The Legend of Zelda Inspired This Couple's Magical Wedding at Cielo Country Club in Rancho Santa Fe, California
Sometimes, the hallowed halls of your university are an idyllic place to form a love connection. Peyton Pierce reminisces on the start of her relationship with Mathew (Mat) Paton, "We met in college at what Mat would like to say was a party, but it was really a sorority fundraiser." Sparks flew on that fateful night as they navigated through the lively event. "We hit it off, and then the rest was history!"
Upon getting engaged, the couple chose an especially meaningful theme for their wedding day: "Made of Magic." Inspired by their mutual love for The Legend of Zelda game, they sought to infuse elements of enchantment into every aspect of their celebration. Their color palette, meticulously selected, blended "soft neutrals of creams, ivory, taupe and champagne with dusty rose, blush pinks, olive greens and a touch of honey" to harmonize with the venue's walls.
Guests gathered for the alfresco June ceremony, and the ambiance was nothing short of enchanting. Peyton donned a gown fit for a princess: an A-line bodice with a plunging neckline accented by floral-and-leaf fabric detailing. To fit the theme, the only proper adornment for the bride's head was a gold tiara, complimenting her half-up, half-down hairstyle, in addition to her gold necklace and drop earrings. The groom sported a chic forest green suit, which coordinated with their color scheme while allowing him to stand out from the crowd. Bridesmaids wore mint green, satin gowns, and each woman wore a flower crown. The ceremony included a heartfelt exchange of vows before the pair were announced as Mr. and Mrs. Paton.
Retreating to the reception space, loved ones were in awe of their surroundings. Their desire for a magical experience extended beyond aesthetics; Peyton and Mat introduced a tarot card reader during the cocktail hour, adding an interactive and mystical dimension to their wedding. "Incorporating our love for magic was essential," the bride says, "We wanted our guests to feel like they were stepping into a romantic fairytale garden." Their dedication to this vision was evident in the choice of florals that adorned the reception cabanas–"large garden roses in shades of blush and rose," complemented by "soft tones of creams and white," creating a captivating and ethereal atmosphere.
Long and round dining tables alternated between showcasing creamy linens or the natural beauty of the wooden surfaces. Velvet chairs in champagne and dusty rose provided extra comfortable seating for each guest, while tablescapes provided a visual spectacle of taper candles and low centerpieces in ornate gold vases. Attendees took in the stunning view of rolling hills and nearby vineyards at this classic Southern California venue from their tables or the "comfy natural lounge set-ups that anchored the dance floor for guests to take a break after a long night of dancing!"
A tarot card wall with crystal balls bearing guests' names and table numbers served as both seating arrangements and a magical focal point. The head table, adorned with beaded and sage green velvet pendants, became a focal point: it sat underneath a cabana structure featuring stunning drapery that matched the clay-pink chargers and napkins, which added to the natural but mystical aesthetic of the day. Blush drapery was pinned to each post with wreaths of greenery. And what magical day would be complete without sweets? "We had a three-tier blush and mint green cake with stars and gold accents," Peyton describes their wedding dessert.
The live musician added a melodic backdrop to the evening, ensuring the guests danced and reveled late into the night. Finally, as the celebration drew to a close, the couple's advice resonated with everyone present: "Soak it all in! The day goes by so fast; make sure to just enjoy the moment with your friends and family and, of course, your new spouse!"