The Mission Inn, Riverside Wedding

Jenneh Bockari & Joe Rishe met each other at a chance meeting at a bar in Hollywood. They locked eyes and never looked back. Avid runners and lovers of all things California, they loved exploring the state with all of its beauty and historical places. One place they fell in love with was The Mission Inn in Riverside. It felt as if they had transported themselves to Europe in the heart of downtown Riverside! It became a favorite spot for them and Joe actually proposed to Jenneh there! When they started discussing their wedding venue options, they both knew that there was no other place that could compare to having a Mission Inn, Riverside wedding!

They wanted a truly one-of-a-kind invitation to really build the excitement around their destination wedding weekend for their cherished family and friends. And we knew exactly who to call. The Vintage Inkwell designed a breathtaking “Save the Date” card and invitation that included a hand-drawn watercolor illustration of the Mission Inn and it’s beautiful St. Francis of Assisi Chapel. The pale mint green envelopes paired with dusty gray-blue silk ribbon with a custom “R” copper wax seal tied it all together. This one-piece truly set the stage for how personal and full of romance this wedding was going to be.

This wedding at the Mission Inn is seriously at the top of my list for all-time favorite weddings. Not because of all the incredible details—which there are a ton! But because of these two. The way that they love each other would make your heart melt.

We immediately hit it off with Jenneh and Joe. Their attention to detail, design, and a “know what they want” attitude made designing this wedding a dream! Now weddings at the Mission Inn do not need much. Its beautiful architecture is a feast for the eyes. But it gave us the challenge of designing some personalized pieces that really spoke to Jenneh and Joe.

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wedding invitation suite at The Mission Inn, Riverside California

Jenneh and Joe took great care to make sure their family and friends felt appreciated. With beautiful robes from Plum Pretty Sugar, Jenneh and her bridesmaids got the attention of the New York Times!

leather vow books by Jasmin Michelle Designs

When it came to their “Day Of” stationery, it had to be one of a kind and really “wow’ their guests. Jasmin Michelle Designs floored Jenneh and Joe with her custom copper sign to welcome their guests which doubled as a their seating chart sign during cocktail hour. She also created beautiful leather vow books used during the ceremony. Joe and Jenneh were married in the St. Francis of Assisi Chapel in the Mission Inn. It’s breathtaking stained glass windows made you feel as if you were truly in Europe. One of my favorite parts of the ceremony was their “ring warming”. Jenneh and Joe had their wedding rings passed through all of their guests so that the rings would be “warmed” or blessed by each person in attendance.

In the days leading up to the wedding, it was rainy and cold. Winter weddings in Southern California in February are a gamble, but God opened up the heavens and the most beautiful blue sky appeared just in time for their First Look photos!

Once inside, guests found their seats with hand-torn scrolled place cards delicately hanging from their champagne glasses. Their grand entrance down the iconic staircase of the Mission Inn’s Spanish Art Gallery was epic as they went straight into their first dance. They sang to each other while they danced to “No One” by Alicia Keyes. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room!

Their adorable hashtag #JRsquared was seen throughout the wedding including on their cake topper! Instead of having a huge cake, they decided to have a small personal one for them to cut and a variety of desserts displayed for their guests to enjoy. The desserts and cake were provided by Cucamonga Cakery with copper and mirrored rental items from Jake Duke Studio completing the whole look.

When it came time to eat, Jenneh and Joe knew exactly what they wanted! Chicken tenders and french fries! Order what you want I always say! It’s your wedding day! The reception layout was a mix of king tables and rounds with gorgeous florals by Irises Designs with lots of white and greenery and mixed metals.

First Look between couple at their Mission Inn wedding in Riverside

During cocktail hour, guests were gifted with custom copper mugs for their signature drink around the Atria Courtyard and were directed to their seats by a custom-designed seating chart by Novelty Events. The seating chart was inspired by a compass tattoo of the brides and their love for all things California. It included a real copper compass rose and hand-torn seating arrangements named after their most beloved locations around California.

Tablescape at Mission Inn wedding in Riverside

Jenneh and Joe wanted everyone to capture the fun from the evening so they had a polaroid station created by us and Irises Designs complete with their own customized neon sign with the initials J&J. Everyone was on the dance floor all night thanks to Tim “DeCapo” Hampton and the evening ended with an impromptu acapella dance-off with the bride’s brother and mom! All the guests then met outside for a sparkler send-off for the bride and groom to the after-party! Afterparties are a great way to keep the fun going after the venue closes. Just be sure to have a designated driver! I couldn’t have been happier for Jenneh & Joe! Congratulations to the two of you! And I wish you both all the happiness in the world! For more photos and details see their wedding in Brides Real Weddings here!