San Diego Picnics
Rentals & Ceremony Backdrop: Wonder Event Rentals
Signage: The Vintage Nib
Sushi Boards: Ju-ichi
Table Accents: Loralei & Co.
Travel: The Trip Company by Dream Vacations
Venue: The Lane
Videography: Madison The Guy Videography
Wedding Dress & Bridesmaid Dresses: AFAROSE
Wedding Painter: Alison Stephen Originals
This post was sponsored by The Big Fake Wedding. All opinions are our own. Thanks for supporting our sponsors!