The love story of Dalina and Adrien is a deeply romantic one, filled with chance meeting on a trip to Paris, managing a long-distance relationship, a rainy, Spring elopement in the Santa Barbara courthouse in California and culminating in a festive multicultural wedding celebration with their family and friends who supported them through it all. Their wedding celebration, held at Grand Gimeno, was a beautifully curated mix of Hispanic traditions, French customs, and modern American influences. A truly distinct and vibrant cultural fusion that mirrored the couple’s unique backgrounds and love journey.

The Couple’s Vision

Embracing a Cultural Tapestry 

With family and friends flying in from Europe and several other destinations, many of whom faced a language barrier, the couple sought to create an atmosphere of inclusivity and warmth. They infused every moment of their day with elements from their guests’ respective cultures, resulting in a joyful day filled with meaningful symbols and traditions.

The Venue

Grand Gimeno | Old Towne Orange

Nestled in the heart of historic Old Towne Orange, Grand Gimeno was the perfect stage for Dalina and Adrien’s multicultural wedding. The Spanish Colonial architecture welcomes guests into a front courtyard adorned with stucco arches, a beautiful fountain, and traditional Spanish tiles. As you step inside, the grand foyer unfolds, offering two versatile rooms on either side, perfect for pre-functions, dinners, or cocktail hours.

The venue boasts two furnished his and her suites that continue the Spanish-style aesthetic, while a spacious gallery bathes in natural light through massive, palm-tree framing windows. Gaze upward, and you’ll be enchanted by exposed wooden beams that warm the space.

Grand Gimeno is a canvas for romance, allowing easy customization with a plethora of layout options, from inviting indoor and outdoor fireplaces to a grand, open-air gathering area. The selection of the Grand Gimeno for Dalina and Adrien’s wedding celebration was perfect, radiating a welcoming ambiance and romantic charm from its versatile spaces.

Getting Ready Moments

The couple and their wedding party prepared for the big day in the venue’s luxurious suites, fueled with excitement, champagne toasts, and eager anticipation for the upcoming ceremony.

As Dalina got wedding ready, her transformation from a romantic getting-ready outfit to a stunning white princess dress accentuated with Jimmy Choo’s, was simply enchanting. The gown glittered with jeweled detailing and lace appliqués, creating the illusion of lush leaves draping down her shoulders. Absolute perfection!

Adrien exuded timeless elegance in his groom attire, opting for classic black trousers paired with a white jacket and bowtie – a nod to his French heritage.

Before heading to the chapel, Dalina shared a sweet first look with her father, bringing all of the emotions. Their father-daughter relationship is clearly so special, and their tearful embrace was a wonderful way to kick off the morning of her wedding.

The Wedding Party 

Classic Elegance in a Soft Neutral Palette

The wedding day held a theme of soft neutrals and romance, beautifully embodied by the wedding party. Bridesmaids in pale pink dresses, seamlessly complemented by groomsmen in classic black suits—a truly timeless color palette. Encircled by their closest friends, the wedding party contributed an atmosphere of joy and abounding love to the day!

The Ceremony 

Traditional Catholic Nuptials at Saint Emydius Church

The couple professed their love for each other in a drenched-in-tradition, hour-long Catholic ceremony at their local church in Los Angeles. As a nod to her Hispanic heritage, a Mariachi band livened up the event with their music playing during significant moments. The church steps afterward were filled with happiness as the newlyweds were swarmed by well-wishing guests. The cherry on top was their departure in a classic baby blue Mustang they rented just for the occasion.

Bride and Groom Portraits

Dalina & Adrien

Before heading to the venue for Cocktail Hour, we stopped at a local park for portraits of the newlyweds. Dalina and Adrien are such a fabulous couple and their love for each other overflowed throughout their beautiful day. Even though they had already wed legally before the celebration, the enthusiasm and thoughtfulness they poured into every moment underscored the profound significance of this day for both them and their families.

Loving the details of this wedding at Grand Gimeno? Find similar inspiration from this Dreamy Georgia Bridal Session!

Cocktail Hour

In the Grand Gimeno Courtyard

Back at Grand Gimeno, the courtyard came alive with the vibrant sounds of the Mariachi band, kicking off cocktail hour in style! Dalina and Adrien were eager to make their grand entrance wearing traditional Hispanic wedding garments! Guests were treated to specialty cocktails—a Paloma (Hers) and an Old Fashioned (His)—each uniquely garnished with custom rice paper displaying the couple’s initials and wedding details.

Adding a personal touch, cocktail napkins shared fun facts about the bride and groom. Another highlight was the seating chart wall adorned with individual bottles of Dalina’s family’s Mezcal, a cherished generational recipe now making its debut in the United States. Each bottle, tagged with calligraphy, held a guest’s name and table number. Cocktail hour served as yet another testament to the thoughtful touches and meticulous planning that went into every facet of the wedding day. 

The Reception 

A Trilingual Celebration with a Surprise Performance

The reception kicked off with Dalina and Adrien center-stage for a sweet first dance that had everyone beaming. Then came the toasts, and the cheers were off the charts! Both the best man and the father of the bride took it up a notch by delivering their speeches in not just one, but two languages, truly going the extra mile to connect with everyone. It was heartwarming to see the father of the bride sharing gratitude in French from a makeshift cardboard notecard, and the best man learning some Spanish to bond with the bride’s family – talk about a trilingual celebration!

As the night unfolded, the groom, in a surprising twist, changed back into his traditional Hispanic garb and belted out a song in Spanish with the band, creating an unforgettable moment for his bride. It was such a joyous, multicultural bash that kept the energy high till the very end!