Fallbrook, California

VENDORS: venue Tivoli Italian Villa | photo lexx creative | videographer BVT Visuals | wedding dress styledbytc maggie sottero | florals darlin’ floral co | hair california bridal stylist | music pacific entertainment | makeup artistry by brianna | cake cutecakes

When I first shot at Tivoli back in my first year of business, it was immediately my favorite venue – but it was over a year before I shot there again!! This wedding was the perfect return – let me telllllll ya.

First off, Alex + Alex (yes, this made the day slightly confusing since I am also an Alex(x)). The epitome of chill. They both just had this unspoken confidence that their day was going to fall into place perfectly.

Like I said, Tivoli Italian Villa is already one of my favorite spots, and this wedding just solidified it. EVERY corner of that place is intentional perfection. Even the getting ready rooms are a photographer’s paradise. No bad spots, just unique, modern furniture and good vibes.

I also always love golden hour/blue hour there. Basically anytime I can get the moon in a couples portrait, I’m excited- but when you also have that view in the background… literally ethereal.

One of my favorite parts—there were little Taylor Swift references scattered throughout the day. It was like a little inside nod to the couple’s love story, and I was living for it. (Maybe because I got a lot of ideas for my own wedding!!) I’ll just list you a few: the bride walked down the aisle to an instrumental “Enchanted”, the seating chart had a quote from their first dance song (“Lover”), and there was definitely some screaming coming from the dancefloor when the DJ put “Love Story” on. My fave first dance moment: the bride held up 8 fingers while they were singing the line “I’ve loved you 3 summers now”- a playful jab at her long wait for the proposal 😂

AND my first champagne tower. In my opinion… I say always do a champagne tower. The reception couldn’t have gone better.

So, there you have it. My grand return to Tivoli Italian Villa, a couple radiating calm confidence, dreamy blue hour portraits, and a dance party for the books. If you could bottle up perfection and sprinkle a little Taylor Swift on top, this would be it.