MARAVILLA GARDENS BOASTS AN OPEN AIR GREENHOUSE RECEPTION AND GARDENS FILLED WITH ROSES

Mara Villa Gardens has definitely jumped to my the top of my list for most amazing garden wedding venues in all of California. It features dreamy enclaves filled with botanical delights such as live birds, ponds, lush rose gardens and an open air greenhouse for your wedding reception that is truly a thing of beauty. It has to be the most beautiful wedding reception area that I have ever been to and I cannot wait to go back. I have such a weakness for fairytale garden weddings, and I absolutely love all the whimsical and romantic decor that my Couple brought into their amazing day.

Mara Villa Gardens is an outdoor wedding venue in Ventura County specifically designed with weddings in mind. Unlike many outdoor wedding venues weddings there are not an afterthought they are the intentionality. The gardens are designed in a way that when guest arrive they immediately step into a dream, and they are led gracefully from one part of your day into the next.

From the built-in shaded seating of the enclosed wedding ceremony garden, surrounded on four sides by lush hedges, to the designated patio where your cocktail hour will treat guests to delicious catering provided by the venue itself, to the incredible open air greenhouse that encloses eating shrimp your wedding reception, your guests will know they are taking part of a truly luxury experience.

WHIMSICAL WEDDING DETAILS AND LUXURY FLAT LAYS

Now, if you work with me as your photographer, you know that I am a real sucker for getting ready details and bridal and groom portraits before the ceremony. I think that they just add such an element of sophistication and beauty to your day as a whole, especially if later on, you go to do a wedding album. They are so aesthetically beautiful to look at and it’s also something that you spent your time on and why not have a picture of these things.

As a photographer, I love the artistry and creativity that goes into creating these and especially looking at it in a block post you can really see how much beauty it adds to the photos when they put side to side with say a couples photo or another photo of the brighter Groom getting ready. I just absolutely love creating flat lays and so if you love it too, then I would love to do your wedding!

HAVING GUESTS WEAR BLACK TIE IS A FUN WAY TO ADD REFINEMENT TO YOUR WEDDING DAY

It really isn’t that often in our day-to-day lives where we get to dress up in black tie. That’s why I think it’s so much fun when a couple chooses to do black tie for their wedding, especially if it is in a beautiful garden setting or at a private estate instead of the more rustic type of weddings (barns or ranches) that you might see. If you’re having a wedding where people can wear black tie and feel comfortable, I say go for it! It’s such a special and fun thing for people to be able to dress up and it adds an element of sophistication and beauty and luxury, and really gives your wedding that sense of being the special day that it is. Plus as a photographer I just love seeing all the beautiful clothes!

INSPIRATION FOR A WHIMSICAL GARDEN WEDDING

If you’re looking for inspiration for a luxury garden wedding in California look no further because this fairytale wedding has it all. Not only is it elegant, but it is also whimsical and playful with things like cotton candy during the reception and donuts for the guests to snack on, character drawing during the cocktail hour for guests to enjoy, and a special Champagne welcome upon arrival.

Sam and Jacqueline really did everything they could to make it fun and engaging for their guests. They choose a soft white and green floral palette and delicate place settings with glass dishes adorned with tiny sprigs of babies breath on their menus. The glass place settings were my favorite because I am seriously obsessed with anything glass or clear at weddings- it really elevated the entire dining experience and gave the dinner a fairytale “glass slipper” feeling. Jaqueline and Sam thought of everything a created an experience their guests would never forget.

To see even more gorgeous garden venues in California, take a look at my list right here.

Take a look at Maravilla Gardens, the dreamiest garden venue ever.

To talk to me about being your wedding photographer, click here! I am open for travel.

Here are all the amazing vendors that made this magical day happen!

Venue: Maravilla Gardens @m_gardens
Coordination: Mel Younce @mel_atmaravillagardens

Photography: Leana Myra Photography @leanamyraphotography
@tapestrylachurch Command Performance @commandperformancecatering
DJ: Elegant Djs @elegantdjs
Hair: Alexis Hagan @alexishaganhair
Makeup: Christina Braunwalder @cristinabraun_mua

Florist: Abby’s Flower Garden @abbysflowergardens
Photobooth: Top Shot Photobooth @topshotphotobooth
Dress: Martina Liliana @martinalianabridal
Cake: Porto’s Bakery @portosbakery
Officiant: Tapestry La Church @tapestrylachurch

Harpist: Lily Press @StrangeInterlude