“My dad was into Outlaw Country, among a ton of other obscure genres that drove us all crazy searching for rare records at Christmas,” remembers bride Chloe, fondly, of her dad’s taste in music. “And I was able to rediscover it and develop a deep love for it as an adult.”
So we’re thinking there’s something pretty romantic and meant-to-be about the fact that groom Mark has always been an Outlaw Country fan.
“By Outlaw we mean Willie, Waylon, Merle, Conway, Loretta, Kris, Hanks I-III, Charlie, Patsy, Dolly,” says the couple. And they used their love of the genre, its greats, and its retro, mid-century country western aesthetic to create an absolutely iconic spring wedding day among the historic architecture and Wild West vibes of Old Town San Diego.
We’ve got to mention: One of our favorite elements of this day—and one of the reasons the vision came together so seamlessly? Bride Chloe and planner + event designer Emily of Heartthrob Events have been friends for 20 years. With the iconic Cosmopolitan Hotel as the perfect setting, this funky Outlaw Country wedding took shape with plenty of bolo ties, cowboy hats, and colorful Dolly Parton flair.
We’re thankin’ our lucky stars that Amanda Gillian was there snapping these gorgeous photos!
All right, y’all—let’s take a look at Chloe + Mark’s big day!
How fun are these wedding day paper goods from P&P Design Studio! The cow print! The Old World scroll font! They’re giving funky saloon vibes.
Keep an eye on those white wedding boots! They might make an appearance at the reception…
“I went to a few different shops, but then I wandered into Claire Pettibone, and she was an actual angel of a human, just from the first second of meeting her,” remembers bride Chloe of her experience finding this unique lace beauty of a wedding gown. “She was truly curious about the type of dress I was looking for, about the story I wanted my dress to tell, I guess is the best way to put it. I couldn’t have had more fun in that shop.”
You are going to love the springy wild flower approach that Cobra Lily Floral Design used to incorporate lots of joyful color into the day’s Old West design vision.
Groom Mark went vintage with his wedding suit! Loving that embroidered camisa vaquera.
And if a Western-inspired groom look is speaking to you, a bolo tie like Mark’s is an absolute necessity.
Pre-Wedding Portraits: Outlaws In Love
We absolutely cannot get enough of Amanda Gillian’s photography style. These dramatic, historical staged portraits are iconic.
Feel like drafting up something special to share with your person on your wedding day like Chloe + Mark did? Take a look at our wedding vow writing guide!
A Saloon-Worthy Celebration
Each table number featured the name of one of Chloe + Mark’s favorite Outlaw Country legends. We love the role the music played in the planning of their day. “We didn’t involve religion in any way,” says the couple of their approach. “Instead, we chose to honor and celebrate the community around us who we feel enabled us to become who we were before, and who we are today. And we both feel music is a pretty big part of what’s made us who we are, both respectively and as a couple.”
Assorted colorful vintage stemware pieces came together to make a perfectly mismatched, retro tablescape.
The evening’s feast was catered in house by The Cosmopolitan Hotel.
And that gorgeous vintage-inspired two-tier pink + orange wedding cake came from Hey There, Cupcake!
Our Advice To Those Planning Now Turn the background noise off; it’s all about you two. Don’t ask for advice unless the person has been fully briefed on the collective vision AND budget, or at least unless they know you REALLY well. And remember, it’s just a day. No one’s gonna notice if you don’t have chargers, or if you go with the house linen—you’re gonna look amazing, you’re gonna be surrounded by love, relax into it as much as you can.
Our Musical Choices Processional: "I Have Met My Love Today" by John Prine
Recessional: "My Heart Skips a Beat" by Buck Owens
First Dance: "Walk Through This World With Me" by George Jones
Congratulations, Chloe + Mark, on your iconic Outlaw Country wedding! That rhinestone fringe reception dress and bridal jacket were the perfect way to end the night!! All the best from GWS!
photography: Amanda Gillian // venue name: Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant, San Diego (Old Town), CA, United States // event design: Heartthrob Events // planning: Heartthrob Events // florals: Cobra Lily Flowers // wedding dress: Claire Pettibone // wedding dress boutique: Claire Pettibone // bride’s shoes: Marison Margiela // hair stylist: Lauren Kolb // makeup artist: Makeup Therapy // groom attire: Vintage // videography: Sky King // paper goods: Prim and Pixie // cake: Hey There, Cupcake! // tabletop rentals: Archive Rentals // furniture rentals: Archive Rentals // music: Dart Collective // photo booth: PhotoMatica