While living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Alexia Joslin and Nick Vicari joined the same gym that offered an onboarding program for former student athletes. One day, Alexia switched from her regular evening class and instead opted for the morning class where, as fate would have it, she and Nick were the only two in attendance. Unbeknownst to Nick, the pretty blonde who had just beaten him in a plank competition would later become his wife. 

After a few “coincidental” run-ins later, the two became equally smitten and eventually went on their first date. “Knowing I was from California, he took me to eat Mexican food downtown,” she describes with a smile. “And he showed up in this awful-looking pancho sweater thing and moccasins.” Despite his poor choice of attire, it was the perfect first date, and the rest is history. 

Soon after the proposal, which took place while canoeing down the Delaware River – a location of one of their first dates, the couple spent the next 15 months planning for their upcoming fall celebration in Alexia’s hometown of San Clemente, California. Alexia and Nick envisioned a romantic garden-inspired wedding concept that captured the colors of the beach sunset for the event. Over 100 loved ones were invited by way of a lovely hand-painted invitation suite that included a custom sketch of their wedding venue. 

An eye-catching chuppah showcasing foliage and florals was situated so that guests could easily take in the breathtaking sea view from their bullion-backed cushioned chairs. “My floral designers at Flowers by Cina really highlighted my favorite color pink, while creating a garden vibe that fit in with the natural colors of the space,” illustrates the bride. “I also love texture in florals, and they did a great job incorporating this into the enchanted garden style we desired.” 

“There were ornate flower ‘runners,’ impressive tall arrangements, and my absolute favorite – candelabras embellished with florals. It really was a fairy-tale garden.”

It was important to Alexia and Nick that they have an interfaith ceremony, as the bride is Jewish and the groom is Catholic. They customized their service – officiated by a rabbi – to include traditions from both religions, including the bride circling her husband-to-be seven times, drinking from a kiddush cup, and having a unity candle lighting performed by their mothers. 

The betrothed were also sure to honor their families’ matriarchs: their grandmothers served as flower girls and made their way down the aisle preceding the bride. Alexia was resplendent in a regal long-sleeved lace gown. She held a lush bouquet featuring pink peonies, cappuccino roses, and multi-colored ranunculus blossoms centered with a gorgeous protea flower. 

Following the vow exchange, the newlyweds joined family and friends in an enchanting area of the Spanish-style venue, which had been decorated with stunning floral arrangements, candles, and elegant touches of wood pieces and mixed metals. Guests found their seating arrangements for the dinner service by way of whimsical glass lanterns with hand-calligraphed table assignments. Attendees were also asked to sign a customized ebony globe in lieu of a typical guest book. 

Tables were adorned with artistic creations of fresh blooms and assorted candlelight vessels. “There were ornate flower ‘runners,’ impressive tall arrangements, and my absolute favorite – candelabras embellished with florals,” describes Alexia. “It really was a fairy-tale garden.” 

Offering a variety of different sections – from the dance floor with live music to the interactive photo booth station to the room with a wall of soft pretzels and warm cookies – the newlyweds and their guests were able to indulge in a full night of revelry. The couple reveals their greatest memory of the day was seeing how much fun friends and family were having. “It was definitely the best day of my life,” concludes Nick.