Colorado natives, Shannon and Jon wanted an outdoor wedding that showcased their unique personalities, love of nature and creative spirits in a destination location that was close to their families. Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden in Pasadena California is a hidden gem that set the scene for their whimsical, wedding celebration.

The Couple:

Shannon is an Earth Mother and Jon is a Rocket Scientist (no joke)! Their mix of right brain and left brain is #couplegoals.

The Style:

It was crucial to Shannon that her older relatives had comfy areas to relax in around the venue. Adding this luxurious vintage lounge collection by Circa Rentals was the perfect pop of color to this outdoor, Japanese garden setting. A chic, metal screen doubled as a display for vintage family photos and mementos from the couple’s lives.

Elements of nature, like mountains and clouds, were featured at this Japanese Garden wedding.

The Venue:

One of the bonuses of Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden is the large bridal and groom suite areas within the original house in the outskirts of the garden. Both rooms are able to accommodate larger wedding parties.

As you walk through the wooden gates, you are transported into an ancient Japanese Garden complete with ponds full of bright orange koi fish, stone bridges and native foliage that creates a tranquil backdrop for any celebration. It is an ideal venue for guest counts of 100 guests or less.

The Ceremony:

The centerpiece of Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden is the Tea House. The tea house was an important factor to the bride, Shannon, as Japanese culture has played an important role in her life.

Shannon’s adult son, Rain, danced whimsically with his mother down the aisle. It was one of the most endearing bridal entrances I have ever seen at a wedding.

Their intimate ceremony took place on the ledge of the teahouse, overlooking the large koi pond. A heart-shaped origami wall hanging made by family and friends served as the backdrop to their nuptials.

 Built originally as a private home, Storrier Stearns is tucked away in a quaint residential neighborhood in Pasadena, California. Valet parking is required and a noise ordinance is strictly enforced in respect for the garden’s neighbors.

 Carrying a 25lbs cake across multiple stone bridges can be a messy job! Luckily, I am a wiz with stains as well!

Reason #854 for hiring an experienced wedding planner. We get sh*t done!

The Yum:

Jennie Cooks Catering was a crowd pleaser with meat, vegan AND gluten-free options at cocktail hour and in the dinner menu. Their “Sexy Vegan Lasagna” is crack on a plate!

 A Popsicle + champagne treat at cocktail hour? Heck ya! Mom & Pop Shop was a hit with their pink portable popsicle cart and friendly attendant serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic goodies.

The Vanilla Bake Shop cake, adorned with dozens of sugar cherry blossoms, sat like a jewel in the garden.

In Japan, the color red brings good luck and happiness.  The florals, linens, and decor of Shannon and Jon’s Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden wedding all featured this lucky color.

 A full “flip” is necessary to transform the ceremony space to the dinner reception at Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden. Therefore, flipping a venue space requires more time and more hands to help make quick work of the laborious process.

 Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden a unique layout that requires some tetrus out of the box thinking. Therefore, separating the round tables and the farm tables helped to fit the 85 guests in the intimate space.

Overhead twinkle lights, warm colored up lights, pole lights, and pin spotlights from Go Go Sprockets brought a romantic glow to the reception, plus gave the necessary light needed for guests to experience the garden at night, safely. Word to the wise, do not forget about the lighting! More importantly, lighting can 100% improve how a venue space looks, the quality of your photos and highlight all your tablescape details.

The florals by Flower Duet were some of my all-time favorites. The warm reds, oranges and yellow mixed with fall leaves, twigs and texture popped off the burgundy BBJ Linens linens.

Time to cut the cake and enjoy some dancing!

The Party:

A swinging first dance for the bride and groom!

A beautiful Mother/Son dance in the moonlight.

 Time to kick up our heels and give it up for this amazing vendor team!

Vendor Team: