Kissing Bride & Groom

Moriah & Greg’s Wedding | San Diego Succulent Wedding Photography

Succulent plants are beautiful and unique, slow-growing but hardy and long-lasting . . . just like Moriah and Greg’s relationship. Moriah’s parents’ incredible succulent garden was the perfect setting for this big celebration, which occurred two years after they legally tied the knot during the Covid shutdown.

This was not a wedding with a dress code or any expectation of holding to the traditional mores.

This was a celebration of all the amazing, talented, loving people who have wandered into Moriah and Greg’s lives over the years, and it was a quirky-eccentric-beautiful explosion of their collective genius and exuberant senses of humor . . . from the handmade wedding dress with actual succulents sewn on by Moriah’s costume designer friend of over 25 years . . . to Greg’s son’s handsprings down the aisle . . . to the mid-ceremony arrival of the rings via a ziplining Ken doll.

People wore suits and ties. People wore sweatpants and flip-flops with their fancy bridesmaids dresses. There were tacos and cupcakes and mason jars and fire pits and a rock band comprised of dear friends—with an amazing lead singer who just happened to be the bride. The dancing was carefree, the children were celebrated, and the parents were honored.

Everybody felt blessed to be there to witness these two grown-up drama kids affirming their love for and commitment to each other and greeting the next phase of life with open hearts and the joyful expectation of more wonderful memories to come. Congratulations, Moriah and Greg!

Bride Moriah stands radiant in handmade succulent dress in San Diego parents' botanical garden
Close-up detail of succulent embellishments sewn onto Moriah's one-of-a-kind wedding dress
Bride wears botanical succulent crown as a distinctive headpiece in the garden setting
Sister Melanie escorts Moriah down the aisle of the lush succulent garden venue
Bride and groom exchange vows standing among thriving succulents in their parents' garden
Detail shot of wedding rings resting among succulent plants in the botanical garden
Greg's son performs handspring gymnastics down the aisle during the unconventional ceremony
Young child does cartwheel with arms extended during the informal garden wedding celebration
Moriah's young niece participates in the wedding, holding succulent bouquet in the garden
Ken doll ring bearer has arrived via zipline, delivering rings in quirky wedding tradition
Bride laughs joyfully wearing her handmade succulent-decorated dress and botanical crown
Sister Melanie and bride Moriah smile together in the succulent garden before ceremony
Bride speaks from the heart addressing Greg's children during the outdoor ceremony
Groom Greg stands beside his bride among living succulent plants in the garden venue
Wide shot of gathered guests celebrating in the quirky garden setting with succulents
Bride's succulent crown is highlighted in close detail showing the botanical artistry
Bride and groom stand together among thriving succulents in their cherished garden home
Guests mingle in casual mixed attire, embracing the eccentric spirit of the celebration
Detail of bride's succulent crown resting on her head during the garden ceremony
Father and Moriah share an emotional father-daughter dance during the reception
Mother and Greg's son dance together in a touching family moment during celebration
Bride and groom dance as the rock band of longtime friends plays live music nearby
Lead singer Moriah performs with the band of dear friends during the reception
Guests dance freely and celebrate without formal dress codes in the garden setting

Here comes the bride . . .

Joyful celebration shows guests embracing the quirky, eccentric wedding atmosphere
Bride and groom share an intimate slow dance surrounded by succulent plants and guests
Children run and play freely throughout the garden, fully celebrated at this wedding
Mason jars, fire pits, and rustic decor create an eclectic atmosphere among succulents
Tacos and cupcakes are displayed as casual catering for the unconventional garden reception
Fire pits glow warmly as evening falls and guests gather around them in the garden
Bride's face radiates genuine happiness and joy during her wedding day in the garden
Groom looks at his bride with deep affection and love among the succulent plants
Group of guests laugh together, embodying the loving energy of the gathering
Bride in botanical-adorned dress stands out beautifully among the succulent plants
Sister Melanie and bride Moriah share a special moment celebrating lifelong friendship
Greg and his children pose together as a blended family during the celebration
Young niece beams with pride while participating in her aunt Moriah's garden wedding
Guest wears casual sweatpants and flip-flops with bridesmaid dress, exemplifying vibe
Musicians play instruments, filling the garden with live music and celebration
Golden hour sunlight bathes the garden in warm glow as guests continue dancing
Bride dances with carefree abandon, her succulent-decorated dress flowing beautifully
Groom lifts his bride in a joyful dance move, both laughing in the garden atmosphere
Extended family gathers for group photo among thriving San Diego succulent plants
Moriah stands with Greg's children, showing her love and connection to his family
Elderly parents observe their daughter's wedding celebration in their botanical garden
Friends embrace in genuine celebration, reflecting talented loving community gathered
Close detail of succulent-decorated dress hem showing creative botanical embellishments
Bride poses with her sister against backdrop of succulent plants in San Diego garden
Band members perform together, showcasing talented musicians among friend group
Moriah sings to the gathered crowd as lead singer of the band at her wedding
Close-up detail of bride's hands showing wedding rings against succulent dress
Bride and groom dance slowly while firelight glows in the evening garden atmosphere
Candid moment captures genuine joy and laughter from guest during garden wedding
Children play freely throughout the succulent garden, celebrated and fully included
Wide shot shows entire gathering dancing together in quirky joyful garden setting
Bride's face radiates happiness celebrating commitment to Greg surrounded by loved ones
Groom and bride stand together at edge of succulent garden during golden hour light
Family friend smiles warmly while celebrating the couple in the garden venue
Mason jars used as decoration and drinkware sit among succulent plants in venue
Evening scene shows string lights or fire illuminating the outdoor garden celebration
Bride twirls in her succulent-adorned dress, hem and details catching light beautifully
Groom extends his hand to his bride for dance among gathered guests and succulents
Friend serves food from taco station, part of casual catering for celebration
Cupcakes display their frosting and decorations on table in San Diego garden reception
Children run and play in background while adults celebrate the couple's union
Bride hugs beloved family member, showing deep connections celebrated at wedding
Groom laughs openly with guests, embodying joyful and carefree spirit of the day
Band member plays guitar while singing, providing live music for garden celebration

