Everything about this wedding, from the decor to the attire, was gorgeous. Baylee and Avery were married on July 18 at St. John Fisher Catholic Church in Palos Verdes, with a garden reception to follow at La Venta Inn. The view over the Pacific is priceless. I love this venue. Their green, ivory, and gold palette worked especially well here, since it picked up the gardens without trying to compete with that giant blue view.
The photos are by Dreamwood Media Group, who also filmed the day, with planning by Rickie Lewis. Thank you to Baylee and Avery for letting us share their day. Here are our favorites!
Getting Ready at La Venta Inn
I am now obsessed with this embroidered lily of the valley purse. Matching it with the invites is next level and could easily be one of my favorite wedding details of the year. The lily of the valley shows up on the paper and then again in actual embroidery, which is the kind of tiny repeat I can stare at for far too long.
Is it weird to fall in love with an envelope color? This green is just the perfect GREEN. That deep green also gives the gold necklace and wedding bands a much better backdrop than another sheet of white paper would have.
Baylee got ready for the big day. The room had that soft window light photographers pray for, and her white robe kept the photo simple. No matching pajama production required (though I do love those, too).
Her mom, wearing my favorite green, helped her into the wedding dress. This moment gets me every time!
We need to talk about this mother of the bride dress! She looks stunning!
Look at that train! The subtle floral brocade on the gown is so good.
Avery getting ready with a smile on. A black tux, a white shirt, and good cufflinks will never let you down.
The groomsmen with a pre-ceremony toast. The overhead black-and-white shot makes a round of beers look even more fun.
A First Look in the Gardens
Thinking about one yourselves? Here is our take on whether you should have a first look.
Their first look in the gardens before the ceremony. Holding on tight with nobody else in the frame, and a few minutes to breathe before heading to the church. This is exactly why couples make room for a first look.
The bridesmaids wore mismatched champagne gowns. This color looks so chic on everyone. They will definitely wear those dresses again.
This is a great groomsmen shot. It is definitely worthy of a frame!
The Ceremony at St. John Fisher Catholic Church
Baylee arrived at the church in a 1961 Bentley. The black and white for this photo is perfect. With the ballgown filling the doorway and that car waiting outside, the whole arrival looks like a still from an old movie.
Programs waiting in a basket at St. John Fisher Catholic Church. I love the no-fuss display: one woven basket, a stack of programs, done.
How beautiful is this church? I love the architecture.
The flower girl looked adorable.
Baylee’s dad giving her away.
The look on her face during the vows.
Married! Walking back up the aisle.
Golden Hour in the Gardens
Planning a garden wedding of your own? We collected our favorite garden wedding ideas here.
Here she is back at La Venta, under the rose-covered arch. This dress is so dreamy!
Golden hour in the gardens. They fit three completely different portrait spots into this little stretch of evening: the rose-covered arch, a winding garden path, and the bluff over the Pacific. Put a sunset buffer in your timeline if your venue gives you options like these!
A Green and Ivory Reception
The mirrored welcome sign, with white and green florals, guided guests in.
The green and ivory palette from the invites carried into the reception with AMAZING olive branch centerpieces with lemons. I’m actually giddy looking at these pictures. The tables feel collected instead of overly matched, with tall olive branches above, little bowls of lemons below, and green glass accents throughout.
Green goblets, toile china, and fresh lemons made for the perfect reception table. I would happily copy this entire place setting, especially the toile plates. They add pattern without making the flowers fight for attention.
Illustrated place cards at the sweetheart table.
THIS CAKE. Four tiers of Lambeth piping with columns and white roses. The tiny columns between the tiers are delightfully old-school, and the gold stand pulls it right back into the rest of the room. I need five minutes alone with this cake.
The toasts had the whole room laughing. Baylee and Avery look like they forgot the camera was there, which is always my favorite reception photo.
Dancing, Cake, and a Bentley Send-Off
You can see more of our favorite father-daughter wedding photos here.
Dancing with dad.
Their first dance under a canopy of white blooms. The hanging wisteria makes the room feel like an extension of the garden outside.
The dance floor stayed packed all night.
My favorite guest book note shared the best advice: Remember to keep dating and the magic alive.
Champagne and a kiss after cutting the cake.
They left in the iconic 1961 Bentley. I love that the car got two big moments, first for Baylee’s church arrival and then again for the newlyweds’ getaway.
Champagne and chocolates waiting on the hood. What a send-off.
Congratulations, Baylee and Avery!
Want more California inspiration? Dyeneka and Kevin’s glam LA rooftop wedding has another gorgeous vintage car.
Event Planner: Rickie Lewis // Ceremony: St. John Fisher Catholic Church // Reception Venue: La Venta Inn // Photography and Film: Dreamwood Media Group
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