This Event Planner Filled Her Wedding Day With Classic Southern California Style

Taylor Bornemann and Eric Moss experienced a meet-cute straight out of a Nashville chart-topper—though it actually took place at a San Diego country western line-dancing bar. "[We] saw each other across the bar at the beginning of the night, and by the end, Eric introduced himself, [we] danced under the neon glow, and the rest of the story played out like a country love song," says the couple.

In June 2021, nearly eight years after that first dance, Eric got down on one knee behind Taylor as she hit a birdie on the 18th hole at a charity golf tournament. "Everyone broke out in cheers, and Taylor unknowingly thought they were congratulating her putt," says the couple. "When she finally turned around, she saw Eric on one knee and realized why everyone was so excited. Taylor, of course, said yes, and their friends popped Champagne right there on the green."

As an events and marketing manager for The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch, Taylor was already keyed into local vendors and her top wedding-day priorities. "Honestly, the hardest part was deciding between all the amazing ideas that everyone came up with over the process," says the couple. "It was hard to decide what we loved the most!"

But with help from wedding planners at Amorology, Taylor and Eric designed a day that fit their vision: "Colorful, fun, personal, and relaxed—all at once." They chose the Omni La Costa in Carlsbad, Calif., where Taylor's family have been members for two decades, to host 125 guests for a classic Southern California wedding on September 4, 2022. The couple developed a rustic, natural color palette of white, taupe, and olive with bold berry, orange, and rust-colored accents; added playful nods to their passions (including grilling, classic cars, and golf) and their now-shared last name (Moss); and kept the party going with their favorite songs and late-night sliders.

"[We] wanted the guests, especially those from out of town, to feel like they were escaping to a Southern California paradise," says the couple. "[We] wanted a big emphasis on the wedding being a party where people were encouraged to dance, engage, and stay until the very last minute."

Palm Reading

Taylor and Eric worked with calligraphist and stationary designer Loren James from Four Things Paper to create a custom invitation suite inspired by the foliage at their venue. A watercolor illustration of the club's palm trees graced the liners inside the leafy-colored envelopes.

"She also cut the invitations and corresponding detail cards with fun, geometric angles to add interest and uniqueness, and found vintage stamps that featured palm fronds and greenery," says the couple.

Dress Success

Though Taylor only invited a small company of loved ones to her wedding-dress appointments, she made sure to include her father, Jim. After years of watching Say Yes to the Dress together, Taylor and Jim spent the trip trading quotes from the show. "[We] had the best time finally having this experience come to life," she says.

When Taylor donned a crepe sheath Ines di Santo gown with an invisible mesh bodice and carefully appliqued floral lace, she knew it checked all her boxes: "It was easy to wear, easy to bustle, and still had a little bit of sexiness," she says. "[I] knew that Eric would absolutely love it."

All-Natural

Carla Kayes Floral Design created Taylor's bouquet from "organic and loose florals in shades of merlot, rust, blush, and soft creamy whites," says the bride. Taylor added a bouquet charm—her something blue—that was a gift from one of her bridesmaids.

To Each Her Own

Each of Taylor's three bridesmaids chose her own gown style, all in a rich rust shade from Azazie. The women carried smaller versions of the bride's bouquet, accented by fluttering ribbons.

Classic Cool

Eric opted for a timeless formal look: A classic black tuxedo from Friar Tux with a black bow tie and white pocket square.

By His Side

Eric's groomsmen donned the same tuxedo as the groom, coordinating with the bridesmaids by adding a matching pocket square. While their boutonnières consisted of distant drum and garden roses, Eric's was "a nod to Taylor's work at The Flower Fields, where their famous flower is a Giant Tecolote ranunculus."

Arch Appeal

A tiled arch at the Omni La Costa was just one of the design elements that charmed Eric and Taylor when they were scouting venues. "The Omni La Costa is beautiful, tranquil, and was a venue full of memories," says the couple.

Recipe for Happiness

The couple incorporated Eric's love of grilling throughout their day. One touch: An interactive guest book that encouraged guests to leave "sage" advice, "seasoned" suggestions, and ideas of activities to make "thyme" for.

Chill Out

A last-minute refreshment station helped guests combat unseasonably warm weather. The couple filled vintage coolers with flavored water and added coordinating floral arrangements for "fun, barbecue, California vibes."

Flower Power

Light wood guest chairs were divided by a growing aisle of lush florals in the couple's rustic color palette. The couple's florist also added an overhead installation on the wall above the platform where Taylor and Eric exchanged vows.

