We loved working with Kate and Gregg in January of 2017 at their “Happily Ever After” brunch wedding at the Mission Inn Marina. While most weddings take place in the evening, theirs was on a beautiful chilly winter morning, and we absolutely loved seeing how all their details and creativity came together with the fairytale theme. Mission Inn put together a gorgeous brunch buffet, and all the vendors made this couple’s dreams come true. Thanks to Daisy Saulls Photography for letting us share these beautiful photos!
The day began early – we’re talking hair and make-up starting at 4:30 am! The hair and make-up magicians at Flawless Faces by Alicia made up our bride and bridesmaids, while the men tied their bowties, shot some pool, and played cards. The bride also sported a beautiful pair of Tiffany & Co earrings and a beautiful bouquet arranged by Blumenkiss.
The wedding party then gathered for a First Look photo shoot. The photos began sweet and simple, with Gregg and Kate showing their love when they first saw one another before the wedding. As the photo shoot went on, the wedding party got sillier and sillier, letting out their personality and fun-loving nature. The men showed off their Star Trek & He-Man socks, the women made funny faces, and everyone got a picture jokingly shivering as they showed just how cold this January morning was.
The ceremony space was outside the Mission Inn, set with white folding chairs and lovely suspended mason jars full of flowers. Kate and Gregg set up a fun sign post that pointed to the “Vows Here”, “Dancing There”, and “Love Everywhere”. There was also a sign that announced to the guests that it would be open seating, with more mason jars of flowers. The ceremony was beautiful and used a personal friend as an officiant. A very personal element added by the bride and groom was the inclusion of their dog, as taken care of by the company Fairy Tail Pet Care. While there was certainly some wind and a bit of January chill, nothing could get our ebullient bride and groom down as they said “I do” and kissed for the first time as husband and wife.
The reception at Mission Inn was held at the Marina, with a high ceiling and lights twinkling from above. At the entrance, Kate and Gregg had a Welcome sign with their wedding hashtag, and inside there was a display that shared “Our Love Story”. The tables were a mix of round tables with light blue linens and long wooden tables with lace runners. At each place setting was the favor, a custom-made packet of coffee. At the sweetheart table, there was a rose under a dome, to mimic the one from Beauty and the Beast and relate to the fairytale theme. The bride and groom also got beautiful hand-painted plates at the sweetheart table.
There were several more very creative and fun touches to Kate and Gregg’s reception. One of our favorites was that instead of a traditional guestbook, they had guests sign a record, with a sign that read “For the Record”. They also included a DIY project of hanging photos from clothespins within an empty frame for their loving memory display. Finally, our absolute favorite idea these two incorporated was geared towards the kids in attendance: their very own custom-made Kate and Gregg coloring & activity book! Each book came with crayons, and was the perfect way to entertain the young ones in attendance at their reception.
Soon enough it was time for the bride and groom to make their grand entrance into the reception hall. After sharing their first dance as a married couple, they heard beautiful toasts from the Maid of Honor and Best Man, and then it was brunch time! The buffet catered by Mission Inn was fantastic, with beautiful platters of breads, muffins, fruit skewers, and more.
Speaking of delicious foods, Kate and Gregg had a beautiful table of desserts made by Le Petit Sweet, offering everything from donuts to mini pies to cream puffs. The lovely blue and white cake read “Happily Ever After”, and was soon cut and enjoyed by the bride and groom to be shared with the rest of their guests.
The bride then tossed her bouquet and the groom her garter, caught by a couple of excited guests. At last it was time to party! The party, run by DJ Chuck Johnson, was a blast, full of dancing, music, and smiles. And of course, coloring!
Of course, all good things must come to an end, and in a beautiful flurry of bubbles, Kate and Gregg made their grand exit. As they drove away, all could see the sign on the back of their car: “Just married – Next stop: Happily ever after”, and it was clear that this was only the beginning of their fairytale together.
Congratulations and gratitude to Kate and Gregg for including us in their beautiful day, and much thanks and love to the venue and vendors that made it go so happily ever after:
Venue: Mission Inn Marina
Hair & Make up: Flawless Faces by Alicia
Photography: Daisy Saulls Photography
Florist: Blumenkiss
Planner: Anna Christine Events
DJ: Chuck Johnson
Desserts: Le Petit Sweet
Pet Care: Fairy Tail Pet Care
