European Blooms at Tuscan Rose Ranch Offer Wedding Inspiration

A French chateau inspires a sumptuous summer design showcasing style and décor.

Written by

Lara Burnap

Published:

California Wedding Day Spring/Summer 2024

Romance blooms in this European-inspired design at Tuscan Rose Ranch, a garden venue nestled in the heart of the rustic Heritage Valley, an agricultural region located between Los Angeles and the beaches of Ventura County. “My vision was built on the beauty of Tuscan Rose Ranch,” says Anita Kanellis of AK Brides, “the gardens, textured pathways and walls, and the vineyard filled with grapes heavy with growth.” The 72-acre flower farm’s verdant grounds—featuring olive trees, Italian cypress, fragrant lavender and white rose bushes—provided an ethereal backdrop to this airy, floral-filled dream. “I love the soft romance of light and bright color palettes,” says Kanellis. “Adding a tablescape in the middle of what was already beautiful created a gorgeous dream.”

For her first look, our bride dazzles in Watters’ “Laraline” gown, price upon request, from Ever After Bridal. "Leo First Light" princess-cut diamond engagement ring, $3,199, from Kay Jewelers.

Keeping sustainability in mind, Alberto Castaneda, owner of both Tuscan Rose Ranch and Stemmed Floral & Event Design, gathered the flowers—dahlias, lisianthus, stock and delphiniums—from his family’s farm. “Floral design is in my blood,” says Castaneda. “I began creating and selling flower arrangements with my grandmother (for Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, etc.) on Wells Road in Ventura.” For this event design, Castaneda envisioned the grounds of a French chateau and incorporated touches of blue, evoking the feeling of a summer soiree in the south of France.

My FAVORITE moment was the floral arches... the way they ENCIRCLED guests at the dining table created an INTIMATE gathering space.
–Anita Kanellis, AK Brides

For her second look, our bride opts for the "Lexi" one-shoulder gown by Netta BenShabu, price upon request, from Ever After Bridal. "The Leo" emerald and round cut diamond ring in white gold, $11,999, from Kay Jewelers.

A short and sweet cornflower-blue mini dress from Ever After Bridal Boutique in Moorpark is the perfect attire for this dinner scene. Envisioning a Parisian beauty, Tara Dowburd of Make-Up Therapy kept the bride’s look subtle: a kiss of contouring on the cheekbones and a chic winged eyeliner in chocolate. For the bride’s locks, Make-Up Therapy hair stylist Jenna Majera created an elegant French knot. Our bride's third look transforms the By Watters "Trifle" blue mini dress, price upon request, from Ever After Bridal.