This Couple's Tented California Celebration Balanced Traditional and Rustic Motifs

By Julie Vadnal
January 31, 2020
Jenny Quicksall

The reception tent's décor will take your breath away.

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Jenny Quicksall

In June 2018, Amanda Edington and William Mech took their regular trip to Mammoth Lakes, California. But this time, Will was carrying some very precious cargo: an engagement ring. "We found a beautiful spot on Lake Mary where I had a picnic set up," he says. "During the picnic, I got down on one knee and asked the love of my life to marry me!" The pair first met in middle school, but reconnected in college, when a mutual friend invited them both to the movies. They spent the next summer hanging out at the beach.

When it came time to plan their wedding, they knew it would be near the ocean, too. "Our vision from the very start was to have a very laid back, outdoor, backyard-type wedding," says Amanda, who grew up in Laguna Beach. The Ranch at Laguna Beach was a natural choice—literally. The property is surrounded by mountains and beaches. The coastal rustic theme carried through every detail of their celebration, which took place on September 21, 2019. On the big day, they exchanged vows outside, before celebrating their nuptials against a palette of dusty blues and whites come the organic reception.

Even though their wedding day included 220 friends and family, two VIPS stood out from the rest during the cocktail hour: Willow, a miniature horse, and Fable, a miniature alpaca. "I have two horses who are my absolute world. Since, logistically, I couldn't have them [at the wedding], having Willow and Fable brought so much calm and happiness," Amanda says. "They were the cutest!"

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California Dreaming

Jenny Quicksall

Luxe Marie Stationery designed a suite with a custom watercolor painting that teased Amanda and Will's epic ceremony site at The Ranch at Laguna Beach. A simple "M" monogram tied the whole look together; a blue envelope liner nodded to the day's palette.

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Treats for Travelers

Jenny Quicksall

The couple greeted their out-of-town guests with welcome boxes which included Angie's Boom Chicka Pop popcorn, La Colombe coffee, Voss bottled water, Reese's Sticks (Will's favorite treat), a monogrammed cookie, and a guide to the weekend's events.

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All Dressed Up

Jenny Quicksall

Amanda knew her Rita Vinieris wedding dress was "the one" as soon as she saw it on the hanger. "When I put it on, I knew nothing else was going to compare," she says. "I tried on other dresses but nothing else made me feel like my dress did—I felt absolutely beautiful." She finished off her look with her mother-in-law's bracelets and earrings, which her sister-in-law had worn on her wedding day, too.

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Awesome Anticipation

Jenny Quicksall

"I stood facing the bushes for what felt like a lifetime," says Will of their first look. "I heard footsteps approaching and my bride-to-be tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around and saw the love of my life. She looked absolutely stunning."

From then on, the groom's pre-wedding nerves turned into pure excitement. Amanda felt relief, too: "Afterwards, I was just ready to have fun and enjoy the rest of the day with the man I was going to marry!"

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Bright Whites

Jenny Quicksall

Amanda's bouquet included an arrangement of all-white garden roses, astilbe, ranunculus, spray garden roses, Italian ruscus, and touches of greenery, thanks to camellia leaf and Nagi.

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Tiny Touches

Jenny Quicksall

Will pinned a leather-wrapped collection of spray garden roses and ruscus leaves to his Brooks Brothers suit's lapel.

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All Smiles

Jenny Quicksall

Riding high off their first look, the pair posed for a few portraits before heading down the aisle.

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X Marks the Spot

Jenny Quicksall

A criss-cross arched canopy covered with fresh blooms marked the altar space.

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Walk with Me

Jenny Quicksall

Amanda's dad walked her down the aisle as musician Denny White sang while playing the keyboard.

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A Real Tearjerker

Jenny Quicksall

The ceremony included a prayer and a blessing for the couple. Amanda says that she held back her tears for the majority of the service—but let it all go during the recessional. "I was so happy and overcome with all the emotions!" she says.

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Get Comfy

Jenny Quicksall

During the cocktail hour, attendees gathered on the lawn and lounged on plush rental furniture while they noshed on chicken thigh tostadas, deviled eggs, shrimp cocktail, cheese and charcuterie, and grilled cheese and tomato bisque soup.

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Mug Shot

Jenny Quicksall

Hanging copper mugs, tied with calligraphed leather tags, doubled as seating assignments and vessels for the night's signature sip: a Moscow mule.

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True Blues

Jenny Quicksall

In the sky-high reception tent, lanterns hung down from the ceiling; they created a sense of intimacy in the vast space. Down below, patterned blue table linens put the day's color palette on full display.

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Blue Plate Special

Jenny Quicksall

A three-course dinner (including tuna tartare, salad, and a choice of salmon or short ribs) was served on ocean-hued plates, situated on see-through silver-rimmed chargers. Simple white florals—arranged loosely down the lengths of the tables—added texture. Creamy pillar candles cast a warm glow as the sun went down.

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Swing, Swing

Jenny Quicksall

The duo's five-tier Simply Sweet Cakery confection included confetti and marble flavors. The dessert was suspended from a wooden installation covered in greenery and backed by an acrylic sign that read, "How sweet it is to be loved by you."

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May I Have This Dance?

Jenny Quicksall

The newlyweds swayed to "Give Me Love" by Ed Sheeran, one of their favorite artists.

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Party On

Jenny Quicksall

After dinner, the dance floor was packed all night long, says the couple.

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Sources

Jenny Quicksall

Photography, Jenny Quicksall
Venue and Catering, The Ranch at Laguna Beach
Event Planning, Design, and Production, A Good Affair
Stationery, Luxe Marie Stationery
Cake, Simply Sweet Cakery
Music, Denny White (ceremony); Elevated Pulse (DJ)
Rentals, Signature Party Rentals; Found Rentals; Casa De Perrin
Bride's Gown, Rita Vinieris
Hair and Makeup, Beach Bridal Beauty
Groom's Suit and Cuff Links, Brooks Brothers
Lighting, Premier Lighting
Photo booth, Halogen Pictures

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