Jessica + Luke | Winter Garden Wedding Elegance | San Marcos

Jessica & Luke’s Winter Garden Wedding at Green Gables

Jessica and Luke’s winter garden wedding at Green Gables Wedding Estate radiated natural elegance and heartfelt joy. They first connected on Bumble, and Jessica always said Luke felt “old school” in the best way—thoughtful, intentional, and respectful. He brought flowers to their first meetup—a laid-back brewery date—and led with connection, not flash. Their evening was filled with easy conversation and sparks—just before Jessica left for a multi-day mountain hike. She worried he might lose interest while she was gone. He didn’t. A few months later, they took a trip to Lake Arrowhead and visited Heartrock—a symbolic spot that would become part of their love story. That moment inspired Luke’s proposal, when he planned a hike to Heartrock in Joshua Tree and asked Jessica to marry him. Her family, based in Sacramento, was secretly in on the plan.

Their wedding took place in December in San Marcos, on a cool, crisp day filled with soft winter light. We had a beautiful 90-minute engagement session at Torrey Pines, where they rocked both a nature trail look and a formal beach vibe—take a peek at their stunning session right here. I also helped guide them through their wedding timeline to ensure a smooth flow for their special day.

Dream Team Energy from the Start

I met Jessica and Luke through Luke’s sister, Natalie, who’s a dear friend of mine from high school. I’ve known Luke since he was a kid, so when he reached out, it felt like a full-circle moment. Once we connected, it was clear we’d be a great fit.

Jessica and Luke were a dream to photograph. They were warm, communicative, and so easy to connect with. Jessica was especially kind and vocal about her appreciation, which meant the world to me. I’ve photographed at Green Gables many times, and it was great to return to such a photogenic spot. I especially enjoyed seeing recent venue updates and familiar vendor faces.

Garden Wedding Charm with Natural Elegance

On our first call, Jessica described their vision as “Natural Elegance meets Secret Garden.” Green Gables was the perfect match. Jessica said, “I wanted green and white, and fresh and natural beauty surrounding everyone! It was just too beautiful and unique to pass up.”

Their garden wedding ceremony took place under the shade of towering trees. A handmade welcome sign and fresh blooms greeted guests as they arrived. One of the most memorable elements was the “ring warming” ritual, where the rings were passed among the guests to bless them before the vows. It was a deeply moving way to involve their loved ones. Jessica’s sister’s boyfriend officiated the ceremony, which made the moment even more special. He and Jessica’s sister had started dating around the same time as Luke and Jessica, so both couples had grown together over the years.

Forest-Inspired Fashion and Sentimental Details

Jessica looked stunning in a Luv Bridal gown with a flowing train and subtle texture that echoed the forest-inspired setting. Luke wore a custom green suit with a floral tie and a sentimental lapel pin featuring a photo of their dog. The bridesmaids wore soft blush and champagne, while the groomsmen mirrored Luke’s look with floral bow ties.

We captured their portraits in some of my favorite spots: the vintage schoolhouse, the Speakeasy, the garden nooks, and the golden hillside. They shared a private First Look and personal vows on the lawn. Afterward, we stole away for golden hour portraits by the fountain and wrapped with night shots at the garden entrance.

Why I Love Photographing Garden Weddings at Green Gables

This venue is full of magic for a San Diego wedding photographer. The lush greenery, vintage structures, and dreamy light make it a dream location. I’ve created a full venue guide about Green Gables if you want to explore its wedding potential more—check it out here!

Jessica and Luke said, “We are thrilled about getting to work with our photographer, Paul, since he has actually known Luke since he was a kid. It made us a lot more comfortable being vulnerable and having fun in front of a camera, knowing that it was Paul on the other side.” That long-standing connection made it easy for them to be relaxed and genuine in front of the lens, which truly came through in their photos.

They also shared, “Paul made every effort to keep us comfortable, prepared, and supported, all while creating a beautifully curated experience for us. He captured everything we dreamed of—from emotional moments to lighthearted portraits. We had a large wedding party, and he moved us through portraits efficiently, while still being very polite and respectful. Bonus — he was able to tell people when they were done with their portion of photos so they could return to party! Also, he is very communicative in helping finalize the best timeline for your day (again large wedding party, with a wedding on the shortest day of the year and he STILL managed to get all of our requested photos and then some before we ran out of daylight).”

Jessica and Luke’s celebration was a shining example of how to make a garden ceremony wedding feel personal, stylish, and full of meaning. For me, it was especially memorable to witness two people so connected and intentional—surrounded by natural beauty, loving family, and thoughtful rituals. Congratulations, you two! Wishing you a lifetime of joy, adventure, and love as deep and intentional as the day you shared.

The Wedding Vendors and Creative Partners Behind the Day

Dreaming of wedding photos that feel like you? Let’s bring your vision to life with imagery that’s personal, emotive, and timeless. Reach out and let’s start planning something incredible together.