Alexa + Blake by Kape Photography

We really leaned into the natural beauty and character of The Swanner House

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

We’re both based in California and spend most of our time near the ocean. Blake is a filmer and editor for Stab magazine. He travels a lot internationally as well to film and edit their video series and documentaries, so surf and storytelling are a big part of his world. I work at a luxury travel PR agency, so I’m also travelling a lot! I’m also a Pilates instructor. We both love being active outside, whether it’s surfing, dirt biking, camping or hanging at the beach!

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

Blake and I met while working at a restaurant together about ten years ago. At the time, he was a busser and I was a hostess. We would see each other during our shifts, always in passing, with quick hellos and small smiles, the kind of casual interactions you have when you’re both busy and focused on getting through a hectic night of service. We worked together like that for about six months, side by side, but not really speaking much beyond the basics. Then one day, he finally came over to the host stand and officially introduced himself. From that point on, things moved pretty quickly. We started hanging out right away, and there wasn’t any awkward buildup or uncertainty. It just felt easy. We’d go from shifts at the restaurant to spending time together outside of work, and that was the start of everything. It all began there, in that busy little restaurant.

Tell us about the vision you had for the mood and style of your wedding. (theme, key styling elements, florals, colour palettes etc.).

Our goal from the very beginning was for the entire day to feel truly authentic, nothing overly polished or performative, just something that felt like really us. We didn’t want anything that felt too staged or formal. The Swanner House ended up being the absolute perfect venue for that. The space had this warm, lived-in energy that felt so inviting and grounded. It was beautiful in a way that didn’t try too hard, charming, timeless, and full of character. Everything about it made the ceremony and reception feel personal and connected. It allowed the day to unfold naturally, without pressure, and made the whole experience feel so intimate and raw in the best way. We didn’t have to force a thing. Being there with our favourite people in a setting that felt so approachable really set the tone for the entire day, easy, warm, and completely true to who we are.

What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee, etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).

We really leaned into the natural beauty and character of The Swanner House, and the existing design and vibe of the space already felt so true to what we were envisioning. We didn’t want to over-style anything or add too many elements that would take away from the raw, grounded feeling of the venue. The florals were soft and organic, which added the perfect amount of colour and texture without feeling too polished. Everything was designed to feel effortless and cohesive with the setting, from the ceremony setup to the tablescapes; it all flowed in a way that felt understated but intentional. Letting the venue shine and building around that made the whole day feel visually warm, personal, and completely us.

What did you enjoy most about the planning process, and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?

Keeping things simple and focused on what actually mattered to us. We didn’t get too caught up in trends or pressure to do things a certain way; we just wanted the day to feel real and easy. The best part was seeing it all come together in a way that felt like truly us.

My biggest tip for other couples would be to trust your gut and not overthink it. You don’t have to do everything — just pick the things that feel most meaningful and let go of the rest. Stay focused on the feeling you want the day to have, and build from there.

Tell us about your vendors. Were there any standout suppliers you would like to make special mention of?

Katie was amazing; she was always one step ahead and made sure everything flowed throughout the day. Tammy from Bubbly Blooms absolutely blew us away with the florals; they were far beyond what I imagined and brought so much beauty and softness to the space. Jay’s Catering was another standout, so many guests told us it was the best food they’ve ever had at a wedding! Every vendor brought something special, and we’re so grateful for how supported and seen we felt the entire day.

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, and is there a story?

I wore a dress by Katherine Tash that felt so effortlessly beautiful; it was simple, elegant, and exactly what I wanted. I paired it with Maeve shoes and jewellery by Monica Vinader. The whole look felt really natural and true to me, which was important.

Tell us about your wedding and engagement rings.

My engagement ring is 2.97 carats and is lab-grown from Taylor Custom Rings in Carlsbad, CA. Blake’s ring is custom silver with our initials and wedding date engraved on the inside.

What were one or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).

We really cared about keeping the day feeling authentic and grounded. The Swanner House was the perfect venue for that, and we knew it was worth investing in a space that already had so much character. The florals were also something we were excited about, and Tammy from Bubbly Blooms went above and beyond — they brought everything together in such a beautiful, natural way.

Was there a favourite moment (or two) that you will treasure always?

I think finally sitting down to eat together, when we could really focus on each other and take it all in, was one of the most special moments. Looking around and seeing all of our favourite and most loved friends and family there to support us just made it all feel so real.