WEDDING: Rancho Santa Fe Garden with Amorology

Wedding in Rancho Santa Fe, California

The Wedding of Kara & Alex

Planner: Armorology | Floral: The Floral Palette | Photo: Jennifer Dery
Venues: Private Estate / Rancho Santa Fe Country Club

Kara and Alex’s wedding was a day filled with emotion, family, and personal touches, set against the stunning backdrop of Rancho Santa Fe. The bride’s parents hosted the ceremony at their private estate, creating an intimate and very personal setting for the ceremony. With Heather, owner of Amorology, leading the planning, and the talented team from The Floral Palette providing breathtaking floral designs, every detail of the day felt intentional and beautifully crafted. Their wedding was not only a celebration of love but also a reflection of Kara and Alex’s unique connection and the beautiful relationship they have with their families.

The day began in the family’s expansive home, where Kara and her bridesmaids got ready in the primary dressing room. The space was the perfect blend of comfort and luxury, offering the bridal party a relaxing atmosphere to prepare for the big day. Kara, wearing a stunning long white lace gown and a fingertip-length veil, looked happy and a bit nervous as she laughed and shared special moments with her closest friends.

Continued below…

  • A woman in a strapless bridal gown with lace details holds a bouquet of flowers and stands outdoors on a sunny day. She has a veil and smiles while looking to the side. The background features grass, trees, and bushes. The image is in black and white.
  • A young child wearing a light-colored shirt and plaid pants rings a large outdoor bell mounted on a wooden post. The child stands in front of a small white and brown playhouse, and the sun shines through trees in the background, illuminating the scene.
  • A black and white photo of an outdoor gathering. People are sitting attentively on chairs, dressed formally. In the foreground, a woman and a man appear focused. To their right, several children are also seated, with adults surrounding them. Trees are visible in the background.
  • A bride in a white wedding gown and veil laughs heartily while holding hands with the groom, who is wearing a black suit and tie. They are standing outdoors with trees and blurred guests visible in the background.
  • Black and white photo of a bride and groom standing outdoors on grass, facing each other and holding hands. The bride is wearing a flowing gown and veil, holding a bouquet of flowers. Trees and garden arch are visible in the background.
  • A man in a black suit escorts three young boys, holding hands with one of them, down an outdoor aisle. Sunlight filters through trees in the background. Seated guests, including older individuals, watch with smiles. A woman follows from behind, also observing with a smile.
  • A large tree with a wooden treehouse platform stands on a lush green lawn under a clear blue sky. People are seated in rows of chairs on the lawn, facing forward, suggesting an outdoor event or gathering. The background includes more trees and greenery.
  • A bride in a white lace gown is walking down a grassy aisle with an older man, possibly her father, during an outdoor wedding. Guests are seated on white chairs, standing and watching as they pass by. Trees and greenery form a scenic backdrop under a clear sky.
  • A bride in a white lace gown stands in a room with tall arched windows, holding a glass. The room features built-in bookshelves filled with books and decor, and a cushioned chair with a floral pattern. Natural light fills the space, highlighting the wooden floor.
  • A serene countryside scene featuring a light-colored horse grazing on a grassy field enclosed by a white fence. The landscape is lush with various trees, and rooftops of houses can be seen in the distance under a clear blue sky.
  • A bride in a lace wedding dress and veil stands beside a groom in a dark suit, both facing a garden with lush greenery and tall trees. The bride holds a bouquet of flowers and the scene is captured in black and white.
  • A pair of elegant beige high-heeled shoes with ankle straps and decorative bows on the toes are displayed against a patterned backdrop with soft blue and gold tones.
  • A young child with blonde hair looks towards the camera while sucking on their finger. The child is wearing a light-colored shirt and standing next to a table with plates and candles. The background shows other people, slightly out of focus. The image is in black and white.
  • A beige upholstered ottoman is adorned with an assortment of floral bouquets featuring rich autumnal colors, including deep reds, peach, and white, with greenery interspersed. Background includes floral curtains and part of a fireplace.
  • A bride in a strapless white lace wedding dress holds a bouquet of white flowers wrapped in ribbon. She stands on green grass with trees in the background, wearing a veil and a bracelet, and looks at the camera with a slight smile.
  • A bride and groom gaze into each other's eyes, smiling softly. The bride holds a bouquet of flowers and wears a strapless gown and veil, while the groom dons a suit and tie. They stand outdoors, with blurred trees in the background, creating a serene backdrop.
  • A smiling bride in a white dress stands outdoors holding a bouquet of white flowers. She is surrounded by three bridesmaids in brown dresses who are also holding bouquets and smiling. A man in a suit stands in the background. Trees and a building are visible behind them.
  • A bride and groom share a kiss during an outdoor wedding ceremony. The bride is in a long white dress, and the groom is in a dark suit. Bridesmaids and groomsmen stand nearby, while guests sit on either side watching the couple. Trees and greenery surround them.
  • A groom in a black suit and white tie places a ring on the bride's finger during an outdoor wedding ceremony. The bride, wearing a white lace dress and veil, looks at the groom. They are surrounded by greenery and bathed in soft sunlight.
  • A bride, wearing a white wedding dress and veil, walks down an outdoor grassy aisle accompanied by an older man in a suit. Guests seated on wooden chairs on either side of the aisle turn to watch them. Trees and a clear blue sky form the background.
  • A bride and groom stand facing each other, holding hands during their wedding ceremony. The bride wears a lace wedding dress and a veil, looking up at the groom, who is dressed in a black suit and white shirt. Another person is visible in the background.
  • A close-up image of a rusted outdoor water valve with a pear-shaped engagement ring balanced on top. The ring features a large central gemstone, and the valve handle displays signs of green and brown patina. The background is blurred and neutral-toned.
  • A black and white photo of three young boys standing in a room. They are all dressed in button-up shirts, and one has a vest on. The boy in the center looks curious, the one on the left appears thoughtful, and the boy on the right is pulling on his ears playfully.
  • A black-and-white photo shows a smiling bride in her wedding dress being helped by three bridesmaids. The bridesmaids are adjusting the back of the bride's dress while sharing a joyful moment. The scene appears to be in a well-lit room.
  • A vibrant outdoor wedding reception at the picturesque Rancho Santa Fe Country Club shows a white circular building and a large tree. Guests mingle under a wooden pergola and amongst lush green gardens with blooming flowers. The sky is clear, adding to the scenic atmosphere.
  • A bride and groom are standing closely, both smiling and laughing. The groom is holding a plate and a piece of cake, wearing a white vest and tie. The bride is in a strapless, embellished gown. The setting appears to be indoors, in a warmly lit room with a chandelier.
  • An elegant dining table set for a formal event, featuring gold-rimmed plates, folded napkins, and menus. The centerpiece is a vibrant floral arrangement surrounded by small lit candles. The setting is illuminated by natural light coming through large windows in the background.
  • A groom in a black suit and white tie sits next to a bride in a white wedding dress. Both are smiling and laughing. They are seated at a decorated table with glasses and floral arrangements, and other guests can be seen in the background.
  • A close-up image of a wedding reception menu. The text reads "Celebrating the New Mr. & Mrs. Alex Thornley" at the top. It includes sections for Hors d'Oeuvre, First Course, and Second Course, listing various gourmet dishes such as smoked salmon and beef Wellington.
  • An elegantly decorated Rancho Santa Fe Country Club set for a formal event. A round table with place settings, floral centerpieces, and candles is in the foreground. In the background, a stage with musical instruments and a backdrop of long curtains is visible under two large chandeliers.
  • A bride and groom, dressed in wedding attire, are smiling as they cut a multi-tiered wedding cake together. Guests stand around them, watching and smiling. The scene is captured in black and white, adding a classic, timeless feel to the joyous moment.

