This fall wedding in Costa Mesa was filled with heartfelt moments, meaningful traditions, and creative surprises. From an intimate tea ceremony at home to a theatrical ceremony officiated by a Sweeney Todd impersonator, Claudia and Edward brought their personalities into every detail. Their celebration showcased the charm of a California wedding in autumn, complete with seasonal florals, thoughtful design, and their three beloved dogs dressed for the occasion.

Tea Ceremony at Home in Costa Mesa

This fall wedding in Costa Mesa began with a meaningful traditional tea ceremony held at the couple’s family home. Claudia and Edward gathered with their closest friends and family to honor and share a blessing before their wedding day. The ceremony featured gift exchanges, heartfelt messages, and traditional clothing that reflected their heritage.

A standout detail from the tea ceremony was the presence of the couple’s three dogs, who participated fully in the celebration, dressed in coordinating costumes. This special pre-wedding event created an intimate and emotional start to their weekend and gave guests a chance to bond ahead of the main celebration.

Getting Ready at The Harper 

The wedding day began at The Harper, a Costa Mesa wedding venue  where Claudia and Edward got ready with their bridal party. The setting combined the beauty of a Southern California garden wedding with the cozy ambiance of fall. Details such as fall-inspired makeup, seasonal florals, and natural light gave this part of the day a calm, joyful tone.

Florals were designed by Dogwood Florals, known for their loose, whimsical arrangements that feel fresh and organic. The floral palette for this Costa Mesa wedding included deep purples, burnt oranges, and subtle greens which was perfect for an autumn event.

Private First Look before Ceremony

Claudia and Edward chose to do a first look before the ceremony, capturing a quiet moment between the two.  Their portraits have a natural, earthy feel, while the warm fall colors added beautiful depth to the images. Their three dogs rejoined the couple here bringing personality and connection into each part of the wedding.

Family Time before Ceremony

Firstly, because I already had a chance to meet the wedding party and family during the tea ceremony, the atmosphere for family photos on the wedding day felt really easy and relaxed. Guests felt at ease which translated into natural, candid moments that captured the real relationships and shared history on display. 

A Unique Wedding Ceremony in Costa Mesa

The most talked-about moment of this fall wedding in Costa Mesa was the ceremony itself. Suprisingly, instead of a traditional officiant, the couple hired a professional Sweeney Todd impersonator to conduct the ceremony. Fully in costume and character, the officiant brought theatrical flair and unforgettable entertainment. This creative choice aligned with the couple’s personalities and the wedding’s timing in late October. The experience made a lasting impression on guests and showcased the couple’s sense of humor and love for storytelling.

Autumn Cocktail Hour

Following, the cocktail hour was styled with cozy fall elements, including soft lighting, fresh fruit decor, and a continuation of the bold autumn floral theme. Further, guests enjoyed drinks and light fare while mingling outdoors in a relaxed, stylish setting. The wedding planner, Katie, brought in creative visual details that tied the entire aesthetic together, creating a seamless transition from ceremony to reception.

Dinner and Wedding Toasts

The couple hosted dinner in the cozy dining space at the Harper. They arranged long tables to encourage conversation and connection.The toasts were a highlight of the evening, as friends and family shared heartfelt stories and personal reflections. Each speech reflected the deep bonds Claudia and Edward have with their community, adding emotional depth to the celebration.

Dance Floor Energy

As the evening progressed, guests moved to the dance floor to celebrate. Music, laughter, and movement filled the space. It was energetic to say the least! The couple’s three dogs made one final appearance. The reception closed with an evening of dancing, connection, and joyful energy that reflected the couple’s vision for their day. It was the perfect end to a wedding weekend that balanced cultural tradition with personal touches! 

In Their Words

“Erin is absolutely amazing! I remembered our first call after we messaged her. Therefore, she was so welcoming and thoughtful. We got married at the Harper and Erin was on the list of preferred photographers. We loved our engagement photos, wedding photos, tea ceremony photos, and wedding album. I love her attention to details and value her experience in capturing candid moments. She took countless photos of me and my family that I will cherish forever.” – Claudia & Edward

Looking for a California Wedding Photographer?

If you’re planning a wedding in Southern California or a destination wedding—whether in the mountains, by the coast, or anywhere meaningful to you—and you’re looking for a photographer who captures candid, emotional, and story-driven moments, I would love to connect. Let’s document your day in a way that feels personal, relaxed, and true to who you are as a couple.

Loving this fall Wedding in Costa Mesa? Check out my recent blog post, La Venta Inn Wedding in Palos Verdes for more fall wedding inspiration. 2025 & 2026 bookings are open, I can’t wait to hear from you so we can start talking about your wedding day!