San Francisco Elopement

A Full-Circle Celebration of Love

When this couple reached out to us, it was clear from the start that San Francisco held a special place in their hearts. Not only did they meet, fall in love, and get engaged here, but they knew it was the perfect city to say their vows. For their ceremony, they chose San Francisco City Hall, specifically the Mayor’s Balcony—an iconic spot that added both grandeur and significance to their day. The historical and architectural beauty of City Hall made it the ideal location to anchor their celebration in the heart of the city.

After the ceremony, the couple wanted to keep the energy high and surprise their guests with a unique experience. They rented a massive double-decker bus, handed out custom koozies, and provided disposable cameras for their guests to capture the fun. The scenic ride through San Francisco's iconic streets on a perfectly sunny day set the tone for the evening ahead.

When it came to the reception, the couple found their venue almost serendipitously. On their final venue tour during a whirlwind weekend, they discovered Cold Drinks Bar & 8 Tables Restaurant, tucked above China Live, one of their favorite spots. The vibe was instantly right—moody interiors, a full bar, incredible food, and protection from San Francisco’s microclimates. Without hesitation, they booked it on the spot.

For their stay, they chose The Fairmont, a nostalgic choice that tied back to their first apartment in Nob Hill, and where they had celebrated their engagement. The entire day came full circle, with so many personal and meaningful moments woven throughout, making it feel intimate and surreal. It was a day that perfectly captured their love story and their connection to the city they hold so dear.

Featured on Anti-Bride

Photographer: Cat Coppenrath Photography @catcoppenrathphoto | Wedding Coordination: Rhythm Events @_RhythmEvents | Reception Location: China Live @chinaliveSF @colddrinksbar | HMUA: Katie Nash Beauty @katienashbeauty

Rehearsals That Are Just as Luxurious as the Big Day

Laguna Beach

Your rehearsal dinner doesn’t have to be an afterthought—it can be just as luxurious, thoughtful, and memorable as your wedding day itself. A well-planned rehearsal dinner sets the tone for the rest of the celebration and provides an opportunity to surprise and delight your guests. If you’re looking for a wedding florist who understands the importance of creating an unforgettable experience, consider this inspiration from a stunning rehearsal dinner at The Montage in Laguna Beach.

This couple took their rehearsal dinner to the next level, transforming the space into an immersive experience that felt just as extraordinary as their wedding. From beach-inspired florals to a unique merch bar, every detail was designed to make their guests feel special and engaged. Let’s dive into how we turned this rehearsal dinner into an experience that elevated the entire wedding weekend.

A Luxurious Rehearsal Dinner at The Montage Laguna Beach

The Montage in Laguna Beach, with its ocean views and upscale ambiance, was the perfect venue for this couple’s rehearsal dinner. Instead of opting for a simple dinner, they embraced the opportunity to create a mini wedding experience. Every element was carefully curated, from the stunning floral designs to the playful beachy theme that added a touch of fun to the evening.

Key Design Elements:

• Floral Installations Everywhere: We filled the space with floral installations that made every corner of the venue come alive. From floral chandeliers above the tables to cascading florals framing the entrances, the atmosphere was lush, immersive, and full of life.

• Oval-Shaped Tables: The unique shape of the tables added a touch of modern sophistication. We draped them with delicate linens and adorned them with striking floral arrangements that played with texture and color, creating a visually stunning setup.

• Beachy Theme with a Luxurious Twist: Mixing soft blues, sandy neutrals, and ocean-inspired accents like shells, the florals and decor reflected the couple’s love for the beach. Yet, the overall feel was far from casual—this was luxury with a playful, personalized touch.

Unique Touches for an Elevated Experience

This rehearsal dinner wasn’t just a prelude to the wedding—it was an event in itself. The couple wanted to create a memorable experience for their guests, and every detail reflected that desire.

