In a sense, the wedding day of Christine Hunt and Rob Landis represented life coming full circle for the pair, who met five years prior at the nuptials for Rob’s brother and Christine’s best friend.

“I was the maid of honor and Rob was the best man,” explains the bride. “He asked if I’d like to go out to dinner to discuss our respective speeches and make sure we didn’t repeat any stories.” Though the two didn’t officially begin dating until a year after the wedding, the ease with which they enjoyed one another’s company that evening made it clear there was a special connection.

That connection was solidified on a sunny spring day in Southern California. “We’ve been told we live a ‘celebratory lifestyle,’” explains the bride. “We love friends and food, wine and relaxing.” With the aim of turning their wedding into a multi-day event that embraced these elements and more, the couple selected a renowned lodge and golf resort with old-school charm and casual elegance as their dream venue.

A mouth-watering blend of peachy, orange, and buttery shades comprised the color palette of the day. Two iron stands supporting overflowing arrangements of blossoms signified the entry to the outdoor ceremony space, while floral arches framed either end of an aisle blanketed with rose petals. A custom annular motif that appeared on invitations, wedding stationery, and even the dance floor was a design fashioned after a necklace that belonged to the bride’s late mother. “You can imagine how powerful it was for us to have that symbol of her love surrounding and supporting our union,” says Christine.

Bridesmaids wore strapless dresses in a vivid shade of blood orange and carried diverse bouquet styles in coordinating hues, while each groomsmen sported a boutonniere of a different floral variety. The bride herself was a vision in a timeless fit-to-flare gown, her blonde locks gathered into a soft, side-swept updo festooned with an ivory flower. She carried a sophisticated bouquet of roses in neutral tones.

“Without a doubt, the moment I’ll never forget was seeing Christine appear at the end of the aisle for the first time,” the groom smiles. “Simply stunning.”

While Rob allowed his bride to oversee the décor, he proudly took the reigns when deciding the particulars of their nondenominational vow exchange, selecting everything from the meaningful readings to the inspiring music. “I think the most surprising thing was how much my fiancé was interested in helping!” boasts Christine.

Following the ceremony, the celebration transferred inside to the lodge’s ballroom. Guests located their seating assignments on escort cards that had been immersed in a bed of strawberry and tangerine roses. Gold-embossed linens were draped over round tables. Each metallic charger plate displayed a glossy-white napkin, a dinner menu, and a single ginger orchid. Towering centerpieces consisted of transparent vases that showcased cascading crystals and an arrangement of sherbet-colored blooms. Candles in holders of varied heights were placed around the room for romantic ambiance.

In addition to the flawless décor, little extras the bride and groom incorporated into their reception served to capture the couple’s personalities and make the evening particularly memorable. “I think the band and its upbeat playlist, as well as playful touches such as a photo booth and late-night snacks, reflected our desire to truly celebrate our love,” asserts the groom.

Half-bottles of wine with custom-made labels and messages of gratitude were given to attendees as favors to honor the vineyard setting of the couple’s engagement. When asked what, if anything, they would change about their Big Day, both Christine and Rob respond with a resounding: “not a thing!”

“No offense to your readers, but ours was the best wedding ever thrown,” contends the groom, “and we set a pretty high bar.”

The bride whole-heartedly agrees: “It was a delicious day!”