• Real Weddings

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.

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!

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!

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

• 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