A Twinkle Light Wedding Reception With Elegant Rattan Details
Listen… we can’t stop, won’t stop falling head over heels for twinkle light wedding receptions – especially when they look like that of Shamira and Eric’s! It’s hard enough to create a fairy light canopy that feels seamlessly exectued, much less one that conjures up a romantic ambiance without stealing spotlight from the other design details; but Fawn Events is a master at their craft, and the results speak for themselves. We especially love the element of texture brought in through thoughtfully placed rattan accents in the table numbers, the menus, the dining chairs and even the napkin rings! Paired with the orchid and almond hues that Creative Light Design wove throughout the florals, candles and modern vessls, the entire setup was aglow with enchantment. We feel beyond fortunate to be sharing the gallery from Victoria Gold Photography with you today – it’s every bit as extraordinary as her national acclaim promises!
From the Planner & Designer, Erica of Fawn Events: Shamira & Eric had been together for TEN years when they decided to finally tie the not! While they both live in LA with their fur baby, Sage, they wanted a destination wedding for themselves and for their guests. Nearly all of their guests were flying in from Minnesota (where they are from) & New York, so they wanted a venue with proximity to SoCal hotspots like San Diego, but they wanted to maintain a romantic, elegant vibe with a modern flare. Rancho Bernardo Inn made for the perfect place, as it provided elegance, plenty of activities for visiting guests, and gorgeous restaurants for their rehearsal dinner (and it’s dog-friendly!).
Shamira came to us with a vision that included an emphasis on neutrals and heavy floral, and we incorporated the romantic element of twinkle lights to make it all come together, framing the space & creating an intimate setting. Creative Light Floral was truly the MVP of the day, with her stunning work on the ceremony trellis floral, which we repurposed for an over-the-top wedding party head table. Warm neutral linens mixed between white-washed farm tables gave the reception texture & depth. The ambient lighting of all the candles coupled with the twinkle lights made the warm Summer evening feel like it was out of a fairy tale, complimenting Shamira’s ballgown style dress perfectly, and executing her vision of wanting to feel like a princess on her big day. They were not the type of couple that was heavily involved in design; they fully trusted Erica Gustlin at Fawn Events to take their high level vision and execute it. When they arrived and saw it come together, they were in awe and couldn’t stop talking about how amazed they were at how it all looked!
The day wasn’t without its hiccups – The bride’s 2nd reception dress didn’t make it on the plane, so some of her girlfriends went out shopping THAT afternoon to find her stunning strapless party dress (seen in gallery) which looked incredible on her! Her makeup artist canceled the day before the wedding, requiring us to find a last minute fill in, and several guests including bridal party members had to cancel due to Covid. Needless to say, the day was not without it’s stress. There were so many factors working against us in the 11th hour, however they day itself went off without a hitch and Shamira & Eric could not have been happier to simply be married.
Given it was their 10 year anniversary, the speeches were some of the most heartfelt we had ever heard. Their puppy Sage and her parent’s puppy Storm, stole the show during the reception grand entrance and were also the inspiration for the personal touch on their bar menus and signature cocktails.
Eric is an experienced DJ, so one of the things he really cared about was a memorable after party. Once the formalities were over, we moved the party inside to continue – Switching gears from romantic candlelit dinner to a club-like dance scene complete with late night In n Out style burgers and fries (a perfect ode to the SoCal destination intent)! Soundwave Pros DJs brought in a live drummer and saxophonist, along with smoke guns and truss lighting to deliver an epic close out to the night. After that, the party continued even later, as they rented out one of Rancho Bernardo Inn’s restaurant bars to keep the party going even later into the night. The wedding oozed class, warmth, and love with the perfect twist of fun, surely making it a destination worth remembering for all of their family and friends!
We have to talk about this mini dress. Who would have ever guessed it was a Plan B?! Shamira is stardust personified, plain and simple. From the significance of the wedding date to the intentional design moments at every turn, this twinkle light wedding will go down in the history books as one of our faves!
Wedding Vendors:
Venue: Rancho Bernardo Inn
Planning & Design: Erica of Fawn Events
Photo: Victoria Gold Photography
Floral: Creative Light Design
Lighting: Brilliant Event Lighting
Rentals: MTB Event Rentals and Catalog Atelier
Lounge: Adore Folklore
Table Runners: EmmasAtticStore
DJ: SoundWave Productions
Signage: Velvet Fox Designs
Baker: Little Lulu’s
Makeup: Many Face Goddess
Bridal Hair: Salon Aficionado
Bridesmaid Hair: Babe Hair by B
Dress: BHLDN and Amsale
Bridesmaids: BHLDN
Suits: The Black Tux
Bride: Shamira