VINTAGE-INSPIRED, ANTI-BRIDE COWBOY WEDDING IN THE ANCIENT SERRA CHAPEL OF THE HISTORIC SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO MISSION ON DIGITAL AND FILM
Nestled in the heart of San Juan Capistrano, the Serra Chapel of the Historic San Juan Capistrano Mission was the perfect venue for their traditional Irish Catholic ceremony, followed by an editorial photo session and a personal vow exchange in front of family and loved ones at the O’Neill Museum on Los Rios Street. Dressed in cowboy hats and her mother’s vintage wedding gown, everything about this wedding was unique and completely personal to them.
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Built in 1776, the Historic San Juan Capistrano Mission in California, is the perfect setting for the anti-bride wedding of the century.
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Getting ready in her childhood home. Digital.
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Visible from her childhood home, a sneak peak of the wedding venue: the San Juan Capistrano Mission and Serra Chapel. Analog 35 mm film.
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Childhood pet in front of the childhood home. Digital.
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The bride's wedding gown was also once her mother's wedding gown. A true vintage wedding gown. Digital.
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Bridesmaids' gowns and a man of honor floral print suit. Analog 35 mm film.
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Getting ready details in the bride's childhood home. Elements include bridal flats, cowgirl boots, tennis bracelet, pearl rings, vintage purse, sunglasses, vintage mirror, and invitation suite. Analog 35 mm film.
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Wedding bouquet made with love by a best friend — sitting quietly on a bench waiting to be shown to the bride. Digital.
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Quiet moments getting ready together. Digital.
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A hug with Mom. Digital.
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Mom and man of honor place the veil. Digital.
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A final portrait before the wedding. The bride's ensemble is deeply rooted in symbolism. She wears her mother's vintage structured wedding gown from the 70s adorned by a bridal scarf, and holds calla lilies — the same bouquet that her mother held during her wedding so many years ago. Digital.
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Arriving at the San Juan Capistrano Mission's Historic Serra Chapel in Orange County.
“Serra Chapel is California’s oldest church. It was built by the Spanish Padres shortly after Mission San Juan Capistrano’s founding in 1776. Fr. Junipero Serra himself celebrated Mass there.” California Catholic Daily
Digital.
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A first look with Dad before the ceremony — wearing Mom's dress and carrying the same type of bouquet from their wedding. Digital.
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The flower girl wears a crown of flowers and ribbons and finds her seat. Digital.
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Walking down the aisle with the father of the bride. Digital.
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A peak through the side door as the happy couple participates in the traditional Catholic Wedding Mass. Analog 35 mm film.
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The ring bearers approach the altar in their signature outfits: newsboy caps and suspenders. Digital.
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All is golden and glowing inside the historic Serra Chapel. An intimate ceremony in a nostalgic place for the entire family, deeply rooted in their Irish Catholic heritage. Digital.
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The only thing better than a first kiss is the hug that follows — truly a lovers' embrace. Digital.
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All smiles after the wedding. Digital.
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Celebrating with the best of friends. Flower garden and coastal cowboy aesthetics aligned. Digital.
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A celebratory kiss — Yeehaw! Digital.
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In-between moments with the ring-bearers. Digital.
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The bride tribe wears garden-inspired gowns with floral prints, and bright colors, and lots of pleats and ruffles. Custom suits and cowboy hats. Behind them, the historic Mission Bells ring. Digital.
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The man of honor wears a custom pink, floral suit, signature bolo tie, and a set of cowboy boots and hat to match. Childhood friends forever. Digital.
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The bride and groom step out for their newlywed portraits. Digital.
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Finally a moment to themselves. Surrounded by historic arches and purple lavender, they soak in a quiet moment. Digital.
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Nothing but happiness here. Digital.
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A specially requested film portrait in the classic, vintage style. The groom dons a cowboy-inspired bolo tie and a two-piece suit from The Black Tux. Analog 35 mm film.
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Fruit is art for this anti-bride garden reception. A basket of oranges spills onto a vintage, floral tablecloth and is surrounded by bud vases and candles. Analog 35 mm film.
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Guests make themselves comfortable as they await the bride and groom. Digital.
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Guests enjoying signature drinks and excellent company at the Historic Los Rios O'Niell Museum in San Juan Capistrano. Analog 35 mm film.
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Adding a personal touch to their Irish Catholic tradition, the bride and groom share personal vows at their intimate reception in a very casual way. Digital.
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Light pours in from the sky as toasts are made. Analog 35 mm film.
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The bride sneaks away for individual portraits. With pearls around her wrist and neck, a vintage gown, a bridal scarf, and a garden-inspired bouquet full of bright and cheerful colors, this bride is a perfect mix of classic, timeless, vintage, modern, and even trendy. What more could a modern bride hope for? Jewelry from Urbana and Antonia. Digital.
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This garden-inspired bridal bouquet up close. Digital.
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A private moment with their second look: The bride has swapped her mother's vintage wedding gown, veil, and bridal scarf for a cowgirl hat and floral garden-inspired gown from Milla Collection. Digital.
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Detail shot of the bride's vintage engagement ring, wedding band, and pearl and gold bracelets. Digital.
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Group shot in front of the O'Niell Museum! Of the San Juan Capistrano Historical Society. Digital.
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A very fun country swing dance with Dad. Digital.
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A heartfelt dance with Mom. Digital.
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Nothing but love during their first dance as husband and wife — and their last dance of the evening. Digital.
Venue Serra Chapel, Historic Mission San Juan Capistrano, Historical Society O'Neill Museum // Coordinator Events by Sep // First Dress Vintage Bianca 1982 // Second Look Reception Dress Milla // Jewelry Urbana and Antonia // Hair & Makeup Sierra Warnock Styling // Tuxedo The Black Tux // Rentals Signature Party Rentals, Corey Martinez // Catering Taste Collective, Urbn Pizza // DJ & MC Twenty Eight // Live Music Luca Pino, The Pino Noir Quartet // Florals Siloh Floral Artistry // Video Scrap Media, Alex Farias // Photo Miranda Tate Photography
