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A beautiful Art Nouveau inspired Rancho Bernardo Inn Wedding : Lisa and Christian's love story

Writer's picture: V V

Rancho Bernardo Inn weddings are whimsical, the venue is such a lovely spot for a wedding. It’s tucked away in San Diego’s hills, surrounded by gardens and courtyards that give it a really peaceful vibe. There’s plenty of space for different styles of weddings, whether you’re planning something small and intimate or a larger celebration.

Rancho Bernardo inn wedding

The hotel offers a variety of settings for weddings, making it easy to tailor the day to any couple’s vision. When I first met Lisa and Christian, it was clear they had their hearts set on an outdoor ceremony and reception. Rancho Bernardo Inn wedding proposal had everything they were looking for: a beautiful ceremony on the Aragon Lawn, a cocktail hour in the side garden next to the ballroom, and dinner and dancing back on the Aragon Lawn that would be quickly reset with the reception set up. To top it all off, the night ended with an afterparty in the ballroom—a perfect blend of indoor and outdoor celebrations.

bride getting ready before wedding

bride smiling during make up

Lisa and Christian chose to get ready at the venue, which made the day flow effortlessly. Lisa booked a beautiful multi-room suite near the Aragon Lawn, complete with a cozy fireplace and a private garden. The Rancho Bernardo Inn wedding suite' spacious living room provided plenty of space for the makeup artist and hairstylist to pamper Lisa and her entourage, ensuring they felt relaxed and cared for. The suite’s private garden was the perfect spot for Lisa and Christian’s first look, allowing them to share this special moment without the stress of traveling to another location or having hotel guests eyes on them.

rancho Bernardo inn wedding suite

first look at Rancho Bernardo inn

I also had the chance to use the suite to set up flatlays, artfully designed by Claudia Strenger to reflect the Art Nouveau inspiration that Lisa and Christian wanted to infuse into their wedding.

art niveau wedding invites

As the first look concluded, guests began arriving and were greeted on the lawn with glasses of Champagne and stunning florals complemented by the venue’s blooming trees. Lisa opted for ground florals for the ceremony to highlight the natural beauty of the venue, resulting in a breathtaking setting. To maintain a cohesive, organic feel and an elevated look, we chose wooden chairs instead of the standard white folding ones provided by the venue. The aisle was decorated with large floral ground arrangements, creating a lush, romantic atmosphere.

organic  bridesmaid bouquet

Outdoor wedding setup at Rancho Bernardo inn with rows of wooden chairs on grass, surrounded by white flowers. String lights hang between trees under a clear blue sky.

Wedding party in Rancho Bernardo inn garden: bride in white kisses groom in a suit. Bridesmaids in floral dresses smile, holding bouquets. Sunlit trees in back.

While guests moved a few steps away to enjoy cocktail hour accompanied by live music from a talented duo, my team and Rancho Bernardo Inn wedding venue staff worked together to transform the Aragon Lawn into a magical reception space.

Green bar with flowers and a menu in a garden setting. Soft light with trees and white flowers in the background, creating a serene mood.

Woman in a light outfit and red shoes stands in a sunlit garden setting with green vines. People seated at tables in the background.

A person plays a black bass guitar seated outdoors, wearing a glittery black outfit. Lush green hedges form the serene background.

Close-up of a platter with sweet potato rounds topped with creamy avocado, olives, and herbs, held outside by a person in dark attire.

Before entering the lawn for dinner, guests stopped by the seating chart featuring individual envelopes in three colors that represented the wedding’s palette. Each envelope contained a handwritten note from Lisa and Christian, with unique floral designs that tied into the overall theme.

Wedding seating chart with green and beige envelopes on a board. Text reads "TO OUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS..." Outdoor setting with flowers at Rancho Bernardo inn

Green and white envelopes with calligraphy names are pinned to a white board. Patterns and shadows create a neat, organized look.

As the band began playing, the reception unfolded seamlessly. Dinner was filled with heartfelt speeches from close family and friends, and Lisa and Christian shared their first dance, officially kicking off the evening’s celebrations. The energy only grew from there, as the party came to life on the dance floor.

Outdoor wedding setup at Rancho Bernardo inn with circular tables covered in white cloths, wooden chairs, and floral centerpieces. Sunlit garden backdrop.

Elegant garden table setting with vibrant floral centerpiece, candles, and white linens. Sunlit greenery and wooden bench in the background.

A saxophone rests on an outdoor stage adorned with lush white and green flowers. Stands and equipment surround the scene.

Man in a black suit plays a red electric guitar outdoors, smiling slightly. The background is blurred with greenery, suggesting a park setting.

Bride and groom dance joyfully at an outdoor wedding ceremony. Musicians play in the background, and guests stand surrounded by flowers.

People toast with wine glasses at an elegant dinner table adorned with candles and flowers. Warm, festive atmosphere with blurred background.

A two-tiered white cake with berries and flowers on a table set with cutlery. Background features a garden with blurred flowers. Mood: elegant.

Later in the evening, around 10 p.m., all the guests were invited into the ballroom for a lively DJ set to end the night on a high note. Rancho Bernardo Inn weddings have a hard stop at 10pm for all open/garden spaces, however you can keep the party going till later in one of their ballrooms!

A couple smiling with a large dog cutout at a nighttime event, surrounded by people under string lights. Mood is joyful and celebratory.

It was such a joyful day, and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Lisa and Christian, a truly wonderful couple who trusted me throughout the entire planning process. Every wedding I plan feels bittersweet because of the incredible people I meet and the bonds we form over the months—it’s always hard to say goodbye!

Couple in wedding attire holding hands on a garden staircase at rancho bernardo inn, surrounded by tall cypress trees and lush greenery, under a clear sky.

Overall, Rancho Bernardo Inn wedding grounds and setting feel both elegant and relaxed, which makes it a great place to celebrate with family and friends. The food and atmosphere definitely add to the experience. If you’re looking for a venue with natural beauty and a warm, welcoming feel, it’s worth checking out and if you are considering Rancho Bernardo Inn for your wedding and searching for a San Diego wedding planner, know that we have worked at the venue already!

Book a consultation at this link! 

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