Down the Aisle

Before Taylor’s father escorted her down the aisle to "Wildest Dreams" by Duomo, Eric had his own processional moment. "We kept his song a secret, and he brought everyone to laughs and a standing ovation when he walked down to the Game of Thrones theme song!"

In Their Own Words

Author and spiritual coach Colby Martin officiated the couple's ceremony, during which they repeated traditional vows and also exchanged their own. "Eric was hesitant to write his own vows at first, but of course brought the crowd to tears when he read them out loud on the big day," says Taylor. "He asked to read first and started out with witty, thoughtful, and memorable moments, but as he continued, he mentioned that I gave him something he was never able to have until now, and that something is his own brother. Eric is an only child and the fact that Eric loved and accepted my brother, William, who has mental and physical disabilities, as his own brought the crowd to tears, and is something no one will ever forget."

So in Love

After envisioning and creating their dream day, Taylor and Eric offer one piece of advice to other couples: "Take a big breath, look at each other, and realize you are marrying your best friend," they say. "Nothing else matters."

Jar Opener

Backup Backdrops created a custom escort display for jars of barbecue seasoning with a working grill, one-of-a-kind wallpaper, and a header reading "It's Prime Time."

Getting Spicy

"Every guest was given a jar of Eric’s favorite Meat Church barbecue seasoning that was personalized with their name and table number," says the couple.

Heat Up, Cool Down

Simple, chic signage with rust-colored lettering and the couple's palm tree imagery directed guests toward the reception space.

A Signature Toast

The bride and groom each chose a signature cocktail, illustrated with custom watercolors from Four Things Paper. Hers, the "To a T," was a watermelon mojito named after her love of golf (and her first initial). His tequila mule, the "Up in My Grill," referenced both his barbecue habit and his beloved Ford Mustang.

Warm and Welcoming

In the reception space, the couple mixed round tables draped in floor-length rust velvet cloths with carved wood tables topped with velvet runners. Light, cane-back chairs were a breezy complement to the luxe fabrics.

An Organic Aesthetic

At the place settings, olive green napkins secured with leather rings contrasted against custom paper menus. Champagne-colored flatware and gold-rimmed glasses added a subtle shine.

In Bloom

Low vessels held overflowing arrangements of blooms in shades of yellow, peach, rust, and blush, with deep maroon and fresh green accents. Taper candles in glass hurricanes ran the length of the table.

Plank Position

Cedar planks—another nod to Eric's love of grilling—served as table numbers, while fresh vegetables stacked atop them added color and texture.

Taking the Floor

Taylor and Eric chose Morgan Wallen's "Talkin' Tennessee" for their first dance—a "simple and beautiful song" that provided a sweet reminder of the country western bar where they met and the first line dance they shared.

Childhood Memories

After Taylor and her father danced to "Can't Help Falling in Love," a song he sang her as a lullaby when she was young, Eric and his mother took a turn on the dance floor to "Overjoyed" by Stevie Wonder. "The song reminded Eric of his childhood, when his mom would play Stevie Wonder over the car radio and they would listen to oldies on the ride home from school," says Taylor.

In the Name of Love

Taylor and Eric asked Hey There, Cupcake! to make a four-tiered banana walnut cake, opting for a fluted, rust-colored finish on the top and bottom layers. "A custom backdrop featured a neon sign that said Mr. and Mrs. Moss—but to make it even better, it was decorated with actual living moss instead of 100 percent florals," says the couple.

Family Matters

As a special request, Taylor and Eric asked their DJ from The Flash Dance to play "Who Let the Dogs Out," one of her brother Williams' favorite songs. "When the song came on, every wedding guest got on their feet and made a giant dance circle around us and William—and 120 people sang 'Who Let the Dogs Out' in unison," says the couple. "It was a special tribute for William to be recognized and have a star-studded moment with his sister and new brother!"

Sources

Photography, Claud Nine Photography
Venue and Catering, Omni La Costa
Wedding Planning, Amorology
Videography, Viby Creative
Flowers, Carla Kayes Floral Design
Invitations and other paper products, Four Things Paper
Officiant, Colby Martin
Wedding Dress, Ines di Santo
Veil, Archive Bridal
Shoes, Christian Louboutin
Hair and Makeup, Kohnur Luxurious Bridal Beauty
Bridesmaids' Dresses, Azazie
Groom's Attire and Menswear, Friar Tux
Engagement Ring and Wedding Bands, Gems of La Costa
Music, The Flash Dance
Cake, Hey There, Cupcake!
Rentals, Catalog Atelier; Folklore; Greystone Table; Hostess Haven
Backdrop, Backup Backdrops
Favors, Meat Church
Lighting and Photo Booth, SOS Entertainment