• Merch Bar for Guests: One of the most unique touches was the merch bar, where guests could indulge in personalized, branded items. From custom t-shirts to keepsakes, the merch bar added a fun, interactive element to the evening while making guests feel appreciated and connected to the couple’s vision.

• Blue Florals and Shell Accents: The blue florals—soft hydrangeas, forget-me-nots, and delphinium—were complemented by shell-inspired elements that added texture and a beachy flair to the arrangements. This mix of florals and natural elements helped bring the coastal vibe to life without feeling too kitschy or overdone.

• Floral Installations Everywhere: The floral designs didn’t just sit on the tables—they were woven throughout the entire venue. Large floral installations graced the entryways, while smaller vignettes of florals in clear glass vessels dotted the venue, adding layers of depth and beauty to the space.

Creating an Unforgettable Experience for Your Guests

A rehearsal dinner should never feel like an afterthought—it should be just as immersive, luxurious, and thoughtful as your wedding day. From the floral installations to the unique merch bar, this Laguna Beach rehearsal dinner showed that every detail can contribute to an elevated experience for your guests.

At Ash + Oak, we specialize in bringing your wedding and event floral dreams to life with personalized, luxury designs that reflect your unique style. Whether you’re hosting an intimate rehearsal dinner or planning the wedding of your dreams, we can work with you to create a floral experience that will wow your guests and make every moment unforgettable.

E+C Welcome Party Gallery

Planning & Design: Mandy Marie Events | @mandymarieevents @skyler_mandymarieevents

Planning: Mandy Marie Events | @mandymarieevents @haley_mandymarieevents

Photo: Mashaida Co. | @mashaida.co

Cinematography & Content Creation: Harrison Films | @harrisonfilms

Venue: Montage Laguna Beach | @montagelaguna

Floral: Ash & Oak Floral | @ashandoakfloral

Fabrication: Hensley Event Resources | @hensleyeventresources

Furniture Rentals & Linen: Theoni Collection | @theonicollection, BBJ La Tavola | @bbjlatavola

Signage: Arch & Arrow AZ | @archandarrowaz

Entertainment: Jarrell Entertainment & DJ Bobby French | @jarrellentertainment @djbobbyfrench

Lighting/AV: Divinity Event Productions | @divinityeventproductions

Candles & Decor: Yummi Candles |  @yummicandles, CB2 |  @cb2, Crate & Barrell |  @crateandbarrel

Custom Hats & Sweatshirts: Ali & Ariel | @ali_and_ariel

Place Cards: At Home | @athomestores

Place Card Calligraphy: @desertplumecalligraphy

Bridal Attire: Martina Liana Bridal | @martinalianabridal

Bridal Accessories: Lumo | @lumojewelery, Gorjana |  @gorjana

Bridal Hair: Chelsea Sprinkle | @sprinkle_chels

Bridal Makeup: Kylee Hudson Studio | @kyleehudsonstudio

Bride: @ellabarttt

Groom: @caden.barton

A Modern, Green-Themed East Indian Wedding with Wealhouse

Embracing Tradition and Elegance

We were beyond honored to collaborate with Wealhouse on an extraordinary East Indian wedding, where rich cultural traditions and modern aesthetics seamlessly intertwined. One of the most meaningful elements of this beautiful celebration was the use of banana leaves during the ceremony—a symbolic and deeply cherished tradition.

The bride and groom envisioned a wedding that honored these traditions while maintaining a modern, minimalist vibe. With their desire to keep the color palette subtle, we embraced a refined green theme for the floral designs, perfectly blending nature's beauty with contemporary elegance.

The Mandap: A Green Oasis of Tradition and Modern Elegance

For the ceremony, the mandap became a focal point of timeless beauty. To honor the significance of banana leaves, we incorporated them into the design, allowing their lush texture and symbolism to shine. The overall aesthetic was serene and understated, with varying shades of green from cascading ivy, soft ferns, and textured foliage creating a lush, organic backdrop. The simplicity of the design elevated the space, offering a calming yet luxurious atmosphere for this sacred moment.

