A JUXTAPOSITION OF MODERN, CLASSIC, VINTAGE-INSPIRED, AND TIMELESS: A COLORFUL DESTINATION WEDDING AT THE EDGEWOOD MANSION IN THE MOUNTAINS OF BIG BEAR, CALIFORNIA
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This destination wedding in the mountains of Big Bear, California juxtaposed classic, vintage elements and non-traditional modernism. An intimate, colorful, summery destination wedding with lace, pearls, flowers, corsets, a vintage cake, a structured tuxedo, and everything in between.
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Elegant Edgewood Mansion, Big Bear Lakes finest estate, owned by a close family member, featuring an intricate stained-glass window. Destination Big Bear. Digital.
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A custom illustrated couple print by Disney & Netflix illustrator & artist, Derek Ortega. A non-traditional, personalized alternative for wedding signage. Digital.
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A garden-inspired ring box and ceremony details. Digital.
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Bright, colorful, maximalist floral designs for this dreamy, outdoor destination wedding. Digital.
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A closer look at the floral arbor (rectangular arch) for the ceremony; spray and garden roses, hydrangea clusters, lush green foliage, and love-lies-bleeding: a draped red amaranthus (amaranthus caudatus).
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Vibrant, maximalist, colorful florals: white, yellow, blue, pink, peach, orange, and green. Colorful florals for a happy day.
“We placed a lot of emphasis on the little dainty, luxury details and on the brightness of the flowers. We wanted it to be a really happy day and I felt like the flowers really spoke to that with all of the color and vibrancy. They definitely exceeded my expectations. They were stunning.”
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Banquet-style tablescape arrayed with florals, glassware, and tapered candles for a timeless dinner look. Digital.
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Four-tier classic, inspired by the memory of the bride’s parents wedding cake made by Sister My Sister Bakeshop, embellished with mountain scape detailing and tiny trees, the couple’s initials, and a personalized, vintage-inspired, character cake topper.
“My parents’ wedding inspired the cake design. I remember looking at their cake cutting photos as a child and they had a tall, beautiful, classic wedding cake. Those photos were a childhood memory for me to look at. I really wanted a very traditional everything— especially the cake. I didn’t want a small one.”
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A candid, behind-the-scenes photos. The bride takes a first look at the reception space: her wedding vision come to life. Digital.
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Jam, fruit, nuts, honey, and cheese. The perfect summer-day wedding spread by Hickory Lane Catering. Digital.
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A thrifted bridal detail: a vintage, pearl, beaded purse against a faded, brown leather couch. Digital.
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Antique, blue accented, ceramic dessert plates and teapot inspired by the groom’s grandmother’s home for this vintage-inspired wedding.
“I feel like the whites and blues were inspired by Tenzin’s grandmother’s home. We went there and she had all blue and white dishes, kitchen, etc. and I fell in love with those colors. I wanted to contrast it with very colorful flowers and a summery theme. The blue and white was subtle and the flowers were a bold contrast to that.”
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The groom’s matte calfskin slip-on loafers from the Ugo Vasare collection featuring a wingtip design, decorative kiltie with a strap and a gold tone buckle. Digital.
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Bride’s side profile, styling a structured bun updo with face framing pieces and floral accents. Beauty by Metz and Brittany Reann. Digital.
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A twirling flower girl wearing a floral crown woven with roses and a trailing blush pink bow. Digital.
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A sweet embrace before the walk down the aisle. Digital.
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Bridesmaid duties. Digital.
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Descending the stairs in a modern mermaid-style wedding gown with lace applique over tulle and intricate beaded details, a deep sweetheart neckline, structured boning or corset-style support, and a chapel or cathedral-length train from Modern Bride in Los Angeles. The bride dreamed of a vintage-inspired dress and loved the beaded, lace details.
“When I tried it on, I knew it was the one that I had been looking for.”
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A candid moment: bride adjusts her veil just before before walking down the aisle with her father. A documentary-style still. Digital.
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Channeling classic, vintage, timeless elegance in a traditional white tuxedo, complete with a structured tailcoat, pleated wingtip shirt, and a satin waistcoat. The bride’s dad had worn a tuxedo like this on his wedding day years ago.
“We honestly didn’t think we’d be able to find anything like this, but immediately the shop owner pulled out the tux and it fit his long, tall body like a glove. We knew it was a sign.”
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Modern and unconventional hand tattoos contrast the classic, tailored, white tuxedo. Digital.
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The groom on his way to the altar. Digital.
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The officiant prepares his opening remarks beneath the arbor, framed by florals and a canopy of trees. The ceremony set in a nature.
