Fall Florals in Verse: The Wedding of Two Best Friends

Elizabeth + Andrew

San Diego, California

At each wedding that we shoot, there are always a few things that leave a unique impression. At Elizabeth and Andrew’s colorful fall wedding, there were more than a few. Elizabeth’s personal love of poetry and literature, woven throughout sweeping, bold florals and delightful design touches, made this marriage of two best friends rest permanently in our minds as one of the most romantic weddings (and love stories) we’ve witnessed to date.

But first—the florals. 
We must start with the florals.

Not just because they were breathtaking, but because they transformed the entire event (thanks to Kiana Underwood of Tulipina), from the ceremony to the dance floor, into a “floral jubilee,” as Elizabeth referred to it.

If you’re unsure that you can create a colorful fall wedding, look no further than this wedding. In hues of blush, terra cotta, red-orange, magenta and burgundy, the palette created an intentional and stunning ombré effect. The richness of the range of colors were a manifestation of fall itself. And the textured arrangements were draped over the tables, lining the floors and framing the ceremony, complementing the romantic, poetic themes.

With this moody backdrop in place, Elizabeth’s love of literature shined throughout the events and elements. From the poetic invites and her personalized vows, to the words of favorite literary works lining the walls—poetry abounded. 

Even the bar, lined in vintage rugs, made you want to crack open your favorite classic novel and get lost in the romantic prose while sipping on an old-fashioned (or a manhattan, both the signature cocktails of the evening).
For something a bit more available, but no less delightful, an on-demand poet was doling out poems for the guests. With just one or two prompts, performance poet Jacqueline Suskin created a personalized poem on her typewriter. Certainly one of the most memorable amusements we’ve seen at a wedding!

But none of these dazzling details stands without the love story itself. After a meet-cute at a pizzeria as teenagers (yes, it really happened, we didn’t steal that from a movie!), Elizabeth and Andrew started the beginning of a deep friendship. It wasn’t until years later, during a trip to Napa Valley, that they decided to take things further. And as it turns out, Elizabeth shared, “I learned that not only could you date your best friend, you could also fall very much in love with him.“

And so, at their colorful fall wedding at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, a favorite local hotel, they made their love official. Expertly planned by Heather Balliet of Amorology, every detail gave a nod to the couple.

One unique design element, inspired by Andrew’s sweet tooth, was the seating chart. It was deliciously and meticulously displayed with chocolates standing in for each guest. And the final destination—those chairs and tables—presented an element of poetry all their own. The varying styles and shapes complemented and played off one another to create the organic feel the couple was after.

For another play of color, the soft palette of the bridesmaid’s gowns created a contrast against the bold florals. With the color blush as their only muse, the bridesmaids chose gowns suited to their style and personality.

A mouth-watering menu of lobster butternut squash bisque and glazed Chilean sea bass was served to the roughly 250 guests in attendance. After the dinner, happiness radiated from couple’s faces as they danced their first dance beside the sparkling piano.

“We wanted our guests to feel as though they entered into a forgotten era where the soulful jazz melodies of Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra are sung alongside a piano,”

…Elizabeth told Martha Stewart Weddings.

I think they easily achieved that. And as for how we wanted Elizabeth and Andrew to feel, Elizabeth had gracious words to share about that:

There is something very comforting about knowing that the people in charge of capturing your wedding day care beyond just getting a great photo for an album—it felt as though our day was personally important to you both.

And it was.

I’m reminded of a verse that holds special meaning for Elizabeth and Andrew:

The minute I heard my first love story, I started looking for you.
—Rumi

That line captures something I feel for all the couples we photograph. That each wedding day is just as special, meaningful and important as the next. But each beautiful love story makes us eager to capture the next. Love begets love, begets love.

At the end of the evening, in the late-night bar area, the words of Charles Dickens and Leo Tolstoy adorned the walls and floors. Ancient words carried the guest into the night, wrapped in the history of love as they celebrated the future of Elizabeth and Andrew.

Elizabeth’s reflections of that day, just a few months before lockdown, so keenly capture the moment:

“Our wedding was for many the last time they got to be near friends and family in the same space. Embracing one another, dancing, laughing, and living in a moment full of joy and a lot less worry. I am so thankful we were able to create this memory not only for ourselves, but for those whom we hold so dear.”

I, too, am thankful for these unforgettable moments. See them below and scroll to the bottom to catch the feature on Martha Stewart Weddings.

See this colorful Fall wedding featured in Martha Stewart Weddings here: