Rustic Vintage Romance: Inn at Rancho Santa Fe

Erin and Jason created a perfect “patina of age” vintage wedding–using all things chipped, scratched, faded, or rusted to create a wonderfully nostalgic decor.  The motif was so sweet and the couple equally darling! The Inn at Ranch Santa Fe offered the perfect backdrop for the wedding, with its early California style architecture and outdoor setting. As can really only be done in S. Cal in October, they held the entire wedding outdoors. 

The ceremony occurred underneath a huge old oak tree that Blush Botanicals strung with ribbons.  The ribbons wafting in the breeze throughout the ceremony were dramatic!  Erin & Jason asked guests to write them sweet wishes that were placed in a vintage birdcage.  A rusted tin held the programs.  Notice, also, the succulents in Erin’s bouquet that added to the rustic feel.

Following the ceremony, the cocktail hour occurred on an adjacent terrace and lawn.  Erin and Jason created signature “Mr.” and “Mrs.” drinks that were tray-passed with either pink or grey and white striped straws.  During the cocktail hour, guests (and particularly the children!) played croquet on the lawn.  Michael Tiernan entertained with his fantastic singer-songwriter style.  It was a perfect October day with the Santa Ana winds lightly blowing to keep the temperature warm into the evening.

As the sun began to set, guests were invited to move to a third lawn where twinkle lights zig-zagged and the pink, ivory, burlap, and gold decor created a perfectly romantic feel.  Erin and Jason also put together two seating areas with vintage furniture for their guests to enjoy–with one having a camera and tripod to take photo keepsakes.  The Kicks band kept the dance floor full and guests dined on the Inn’s amazing food and special miniature sweets and cupcakes made by a family friend.  Special thanks to Joie La La Photography for so beautifully capturing this amazing wedding!

Steal This Idea:

Burlap. Ribbons. Rust. And Yarn. Oh my! These four elements, are the main ingredients often used to create a rustic wedding. Whether it’s hanging from a tree, mantle, or wrapped around bottles and vases, these keynotes create the pure vintage package.   And the best vintage items are the ones that are found.  Erin scoured her own family’s attics for old candle sticks, frames, books, tin containers, and even a radio flyer wagon which she incorporated into her decor.  The best vintage is found vintage for sure!  If you can add to your own family’s memories and pull out old photos or favorite vintage pieces to display, it will add a personal touch that honors your family in a very sweet way!

The Little Wedding Party

Move over Bride, it’s the Flower Girl’s time to shine! The sweetest little accessories you can have on your wedding day are the flower girls. In the Victorian Era, a flower girl was a given role to a young woman, where she had to entertain the guests before the arrival of the bride. As centuries have passed, this important role has been placed upon little girls (either family related or close friends). And since they always seem to steal the show, what an important role it is! 

They say that good things come in a pack of three! Two of my former clients got lucky and had the groom’s triplet nieces participate in their wedding. Having each little girl in a different color from the wedding palette was a great idea!

These two sisters (above) were beautiful and look at their creative baskets!  Their more formal attire was perfect for the La Jolla Country Club.  Their sashes also matched the bridesmaid dresses perfectly which was a great way to bring in one of the wedding’s colors.  Below, the coral dresses with gold strappy sandals on the three little flower girls were perfect for a  beach wedding at Paradise Point.  The girls were gorgeous!


 Little men can definitely be fashion forward as well!  Below left, two little boys in suits with fantastic stripped ties await the beginning of a ceremony at La Jolla Presbyterian Church.  Their attire is well suited for a formal church occasion.  Below right, look at the tiny seersucker suits and Perry Ellis shoes on the little boys (who ran down the aisle–luckily the rings were in the pocket of the best man!)!  They were perfectly adorned for a beach wedding at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club.  So handsome!

And these two little men below are my favorite! The red and black striped suspenders, not only look adorable but they also brought in the vintage motif of the wedding at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. And instead of ring pillows, they carried a wooden “Here Comes The Bride” sign. I loved it!

I love children in a wedding no matter (almost) how they behave!  I love it if they run down the aisle, decide to collect all the rose petals they have tossed, or need the encouragement of the entire crowd to get to the front (all have happened at my weddings)!  I think they bring a sweetness and lightness that only add to the warmth and love of a wedding day!