Vanessa + Shane, The Estate on Second

After buttoning up the back of her wedding gown, Vanessa met Shane outside The Estate on Second for their first look in front of the Chiarini Fountain. With a brush of the shoulder, Shane turned around to see his beautiful bride standing before him, tears falling from her eyes with emotion. It was a moment they had both been anxiously awaiting. Hugs and kisses were shared as the wedding party made their way over for group photos. The groomsmen were dressed in black suits and Shane was in white to stand out from his friends. Each bridesmaid wore a light champagne colored dress and held bouquets of white and deep red flowers matching the decor inside. In front of the fountain and the venue, photos were captured, then the group headed inside to line up for the ceremony.

Guests entered through the Veranda and signed Vanessa and Shane’s guest book before taking a seat inside the Crystal Ballroom. Golden pillars covered in fall florals marked the ceremony space and two large urn vases stood behind the back row of chairs. Flower petals and candles lined either side of the aisle adding little romantic flickers of light throughout. As soon as everyone was seated, Shane made his entrance followed by the rest of the wedding party and ending with Vanessa. The bride and groom exchanged vows and rings, then were pronounced husband and wife. The crowd cheered as the newlyweds exited the ceremony into cocktail hour.

Beer and wine were served while Filet & Wild Mushroom Wellingtons and Fig, Goat Cheese & Mascarpone Tarts were being tray passed to hungry guests. Everyone was mixing and mingling at tables topped with rose petals and candles while the newlyweds snuck off for photos before dinner. Upon their return, everyone made their way back into the Crystal Ballroom for the reception.

A seating chart lead guests to their assigned seats as soft music filled the ballroom. Greenery and candles ran the length of each table with pops of deep red flowers in-between. The ceremony backdrop now became the sweetheart table backdrop and soft uplighting created a charming glow. The newlyweds made their grand entrance into their first dance, then took their seats. Toasts were made by family and friends that drew laughs and tears. Once everyone shared their stories, dinner was served. Chicken Marsala, Vegetarian Rotolo Bolzano, Red Roasted Garlic Potatoes, Green Beans, and Pear & Walnut Salad was selected by the bride and groom with help from our Event Specialist, Sierra, during their planning process. Plates were filled and rave reviews of the meal were shared as each plate was finished. Vanessa tossed her bouquet to all the single ladies, then her and Shane cut into their two-tiered almond wedding cake with strawberry creme filling. Guests had a choice of either cake or Cookie and Milk Shots being passed around on trays for dessert. On a sugar high, everyone hit the dance floor. With the bride and groom in the center, guests danced around them showing off their best moves. The evening ended with everyone outside flashing their phone lights on Vanessa and Shane as they made their exit.

Venue: The Estate on Second // Catering: Jay’s Catering // Photography: Laura Minor Photography // Planning: Heres To Them Events // Florist: Lindsey Borgelt

Say your vows in a setting full of character at our Downtown Santa Ana venue.