Real Wedding: Maria & Hayden at Fallbrook Estate, CA

On a stunning November afternoon, Maria and Hayden exchanged vows and commitment to each other amidst the breathtaking beauty of Fallbrook Estate, a captivating venue by Wedgewood Weddings. The day was a fantastic fusion of golden sunshine, joyous laughter, heartfelt love, and lush, vibrant greenery, creating a memorable setting for their cherished celebration. Even while juggling full-time jobs and going to school, Maria and Hayden poured their hearts into planning their special day. Their journey inspired us, and we couldn’t wait to pass along the valuable tips and insights they gained.

Maria and Hayden grew up in Southern California but moved to Arizona for school. When they got engaged, they longed for the comfort of home and the closeness of family, so they decided to celebrate back in SoCal. With hectic schedules and the challenge of planning a wedding from another state, they opted for a team of experts to handle the hard work. Maria and Hayden began exploring Wedgewood Weddings properties in Southern California, not having a set date or specific plans in mind but seeking a venue that felt like home.

Maria & Hayden in front of the remarkaBle fireplace at fallbrook estate

When Maria and Hayden arrived at Fallbrook Estate, they knew it was right. It felt like home, and everything fell into place effortlessly. Choosing this venue was a breeze, from the picturesque grounds to the exceptional team. Their wedding day was adorned with warm hues of cream, tan, and terracotta, exemplary of a fall afternoon.

Maria & Hayden enjoying a moment together on the bridge at fallbrook estate

With their wedding plans made well in advance, it felt like the big day would never come—until it finally did. Opting to wait until the altar to see each other, Maria and Hayden shared one of the day’s most memorable moments. Emotions ran high as sweet melodies filled the air, and family members took their places. As the ring security and flower boy made their joyful procession down the aisle, the atmosphere shifted to excitement and joy. Finally, when Maria entered, surrounded by loved ones, the ceremony began, marking the start of a beautiful new chapter for the couple.

the Ceremony set up at fallbrook estate by wedgewood weddings 

The highlight of the entire ceremony was Maria and Hayden’s unique take on a unity ceremony. Wanting something special to symbolize their bond and journey together, they created the ‘Holy Guacamole’ ceremony. Gathering all the ingredients needed to make guacamole, each of their parents played a role in the guacamole’s creation, symbolizing the blending of their families. As everyone was introduced and added their ingredients to the bowl, Maria and Hayden mixed and mashed them. Finally, after crafting the most delicious guacamole, they shared their first taste of “holy matrimony,” as proclaimed by the officiant.

Maria & Hayden share their first taste of "holy matrimony" through their "Holy Guacamole Unity ceremony"

We were looking for a unity ceremony that felt unique and personal to us, something a little different from the usual traditions. Hence the guacamole unity ceremony. We were happy to be able to include all of our parents by giving them each an ingredient to add into the mix, just as they did in our relationship.

As the ceremony concluded, guests were warmly invited to cocktail hour on the patio, which offers a stunning view of the pond and golf course at Fallbrook Estate by Wedgewood Weddings. While the newlyweds were busy capturing moments through photos, their guests enjoyed delightful appetizers and specialty drinks.

Their appetizers consisted of:

• Bacon Wrapped Scallops
• Balsamic & Strawberry Crostinis
• Mini Vegetable Egg Rolls with Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce 
• Brie & Apple Phyllo Kisses
• Mini Shrimp Tostadas 
• Mac & Cheese Panko Croquettes

As the formal photos wrapped up, Maria and Hayden entered the reception room, sparking a wave of joy and laughter that set the tone for the evening’s festivities. Surrounded by loved ones, the couple embarked on a night filled with delicious food, cherished family moments, and a few delightful surprises!

The reception space Ready for guests (pre-renovation)

Maria and Hayden opted for the premier package, which featured a buffet-style meal. Their guests couldn't stop raving about the delicious food! 

Their menu included:

• Eight Assorted Salads
• Seasonal Vegetables
• Herb-Red Roasted Potatoes
• Five Cheese Tortellini
• Panko Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
• Slow Roasted Prime Rib Au Jus with Creamed Horseradish

We were thrilled by the overwhelming compliments on the food. Our guests couldn’t stop praising it, describing it as the best wedding food they had ever tasted. They especially appreciated how every dish was impeccably seasoned and cooked.

Maria & Hayden enjoying thier first dance

Before kicking off the traditional dances, Maria and Hayden took a moment to cut into their stunning two-tiered cake. The top tier featured a delectable combination of chocolate cake and chocolate mousse, while the bottom tier delighted with lemon cake paired with vanilla whipped buttercream and raspberry preserves—a mouthwatering treat for all! But the sweet surprises didn’t end there. The couple also treated their guests to a spread of cannolis, mini Oreo cheesecakes, mini mixed berry pies, mini fruit tarts, chocolate-covered strawberries, and s’mores pops. What an array of desserts!

The delicious dessert spread

As guests began to indulge in the delectable desserts, the night continued with the traditional parent dances, including an additional dance between Maria and her mother. What began as a slow dance to a sweet song soon transformed into an unexpected mashup dance routine! Maria and her mom had prepared a choreographed performance set to a medley of songs, featuring “Ice Ice Baby” by Vanilla Ice, “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley, and “Dancing Queen” by Abba. The show-stopping performance surprised everyone and left a lasting impression on the evening’s festivities.

Having a special moment to dance with my mom and then surprise all our guests with a choreographed dance was one of the highlights of the night. We are so grateful to our DJ and the team for making this surprise possible!

To keep the dance energy soaring, everyone was invited to the dance floor to groove and celebrate the night. As the festivities drew to a close, the couple had a send-off moment with the Grand Sparkler Moment, creating a sparkling ending to a truly memorable day.

Maria & Hayden concluded the celebration with the grand sparkler moment

Maria & Hayden in front of fallbrook estate's marqueE love letters

Everything from our initial visit to the end of the wedding night was smooth and loads of fun! We are so grateful to have gotten married at Fallbrook Estate by Wedgewood Weddings and we will forever remember the venue and team. 

Congratulations to Maria and Hayden!

If you're interested in exploring Fallbrook Estate by Wedgewood Weddings, call or text 866.966.3009 to schedule your free tour.

THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING VENDORS!

• DJ/MC: DJ MAESTRO
• Florals: HCD WEDDINGS
• Cake: ELEGANCE ON DISPLAY
• Photographer: SHOTS BY KATIE GUNZ