My sister Melanie! Moriah and Melanie have been besties since college. They still rollerblade together regularly.

Bride and groom kiss, surrounded by lush succulent landscape and celebrating guests
Close-up detail of succulent embellishments on Moriah's dress sleeve and bodice

The dress designer gifted Moriah’s dress to her. Check out the succulent embellishments and Moriah’s succulent crown, as well.

Sister Melanie dances joyfully in bridesmaid dress celebrating lifelong friendship
Young flower girl holds flowers while participating in ceremony within the garden
Guest in sweatpants and dress shows mix-and-match casual dress code for celebration
Bride poses solo against backdrop of parents' thriving succulent garden in San Diego
Groom surrounded by blended family, showing unity and love forming around their union
Overhead wide shot reveals entire garden venue decorated with fire pits and setup

Greg’s kids both enjoyed the wedding so much, and Moriah addressed each of them during the ceremony and shared how she loves them. ❤️

Bride and groom sit together on bench surrounded by succulent plants during quiet moment
Guests gather around fire pits, warming themselves and enjoying evening celebration
Ken doll ring bearer sits positioned as playful detail among wedding ceremony elements
Bride presents her succulent crown in close detail, showcasing botanical artistry
Band performs on makeshift stage within succulent garden, entertaining gathered guests

Moriah’s sweet niece made up the trio of enthusiastic wedding children.

Multiple generations dance together including children, parents, and family members
Bride's costume designer friend and Moriah celebrate handmade dress creation together
Greg's children smile broadly, clearly enjoying their father's wedding celebration
Succulent plants naturally frame wedding couple in garden portrait during celebration
Casual atmosphere shows guests in mixed attire enjoying unconventional garden wedding
Bride's face glows as she looks at her groom during tender moment in garden

And here’s the ringbearer, Ken.

Extended sunset shot of garden venue showing full scope of outdoor wedding celebration
Groom embraces his bride, both laughing and clearly delighted by their wedding day
Close-up detail of bride's succulent crown and smiling face during joyful garden moment
Sister Melanie stands beside Moriah, both in wedding attire in San Diego succulent garden
Bride and groom exchange knowing glance full of love and commitment to each other
Fire pit glows warmly as guests gather around it during evening garden celebration
Tacos and cupcakes spread invitingly on tables throughout casual reception setup
Bride dances solo, free and joyful in succulent-adorned dress among loved ones
Groom and young son embrace or dance together during special father-son moment

My personal favorite shot of Moriah. So happy. 🙂

Sister Melanie and bride laugh together, their college friendship celebrated here
Band members laugh and perform, showing genuine friendship and musical collaboration
Succulent plants provide living decoration and backdrop throughout garden venue
Bride and groom kiss again as guests cheer or watch with joy from garden setting
Close detail of succulent embellishments shows costumer's careful handmade work
Wide venue shot captures entire garden gathering under evening or firelight illumination
Young niece beams with pride while fulfilling her special role at aunt's wedding
Guests link arms or hug, showing close-knit community celebrating this couple's love
Bride whirls or poses dramatically in botanical wedding dress for striking portrait
Groom gazes adoringly at his bride, capturing genuine affection between them
Family group stands together in succulent garden, united celebrating Moriah and Greg

Mother-Son Dance

Band continues playing as dancers move freely to live music in outdoor garden space
Bride and groom stand among thriving succulents at parents' beloved garden venue

Father-Daughter Dance

Candlelight or firelight illuminates evening celebration in San Diego botanical setting
Close detail of Moriah's wedding band or ring against succulent-adorned dress fabric
Groom and bride dance slowly, lost in their own moment despite celebration around them
Sister Melanie and bride share embrace, showing depth of sisterly bond and friendship
Guests dance and celebrate freely, unbound by traditional wedding etiquette or codes
Mason jars catch firelight as they sit among succulent plants and garden decorations
Bride pauses for reflective moment, taking in her wedding celebration in the garden
Groom extends his arm to lead his bride through dance move with obvious affection
Extended family and friends gather in groups throughout the succulent garden venue
Fire pits cast warm glow across gathered guests during evening garden celebration

Just for fun . . . here’s the happy couple (big smiles implied) at their first wedding in 2020. Photo courtesy Melanie Monroe Photography.

Final moment captures bride and groom together celebrating enduring love and commitment

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