Working as registered nurses in the same facility, Jordan Bagsic and Kimbal Leonardo knew each other, but not well, so they felt awkward when their colleagues said they’d be perfect for one another. As time passed, they became better acquainted and stirred up a close friendship. “We saw each other in a new light and fell in love,” Jordan smiles.

As their romance developed, Kimbal knew he was ready to make his beloved his bride and proposed on Catalina Island with a sparkling solitaire diamond ring. “It was the most beautiful ring I had ever seen!” she exclaims.

The couple spent nearly 18 months arranging their dream day with their trusted wedding planner, Susan Dunne of Weddings by Susan Dunne. “We enjoyed every part of wedding planning,” the bride affirms. “Susan was so amazing and made everything go smoothly.”

Utilizing social media to peruse potential venues, Jordan and Kimbal came across a gorgeous alfresco site dotted with oak and sycamore trees enhanced by classic architectural details. “We wanted a site that had lots of natural greenery and would complement our color choices of dusty rose, powder blue, and lavender,” the bride clarifies.

The couple opted for a “first look” before the nuptials, and it played out romantically, so much so that both bride and groom note it as one of their most cherished moments of the day. Jordan wore a stunning lace trumpet gown purchased from bridal boutique The White Dress, while Kimbal sported a sleek blue suit paired with a burgundy tie. More than 150 loved ones gathered at the Orange County property to celebrate the union.

“We subtly incorporated gold elements, such as votives, flatware, and signage to create a more elegant look.”

Since Jordan and Kimbal are both of Filipino descent, it was important to them to have a traditional-based Catholic mass performed by a priest familiar with their wedding ceremony traditions and customs. After the vow exchange when the couple was officially announced husband and wife, the newlyweds and their guests transitioned to a reception space surrounded by matured wild trees illuminated with suspended lights. Attendees found their table assignments by way of note cards affixed to an eye-catching verdant wall.

The same aesthetics from earlier in the day were carried over to the evening festivities. “We subtly incorporated gold elements, such as votives, flatware, and signage to create a more elegant look,” explains the bride. The organic beauty of the environment needed little decoration, so the newlyweds settled on garlands of greenery and timeless floral arrangements filled with garden roses and ranunculus blossoms. A mixture of short and tall candles cast an amorous glow.

Rather than have one confection for the dessert course, Jordan and Kimbal had elected to have three wedding cakes, each with a different delectable filling. Another treat presented to guests were sweets from the liquid nitrogen ice-cream station. “It was the most unique part,” Kimbal says. “We offered our two favorite flavors: strawberry balsamic and salted caramel.”

The merriment of the night was made complete with a DJ playing a variety of tunes, particularly featuring hits by the couple’s favorite entertainer, Bruno Mars. “The song list was curated perfectly,” the groom says. “From our ceremony to the end of the reception, he really listened to our needs and the style of music we wanted.” Everyone danced and mingled under the stars, enjoying each other’s company until the conclusion of the event.

The newlyweds emphasize that regardless of any mishaps or stress people may face while organizing their nuptials, each couple should experience the process together. “My advice is to always be involved,” Kimbal says. “Not only does it help you visualize the big picture for your wedding, but it also helps when vendors see your personality as a couple, so they have a better understanding of what you really like.”

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