Minda and Tom's wedding party stands on a tree-lined road, the bride radiant in white and the groom dashing in black. They're surrounded by attendants in vibrant orange dresses and crisp white shirts, all celebrating their special day at Casa Bella.

Minda & Tom’s Casa Bella Wedding

Some weddings just radiate joy, and Minda and Tom’s celebration at Casa Bella Event Center was the kind that stays with you long after the last dance. From the moment I arrived, I knew I was about to document something unforgettable. This wasn’t just a wedding; it was a celebration of love, community, pets, poetry, and disco balls. Lots of disco balls.

A Love-Fueled, Retro-Inspired Bash

Minda and Tom’s wedding felt like stepping into a joyful time warp. Part ‘70s disco, part boho dream, and completely them. Inspired by their favorite things (ABBA, Halloween, and a hippie-meets-party vibe), they built the day around vibrant florals, natural textures, bold color pops, and a sprinkle of sparkle. Disco balls twinkled throughout the space, while DIY touches brought so much warmth and personality, from handmade table numbers to a custom bar sign featuring their pets.

One of my favorite details? A vintage orange phone turned audio guest book - an instant conversation starter and the perfect throwback touch.

The Florals

The flowers played a starring role. Minda’s dress, a stunning embroidered floral number, was so full of character that she wisely kept her bouquet neutral with earthy tones and dried grasses. But for the rest of the wedding? The florals were an explosion of color, with hints of orange woven in as a nod to Halloween and fall. The ceremony arch especially stood out - a gorgeous blend of texture and bloom, set against a breezy macramé backdrop. It was a scene that looked as magical in person as it does in photos.

The Ceremony, the Vibe, and the Disco

The love in the air was palpable. The day was deeply meaningful and personalized in all the right ways. I especially loved their first look. I always advocate for carving out that intimate pre-ceremony moment, and in Minda and Tom’s case, it turned out to be one of the most emotional highlights of the day. Quiet, joyful, grounding. Just the two of them, holding space together before the celebration took flight.

As for the guests? Let’s just say the disco dress code did not disappoint. Sequins, velvet, bold prints - everyone brought the energy. It made for some absolutely electric dance floor photos (and some serious ABBA singalongs).

Meaningful Details

One of the most unique and memorable touches was Silvi Alcivar from The Poetry Store, who typed custom poems for guests throughout the evening on her vintage typewriter. I watched as people walked away clutching their poems like tiny treasures, each one a keepsake of the moment. She also composed a custom poem for Minda and Tom that captured their story in a way no snapshot ever could.

They also found ways to bring their beloved pets into the celebration through personalized stickers, props in the photo booth, and even the bar sign. For two animal lovers (Minda’s a veterinarian!), these tributes were a meaningful thread woven through their entire love story.

Fashion Worth Celebrating

Let’s talk about Minda’s dress for a (another) second: bold, floral, and unapologetically joyful. It was the very first one she tried on, and honestly, nothing else could have topped it. She embodied the carefree, expressive energy of the day so perfectly. Tom kept it classic and timeless, while the bridal party glowed in amber, and the groomsmen wore dark green. Each bridesmaid wore a different style, which brought both unity and individuality to the group.

And the guests? Disco glam all the way. I can’t overstate how much personality came through in the wardrobe choices. It added so much flavor and fun to the day.

The Proposal

Minda and Tom’s story began in San Francisco’s Richmond District, where a cute pup brought them together at a local bar (pro tip: dogs > pickup lines). Their bond only deepened from there, fueled by breakfast deliveries, dog walks, and a shared love of animals. Tom’s proposal came during a trip to Thailand, surrounded by cats at a sanctuary. Classic Tom: nervous, heartfelt, and absolutely perfect.

Advice from the Newlyweds

Their biggest takeaway? Slow down and savor it. The day goes fast, too fast, and the real magic is in the quiet moments between all the action. And for life after the wedding: “Laugh often and don’t take yourselves too seriously.” I couldn’t agree more.

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