California Weddings
Rugged Boho Inspo in the Californian High Desert
This styled shoot was inspired by the location, BLM land in the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains of California. Although the location was sparse in vegetation, the sweeping snow-capped mountains and larger than life boulders provided plenty of inspiration. Vintage elements gave the setting a special wanderlust flair while the cowhide rug and skull added a little southwest style without being over the top. The triangle arch was a powerful design element. The flowers reflected the vegetation and incorporated plants you would actually find in the high desert.
THE STYLE TEAM
Photographer: Love Wildly
Event Planner: Rosie Event Designer
Floral Designer: Sweet Lilacs
Apparel: Addictions Boutique
Dress Store: Sonora Bridal Loft
Makeup Artist: Heather Andrea Makeup & Hair Artist
Calligrapher: Lauren G London
A Romantic Backyard Wedding in Wine Country
Meghon & Sam | Napa Valley, California
From the bride: We held our wedding at Sam’s parent’s house in St. Helena, California. Our guests were amazed that a beautiful mountain setting like this existed in the Napa Valley.
THE STYLE
Romantic and nature-inspired with a slate blue and copper color palette.
THE VEIL
I was the second to wear a veil that is being passed down “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” style with my best friends.
THE CEREMONY
The ceremony space was tucked back near the mountain in what used to be a river bed. It is surrounded by hundred-year-old oak trees and the ground is scattered with the most beautiful slivers of obsidian. We knew we wanted our ceremony design to be simple and understated as to not take away from the natural elements.
FAVE MEMORY
Sam’s 91-year-old grandfather is a published author and poet, and he recited a poem he wrote especially for us. It was so special and nearly brought everyone to tears.
THE RECEPTION
The reception took place on the lawn and deck of the backyard. It was the perfect size for our 80 guests.
THE DECOR
We wanted to keep the décor soft and understated so we went with a solid ivory table linen and grey napkins. The florals were light peach, blush, and white to complement the copper chargers.
THE FAVORS
We wanted to give our guests something truly unique to the Napa Valley. A family friend owns Napa Valley Olive Oil Manufacturing, which was founded right in St. Helena, so we knew mini bottles of olive oil would be the perfect gifts for our guests. We included little tags that read “Thank you with olive our hearts”. I’ve been to weddings where dozens of favors get left behind, but we didn’t end up with any extras. They were a huge hit!
THE PLACE CARDS
I had been practicing my hand lettering for months because it was really important to me to make all of the signs and place cards at our wedding. I thought it would be so special to look back and be able to say that I had written them all myself. Our place cards were 2” Carrara marble tiles with guest’s names written in copper ink. It was very tedious, but I’m so happy with how it all turned out!
THE GUEST BOOK
We wanted to do something playful and creative for our guestbook, so we purchased a mini Polaroid camera and let our guests have at it. It was fun looking through all of the photos and notes from our family and friends after the wedding. We even took the camera on our honeymoon to use up the extra film.
THE DESSERT
I knew I wanted something different than traditional wedding cake. We opted for apple and berry pies from a famous local bakery served a la mode. It was the perfect complement to a warm summer night.
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT
Our favorite part of the reception was the dance floor! Our guests did not leave from the minute it opened to the last song. I’m fairly certain we requested at least eight Drake songs and our DJ played every single one.
ADVICE
The most helpful was asking people what they loved or would have done differently about their own wedding or a wedding they’ve attended. I found that people were incredibly honest and it definitely helped prioritize what was important to us on our big day.
THE WEDDING TEAM
Photographer: Hannah Kate Photography | Day of Coordinator: Stiched Together Weddings | Floral Design: Kathy Hansen Floral Design | Caterer: A La Heart Catering | Linens: Grapevine Party Rentals | Rentals: Big 4 Party Rentals | Pies: Mom’s Apple Pie | Favors: Napa Valley Olive Oil | DJ: Runaway DJ | Transportation: CPA Valet | Wedding Gown Designer: Enzoani from Trudy’s Brides | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaid Dresses: Kennedy Blue | Hair: Jordan Segna | Makeup: Erica Bivens | Groom’s Attire: Suit Supply | Men’s Wear: The Black Tux | Wedding Rings: Steve Quick Jeweler
A Campground Wedding on Big Bear Lake in California
Natalie and Tyler exchanged their vows at Cedar Lake Campground in an intimate and cozy amphitheater on Big Bear Lake. Natalie’s parents actually fell in love working as camp counselors at Cedar Lake, got engaged on the property, then purchased the campground. Additionally, the property served as the filming location for the original Parent Trap movie and episodes of Bonanza. With so much family history and childhood memories, Natalie could not imagine a more meaningful location for her wedding day.