“I wanted really outdoorsy elements. We wanted contrast. Unique. For the luxury details of the gown, details, [and] decor, I wanted that to be really fancy. But I wanted the outdoor ceremony to contrast that – to be earthy, raw, and connected to nature.”
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The flower girl and ring bearer all dressed up in white. Digital.
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Moments in the garden before walking down the aisle. Digital.
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First look at the bride. Digital.
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The bride’s most memorable part of the day: walking down the aisle hand in hand.
“Walking down the aisle and seeing everybody. That was the most surreal moment. It stuck in my mind forever. Tenzin was crying too– it was very emotional. You think of getting married and see it in movies and everything so when you’re the one walking down the aisle, it’s very surreal.”
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Emotional at the approach of the bride. Digital.
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The groom’s uncle as officiant, takes a moment before beginning his speech. Digital.
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The Groom’s uncle lit sage to symbolize cleansing energy, new beginnings, and spiritual connection for the new marriage.
“Honoring Tenzin’s late grandpa and his family’s spirituality. Mentioning God for me. Respecting both cultures. Burning sage for good energy. It was all so rich and meaningful.”
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First kiss as bride and groom. Digital.
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Pure bliss. The bride shares her raw emotions of the day.
“I was in love, nervous, happy, delighted. It was surreal. I couldn’t believe the day had come.” Digital.
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A happy recessional; officially newlyweds. Digital.
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Quiet, candid, aftermoments. Digital.
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Laughing together and soaking it in: candid photos of the newlyweds. Digital.
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An editorial moment. Digital.
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Framed by a natural rock arch in the Edgewood Mansion Gardens. Digital.
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Rejoining the party and entering the Edgewood Mansion, with its eclectic leopard print carpet. Digital.
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The flower girl and her tiny parasol. Digital.
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An intimate cocktail hour surrounded by loved ones in the Edgewood Mansion Bar & Billiards Room. Digital.
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Laughter and lots of wine. Digital.
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Glass in one hand, dress in the other; an unposed, candid moment on the way to the reception. Digital.
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A barefoot ring bearer in a traditional Charro outfit, waiting for the grand entrance. Digital.
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A dramatic grand entrance. Digital.
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First dance between the groom and the mother of the groom.
“Tenzin' said that he couldn’t dance, but his dance with [his] mom was my favorite part. They were having a lot of fun, and so were we.”
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As a non-traditional alternative to the father-daughter dance, the bride and her father opted for a quiet stroll through the garden, followed by a second grand entrance. Digital.
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First dance as husband and wife. Digital.
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Button-down back and lace fingerless opera gloves. Digital.
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Holding hands while saying grace. Digital.
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A glass of sparkling champagne, French fine winery. Digital.
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A kiss on the cheek at the head table. Lace gloves, buttons undone, smiles, and a delicate parasol. Digital.
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Toasts and laughter. Digital.
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A toast to the beginning of forever. Digital.
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Cheers. Digital.
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A forest-framed thank you speech from the bride and groom. Digital.
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A hidden kiss under the bride’s parasol. Digital.
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Wedding details: lace gloves, a diamond engagement ring and band, a classic, white tuxedo. Digital.
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A moment of their own. Digital.
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A stolen moment: portraits at sunset. Digital.
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Intricate lace, vibrant florals, and a tender kiss. Digital.
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A modern silhouette softened by classic details—lace gloves and a structured bodice. Digital.
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A closer look at the bridal bouquet: peonies, roses, and seasonal blooms wrapped in soft silk. Digital.
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Ready to make the first cut. Digital.
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An editorial cake-cutting moment in the late summer sun. Digital.
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Removing the vintage-inspired cake topper. Digital.
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A sweet start to married life. Digital.
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A kiss to seal the moment. Digital.
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Saying hello. Digital.
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Cheers to the newlyweds. Digital.
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Open dance floor and a tiny dancer. Digital.
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A blurred still of the open dance floor. Digital.
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Dancing with dad. Digital.
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Chairs are left empty as family and friends join the dance floor. Digital.
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The cake has been cut and the dessert bar is open. Digital.
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Messy details and vintage, silver utensils. Digital.
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A colorful slice of cake. Digital.
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The garter toss - a cheeky tradition with roots in good luck and love. Digital.
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The bouquet toss - passing good fortune to all the women. Digital.
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Happy, and very drunk smiles. Digital.
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A blurry, candid, dancing moment. Digital.
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One last kiss on the dance floor. Digital.
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A happy end to a perfect night. Digital.