CHARLOTTE & QUINN the essence wedding

Charlotte and Quinn’s story began at UC Davis, where their roommates became best friends and, naturally, the two started tagging along to the same outings. In January of 2017, those group hangouts turned into a first date: a walk through the campus arboretum, followed by dumplings and ice cream. Charlotte was studying wine, Quinn was studying engineering, and neither could have known that this simple college date would eventually lead them here!

Their wedding brought those early days full circle. Charlotte’s love of wine and Quinn’s love of a great party both played starring roles, while the overall aesthetic leaned whimsical, romantic, and just a little unexpected. The vision? An intimate indoor garden party filled with soft pastels, lush florals, candlelight, and playful textures. Elegant, but never overly precious. Personal but polished!

From the invitation suite, the garden-party mood was clear. Delicate pastel florals, soft blue paper, elegant script, and a silk bow set the tone for a celebration that felt romantic from the very beginning. That same floral monogram later appeared throughout the reception, including on oversized soft blue seating panels finished with peach silk ribbons and suspended blooms.

And then there were the flowers! The space was filled with garden-inspired arrangements in blush, peach, lavender, butter yellow, and touches of blue. Peonies, garden roses, sweet peas, and poppies created a gathered look, while a suspended installation above the dance floor brought even more drama. Twinkling lights and clouds of blush roses, pale blue delphinium, and fluttery carnations transformed the room into the indoor garden party Charlotte had envisioned.

Cocktail hour was especially meaningful for Charlotte. With her background studying wine at UC Davis, the bar became more than just a place to grab a drink. Guests enjoyed a curated wine selection alongside champagne while a live jazz trio set the mood. It was one of those details that felt both beautiful and completely true to the couple. Dinner followed a slightly unexpected timeline: an East Coast-inspired celebration where dancing came before the meal. Gold flatware, blue glass chargers, elevated stemware, and personalized calligraphed menus brought an elegant finish to the tables, while candles and lounge seating made the room feel warm and inviting.

But Quinn had one very specific request for the night: a serious dance party. After dinner, Charlotte and Quinn thanked their guests before Charlotte delivered the cue everyone was waiting for: “Let’s Dance.”

The doors to the front space of Essence Center opened, the blackout curtains came down (because June sunshine doesn’t always cooperate with a wedding timeline!), and the room transformed. A full laser show lit up the water haze in a kaleidoscope of color, turning the dance floor into something completely unexpected. It was electric, high-energy, and very, very Quinn.

The evening also made room for an important piece of Quinn’s Chinese heritage. Bao Bao Buns came onsite to steam and serve bao buns late into the night, giving guests a delicious nod to his culture and adding one more personal touch to an already highly intentional celebration. Tying each intentional design together, the result was a celebration that was entirely Charlotte and Quinn: romantic without being overly serious, polished without feeling formal, and full of personality. An indoor garden party by day, a laser-lit dance party by night, and a whole lot of heart in between.

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