An engagement in Spain, a love of 1920s Spanish Colonial style, and Southern California bohemian style influenced Becca and Ryan when planning their relaxed backyard-style wedding in Long Beach, CA! They embraced Art Deco details, whimsical pampas grass flower arrangements, and neutral colors mixed with greenery details for this stunning Real Wedding pulled off to perfection by XO and Fetti Photography and Diana Huchinson Weddings!
See more Southern California Wedding Inspiration!
Becca and Ryan knew they wanted to blend some of their favorite aesthetics for their wedding day – Art Deco, 1920s Spanish Colonial style, bohemian decor – and that the best way to create a cohesive wedding look was to keep their colors simple. They selected a neutral palette, with soft peach and blush accents like the mismatched bridesmaid dresses from BHLDN with full maxi skirts and white embroidery.
The Spanish architecture of Rancho Los Cerritos in Long Beach, CA, felt like the perfect venue for a couple who got engaged in Spain! Ryan planned a surprise proposal on their trip, after scouting the city of Granada for the perfect place. He found a secluded olive orchard with a stunning view over the city and the Alhambra in the background!
After telling Becca he was going to set up his tripod for a full shot of the two of them and the vista in the background, he set up his camera in with a timer and a hidden remote in his hand. The shutter burst captured their keepsake photo, then kept shooting as he got down on one knee, and switched the remote for the ring box!
Becca said the camera managed to capture her stunned reaction and enthusiastic yes (and then the pair of them being interrupted by a group of workers who came to tend the olive grove, and turned out to be good sports who tried to hide when they realized what was happening)!
They chose their wedding day attire to reflect the venue around them – Becca’s beaded sheath dress from BHLDN had the perfect Art Deco 1920’s style, and Ryan added a burst of color with his classically tailored navy blue suit.
XO and Fetti Photography shared the sweetest moments where the groom’s father helped him get ready – straightening his tie and putting on his boutonniere.
Their planner Diana Huchinson Weddings helped them pull together their vision for the ceremony, using the Historic Adobe Ranch House as the backdrop. They laid an aisle of vintage rugs and added wispy arrangements of pampas grass, along with hand blown glass vases, brass lanterns, and wooden candlesticks to create a Southern Californian bohemian setting that complemented the Spanish style of the wedding venue.
Their fur baby Suki, the cutest little pug to stand in as Flower Girl, nearly stole the show during the ceremony. She was distracted by the photographer during the vows and then nearly dove off the stage to try and hunt up a dog biscuit in the bushes. The bride and groom rolled with it, loving the laughter from their guests that helped break the ‘this is it’ tension.
The stunning gates of the Inner Courtyard led to a private garden for their reception, and created a beautiful photo opportunity! Cristina’s Flowers amped up the volume on their flower arrangements, pairing bohemian staples like King Protea and pampas grass in oversized centerpieces that guided guests throughout the gardens.
The bride and groom wanted to keep their reception from feeling fussy and opted for an intimate backyard wedding vibe. That meant a flowing timeline, plenty of space to mingle, and a buffet to keep people moving and interacting instead of seated for too long.
They asked Chasing Linen, a favorite artist of the bride, to create a watercolor portrait station! The artists created keepsake favors from snapshots of the guests, painting them at the reception to create an amazing take home memento!
An artistic guest book also invited guests to add painted swatches to an acrylic canvas, creating a unique wedding keepsake that the couple could display in their home!
Becca and Ryan opted for a buffet of pies over a full wedding cake, but they worked with Rossmoor Pastries for this petite cutting cake! The gray, white, and gold marbled cake was their favorite dulce de leche flavor – they plan to order aa mini one for every anniversary!
The couple added lots of personal twists to make their wedding day feel representative of them as a couple. Becca wore Ryan’s grandmother’s garter and handkerchief down the aisle, a family tradition on his side that honored her joining his family.
They also added a Polish custom to the reception, with a ‘na zdrowie’ toast after the Best Man’s speech! The guests all took a shot of vodka to celebrate, but the bridal party were served a special Polish bison grass vodka – taking the bride very much by surprise!
The most memorable part of their 1920s Spanish Colonial style wedding day? Stealing a few minutes together to savor the day!
WEDDING VENDORS –
Photography: XO and Fetti Photography | Ceremony and Reception Venue: Rancho Los Cerritos | Event Planning: Diana Huchinson Weddings | Florist: Cristina’s Flowers | Wedding Cake: Rossmoor Pastries | Wedding Dress and Bridesmaid Bridesmaid Dresses: BHLDN | Engagement Ring: Rambling Rose | Hair Styling: Robyn Wertz | Makeup: Trang Do | Catering: TGIS | DJ: Nativity Music | Hand Painted Portrait Favors: Chasing Linen | Stationery and Invitation Design: Minted | Submitted via: Matchology
I’m so excited to see their beautiful day featured, they had the most wonderful celebration and it was a joy to capture it all!
AHHH YAYYYY! So happy to see Becca & Ryan’s beautiful day featured!! They are such sweethearts and their celebration was truly a joy to capture. I love how they incorporated so much of their relationship throughout the day – each detail was perfection!