A Modern Romantic Wedding at Botanica in Oceanside | Damie + Brandon
Damie and Brandon’s wedding at Botanica in Oceanside was the perfect blend of modern elegance and heartfelt tradition, set against one of Southern California’s most lush and picturesque wedding venues. Their day was filled with vibrant florals, rich cultural heritage, and a lively celebration. From the playful Chinese door games to a breathtaking sunset ceremony and a reception under twinkling lights, their wedding was a reflection of their love story—joyful, meaningful, and unforgettable.
THEIR ENGAGEMENT: Take a look at Brandon and Damie’s adventurous destination Big Sur engagement.
Please enjoy a small selection from their wedding photos at Botanica in Oceanside.
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A Morning of Tradition | Getting Ready at a San Diego AirBNB
The wedding morning began at a spacious AirBNB in San Diego, where Damie got ready surrounded by her bridesmaids and family. She wore a stunning traditional red Qipao, a nod to the couple’s Filipino/Chinese heritage. The air buzzed with excitement as the wedding party prepared for the day ahead.
Chinese Door Games | Southern California Wedding Photographers
In a nod to their cultural roots, the groom, his groomsmen, and his family processed to the AirBNB to meet the bride and her family. Eager as Brandon may be to see Damie, tradition required him and his groomsmen to prove their worth first. Chinese door games date back centuries and are designed to test the groom’s dedication and love of his bride before he can marry her. Damie’s bridesmaids orchestrated a hilarious set of challenges, including trivia questions about the bride, a blindfolded taste test of sour and spicy foods, and a Zumba performance. With their families watching on, Brandon and his groomsmen powered through each challenge before he was finally allowed to see his bride.
The Chinese Tea Ceremony | San Diego Wedding Photos
Once Brandon successfully passed the door games, the traditional tea ceremony began. This tradition is a way for the couple to show respect and gratitude to their elders. The couple knelt before their parents and closest family members, serving tea in exchange for blessings and wisdom. The moment was intimate and heartfelt, bridging generations in a meaningful way before the couple officially became man and wife.
Botanica Oceanside Wedding Photography | Bride and Groom’s Wardrobe Change
Brandon and Damie made their way to Botanica in Oceanside, a lush garden venue that feels like a tropical escape in Southern California. The venue’s verdant greenery and elegant charm would serve as a perfect backdrop for the rest of their wedding celebration. Damie and Brandon changed into their wedding outfits, ready to meet at the altar.
Wedding Ceremony at Botanica in Oceanside
The aisle was filled with lush florals (designed by by Flower Rush) in oranges, pinks, and whites, creating a romantic and elegant setting by the lake at Botanica. The ceremony was deeply emotional, featuring musical performances by Damie’s talented siblings and incorporating Filipino traditions like the rope and coin ceremonies, symbolizing unity and prosperity. Surrounded by their loved ones, the couple exchanged their vows under a canopy of trees, officially beginning their new chapter together.
Sunset Newlywed Portraits at Botanica Oceanside | Golden Hour Romantics
As the sun dipped below the horizon and the sky turned from blue to orange, Damie and Brandon snuck away for newlywed portraits on the gorgeous grounds of Botanica in Oceanside. The tropical greenery and golden light lead to portraits that felt dreamy and intimate. Meanwhile, their guests enjoyed a lively cocktail hour, sipping drinks and mingling in the venue’s stunning outdoor spaces.
A Stunning White Tent Wedding Reception | Botanica Oceanside Wedding Photographer
The reception space was straight out of a fairytale book. Held under a beautiful white tent adorned with chandeliers and twinkle lights, the ambiance was romantic and warm. The floral arrangements carried through from the ceremony, creating a seamless and elegant design that reflected the couple’s modern yet lush aesthetic.
A Night of Dancing & Surprise Performances
Damie and Brandon’s reception was filled with energy, laugher, and nonstop celebration. The night featured a highly competitive bouquet toss, an unexpected choreographed dance by Damie and her bridesmaids in lieu of a garter toss, and a Filipino money dance, where the guests pinned money onto the couple as they danced. The party ended with a grand exit, as guests held up their phone lights to create a glowing pathway for the newlyweds, sending them off in style.
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Ceremony Videography at this Botanica Wedding in Oceanside, California
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BOTANICA OCEANSIDE WEDDING PHOTOS | CREDITS >>
Venue | Botanica, Oceanside, California
Photography & videography | Pamela Tatz Photography, Los Angeles wedding photographer
Florist | Flower Rush
Cake artist | Frost Me Cafe & Bakery
DJ/MC | Revel Entertainment
Photo booth | Adventure Bus Mobile Photo Booth
Transportation | VIP Ride 4 U
Hair & makeup artist | Mobile Radiance, Destiny Ruiz/Unlimited Beauty Studio
Bride’s shoes | Bella Belle
Groom & groomsmen tuxes | Smith & Palestro
Groom’s shoes | Meermin Shoes
Late-night treats | Little Fox Cups and Cones
PHOTO TEAM >>
Lead photographer | Pamela Tatz
Second photographer | Stacey Reyes
Associate videographer | Victor Zaragoga
Content creation assistant | Megan Bourgeois
HI THERE, I’M PAMELA!
I’m the owner and lead photographer at Pamela Tatz Photography, a Los Angeles wedding photography studio specializing in documenting love stories authentically and candidly.
With timeless, true-to-color aesthetic and a warm, feelings-first approach, my goal is to create photos that are honest, nostalgic, and truly reflect your day, such as these wedding photos at Botanica in Oceanside, California.
