Botanica Oceanside Wedding with Sunset Florals | Melissa + Erika
There are some weddings that I know will take up permanent residence in my mind forever, and I knew Melissa and Erika’s Botanica Oceanside wedding would be one the moment I met them in our initial call. Their wedding day plans unfolded like a love letter to their story and was layered with intentionality and care for each other and their guests.
THEIR ENGAGEMENT: A rocky cliffs engagement session at El Matador Beach in Malibu.
Melissa and Erika first met during an engineering internship in Ohio, where an unexpected spark—and a very memorable robot arm—brought them together. Though their paths took them in separate directions for six years after that, they reconnected and fell in love all over again, discovering a shared experience with endometriosis that deepened their bond. Their dual proposals, thoughtful partnership, and shared advocacy have become cornerstones of their story. Their wedding was not only a celebration of their marriage—it was a reflection of every challenge they’ve overcome and every version of themselves they’ve grown through together.
Getting Married at the Botanica Wedding Venue in Oceanside
Botanica in Oceanside, California, is hands down one of my favorite venues in all of Southern California (see Brandon and Damie’s wedding for more gorgeous Botanica Oceanside wedding photos). It’s a romantic space that still feels laid back and intimate, with tropical landscaping and plenty of room and flexibility to act as a canvas for your own wedding floral dreams. Melissa and Erika filled it with florals from the amazing Georgia Douglas, a dessert table filled with treats from Mili's Sweets, and a gorgeous seating chart that they constructed themselves and filled with personalized letters to each guest, each including a donation in the guest’s name to an organization supporting research on endometriosis—the cause closest to the couple’s heart.
Two Brides Getting Ready | Botanica Oceanside Wedding Photographer
The two brides spent the morning getting ready separately, each surrounded by their closest friends and family members. Anticipation was in the air, and sweet emotional moments set the tone for the day.
First Look at a Botanica Oceanside Wedding | Wedding Party Photos
The couple decided to share a private first look before the rush of the wedding day began. It was a grounding, joyful moment that made perfect sense for a couple who make each other their best selves.
Outdoor Wedding Ceremony at Botanica in Oceanside
When their guests arrived, they were greeted by floral arrangements in gorgeous sunset tones, live violin music setting the tone, and a live painter beginning her work in a corner of the ceremony space.
After guests were seated, rather than walking down the aisle separately, Melissa and Erika chose to enter their ceremony together, hand in hand. Their ceremony itself was deeply moving and intentional. (You can watch the full wedding ceremony here.)
Cocktail Hour and Just-Married Portraits | Southern California Wedding Photographers
After the ceremony, the newlyweds joined their guests for a lively and colorful cocktail hour, sharing hugs and taking photos in front of a rainbow “Love is Love” sign under a floral arch.
As the light began to soften to golden hues, we snuck away from the party for a romantic portrait session on Botanica’s dreamy grounds.
Outdoor Wedding Reception Under the Stars | Botanica Oceanside Wedding Photographer
The reception began with an emotional first dance and a round of heartfelt toasts from the couple’s best friends. The live painter, who had been working throughout the evening, finished her portrait as the sun went down. And once the dance floor opened, DJ Keelez got the party started, keeping the dance floor full from the first song to the last.
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Videography at this Botanica Oceanside Wedding
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BOTANICA OCEANSIDE WEDDING PHOTOS | CREDITS >>
Venue | Botanica, Oceanside, California
Photography & Videography | Pamela Tatz Photography
Florist | By Georgia Douglas
Live Painter | Nicolette Martin Art
Live Violinist | Ben Hoyt Violin
Desserts | Mili’s Sweets
DJ/MC | DJ Keelez & Associates
Photo Booth | Designed by Love Photobus
Transportation | San Diego Charter
Hair Colorist | Demi Chase
Hair Stylist | Touch of Rose
Makeup Artist | Artistry by Samantha Rae
Attire | Mon Amie Bridal Salon, Sharpe Suiting
PHOTO TEAM >>
Lead Photographer | Pamela Tatz
Associate Videographer | Jennifer Santa Maria
Second Photographer | Jenny Chou
Content Creator | Megan Bourgeois
HI THERE, I’M PAMELA!
I’m the owner and lead photographer at Pamela Tatz Photography, a Los Angeles-based wedding photography studio capturing love stories authentically and naturally.
With a modern aesthetic and a documentary approach, my goal is to create photos that feel honest, nostalgic, and true to your day—just like these beautiful moments from this wedding at Botanica in Oceanside, California.
