A Romantic October Wedding with Moody Red Florals in Laguna Beach

A Romantic October Wedding with Moody Red Florals in Laguna Beach

By Kelcy Christy

Brianna Vazquez and Zachary Patton

Photographed by:  Morgan Lynn

Photography Location: Laguna Beach, California, United States

Nine years after they met during their senior year of high school, Zachary Patton proposed to Brianna Vazquez on her favorite holiday, Halloween. “He attached photos of us throughout our nine years of dating to balloons all through the house and carved pumpkins saying, ‘Will you marry me?’” explains Brianna of the heartfelt private at-home proposal. Of course, she said yes, and they began planning their nuptials for the weekend of their 10th dating anniversary. 

Though they now reside in Colorado, the pair decided to go back to California, where they lived together for a couple years, to host a sunny fall destination wedding weekend for 82 loved ones in Laguna Beach. “It feels like a second ‘home,’” Brianna adds of their location choice. 

To help orchestrate the fête, they hired Ann Whittington of Ann Whittington Events, who helped bring the couple’s vision to life. “I loved the contrast of romantic, moody florals in a beach setting during the fall,” shares the bride, who selected a bold palette of black, white, and mirrored elements along with striking accents of bright scarlet tones.

“We decided to make our altar red, which inspired most of our décor throughout the wedding,” Brianna describes; however, she mentions that the burst of color was a surprise for attendees as they didn’t incorporate the hue into any wedding stationery beforehand. Loved ones found their seats for the outdoor ceremony on a manicured lawn overlooking the ocean, surrounded by fragrant flowers. “Our floral altar created an illusion of it flowing down the aisle, framing the walkway in gorgeous rich red tones,” adds the bride. 

She was stunning in a luxurious lace gown by Galia Lahav with sheer sides and long illusion sleeves embellished with botanical embroideries. As she walked down the aisle, a beautiful veil featuring floral appliqués affixed to the crown of her long tresses trailed gracefully behind her. She clutched a ruby-hued bridal bouquet as she met her groom beneath the exquisite ceremony structure. “My most memorable moment was finally reaching the altar and getting to see Zach for the first time that day. It was like tunnel vision, and I couldn’t hear or focus on anything else but looking at him!” she smiles. 

“The classic outdoor Laguna Beach bluff setting and the scenery of our moody flowers against the gorgeous view was incredible.”

 

Read original article on Inside Weddings | Written By Kelcy Christy
Back to blog

A Florist in Santa Monica That Redefines Beauty and Intent

Santa Monica has always been a place where light, movement, and ease blend together. The waves. The breeze. The unmistakable sense of California luxury. At The Empty Vase, we see flowers through the same lens. We believe arrangements should feel effortless but intentional—like they belong exactly where they are, even if only for a moment.

For over 35 years, The Empty Vase has become a destination for those who appreciate more than just petals and stems. Our clients come to us because they want something beautiful and lasting, even if the bloom itself is fleeting. And while our West Hollywood flagship serves as our creative home, our reach—and reputation—extends strongly into Santa Monica.

Floral Design That Moves with the City

Santa Monica is full of contrasts: seaside calm meets high-end style, earthy tones meet polished lines. That balance is something we reflect in our floral work. Whether it’s a small arrangement heading to a Pacific Palisades apartment, or a full installation for a wedding at Shutters on the Beach, we approach each piece with precision, creativity, and emotional depth.

Every arrangement starts with the question: What feeling are we trying to create? Then comes the selection. A blend of seasonal florals, imported rarities, and sculptural greens form the palette. The final product? A piece of living art, unique to the person receiving it.

Serving Santa Monica with More than Just Flowers

Being a florist in Santa Monica means understanding how the space will hold the flowers. A beachside home flooded with light calls for something airy and architectural. A private dinner party in the hills may need something low, romantic, and rich in color. A corporate event downtown could require a striking piece with movement and structure.

Our designers don’t just create arrangements. They create moods. And they do it with the same attention to detail whether it’s one bouquet or a room full of florals.

Rooted in the Westside’s Creative Culture

Though our flagship boutique is in West Hollywood, The Empty Vase is deeply connected to the spirit of Santa Monica. We’ve been trusted by coastal clients for everything from intimate floral gestures to large-scale design moments. Our presence in the area is shaped by years of collaboration with local planners, stylists, and homeowners who know that details matter.

Whether it’s a garden arrangement headed to a beachside loft or floral styling for a Brentwood estate, each piece is delivered by hand with the utmost care—ensuring it arrives as beautiful as intended.

Weddings and Events Near the Coast

Santa Monica’s event venues offer some of the most breathtaking backdrops in California. And The Empty Vase has worked with nearly all of them. Whether it’s a luxury wedding overlooking the cliffs or a corporate celebration steps from the sand, our team provides full floral styling—from concept to installation to final touch.

What sets us apart? We treat each event like a creative collaboration. You bring the vision. We bring the florals that speak it into being.

Florals That Live Beyond the Moment

We know flowers don’t last forever. But the impression they make can. That’s why every arrangement from The Empty Vase is designed to do more than decorate. It’s meant to shift the room. To say something specific. To celebrate, soothe, honor, or surprise.

In Santa Monica, where every corner carries a certain elegance, we believe flowers should rise to meet that standard—and push it even further.

Why Santa Monica Continues to Inspire Our Floral Design

If you’re looking for a florist in Santa Monica that values beauty, balance, and meaning in every arrangement, The Empty Vase is ready to bring something unforgettable to your space. From the first stem to the final placement, we treat every creation like a signature. Because that’s what it is.