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Now This Is How You Throw A Mid-Century Modern Wedding!

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Elegant floral arrangement with peach and white blooms

Kelsey is a wedding planner so when it came to her own big day, you’d think it would be a synch right? Well, there is a point when you have too many ideas and pinning down just one inspiration becomes a bit tough. Oh, but this story has a happy ending, Kelsey managed to pull together one of our favorite wedding looks to date! 

Keep scrolling to hear more about her process and to see this ultra-chic mid-century modern wedding day. Oh and don’t forget to check out the full gallery, we have even more for you to fall in love with in there, thanks to Plum & Oak Photography.

Elegant green wedding stationery with unique design

Elegant wedding rings in a velvet box on linen cloth

Bride wearing earrings and lace dress on her wedding dayGray suede ballet flats with ankle straps on stoolBride in lace dress poses by modern fireplace indoor

Let’s Plan A Wedding

As a wedding planner myself, I had always dreamed of the day that I would get a chance to be walking down the aisle. When I met Chris, I knew he was the one for me. There was something so different about him, a sweet demeanor and a person that I knew I didn’t want to spend a day without. We dated for a year and a half, got engaged in an intimate setting of just him and I and then quickly got to wedding planning. Having to plan out my calendar for other weddings usually a year to a year and a half out, I knew I would have to get on it quickly!

I struggled to find a venue that I loved, but also one that I hadn’t worked at before, to keep things extra special for me. We toyed with the idea of doing a destination wedding, on a Monday, in a hard to get to spot, so that nobody would actually come. haha But when it came down to it, we knew that it would be fun to have all our friends + family there and there were so many vendor friends who we wanted to include on the big day!

We set the date 11 months out in my “off-season” in March and got the planning underway. As an event designer, I usually don’t struggle with putting a vision together, but when it came to designing my own wedding, I just had too many ideas in my head! It was a little tougher to nail down exactly the route that I wanted to go, but once I got my mood board right, I was able to nail down the rest pretty quickly. We knew without a doubt that Elyse of Plum and Oak Photo was who we wanted to capture the day. She’s one of my best friends and having her there throughout all the intimate moments, was truly special for me. And my sweet friend, Jenna, of Jenna Joseph Photography second shot which was such an amazing treat for me. Jason of Audrey Alba Films put together the most amazing video for us, capturing all the highlights! And Carla Kayes Floral Design killed the flower game- everything was perfection!

Bride in lace gown holding flowers outdoors on wedding day

Bride surprises groom during first look wedding momentBride touches grooms face before exchanging wedding vows

Bride and groom embrace holding a colorful flower bouquetHappy newlyweds stroll handinhand in garden wedding setting

Bride and groom portrait at their outdoor wedding day

Groomsmen in suits with unique desert plants backdrop

Bride and bridesmaids in mauve gowns pose outdoorsBride and bridesmaids in taupe gowns with bouquets

The Wedding Day Look We Love!

The decor was so fun to pick out! I was going for a very eclectic look with mid-century modern elements. Every detail on the table was thought through- from the auburn water goblets to white stoneware plates, matte black flatware, funky patterned napkins, and menus from the super talented Twinkle and Toast. A huge thanks to Baker + Signature Party Rentals for making that happen and to TGIS Catering for having THE best chicken and waffle apps- our fav! The farm tables and metal chairs came from Rustic Events and Witty Rentals pulled together the cutest lounge in front of the fireplace outside. 

I’m obsessed with Taylor Swift so we had a nod to her with our seating chart, which read “Are You Ready For It” on a giant backdrop my (now!) hubby made for this. We also had a signature cocktail named after our sweet pup, “The Luna,” with a picture drawn of her by Elissa Leoann. DJ Pro’s rocked the house and Dared Photo Booth brought the fun. And since we’re not cake fans so we opted for Baked Bear ice cream sandwiches instead- SO DARN GOOD! 

I got my dress from Love and Lace Bridal Salon and had custom bell sleeves added on from Eenoli Bridal Alterations. Probably one of my favorite things about the whole wedding was the dress, it was perfect. FACE by Raymie did my makeup and Hair by Kayley gave me the confidence to rock a super boho braided updo. My cousin officiated the sweetest ceremony I have ever heard (and I’ve heard a lot!) and the day was nothing short of amazing. A HUGE thank you to everyone who made it happen and who let me be a bride for a change!

Floral decorated white fireplace with black iron gate

Bride walks down aisle with father at wedding ceremony

Bride holding flowers in a detailed lace wedding gownBride and groom exchanging rings at outdoor wedding

Wedding vows booklets with rings and ribbons closeup

Bridesmaids holding elegant mauve and cream bouquets

Bride and groom walk on beach at sunset wedding dayBride and groom sharing kiss on the beach wedding day

Bride and groom holding hands on a beach wedding day

Budget Breakdown

Photography: $5000
Videography: $3000
Florals: $5000
Hair + Make Up: $1000
Catering: $17,000
Venue: $6500
Dress + Alterations: $3000
Lounge + Rentals: $5000
Dessert: $800
DJ: $1500
Stationery: $2500
Photobooth: $1000

Flowers on a gold table with modern outdoor furniture

Stylish outdoor lounge area with green velvet sofa

Elegant floral wedding seating chart with star designElegant floral arrangement on a wedding seating chart

Elegant wedding table setting with floral centerpiece

Elegant wedding table setting with floral arrangement and menuElegant wedding reception table setting with floral centerpiecewarm and cozy mid-century modern wedding table decor

Elegant wedding reception with hanging floral arrangement

Delicious chicken and waffle appetizers on a white plateDog themed cocktail with Luna portrait on the bar menu

Happy newlyweds stroll by the Casino San Clemente building

Cakes & Catering: Thank Goodness It's Sofia (TGIS)
Cakes & Catering: Baked Bear
DJs: DJ Pros
Event Planning & Design: Kelsey Rae Designs
Farm Table Rentals: Rustic Events
Flowers: Carla Kayes Floral Design
Hair, Makeup & Beauty: Hair by Kayley
Hair, Makeup & Beauty: FACE by Raymie
Lighting, Entertainment & Photo Booth: Dared Photobooth
Paper Goods & Calligraphy: Twinkle & Toast
Photographers: Plum & Oak Photography
Rentals: Witty Rentals
Rentals: Signature Party Rentals
Rentals: Baker Party Rental
Venues: Casino San Clemente
Wedding Films: Audrey Alba Films
Budget: $50,000

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