As the time for the ceremony drew closer, guests were welcomed into the breathtaking outdoor space on the expansive lawn at the back of the estate. The property was truly the perfect setting for a wedding ceremony – spacious, peaceful, and surrounded by the natural beauty of Rancho Santa Fe. Lush greenery enveloped the entire area, giving it a secret garden-like feel, and the horses on the property added an unexpected yet charming touch that made the day even more special. It felt like we were tucked away in a private world where all the focus was on the couple and the love that surrounded them.

The ceremony itself was heartfelt and emotional. It was the kind of ceremony that didn’t just feel like a formality – it felt deeply personal and intentional. Their love for each other was palpable, and as they held hands and made their promises, you could see the emotion in their eyes.

Capturing these moments was truly an honor. As a wedding photographer, it’s not just about documenting the day but about capturing the emotions, the in-between moments, and the story as it unfolds. For Kara and Alex, those moments were everywhere – from the way they looked at each other during the ceremony to the way they hugged their parents after saying “I do.” The beauty of a private estate wedding is that it allows for those quiet, intimate moments to shine. There’s something so magical about the privacy and seclusion of a home venue that makes everyone feel at ease and allows the couple’s personalities to really come through.

After the ceremony, we took family photos in the secret garden area of the estate. It was a hidden gem within the property, lush and filled with greenery. Kara’s connection with her family was evident, and it was clear that this location – her childhood home – held deep significance for her. Including the horses a unique and personal touch that really added to the sense of place and memory.

With the ceremony and family portraits complete, the celebration moved to the Rancho Santa Fe Country Club for the reception. This venue provided the perfect contrast to the intimate, garden-like feel of the estate. The elegant design of the country club, paired with the stunning floral arrangements by The Floral Palette, created a sophisticated yet warm atmosphere. Guests mingled and celebrated enjoying delicious food, heartfelt toasts, and, of course, a night full of dancing.

As a photographer, it’s days like this that remind me why I love what I do. Being able to capture these once-in-a-lifetime moments for couples like Kara and Alex is such a privilege. Every couple has their own unique story, and every wedding is a reflection of that story. What made Kara and Alex’s day so memorable was the personal connection woven throughout the entire celebration. From the choice of location – her parents’ estate in Rancho Santa Fe – to the thoughtfully curated details by Amorology and The Floral Palette, everything about the day felt like a true reflection of who they are as a couple.

If you’re planning a wedding at a private estate in Rancho Santa Fe or considering a more personal venue for your big day, there’s something truly magical about saying “I do” in a place that holds personal significance. Private estates allow you to create a day that is entirely your own, surrounded by the people you love most, in a setting that feels intimate and personal. Rancho Santa Fe offers the kind of privacy that makes the day feel like it belongs solely to you and your guests.

Working with an experienced creative planner like Heather from Amorology and The Floral Palette can take your vision to the next level, ensuring that every detail is beautifully executed. And as a wedding photographer based in California, I’d be honored to help you capture the magic of your own special day, just like I did for Kara and Alex. Their wedding was a true celebration of love, family, and the special connection that ties us all together.