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A hillside backdrop set the stage for this charming SoCal wedding

california garden wedding ideas

For their wedding, Linda and Jordan wanted something laid-back but elegant, in true California style. The two tied the knot in a hillside ceremony before treating their guests to a garden-inspired reception and, of course, dancing! From the pretty pastel florals to the adorable garden portraits, there is so much to love about this charming SoCal wedding. Keep scrolling to see more of these beautiful photos by Caitlin Alohilani Photography and hear all about how these two made sure to chisel out some much-needed alone time throughout the day.

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the love story

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Linda and Jordan dated long distance for many years at the beginning of their relationship. They had first met in 2013 but were each attending different universities across the country. As they prepared for the next step in their continued education, the couple also decided to move to Los Angeles together. Linda began attending medical school at USC, and Jordan was in business school across town at UCLA. They were engaged at the Griffith Observatory, overlooking the city that had become their new home.

the vibe & the venue

pastel floor floral arrangement for outdoor hillside wedding

Inspired by the wild and natural beauty of the California coastline, Linda and Jordan’s modern wedding embodied their newfound love for the laid-back SoCal energy. Nestled in the hills of Palos Verdes Estates, the celebration was hosted at La Venta Inn. This picturesque Spanish-style villa included stunning ocean views as well as luscious outdoor spaces for a relaxed but elegant backyard feel.

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the details

custom minimalist wedding sign in blush and terracotta

The key to a successful wedding design is all in the details and Kindred Weddings and Events nailed it for this wedding. From the custom signage to the cohesive color palette that flowed throughout the day, everything was on point.

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what they wore

bride in blue quipao with lavender embroidery and groom in white tux

Before the ceremony, Linda wore a traditional light blue silk qipao dress embroidered with lavender flowers, which her mother had purchased in China. Linda wore a strapless gown by LA designer, NEWWHITE Bridal, paired with an organza overskirt for the ceremony. Her incredibly soft bridal look was polished with a half-up hairstyle of gentle waves and modern pearl drop earrings. Afterward, she removed the skirt to reveal the elegantly fitted gown, paired with semi-sheer “sleeves” that created an editorial off-the-shoulder moment. Opting for a lighter feel, Jordan wore an ivory tuxedo jacket and black pants.

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groom in white tuxedo with black bow tie and pastel boutonnière

bride and her bridesmaids in sage dresses

garden wedding portrait session

a hillside ceremony

groom tearing up as he sees bride walking down aisle

Guests gathered on the ceremony lawn overlooking the Pacific Ocean with views of the Santa Monica mountains. A stone aisle led to the altar, where neutral ivory and blush florals by Solstice Bloom were arranged in a semi-circle along the grassline.

small pastel bridesmaid bouquet

socal hillside wedding with la in the background

dinner in the garden room

garden inspired reception ideas

Dinner took place in the Garden Room, which had massive windows and open doors to the outside, so guests could look out at the ocean to the north and gardens to the east. Simple but elevated tables included warm bouquets of peaches and yellows, menus set atop blush-colored linens, and dainty tea lights.

custom minimalist printed menu for wedding reception

garden inspired wedding reception with pastel florals

simple buttercream wedding cake with fresh flowers

take time to make moments

bride and groom photo inspiration

Many moments were captured along the garden pathways among vining greenery and bursts of the property’s August flowers. The couple made sure to steal away for hillside photos as the city gleamed in the distance before their private beachfront afterparty.

bride and groom kiss under veil

adorable bride and groom ring pose

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