Nine years after they met during their senior year of high school, Zachary Patton proposed to Brianna Vazquez on her favorite holiday, Halloween. “He attached photos of us throughout our nine years of dating to balloons all through the house and carved pumpkins saying, ‘Will you marry me?’” explains Brianna of the heartfelt private at-home proposal. Of course, she said yes, and they began planning their nuptials for the weekend of their 10th dating anniversary. 

Though they now reside in Colorado, the pair decided to go back to California, where they lived together for a couple years, to host a sunny fall destination wedding weekend for 82 loved ones in Laguna Beach. “It feels like a second ‘home,’” Brianna adds of their location choice. 

To help orchestrate the fête, they hired Ann Whittington of Ann Whittington Events, who helped bring the couple’s vision to life. “I loved the contrast of romantic, moody florals in a beach setting during the fall,” shares the bride, who selected a bold palette of black, white, and mirrored elements along with striking accents of bright scarlet tones.

“We decided to make our altar red, which inspired most of our décor throughout the wedding,” Brianna describes; however, she mentions that the burst of color was a surprise for attendees as they didn’t incorporate the hue into any wedding stationery beforehand. Loved ones found their seats for the outdoor ceremony on a manicured lawn overlooking the ocean, surrounded by fragrant flowers. “Our floral altar created an illusion of it flowing down the aisle, framing the walkway in gorgeous rich red tones,” adds the bride. 

She was stunning in a luxurious lace gown by Galia Lahav with sheer sides and long illusion sleeves embellished with botanical embroideries. As she walked down the aisle, a beautiful veil featuring floral appliqués affixed to the crown of her long tresses trailed gracefully behind her. She clutched a ruby-hued bridal bouquet as she met her groom beneath the exquisite ceremony structure. “My most memorable moment was finally reaching the altar and getting to see Zach for the first time that day. It was like tunnel vision, and I couldn’t hear or focus on anything else but looking at him!” she smiles. 

“The classic outdoor Laguna Beach bluff setting and the scenery of our moody flowers against the gorgeous view was incredible.”

After the “I dos,” guests enjoyed an alfresco cocktail hour on the bluff before finding their table assignments on mirrored escort cards attached to single white roses on a chic black display decorated with a neon sign that read, “la vie en rose,” before making their way inside. The elegant reception space showcased round tables covered in ivory linens and surrounded by translucent chairs that allowed the towering vanilla-toned floral designs to impress. 

“Our centerpieces were white funky, spiky florals, which added great texture,” affirms Brianna, noting that the same blooms were suspended over the main seating area to create a wow factor. “We loved the reception space, as it was so cozy and warm with dark wood against all the florals, and it was just the right size for our guest count!” she notes, adding that the room felt more like a full restaurant instead of a vast ballroom – just what they were looking to achieve.

The moody design scheme from the ceremony continued into the reception with the pair’s sweetheart table adorned with billowing red florals that cascaded onto the floor and provided a striking contrast against the reflective tablescape and ornate black thrones for the bride and groom. Crimson blossoms were also fashioned into a circular ceiling treatment suspended above the area where the newlyweds shared their first dance to “Latch (Acoustic)” by Sam Smith on a mirrored dance floor. 

Friends and family savored a full sit-down dinner service, followed by slices of two wedding cakes: a beautiful three-tier Italian vanilla cake decorated with draping scarlet florals, as well as a red velvet groom’s cake with contrasting black frosting and white florals. Attendees then made their way outdoors to dance the night away with disco-ball cocktails and additional libations served from the bar. The bride later changed into a long-sleeve, ruched minidress and sneakers for a memorable grand exit with her husband through a tunnel of ostrich feathers waved by guests in celebration. 

Filled with happy memories of their wedding weekend, Brianna and Zachary confirm they loved celebrating with their nearest and dearest in such a special location. “The classic outdoor Laguna Beach bluff setting and the scenery of our moody flowers against the gorgeous view was incredible,” describes the bride. To make their October anniversary even more special, the couple is expecting their first baby at the end of the month. “October is clearly the highlight of our year!” smiles Brianna.

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