Eddie + Lindsey’s Tropical Outdoor Wedding at the Botanica in Oceanside might just be the wedding of the century! Don’t believe me? Keep ready to find out why this Oceanside Wedding will be talked about for years and years to come!
A WILD JOURNEY TO LOVE
Both Lindsey and Ed met in their early 20s in California since they both lived in the same area.
Because they met so early, they didn’t rush to get married. They both took time to pursue their own careers and goals while remaining supportive and by the other’s side. An example of this was when Lindsey got her dream job which led her to Boston. Because Eddie knew that it was important to Lindsey, he packed up and moved to be by her. That was followed up by the opportunity for Eddie to become a fireman in Seattle. Without a second thought, Lindsey encouraged him. Together, they moved to Washington.
THAT, MY FRIENDS, IS TRUE LOVE.
When the time finally felt right, Eddie asked for Lindsey’s hand in marriage.. 11 years later!
DETAILS SURROUNDING THE WEDDING AT THE BOTANICA IN OCEANSIDE, CALIFORNIA
The Venue: Botanica in Oceanside
According to their website, Botanica is a “hidden tropical paradise hidden tropical paradise surrounded by natural spring-fed waterfalls, ponds & lush gardens.” Because of the venue’s tropical layout, it feels like you are in Hawaii. It is one of the most magical venues.
Botanica is about 25 minutes from Temecula, and 40 minutes from San Diego.
If you are looking for a destination wedding, but you don’t want to go too far out of your comfort zone, I HIGHLY recommend Botanica in Oceanside. Also, in venues like these, you don’t even need to decorate that much because the backdrop already has all the details.
As far as being a photographer goes, everything about this wedding venue was a dream to photograph! There are so many places with the palms that gave texture to every photo with all the tropical vibes.
The Ceremony
All the bridesmaids wore a dark forest green silk dress that was mid-length.
The florals were very simple yet elegant which included three white roses for the bridesmaids and five for the bride. Similarly, their ceremony arch was arch GOALS! The florist, My Floral Paradise, had florals wrapped around the geometric arch which was stunning!
Lindsey told me before their wedding that if I only captured one thing, let it be Ed’s reaction to her coming down the aisle. Let’s just say there was not a dry eye in the crowd. She was one of the most gorgeous brides, and I love seeing the reaction of a man just breaking down to his knees. Boy oh, boy did I capture Ed’s reactions perfectly.
Both Eddie and Lindsey wrote and said their own vows to each other. There is something about a bride and groom when they can write their own vows and say them to the crowd I just love. It gets everyone in the crowd weak to their knees and not a dry eye listening to these perfect humans commit to each other.
The Reception
Since their wedding colors were black, white, and green, these colors were incorporated into the reception tables. They also had eucalyptus scattered with various white roses across the table. Each table was named after a country Eddie and Lindsey both traveled to together. There were also fun memories of the couple stated below each country.
As a departing gift, each person got a small world globe with mints inside. Traveling around the world has been a big part of their lives and how they grew together as a couple.
Inside the reception tent, they had twinkling lights which even made the wedding more magical, literally! They threw one heck of a party with their closest friends and family and danced the night away.
Lindsey and Eddie were a dream to capture at the Botanica in Oceanside, California. Their love story will forever stick with me, and I couldn’t be more proud of who they are as people. I am excited for them to experience this next and newest adventure as Mr. and Mrs. Mendiola!
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