Prepare to Be Wow'd by This Laguna Beach Wedding with Creative Details

Carlos and Paul's Laguna Beach wedding was filled with creative details and whimsical florals, like pampas grass and magnolias.

Carlos and Paul's When it comes to uniqueness and style, Carlos and Paul’s California wedding sets the bar real high.

As the owner and designer behind NPD Events, Carlos knew how to achieve the wedding look he and Paul were going for. The goal was dramatic and color-filled decor with a vibe that was cozy and romantic.

The first thing they tackled in the planning process was finding an eccentric venue that could see their vision through. With the help of a friend and fellow event planner, they discovered Anneliese Schools in Laguna Beach.

“It’s an oasis, a place that is so diverse in decor as it is in culture. The venue offers an aviary, fish ponds, a petting zoo — if you choose — and a blank canvas to do whatever it is you want. It was the perfect space for us.”

After sharing a darling first look together, it was off to the ceremony. This part of the celebration was held indoors. Carlos and Paul chose to have a Sauvignon Blanc girl and boy instead of a flower girl and boy. This idea only added to the unconventional aesthetic that came together beautifully.

“I designed the backdrop in Word, very early on in the wedding planning process, and was extremely delighted when I saw the finished product,” shares Carlos. “Magnolia and pampas grass lined the aisle along with vintage rugs that were so graciously left behind by the school. It added a cool hip vibe to the room.”

When it came to the outdoor reception, each element carried a distinct characteristic of its own. From the hand-made pleated black tent to the aroma — Louis Vuitton Île Blanche candles –throughout the space, senses were certainly aroused by the precise detail.

There was a contrast in chic color, a unique mix of tablescapes donned in velvet linens, and stunning floral arrangements designed by Carlos himself with magnolia table runners cascading down. (The magnolia details are a nod to Carlos's favorite gift — a piece of art given to him by his sweet mother.)

“People are afraid to think outside of the box so they gravitate towards what they see their friends do,” mentions Carlos. “I knew that I didn't want traditional florals. I chose to do something a little more contemporary: low, tight, unstructured flowers for our long tables and crystal candelabras with the same concept at the base for our round tables.”

A four-tier black, green-and-white marbled fondant cake and apple spritzes (a fall twist to their favorite summer cocktail, Aperol spritz!) were the perfect touch and provided even more energy for everyone to dance the night away. But Carlos and Paul truly outdid themselves, if we do say so ourselves!