
Weddings
Scottish-Inspired Eden Gardens Wedding | Michelle & Mark
From the rolling hills of Scotland to the lush gardens of Moorpark, California, Michelle and Mark's wedding was a beautiful blend of tradition and celebration. They married at Eden Gardens on a Sunday in mid-September with 115 of their favorite people, and the day was full of nods to Mark's Scottish heritage: kilts for the groom and groomsmen, tartan socks, and a sgian-dubh tucked into each sock.
Getting Ready
Michelle got ready with her bridesmaids at a friend's home in Westlake Village. Mark and his groomsmen kilted up in Agoura Hills before a party bus brought everyone out to Moorpark.
eden-gardens-wedding-michelle-and-mark-0003.jpg
eden-gardens-wedding-michelle-and-mark-0006.jpg
eden-gardens-wedding-michelle-and-mark-0002.jpg
Bagpipes and a Handfasting Ceremony
Guests were greeted by a bagpiper as they arrived at Eden Gardens. Mark walked down the aisle with his dad. Michelle came in with both of her parents while a friend played "Hallelujah" on acoustic guitar.
Michelle's sister Kim officiated, and the ceremony included a handfasting: their hands were bound together as a symbol of their union. As avid travelers who seem to explore a new country every month, Michelle and Mark brought a spirit of adventure to the whole day. After the kiss, the bridal party headed to the aviary for photos while the bagpiper piped the guests over to cocktail hour.
eden-gardens-wedding-michelle-and-mark-0031.jpg
eden-gardens-wedding-michelle-and-mark-0041.jpg
eden-gardens-wedding-michelle-and-mark-0044.jpg
The Reception
They made their grand entrance as Mr. and Mrs. Boyd to Elbow's "Beautiful Day" and went straight into their first dance to Angus & Julia Stone's "Big Jet Plane." Mark gave a welcome speech. Then came toasts from Mark's dad, a groomsman, the maid of honor and Michelle's dad.
Michelle danced with her dad to the Beatles' "Michelle," and Mark danced with his aunt to "My Wish." There was no cake. Instead, Michelle's parents brought a dessert bar. The bouquet toss went out to "Pour Some Sugar on Me," and the dance floor stayed full until the last song.
One of Michelle's favorite things about her lace wedding dress? Pockets.
eden-gardens-wedding-michelle-and-mark-0066.jpg
eden-gardens-wedding-michelle-and-mark-0063.jpg
eden-gardens-wedding-michelle-and-mark-0070.jpg
Golden Hour at Las Virgenes Canyon
The wedding-day schedule didn't leave room for a full romantic session at the venue, so we met up again the following week in Las Virgenes Canyon for golden hour. The soft, warm light over the canyon grasses gave them the portraits they deserved.
Planning an Eden Gardens Wedding
Eden Gardens is a lush, private garden venue in Moorpark with room for a big guest list and plenty of spots for photos. Planning a wedding with cultural traditions of your own? Get in touch.
































































































