You already know about my obsession with color so this wedding just made my eyeballs cry all the tears of colorful glory. Does that sound extra? It should. Because it is.

An unexpected perk of opting for a micro wedding: fewer people to please, and a newfound creative freedom. Who says that micro weddings can’t be bougie, art-filled affairs??

After more than a decade as a wedding planner in San Diego, Amanda got a dream job offer in Alabama, where she would relocate with her husband-to-be. Covid had already delayed their wedding in 2020, and now with a big move in the works… This amazing couple decided: WHY WAIT?! They opted to throw the artsy, colorful micro wedding of their dreams for around a dozen of their nearest and dearest.

Half wedding, half going away party, Amanda and Mike were ready to celebrate the beginning of the rest of their lives together. Being a wedding planner, Amanda has tons of floral friends and magical events vendors in her life… AKA her “frendors.” Since this wedding was going to be a small, intimate affair, Amanda saw this as an opportunity to get creative. She told her vendors to go WILD, giving them the creative freedom to make their micro wedding truly unique.

With a small wedding, you have reduced costs, and fewer opinionated guests to please… so you might as well have fun with it! Amanda and Mike chose to create a luxe micro wedding at The Old Rancho in Carlsbad. The historic home has lots of space to get ready with the wedding party, and absolutely gorgeous landscaping, making it the perfect spot for a Covid-safe, small backyard wedding.

No backyard wedding in California would be complete without an enormous, blooming bougainvillea. The COLOR!! Ugh, my heart can’t take it. Unsurprisingly, the ceremony was super personal and sweet as both the bride and groom took turns sharing their vows. 

Amanda and Mike integrated lots of time-honored traditions into their micro wedding, but with their own twist. The sweetest ring bearers walked down the mini-aisle with a one-of-a-kind art piece made of interlocking fabric hoops. Their gorgeous, Tiramisu wedding cake was topped with kitty cat cake toppers (salt + pepper shakers…LOVE). The officiant wore a classic black suit… with a plunging neckline, blue velvet booties, and a red silk face mask. Everything about this wedding exudes personality.

Their colorful reception included velvet table linens, lush flower centerpieces, and a showstopping dining table floral installation for the newlyweds. The couple had five different florists collaborate to create the fairytale florals for their backyard wedding reception, and the results are EPIC. Have you ever seen wedding flowers with mossy mushrooms??

The Old Rancho’s grounds are filled with wild backdrops for newlywed photos. It’s magical to see how the setting comes alive behind their colorful outfits.

The reception was extra emotional because Amanda and Mike were moving away shortly afterwards. Little details like custom state-shaped cookies made this special day feel like the ultimate going away party… an opportunity to celebrate the beauty of their chapter in California.

After a few emotional toasts, Amanda and Mike wrapped up their micro wedding with a drive through caravan for congrats and goodbyes from more of their friends. Such a sweet way to involve their community, and feel connected during this crazy time.

Vendors

Photography: SoCal Standard

Videgography: https://www.dismoiouifilms.com/ 

Venue: The Old Rancho in Carlsbad

Day-Of Coordinator: Erin Purnell for Sassy Little Bee

Hair & Makeup: Cindy Stirling

Catering: Phil’s BBQ

Desserts: The Gluten Free Baking Co.

Flowers: Annette Gomez, A. Smith Floral, Botanicamuse, Noriko Mochida, Black Lotus DesignRentals: Platinum Party Rentals