Gail R.: Rose Garden Pink

Mother of: Maggie
Venue: San Ysidro Ranch, Montecito, Calif.
Vibe: Black tie garden party
Dress: Rachel Gilbert 

When Maggie first saw San Ysidro Ranch on a trip with her sister Emma, a luxury travel writer, she knew in an instant: this is where she would get married. First she had to get engaged, of course — to Cole, whom she met at Indiana University. “They make everyone feel their love and want to be a better person and partner,” says Maggie’s mom, Gail.  

In October 2025, Maggie’s vision came to life when she married Cole at San Ysidro Ranch, with rose gardens behind them and picturesque vistas off in the distance. The wedding was black tie, with what Maggie described as a “Garden Party Chic” vibe. So Gail set aside the dark dress she had picked out in favor of a color as bright as a blossom.

“I knew I wanted something that was unique but understated,” says Gail, who lives in Wisconsin. She did most of her shopping online and eventually came across Rachel Gilbert, an Australian designer known for her sophisticated evening wear. The “Lottie” gown caught Gail’s eye: a body skimming column with draping at the waist, a high neckline and cut-out back detail. But the real exclamation point: an oversized back bow with train — perfect for making a statement as you walk down the aisle, and removable for after the ceremony. Currently available in white or forest green, Gail found it in a light pink. 

“I’m not normally a pink person, but this pink was more muted,” Gail says, “and I was in love with the detachable bow in back!” 

After she got the essential daughter approval, from both Maggie and Emma, Gail had alterations done by a local tailor who specializes in wedding dresses. “It fit perfectly and I felt so comfortable in it,” Gail says. She chose a strappy gold block heel since both ceremony an cocktail hour were on the grass. She kept accessories simple with a drop earring and her favorite stack of bracelets.

The venue was only the start of Maggie’s wedding day vision. “Maggie is in events and she knew everything she wanted her wedding to be.  She was the most chill bride ever,” Gail says. “There were so many special touches: she pinned my mom’s brooch on her bouquet; the menus were handwritten by my husband Gary (aka Maggie’s dad).”

The day felt like an endless series of special moments: Gail's twin sons walking her down the aisle. Maggie and her father dancing to a song that he had written. And Cole and Maggie’s deeply personal, loving vows. Says Gail, “It truly felt like time was suspended at that moment.”

| Photography by Katie Shuler