When I first connected with Jess and Paul in June 2023, I didn’t know that their Franciscan Gardens wedding in San Juan Capistrano would turn into such a beautiful celebration of love and community. Their wedding journey began long before their stunning October celebration, and through months of planning, I had the joy of watching their vision come to life. It was a day that felt like a family reunion, filled with warmth and connection.

Coast to Coast Love Story

Jess grew up in California. Years later,  she moved to Philadelphia to pursue her PhD in cellular molecular biology and biomedical research, focused on complex work in regenerative medicine and disease. Amid her academic journey, she met Paul, a nurse and Philly native, through a dating app. Over four years, they built a close-knit partnership. Jess being her amazing self, was embraced by Paul’s family and friends and their connection grew even deeper. In the summer of 2024, they decided to start fresh in California, bringing their lives full circle and closer to Jess’s family.

Franciscan Gardens

Their Franciscan Gardens Wedding in San Juan Capistrano was truly a reflection of Jess and Paul’s laid-back and loving personalities. The venue, nestled in the heart of San Juan Capistrano, offered a hidden, European-inspired charm with lush greenery and a cozy courtyard. It was perfect for the relaxed outdoor dinner Jess and Paul wanted, complete with a rooftop deck that gave their guests a breathtaking view of the celebration below. Jess’s dress and veil were simply stunning!! Her look combined vintage elegance with modern flair, complementing the venue’s timeless atmosphere beautifully. 

A Wedding Day Full of Personal Touches

The day was filled with touches that made it uniquely theirs. Our talented florists from 3 Petals employed Jess and her high school friends (now her bridesmaids) back in the day. The owners joked that it felt like a completely full circle moment to provide the flowers for Jess’s wedding! The team created vibrant, textured arrangements that brought color and life to the venue. Watching Jess’s florist friends reconnect with her on this day was a beautiful moment that underscored the warmth of the entire celebration. They poured their hearts into creating lush bouquets and intricate displays that perfectly matched the ambiance of the venue, adding a deeply personal and full-circle element to the day.

A Day Filled with LOVE

More than anything, Jess and Paul wanted their wedding to feel like a gathering of loved ones from both sides, coming together as one. Although they’d each spent time with each other’s families over the years, many guests were meeting for the first time, creating a reunion that was heartfelt and joyful. As the evening progressed, laughter and conversation filled the air. With so much to celebrate, you could sense that everyone was excited to see these two incredible people get married!  Jess and Paul’s Franciscan Gardens Wedding in San Juan Capistrano was so incredibly heartfelt and a momentous moment! With all their community by their side, their new chapter begins! Cheers to the newlyweds!! 

Vendors

Venue: Franciscan Gardens

Planner: Stephanie Chin Events

Florist: Three Petals

Catering: 24 Carrots

Feeling inspired by this Franciscan Gardens wedding in San Juan Capistrano? Check out this Whimsical Summertime Lake Arrowhead Wedding for more inspiration and real moments! My inbox is always open, let’s chat about your 2025 wedding!