While most people wouldn’t think that a Southern California girl and boy from Kansas would have a lot in common, that proved not to be the case when Andrew Patton and Rebecca Rosen first met outside the University of Dallas. As they walked and talked, they discovered many similarities between their otherwise different lives. They are both the second youngest children with older sisters named Mary, their fathers work in the same field, their mothers are named Ann(e), and their music tastes aligned. “[We] stayed up for hours that night talking about everything and nothing and have been together ever since,” shares Rebecca.

About three years later under the guise of taking advantage of one of his last weekends living in Austin, Andrew planned a morning hike, a trip to the couple’s favorite coffee house, wine tasting, and dinner at a French restaurant. On the hike, he asked Rebecca what makes her happy. After answering, she reciprocated his question and turned to see him on one knee. “A morning hike proposal caught me off guard in the very best of ways. [However, we] knew after about six months of dating that we would be married,” tells Rebecca.

Planning a wedding in California while living in Dallas is no easy task, but luckily Rebecca had a secret weapon on her side: her mother. “I cannot thank her enough for her help!” enthuses the bride. The planning process was a family affair. Rebecca’s mom found the venue, florist, and photographer, her sister made recommendations for hair and makeup, and her dad suggested a quartet for the cocktail hour. One of the most special parts of the wedding, though, was the contribution made by Andrew’s mom. “My mother-in-law is a calligrapher and handwrote the invitations, all the addresses, the wedding program, place cards, and the table numbers – truly above and beyond,” praises the bride.

The traditional Catholic ceremony was held at the St. Monica Catholic Church, where the bride and her family have attended services. Rebecca’s beaming father escorted her down the aisle. She looked ethereal in a strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline and flowing skirt featuring embroidered details. Rebecca carried an overflowing bouquet of alabaster roses and heavy greenery, including eucalyptus and English ivy. Her seven bridesmaids wore mismatched, but complementary, floor-length chiffon gowns in hues ranging from cream, grey, sky blue, and sage. They carried bouquets with roses in eggshell and blush, eucalyptus, dusty miller, and sprigs of small white buds.

Rebecca’s fondest memory is from the portrait session with her new husband, as it was close to the cocktail hour. “That was the first moment we saw everyone enjoying themselves, all together, with the Pacific Ocean as a beautiful backdrop,” she recalls. With their photos complete, the newlyweds joined their loved ones at the reception. The space was decorated with muted colors that reflected the look of the bridal party, down to the centerpieces that matched the bouquets, albeit held by small mercury votives. Cream linens added warmth to the venue, while gold plating tied in perfectly with the ivory-and-gold cake.

Bringing the South to their California wedding was the couple’s first dance to the country hit “I Don’t Dance” by Lee Brice. But the bride was perhaps most excited by the dessert bar. “Having the s’mores bar was the only aspect of my wedding I planned before I got engaged,” reveals the bride. In addition to the campfire treat, guests also enjoyed blue and white candies, brownies, blondies, cake pops, and Rice Krispies treats. The couple provided goodie bags so everyone could bring home more delicious sweets as favors. 

As much as Rebecca adored the day she married Andrew, there is one thing she would do differently – and it’s a regret many women will understand. “I would bring flats!” she exclaims. “The dress required four-inch heels, but by the very end of the night I was barefoot,” the bride admits. Sore feet aside, Rebecca found the big day surprisingly relaxing and encourages brides and grooms to give themselves a moment to take it all in.