Serving Mediterranean Romance Right Here In California

Romantic wedding couple kissing on a beautiful outdoor patio

With the warm terracotta backdrop of Rancho Valencia, this inspiration shoot focused on soft elegance, cool pastels, and subtle metallics to create a romantic Mediterranean-inspired getaway. This wedding inspiration shoot happened to take place in California but honestly, you could have told us it was in Italy or Greece and we would have believed you. All it takes to make your local wedding look like a destination wedding is a great venue and a little creativity. The architecture of Rancho Valencia, with its columns and tiles, lends itself beautifully to that Mediterranean inspiration. The sheer gauze linens also amp up that old-world rustic feel.

Jillian Nicole Events designed this stunning shoot that is the perfect inspiration for your upcoming spring micro-wedding or elopement. The florals by Oak & Amble add the perfect romantic touch making the vine-covered courtyard of Rancho Valencia look even more like a secret garden. These photos by Kristina Yorks Photography focus on the couple and the details leaving the location to the imagination. Can't get enough of this inspo? Check out the full gallery. Read on to hear more from Photographer, Kristina Yorks.

Elegant wedding invitation suite with white roses and greenery

Elegant wedding ring with flowers and draping fabric on tray Elegant bridal bouquet with flowing ribbons on a white settee

Elegant bride holding a beautiful bouquet of colorful flowers

Bride holding flowers looking down, elegant wedding bouquet close up

Elegant bride in a lace wedding dress holding a bouquet

Stylish groom wearing a light tan suit at a wedding ceremony

THE INSPIRATION

Elegant outdoor wedding ceremony setup with floral decorations and chairs

"Where romance meets the Mediterranean" was the inspiration for our Petals & Prosecco shoot nestled on 45 acres of lush gardens and olive groves at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa. Jillian Nicole Events pulled inspiration from iconic Mediterranean fetes to create an elegant, bright, blush color palette. Oak & Amble Floral Design brought the romance with a bounty of lush blooms in soft hues. Her asymmetrical arched design perfectly framed the space for an intimate ceremony. The darling couple was captured by Kristina Yorks Photography in her signature fine art style enjoying an evening of delight, complete with hot air balloon views, a charming lounge by New and Nostalgic Co., and a vintage Rolls-Royce Motor Car sendoff.

Elegant couple on their wedding day with a beautiful bouquet

Elegant couple on their wedding day, embracing tenderly

DRAPED IN ELEGANCE

Elegant outdoor dining table set under a lush pergola

The evening’s motto, “All of me loves all of you” adorned a custom seating chart that was equal parts clean and feminine designed by Something Lettered and New and Nostalgic Co.. The reception was opulent with a mix of velvet draped and handcrafted farm tables. Borrow And Bash effortlessly mixed modern and traditional touches to create a swoon-worthy tablescape. Something Lettered infused the timeless tradition of hand calligraphy into her stunning custom-made paper goods.

Elegant wedding reception setup with a floral display and drinks

Elegant wedding seating chart adorned with floral arrangements

Two elegant pink velvet armchairs arranged on a terracotta patio

Elegant table setting with floral centerpiece for a wedding

Elegant gold forks and plates, ready for a formal dinner at the table

Three-tiered wedding cake decorated with floral buttercream design

THAT YOUTHFUL GLOW

Romantic wedding couple embraces on vintage sofa with flowers

Youthful, understated, effortless beauty was the inspiration for the bridal look. Grace Loves Lace provided their 'Poppy' gown with rose lace, a full flirty skirt, and eyelash trim neckline while KG Hair and Makeup finished the look with soft waves and a radiant newlywed glow. The groom’s cream suit and taupe tie were elegant and refined provided by Friar Tux.

Wedding couple holding hands with engagement ring and bouquet