We kept the palette tight, focusing solely on greens to create a sophisticated and tranquil environment. The delicate greenery reflected the couple's desire for a subtle, harmonious celebration, while still acknowledging the importance of tradition.

Luncheon Tables: A Modern Twist on Classic Elegance

The green theme continued seamlessly into the reception, where the luncheon tables were designed to reflect the natural beauty of the ceremony. Instead of overwhelming the space with too many colors, we introduced a more modern take by mixing fruits, vegetables, and elegant florals.

• Fruits & Vegetables: Bananas, pomegranates, and other seasonal fruits were artfully placed to tie into the banana leaf tradition. These items added texture and depth, creating a stunning yet understated visual. The inclusion of fresh produce symbolized the abundance and prosperity that the couple wished for in their life together.

• Smoke Bush & Greenery: To keep the look fresh and modern, we incorporated smoke bush, which provided an unexpected pop of texture while maintaining the green theme. The wispy, ethereal nature of smoke bush added a contemporary feel, balancing out the organic elements with an avant-garde twist.

• Touch of Blooms: To bring in just the right amount of contrast, we added delicate blooms in soft ivory and white. The understated elegance of these flowers complemented the rich greenery, allowing the focus to remain on the lush textures while still giving the tables a polished, elegant touch.

Creating a Unique Blend of Tradition and Modernity

This East Indian wedding beautifully illustrated how tradition and modernity can coexist in perfect harmony. By staying true to the importance of banana leaves and other cultural elements while embracing the couple’s desire for a minimalist and elegant aesthetic, we were able to craft an event that was both meaningful and stylish.

From the green mandap to the thoughtfully designed luncheon tables, every detail was curated with intention. The fruits, vegetables, and blooms worked together to form a unique, fresh interpretation of East Indian wedding decor that felt both grounded in tradition and reflective of the couple's modern sensibilities.

Planning Your Own Modern East Indian Wedding?

At Ash + Oak, we specialize in creating thoughtful, culturally rich floral designs that blend tradition with modern elegance. If you’re planning a wedding that honors your heritage while embracing contemporary aesthetics, we’d love to help bring your vision to life with stunning, personalized designs that reflect both beauty and meaning.

Planner Wealhouse Co

Photography Michelle Angeli

A Special Trip to NYC

Celebrating New Beginnings

In February, we packed our bags and hopped on a flight to New York City for a special occasion—a baby shower for our dear client. The city's energy always excites us, but this trip was for work.

The venue was a beautiful Italian restaurant with white amrbles and stunning melted candles all around. We decorated it with delicate sweet peas, lush hydrangeas, and soft carnations, filling the room with a fresh, floral fragrance that set the perfect mood for celebration. The combination of pastel pinks, mauve, pistachio and whites created a warm and inviting space that felt both elegant and cozy. We used silver dessert dishes as the vessel for an Italian sorbet touch mets cutesy baby. 

As the afternoon unfolded, we couldn't help but feel grateful to be part of such a special moment. The trip reminded us how important it is to celebrate life's milestones and cherish our bonds with our clients. From the time they plan their weddings to their sweetest moments as they build and grow their families. 

Chic and Effortless San Francisco City Hall Elopement

Dorothy + Jack

Dorothy and Jack’s San Francisco City Hall elopement was the epitome of modern elegance, the kind of chic affair that feels straight out of a romance film. The day began at the luxurious Intercontinental San Francisco, where the couple prepped for their big moment. With every detail impeccably captured by the talented Krista K Photographer, their first look was nothing short of perfection—a tender, stylish prelude to their city celebration.

After savoring the quiet intimacy of their morning together, they made their way to the iconic San Francisco City Hall, where they exchanged heartfelt vows on the mayor’s balcony. Following the ceremony, the couple took to the city streets, turning San Francisco into their personal playground as they celebrated their love with effortless sophistication.

Photography Krista K