A FAIRYTALE GARDEN WEDDING AT TWIN OAKS, SAN MARCOS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
A vibrant Spring Palette was the perfect complement to this Twin Oaks Wedding of Allison + Tom
Photography by JadaFlanagan
Twin Oaks Wedding Flowers in San Marcos: A Fairytale Garden Day with The Nature of Things Fine Flowers (Photography by Jada Flanagan)
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A Garden Straight Out of a Storybook
Some venues just feel like a secret chapter in a storybook—Twin Oaks Wedding Venue in San Marcos, California(often known as Twin Oaks House & Gardens) is one of them. Winding garden paths, ivy-draped trellises, towering trees, waterfalls and fountains, and intimate “outdoor rooms” create a cinematic backdrop for vows and celebration. For this wedding, The Nature of Things Fine Flowers designed a vibrant spring palette that danced against the lush greenery, while Jada Flanagan captured every dreamy moment in luminous, true-to-life photographs.
From bird’s nest accents tucked into blooms to crystal chandeliers sparkling over the reception, the day was layered with whimsical details—and yes, an unforgettable dessert spread that looked like a patisserie fairy godmother waved her wand.
Allison made a stunning bride at Twin Oaks, San Marcos
Our Color Story: A Vibrant Spring Palette
Spring at Twin Oaks calls for color that feels fresh, joyful, and just a touch enchanted. We curated a palette that included:
Lush garden roses, ranunculus, sweet peas, tulips, peonies, and anemones
Climbers and trailing vines for movement and romance
Airy textures—Queen Anne’s lace, waxflower, and jasmine—for that “just-picked” garden feel
Subtle pops of citrus and berry tones to keep the palette lively and photogenic
This combination photographed beautifully throughout the property—from sunlit ceremony spaces to softly lit, chandeliered reception moments—ensuring every floral detail glowed in Jada’s images.
Ceremony: A Whispering Garden with Water Music
Ceremony sites at Twin Oaks are framed by mature trees and the sound of water. We leaned into that serenity with:
An asymmetrical garden arch layered with spring blooms and greenery, leaving pockets of space so the landscape could shine through
Bird’s nest details tucked into the foliage—a sweet nod to spring, renewal, and the couple’s love of nature
Petal-lined aisle with clusters of meadow-style florals at the chair ends to create a “walking through the garden” feel
A color gradient from soft pastels at the aisle base to brighter tones at the arch, guiding the eye naturally to the vow moment
The result: a romantic, unfussy ceremony design that looked grown, not placed—exactly right for a fairytale garden.
Cocktail Hour: Outdoor Rooms & Secret-Garden Moments
Twin Oaks’ outdoor rooms—intimate nooks framed by hedges, trellises, and fountains—invite playful design. We styled cocktail bistro tables with:
Petite compotes of spring blooms in mixed heights
Trailing vines and moss to echo the property’s woodland charm
A few mini bird’s nests with delicate quail eggs as conversation-starting accents
These subtle touches created a cohesive thread from ceremony to reception while letting guests explore the property’s hidden corners.
Reception Under Crystal Chandeliers
There’s something magical about chandeliers in a garden. The sparkling crystal chandeliers suspended above the reception space gave everything an ethereal glow. To complement that light:
Centerpieces: A mix of tall, airy arrangements and low, lush compotes for visual rhythm across the room
Tablescapes: Layered linens, glass chargers, and taper candles reflecting the chandelier light; floral color pops placed intentionally near glass and candlelight for maximum shimmer
Sweetheart Table: A cascading floral runner with vines, spring blooms, and tucked-in bird’s nests—like a garden gathered itself lovingly around the couple
For guest comfort and ambiance, we balanced vivid hues with pockets of green and white, keeping the overall look elegant and inviting.
The Dessert Dream: A Fairytale Finale
Call it the grand dessert tableau: towers of pastries, hand-piped cakes, tartlets, macarons, and seasonal sweets all styled with petite floral clusters and fragrant citrus. We used:
Petite florals & herbs (think violas, thyme, mint) to garnish platters where appropriate
Height and texture—cake stands, vintage trays, and glass cloches—to create a “garden market” feel
Gentle color echoes from the primary palette to tie the sweets back to the overall design
The display photographed like a spread from a storybook bakery—tempting, artful, and absolutely celebratory.
Waterfalls, Fountains & Floral Placement Tips
Water features are iconic to Twin Oaks. Here’s how we integrated them for beauty and practicality:
Soundtrack of water: Keep florals slightly elevated near fountains to avoid splash damage and ensure petals stay perky.
Photogenic frames: Place small floral moments where reflections pool—edges of basins, stone ledges, and bridge entries.
Safety & longevity: Use weighted mechanics and water-resistant materials near splash zones; choose sturdy blooms (ranunculus, spray roses) for longevity.
Sustainability & Mechanics (Garden Magic, Thoughtfully Done)
We prioritize eco-conscious design:
Reusable mechanics (chicken wire, water tubes) instead of single-use floral foam wherever possible
Locally sourced seasonal blooms to reduce transport footprint
Mindful repurposing of florals from ceremony to reception to maximize impact and value
Garden romance, but make it responsible—that’s our love language.
Photography Credit: Jada Flanagan
Jada Flanagan’s warm, editorial eye brought every detail to life—capturing the movement of vines, the sparkle of chandeliers, the glow of candlelight, and those candid, joy-filled moments that only happen once. Her imagery is the reason these designs feel as timeless as they looked in person.
Planning Tips for a Fairytale Wedding at Twin Oaks
Lean into the landscape: Choose designs that complement, not compete with, the gardens.
Create layers of light: Chandeliers + candles + reflective glassware = instant magic at dusk.
Build a narrative: Repeat small motifs (like bird’s nests or specific blossoms) from ceremony to reception for cohesion.
Color with intention: Use a spring-forward palette with a few saturated accents for lively, photo-friendly contrast.
Don’t forget scent: Herbs and fragrant blooms add a sensory layer that guests remember.
Frequently Asked Questions
What flowers are best for a spring wedding at Twin Oaks?
Garden roses, ranunculus, peonies, tulips, sweet peas, spirea, jasmine vine, and anemones perform beautifully and photograph well in the gardens.
Can ceremony flowers be reused for reception?
Absolutely. We design with repurposing in mind—ceremony meadows become head table accents, aisle clusters move to the bar, and arch florals can frame the sweetheart table or photo backdrop.
How do you handle outdoor heat or moisture near water features?
We select resilient blooms, hydrate thoroughly, use water sources within mechanics, and install as close to guest arrival as possible for freshness.
📍 Contact The Nature of Things Fine Flowers today to begin planning your dream wedding floral design!
📷 Photography: Jada Flanagan Photography
📍 Venue: Twin Oaks, San Marcos
Meet the Artists
A Harmonious Partnership: Dawn and Mandy are the dynamic mother-daughter team behind The Nature of Things Fine Flowers. Dawn, the founder and creative director, brings over 25 years of floral design expertise, while Mandy manages logistics, staff, quality control, budgeting, and contributes to design. Together, they co-own the business, blending creativity with business acumen to deliver high-quality, one-of-a-kind floral designs. Since its founding in August 2011, The Nature of Things has thrived under their leadership, providing exceptional floral arrangements for weddings, events, and local deliveries, all while maintaining a personal, family-driven approach.
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