This Couple's Custom Watercolor Crest Defined Every Inch of Their Vibrant Wedding in California

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The couple's invitation suite, created by watercolor artist and calligrapher Cami Monet, featured an immediate nod to their venue, Rancho Las Lomas—an illustration depicting the arch, under which Ana and Charles would eventually exchange vows, was splashed across the envelope liner. Another personal touch? The custom monogram that Cami designed specifically for the couple. "She created and painted our family crest based on our love story," says Ana. "This became the creative center for the rest of the wedding details."

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Hidden in the Silverado Hills

"We fell in love with Rancho Las Lomas on a rainy Valentine's Day," shares Ana. "The Spanish private state has beautiful details, such as hand-printed title murals and 100-year-old Pasadena street lamps hidden in the Silverado hills." She and Charles loved the on-site nature, including the many oak and sycamore trees—plus the "casitas," which allowed family to stay on-site.

Pure Romance

Ana knew her Eddy K. Europe wedding dress was the one when stepped into it at a bridal atelier and realized she never wanted to take it off. The sleeveless fit-and-flare gown was complete with an illusion neckline, keyhole back, and lace appliqués.

Glamorous Pumps

"My Jimmy Choo 'Bobbie' pumps were the first wedding item I bought, while with my sister on vacation in Prague," says Ana. "They are the most glamorous heels—I loved the crystal strap and pointy toe."

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Peaches and Cream

Ana's oblong garden-style bouquet was filled with a myriad of rose types, dahlias, peonies, scabiosa, delphinium, and larkspur in various shades of white, ivory, peach, orange, and coral—with pops of light blue and plenty of greenery. A silk ivory ribbon held the arrangement together.

Groom in Navy

Charles donned a custom navy suit, made by California-based tailor Peter Daniels, on the big day; a vest, hand-made shirt (complete with his initials), and silver tie completed the ensemble. "Charles also rocked his birthday gift—a Movado Bold Chronograph watch," says his bride. "It was the perfect companion to his metal gray wedding band."

The First Touch

Ahead of the service, Ana and Charles shared their first touch—and said a prayer—in a quiet corner of Rancho Las Lomas. "We held hands like never before. We knew that from that point on, we had each other," reflects Ana. "Charles was more emotional—I was super happy and nervous but kept smiling so big. We didn't want to let go!"

El Teatro

The venue's El Teatro—the open-air theater—served as the site of the duo's vow exchange. A large statement floral installation lined the arch of the altar, which was draped in white silk. Wooden Chiavari chairs defined the space, nodding to the tree canopy overhead; bistro lights offered a romantic touch.

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On the Aisle

Two floral urns marked the aisle's entrance; they were filled with dahlias, garden roses, spray roses, and other complementing flowers in ivory, white, peach, and coral, plus foliage for texture.

On the Program

Cami also handled the couple's ceremony programs (which were emblazoned with their crest), which outlined the traditional Christian ceremony.

Private Vows

"We opted to exchange our vows individually before our ceremony," shares Ana. "We wrote a letter to each other and read them alone." During their ceremony, their pastor delivered a sermon that included classic vows, which they recited to each other. After they were pronounced husband and wife, Ana and Charles recessed back up the aisle to "Isn't She Lovely" by Stevie Wonder.

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Time Together

As guests moved on to the cocktail hour, Ana and Charles took some time alone to pose for portraits around the venue—something they recall fondly. "We went around the venue in a golf cart. It was just us and our photographer, Anya Kernes, who let us be. We were silly and in love when she captured those special moments," says Ana.

Poolside

Meanwhile, guests noshed on plenty of passed appetizers—including Thai chicken satay, short rib Wellington, corn arepa, and carne asada—during the cocktail hour, which unfolded around the property's pool.

Find Your Seat

A clean and classic seating chart guided guests to their tables in the center of El Teatro, which had been flipped during the interlude.

Back Under the Arch

During the reception, Ana and Charles sat at a sweetheart table—in the exact spot where they'd exchanged their promises just hours ago. Florals corresponding to the garland of blooms above were added to the edge of their station.

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In the Round

Charles and Ana's attendees sat in front of them, at round tables which were covered with silver linens and punctuated with blue napkins.

Lush Florals

The centerpieces, a mix of tall and low arrangements, were whimsical and romantic, much like the property, notes the bride: "It was important to highlight the venue, so the pops of color played well off the surrounding gardens and Spanish details."

Sweet Treats

Following a plated dinner of grilled prime filet, chile-roasted chicken, jumbo asparagus, and more, the newlyweds served their cake, which was created by Beverly's Bakery. The classic four-tier confection, composed of lemon-raspberry, carrot, and marble flavors, featured one silver tier—which connected it to the reception décor—and, of course, included their crest motif.

The duo sent their loved ones home with another treat, as well. "My grandmother put together colorful handmade bags made in Guatemala City," explains the bride. "They were perfect for our wedding favors: a small bag of Guatemala coffee."

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Heartfelt Thanks

After their first dance to "So Amazing" by Luther Vandross ("Our first dance was so special—it was almost like there was no one else," says the bride. "I guess our dance classes paid off!"), Ana and Charles addressed their loved ones, thanking them for sharing in this monumental moment with them. Shortly after their nuptials, they embarked on a 12-day cruise through the Mediterranean, during which they visited Rome, the Greek Islands, and Malta.

Sources

Photographer, Anya Kernes Photography
Venue, Rancho Las Lomas
Wedding Planning, Event Design, and Florals, Love Anne Joy Design + Events
Videography, Tim & Co
Invitations and Paper Products, Cami Monet; Fresh Prints Designs
Officiant,Pastor Brian Kennedy
Wedding Dress, Eddy K. Europe
Veil, David's Bridal
Jewelry, Olive & Piper
Shoes, Jimmy Choo
Hair, Girl Meets Bongga
Makeup, Crystal Lord
Groom's Attire, Peter Daniels
Engagement Ring and Wedding Bands, Ben Bridge Jewelers
Music, Luxury Entertainment Group
Catering, 24 Carrots Catering
Cake, Beverly's Bakery
Styling Ceramics, Simple Things Ceramics
Styling Surface, Locust Collection