A Sunny, Citrus-Themed California Wedding

Sarah and Anson

After meeting during a medical school happy hour at a Denver brewery, Sarah and Anson bonded within seconds over the discovery of a mutual friend. What began as a friendship for them soon evolved into something more. "I was struck by how calm, honest, and easy-going he was," says Sarah, "When he decided to make a move, it was obvious that our connection went beyond friendship."

After two-and-a-half years of dating, the pair was vacationing in Kauai, Hawaii, when Anson decided to pop the question. "I really wanted to propose on the beach at sunset," he recalls, "but as soon as we sat down it started pouring rain, so we had to run under the cover of a palm tree and I proposed there." Sarah said yes, and the two began planning their wedding with the help of Coastyle Events. They fell in love with the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe in California with picturesque vistas and quintessential California ambience. On April 30, 2016, Sarah and Anson tied the knot and celebrated with 148 guests, incorporating colorful, citrus touches along the way.

WATCH SARAH AND ANSON'S WEDDING VIDEO

The Welcome Boxes

Custom maps by Snappymap were included in welcome boxes for guests, which were full of colorful and tasty treats. Coastyle Events collaborated with the bride and groom to create a weekend itinerary and recommendations of their favorite spots.

The Invitations

The couple's citrus-colored stationery suite was by Rifle Paper Co. for Paperless Post. "The landscape of the inn is green and beautiful, so we wanted to choose colors that fit will with it," says Sarah. "We both also love the freshness of fruits—especially peaches, tangerines, lemons, and limes." Each envelope was calligraphed by The Bloomery Co. and featured a hand-painted tangerine created by the bride's friend.

The Style

"I tried on a lot of dresses," says Sarah. "I had seen Mira Zwillinger's dresses in photos, and knew I wanted to try on her ethereal, feminine gowns." Flying to New York City to find her dress, Sarah chose a tulle number with intricate hand-embroidered leaf detailing and tulle skirt. Sarah wore Stuart Weitzman heels, with her mother's diamond studs serving as her "something borrowed."

"I wanted my bridesmaids to be able to choose a dress that fit their personality and budget," says Sarah of the assorted floor-length gray dresses, two of which the bridesmaids already owned.

The Bridal Bouquet

Flowers Annette Gomez created Sarah's colorful bouquet using hellebores, roses, gardenias, tulips, and protea.

The Handkerchiefs

Sarah's wedding planners, Jillian Ziska and Ashley Noack from Coastyle Events, gifted the bride and her mother floral handkerchiefs inside little illustrated tangerine-topped boxes, which read "for your tears of joy".

The Ceremony

Sarah and Anson had their service at The Village Church with a performance from their string trio, Caprice Strings. The bride entered with her father to Pachelbel's "Canon in D" as Anson waited for her at the altar. Both Sarah and Anson's grandmothers—who are both in their nineties—also walked in the processional. The bride's college roommate read "I Carry Your Heart" by e.e. cummings. The pair exchanged traditional vows and later recessed to "Here Comes The Sun" by The Beatles.

The Cocktail Hour

Cocktail hour took place on the upper lawn of the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. A craft beer station serving selections from Ballast Point, a local San Diego brewing company, was a highlight for Anson. In addition, cocktails topped with citrus peels and greenery were offered at the bar.

The Rosé Bar

A rosé wine bar offered three different options, each labeled with a watercolored tangerine to easily identify tasting notes.

The Games

Guests played lawn games like bocce and cornhole, as well as board games during cocktail hour.

The Guest Book

One of Sarah's bridesmaids painted a watercolor poster for guests to sign in lieu of a traditional guest book. The stethoscope and heart motif was chosen because of the couple's professions in the medical field.

The Seating Chart

Coastyle Events designed the seating plan, which was displayed on wooden crates and hung with clothespins and paper tangerines. Adorning the station were fresh fruits and florals from Flowers Annette Gomez.

The Reception

Due to rainy weather earlier in the day, a clear tent was set up for the reception, which still allowed the beautiful scenery to be viewed. Wooden chairs and tables were set with vibrant centerpieces and lots of candleholders.

The Centerpieces

Flowers Annette Gomez created bright arrangements that decorated the tables using roses, protea, and even kumquats.

The Head Table

"In keeping with Japanese tradition, my family and friends made 1,000 origami cranes for good luck," says the bride. "My mom made most of them, with help from other family members—even my dad made some! At my bachelorette party, each girl made a gold crane, so those ones represent my closest pals."

The Father-Daughter Dance

The newlyweds danced to "Nothing Can Change This Love" by Sam Cooke for their first dance. Sarah also shared a special dance with her father to "My Girl" by The Temptations, while Anson danced with his mother to "A Song for My Son" by Mikki Viereck.

The Desserts

"We have been to so many weddings where the cake is passed around on plates and left untouched. Anson and I love dessert, and we really wanted to provide delicious options and variety," says Sarah of the dessert table. Instead of one cake, guests were offered banana, carrot, and coconut confections from Come On In! Café. "Our donut bar was also a huge hit," says the bride, "donuts were being devoured faster than they could be replaced!" VG Donut & Bakery baked an assortment of chocolate, glazed, old-fashioned, and coconut treats, as well as buttermilk, crumb, and spiced donut bites.

A Special Gift

As the night went on and temperatures dropped, Sarah wore her customized Madewell jean jacket—a gift from her sister—to keep warm. Personalized details embroidered by Ft. Lonesome included references to Sarah's bachelorette party, her nickname, and her married moniker.

Sources

Photography, Shewanders Photography

Location and Catering, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe

Event planning, Coastyle Events

Flowers, Flowers Annette Gomez

Videography, Quixotic Pictures

Stationery, Paperless Post

Calligraphy, The Bloomery Co.

Cake, Come On In Café

Donuts, VG Donut & Bakery

Music, Caprice Strings (ceremony); David Adele (cocktail hour); AMFM (reception)

Rentals, Farm Tables and More; Concepts Event Design

Bride's gown, Mira Zwillinger

Bride's shoes, Stuart Weitzman

Hair, Emiliano DePasqual

Bridesmaids' Hair, Audra Rene

Makeup, Elizabeth Root

Groom's suit and accessories, J.Crew

Transportation, San Diego Charter Company

Maps, Snappymap