Featured in Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine!
Elizabeth and Matthew
For Elizabeth and Matthew the good things in life — oranges, avocados, and true love — can be found in Ojai. As a tribute to their SoCal alma mater, where they met, they designed their wedding around the school’s colors, orange and green.
On the big day, guests were greeted with citrus cocktails, and Elizabeth walked down an aisle lined with foliage and oranges. The theme continued to the reception, where tables were decorated with arrangements of fiery flowers and even more oranges.
The Invitation
Invitations, designed by Lisa “Ceci” Johnson at Ceci New York, featured fancy flourishes and a custom crest that includes “things important to us,” says the bride. “Like horses, an orange tree, an anchor for Matt’s love of sailing, and a toad — our high school mascot.”
Save the Date
Booklets with letterpressed wood-grain paper covers were mailed to loved ones to spread the news.
Bridal Party
The bride is flanked by her pals (in Vera Wang frocks), two of whom accessorized with cowboy boots.
Bridesmaid Bouquets
Each of Elizabeth’s nine bridesmaids carried a bouquet of tulips, gardenia foliage, rosemary, ranunculus, freesia, and oregano tied in orange ribbon
Groomsmen
Groomsmen, in J. Crew Suits, Hermes ties, and Sperry Top-Sider for J. Crew loafers, kick back with cold beverages.
The Boutonnieres
Rose hips, rose buds, Gomphrena ‘Strawberry Fields,’ and oregano added a bright pop to the men’s lapels.
The Location
The couple returned to the idyllic orange groves surrounding Thacher, their alma mater in Ojai, to exchange vows. They wanted to be reminded of the time they spent riding horses and snacking on fresh fruit in this very location.
To create “Thacher” the horse, florist and event designer Mindy Rice filled a life-size topiary frame with hay. The party animal “made his debut at the rehearsal dinner wearing New Mexican riding blankets,” says Mindy, then showed up at the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception, each time sporting new attire.
Ceremony Programs
The wedding program, held here by Elizabeth’s brother, outlines the ceremony, gave a shout-out to the couple’s parents and grandparents, and thanked the Thacher School.
Ceremony Decor
A bustling arrangement in shades of tangerine, pink, and green adds a bright pop of color to the stone bridge leading to the ceremony site.
Vows with a View
With its spectacular vista of the Ojai Valley, Thacher’s Outdoor Chapel requires scant adornment. Simple touches, like a garland of fresh oranges and foliage draping from the podium, feel organic and natural.
Just Married
The couple share a private moment. “We knew we had to get married at Thacher to bring everything full circle,” says the bride.
The Reception
Guests headed to Ojai Valley Inn & Spa for the wedding reception. Foliage, fruit, and leafy wreaths on the chandeliers transform the inn’s ballroom into a lovely orchard.
Cocktail Hour
Chilled melon-mint soup provided refreshment for friends and family
Table Settings
Earthy linens and iridescent taupe charger plates offered a sleek, muted balance to vibrant flowers.
Reception Decor
Slatted wood boxes filled with fruit and orange blossoms brought fragrance and color to the cocktail tables.
Custom Headpiece
The bride’s custom headpiece used the same hand-painted fabric as one of the layers in her silk-and-tulle Vera Wang gown.
Sources
Locations: The Thacher School(ceremony); Ojai Valley Inn & Spa(reception and catering)
Photography: Jose Villa Photo
Event Planning: La Fleur Weddings & Events
Event Design and Flowers: Mindy Rice Floral and Event Design
Stationery: Ceci New York
Calligraphy: Laura Hooper Calligraphy
Desserts: LaStarr Cakes� and Enjoy Cupcakes
Music: Ceremony: Aurora Ensemble; cocktail hour: Anthony Ybarra; reception: James Gang
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
Linens: La Tavola
Lighting: Bellavista Designs
Wedding Filmography: Joel Serrato Films
Hair and Makeup: Mar of Team Hair and Makeup
Guests picked up their textured die-cut place cards and proceeded to enjoy hors dourves and cocktails under a sea of lanterns. Meanwhile, the newlyweds took advantage of the properties matching color palette to snap a few sweet photos. It always helps to work with what your venue already has, and the pink and red blooms at the estate perfectly complemented their wedding decor!
The estate’s grounds were transformed into an elegant reception with long tables swathed in gray linens and accented with those bright pops of textural red florals. More delicate lights were strung above (recognize them from the invitation!?) so everyone could enjoy this stunning celebration long into the night.
