The love shared by today’s featured couple was evident on their faces throughout their entire wedding day. The ceremony and reception, both held at Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm were full of DIY features including boho designs both inside and outside the greenhouse. Plus, fabulous rentals were provided by The Tent Merchant. A colorful and delicious meal was catered by Pete Clements Catering, and Elli Lauren Weddings photographed the day—including the couple’s plunge in the ocean following their vows.

From Elli Lauren Weddings: 

Gina and Ken wanted their wedding to be small, intimate, and definitely budget-friendly. They decided on doing a family style brunch at one long communal reception table.

The couple found one of the smaller greenhouses at Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm on Hipcamp.com and it was perfect for their vision in so many ways. Because of the small size they really had access to some wonderfully intimate spaces usually not used for the venue’s big wedding packages, including a private beach and a sweet little intimate greenhouse full of eclectic rooms built from up-cycled materials all found on the farm. The greenhouse had a brick oven to make pizzas and an amazing outdoor shower with a window overlooking the ocean. The day before the wedding, they hung out at the beach all afternoon, made wood fired pizzas and camped under the greenhouse roof.

Nearly all the details came together through DIY projects. Gina's wedding skirt was handmade by her mother-in-law. Gina, who is a graphic designer, designed, printed and handmade the invitations. Her sister-in-laws did makeup and florals. Two oriental rugs were purchased for the aisle runners that they now use in their home, and all the decor was from their own personal belongings and thrift store stores. Gina sewed fabric napkins, the dishes and cutlery were all antique thrift store finds from shops in Pasadena. Champagne and sparkling grape juice was generously supplied by Gina's Mom, Cecile Alessi via Tobin James Winery, where she works. Friends and family helped with all the setting up as well. Wedding favors were trimmings from the Pothos plants that Ken and Gina had raised during their two years of dating.

Photographer: Elli Lauren Weddings | Venue: Dos Pueblos Orchid Farm | Caterer: Pete Clements Catering | Rentals: The Tent Merchant | Champagne & Sparkling Grape Juice: Tobin James Winery | Invitations: Gina Alessi (Bride) - Sincerely Creative | Florist: Rebekah Xiques (Sister of the Groom) | Makeup: Suzanne Xiques (Sister of the Groom) | Officiant: Tommy Coppers

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