A California Mansion Wedding with Timeless Garden Romance

Captured beautifully by ASHLEY CARLASCIO, Alyssa and Johnny’s wedding at KOHL MANSION was the perfect fusion of romance, timeless elegance, and a distinctly Californian sense of celebration. With thoughtful planning by HAND & HEART WEDDINGS & EVENTS and lush, textured florals by THE WILD FLEUR CO., the day felt like an effortless blend of sophistication and joy.

Alyssa and Johnny’s love story began in the Bay Area at the Shoreline Amphitheater during the “I Love This City” concert. Introduced through mutual friends, their first interaction was brief, but a lasting friendship followed. Over time, that friendship naturally blossomed into something more, leading to a romance grounded in shared history and deep connection.

Travel has always been central to their relationship, and Johnny chose Rome as the backdrop for one of their most meaningful moments. During their winter trip in 2022, after visiting the Borghese Museum, he led Alyssa into the gardens where a local photographer awaited. While Alyssa admired the sweeping views, Johnny got down on one knee. At first, she thought he was simply tying his shoe, but the sight of the ring—and a camera capturing it all—made the moment unforgettable.

Choosing a Bay Area venue was important to both Alyssa and Johnny, and KOHL MANSION offered the perfect blend of grandeur and charm. The sprawling lawns, rose gardens, and Mediterranean-style architecture created a versatile space that transitioned seamlessly from ceremony to reception. Even more meaningful was learning that event proceeds at the mansion support scholarships for students at the all-girls Catholic school housed on the grounds—something that resonated deeply with the couple.

The morning of the wedding began with laughter, nostalgia, and sisterhood. Alyssa spent the night before with her maid of honor, and on the day, she was joined by her bridesmaids—friends spanning every stage of her life. They shared handwritten notes, inside jokes, and a viewing of Bridesmaids before heading to the mansion together. It was a morning that felt both grounding and joy-filled, setting the perfect tone for the day ahead.

For the fashion, Alyssa and Johnny embraced black-tie optional attire, elevating the celebration with a refined yet relaxed elegance. Alyssa wore a gown that perfectly balanced timeless romance with modern detail—featuring layers of French and Italian lace, with hand-applied lace detailing across the bodice. The deep V neckline and open silhouette felt contemporary while paying homage to the couple’s travels in Paris and Rome, making the gown a subtle nod to their story. After dinner and the first dances, Alyssa changed into a playful Ulla Johnson party dress paired with Converse high-tops—ideal for dancing the night away.

THE WILD FLEUR CO. brought Alyssa’s vision to life with florals that felt organic, textured, and deeply connected to the natural beauty of the surroundings. The ceremony featured sculptural aisle arrangements and a floral “nest” at the altar, echoing the earthy tones and movement of the landscape. Inside the mansion, camel-toned linens and olive napkins complemented the arrangements, seamlessly carrying the garden-inspired feel indoors.

Set against the backdrop of redwoods and native California trees, the ceremony created an atmosphere that was at once intimate and grand. Guests felt transported into a natural sanctuary, even with the mansion just behind them. Cocktail hour unfolded in the courtyard, where guests enjoyed locally sourced appetizers, crafted cocktails, and the ambiance of live piano music.

Dinner was served in the Grand Hall, where French doors opened to the courtyard, blending indoor elegance with fresh evening air. Guests were treated to a five-piece band that kept the dance floor alive throughout the night. Later, Alyssa and Johnny cut into a whimsical wedding cake adorned with the same wild, textured florals seen throughout the day—an edible reflection of their design vision.

Just days after their wedding, the newlyweds set off on a honeymoon adventure through Europe, beginning in Barcelona before meeting family in Zurich and traveling to Lake Como. The trip ended in Milan, where they explored the city’s art, architecture, and cuisine—a fitting continuation of their love for travel and meaningful experiences shared together.

At its heart, Alyssa and Johnny’s wedding was designed to feel like a quintessential California celebration—laidback yet elevated, deeply personal yet welcoming to all. It was a day of joy, connection, and artistry, perfectly captured within the historic walls and gardens of Kohl Mansion.

Photographer ASHLEY CARLASCIO tells us, “Alyssa and Johnny’s wedding at Kohl Mansion was a perfect blend of stately, black-tie formality with a touch of laid back, California luxury. With the stunning backdrop of Kohl Mansion, Alyssa and Johnny said their I Do’s nestled into a backdrop of tall redwoods and took a stroll in the Rose Garden before inviting their guests into the grand hall for dinner. Tall ceilings, mahogany walls and floors, and a grand staircase all accentuate the grandiose design of the interior of the mansion. From the beginning, Alyssa and Johnny emphasized the importance of the guest experience at their wedding. They wanted the day to feel effortless and joyful, but with a touch of formality and fancy. They wanted their guests to feel like this was a celebration for them, too, as they played such huge roles in shaping Alyssa and Johnny into who they are today. As natives of San Francisco, they intertwined some of their favorite San Francisco destinations into the details with table names of their favorite bars and custom illustrations to match. For the design, we wanted to bring in the natural, organic beauty of California to soften the bold architecture of the mansion. The florist crafted a design concept rooted in organic, textured, and natural elements to elevate a sophisticated architecture of the venue. Incorporating earthy elements, our vision for this modern wedding seamlessly blended textured and airy florals, introducing unexpected moments to achieve a tailored bespoke feel.”