Wedding Inspiration: A Supremely Chill Fête in a Historic Palo Alto Garden

May 25, 2018

Meghan Augsburger and Phillip Ramil were a match made on the tennis court.

But it wasn't until several years as close friends and tennis partners that they decided to try dating, and the rest is history. But the challenge of the game made its way off the court too. After a five-year long-distance relationship, during a Christmas meet-up in Mallorca, Ramil proposed in their hotel room.

"It was very low-key and simple, just the way I had hoped it would be," says Augsburger, who we think must be the chillest bride ever.

As "very private" people, their mellow vibes translated into plans for an intimate wedding where they could interact with their guests and also relax; they wanted a flowering setting and selected the Elizabeth Gamble Garden.

The bride decided to let the garden speak for itself, opting out of any official theme or color palette. The couple's outdoor ceremony had only chairs for guests (though it was immersed in bursting blooms), and the reception was furnished with a single table with tea lights. They added a hint of color with celadon green napkins to match the foliage. The farm table was left bare to let the natural texture of the wood show through.

"The most important part of the wedding for us was having quality time with each one of our guests and not letting the day become too stressful. We did not have any cultural or religious traditions incorporated into our ceremony or reception. Our main goal was to keep everything low-key and intimate," the bride says.

Augsburger's bouquet was equally uncomplicated yet perfectly stunning, based upon a few she had found on Pinterest. She even let her florist surprise her with the cascading spray of alabaster orchids, blush roses, and eucalyptus. Ramil had an orchid boutonnière to match. "We did not have any other floral elements because the garden itself was in full bloom. The bouquet really complimented my wedding dress, which was very simple and modest."

When she started looking at dresses, she knew she wanted something clean and romantic—with sleeves. But she had never worn a long dress before and tried on a variety of styles at two appointments. At the second store, Bhldn, she selected her simply chic look: a strapless top and skirt with a cozy cashmere cardigan.

"Everything felt incredibly comfortable and, when I saw myself in the mirror, it didn't just feel like I was playing dress up. I still felt like myself, but in an upgraded 'bridal' way! I actually cried when I wore it and my best friend who attended agreed—my dress fit my personality and style so well! My veil really complimented the simple look of my dress too because it had more intricate details stitched into it."

Unsurprisingly, the couple didn't follow many traditions for their big day. They wrote their own vows but read them to each other during their first look to have more privacy; they walked down the aisle together for the ceremony and didn't have a wedding party; and the guest all fit at one table so loved ones could keep close. Everyone gave speeches.

Looking back, Augsburger has no regrets, emphasizing the importance for couples planning the wedding that they want, noting that some of their family members were skeptical of of their low-pro nuptials but were thoroughly impressed at the end of the day.

"I definitely recommend having a small wedding," she says. "It's so much more intimate and you'll have more time to mingle with the people you love. You'll actually have time to sit down and eat at your reception while also chatting with your guests. I guarantee your guests will love it! It's also much more budget friendly."