Inspired by the sea, we set out to create a sophisticated, romantic nautical styled shoot. Wanting to steer clear of the usual preppy colors and using more traditional nautical elements such as anchors and rope very sparingly, our vision took shape at the perfect venue: The Stone House at Temecula Creek Inn.

For the ceremony, we wanted to show the venue in a little different light, so instead of using the larger lawn we held our ceremony right in front of the house. Using a mix of pretty benches and chairs from Abby’s Party Rental in Temecula, and lining our aisle with different woven baskets, it felt intimate and special. The ceremony backdrop was a wonderful collaboration between both my former and current studio partners, and myself. The seaweed paper sheets were handmade by Jessica from Bramble Workshop, I designed the backdrop and laid out the overlapping pattern, and Crystal from Heirloom Design House painstakingly sewed the pieces together like a paper quilt. The result was at the same time modern, delicate and beautiful.

We know today’s bride is looking for a unique and beautiful wedding dress. For this shoot we were lucky enough to feature three amazing dresses, to showcase the different directions this theme can go. First, for the dramatic bride: A gorgeous, one-of-a-kind work of art from Rmine in Studio City. Painted by hand, this dress has the drama of the rolling ocean and the lightness of salt air. Second, for the romantic bride: a silk beaded Jenny Packham. Third, for the trendy bride: A fun and flirty dress from the 2014 H&M Conscious Collection – right on trend in navy jacquard with a hi-lo hem line.

The exposed stone and gorgeous wood beams of The Stone House interior set the stage for a darker, moody table setting. Small magnifying glasses were used for the place cards, which allowed guests to read the tiny ‘surprise’ text at the bottom of the menus: a secret photosharing account for the guests to upload their own photos. They were attached with the same raw silk fabric that was used to tied the invitations and bouquets. Wood tones, pattern mixing and one large dramatic floral centerpiece all added to the drama of our table. I also took round rattan floor mats and repurposed them as wall décor behind the table, to bring in a natural fiber that lent itself to a nautical theme without being too literal.

shoot concept, event design & wardrobe styling: Harmony Creative Studio • photography: Studio Casterillo • floral design: Heirloom Design House • shoot location: Temecula Creek Inn, Santa Ana, CA • invitation & paper goods: Pomegranate Paper Co. • makeup: Cristina Underwood Beauty Studio • hair: Danielle Easton • linens: La Tavola • models: Paisly Miquel, Thomas Graber, Alison DeLaurentis and Lisa & Aaron Dowd • hand-painted dress: Rmine • rentals: Abby’s Party Rentals • cake: The Blooming Bakery• shoes + jewelry: Stylist’s Own