Love all the pink-tinged flowers with greenery.
The Wedding Team
Photographer: Michael Farmer Photography | Event Design & Planning: Stylish Details Wedding Styling | Floral Design: Lavenders Flowers | Dress Designer: Carine’s Bridal Atelier | Venue: Cedar Lake Camp | Video: Emma Lynn Cinema | Food Truck: Harvest Kitchen | Photo Booth: The Photo Bus | Bakery: Sugar Pine Bake Shop
Save
A Mountain Destination Wedding at Lake Tahoe
This fun loving, laid back couple chose the mountains for their wedding location because they love visiting and spending time in Tahoe. Their wedding day was filled with lush white florals accented with greenery while touches of gold added a luxe vibe. A handmade lift ticket escort card display with tables named after ski runs tied in the mountain theme. Late-night s’mores and dancing under the stars topped off the mountain celebration.
The Wedding Team
Photographer: annie X photographie | Event Designer: Summit Soiree | Floral Designer: Bloomers Floral Design | Dress Store: Bride to Be Couture | Venue, Caterer & Lodging: The Ritz-Carlton Lake Tahoe
An Intimate Wedding in Yosemite National Park
Oyuki and Nico recited their vows on a mountaintop at Glacier Point overlooking the Yosemite Valley as Lisa Marie Photographie captured the surrounding beauty that encompassed the happy couple.
A Fun Destination Wedding in California
From the bride, Alexandra: The thing we wanted most was a fun, outdoor wedding with our closest friends and family. That’s why we opted to do a wedding weekend (Friday through Sunday) and why we chose a venue where people could also stay the night. We rented out the entire venue for three days and filled all 50 rooms and cabins with our wedding guests. 
THE STYLE
We have a love for both the outdoors and international travel, so we wanted that to come across in our theme. Our theme was a mix of outdoorsy/rustic, boho, romantic, and travel. We knew right away that we wanted an outdoor, mountain wedding and chose a wonderful venue where the ceremony, reception, and entire wedding weekend could be carried out under the trees and stars.
THE FLOWERS
I knew I wanted a lot of flowers and greenery to match the outdoor venue. I chose mostly peonies and other flowers that were more boho, and avoided the traditional roses. My bouquet and floral halo were a mix of pink, coral, and cream flowers.
PERSONAL TOUCH
My mother, brother, and I were born in Japan. According to Japanese tradition, anyone who folds 1000 origami cranes will be granted a wish by the Gods. For the wedding, she folded 1000 origami cranes to wish Joel and me a happy marriage. We displayed the cranes at the ceremony and reception.
THE CEREMONY
The ceremony took place in a rectangular clearing in the middle of the woods. The trees lined the space and were the perfect backdrop. The arch at the front of the ceremony was made of wood and adorned with large floral bouquets. We also strung some of the origami cranes from the archway. We lined the ceremony walkway with flower petals to give a romantic feel to the space. My brother officiated the wedding and told our love story. We both wrote our own vows. Because we aren’t very religious, our vows were the longest part of the ceremony and were the most meaningful for us.
THE RECEPTION
Our reception was outdoors in a clearing right near the ceremony. Each table had lace doilies handmade by my great-grandmother and flowers matching the ones in the archways and bouquets. We also had a lot of green foliage on the tables. The tables themselves were dark wood.
THE TABLE NAMES & FAVORS
Joel and I have traveled to 18 countries together so far. For the names of the tables at the reception, we chose the names of some of our favorite international cities, like Paris where Joel and I got engaged. To find their table assignments, guests had to go to a table where we laid out golden compasses with the names of each guest on them. Once they found their compass, they had to open the compass to see what city they were “traveling” to. The compasses were also functional compasses and doubled as party favors.
RECOMMENDED VENDORS
Photographer: Clane Gessel Photography // Event & Floral Design: Quality Event Design // Caterer: Great Thyme Catering // Invitations: The Stylish Scribe // Venue: Chalet View Lodge // Video: Ben Ridpath Films
Romance by the River in California
We adore the many details from this intimate destination wedding in the heart of the California Gold Country. We especially love the soft gray and pale yellow color palette, the groom’s fly fishing boutonniere and the adorable pup with his bright white bowtie collar and paw cuffs.
VENDORS
Photographer: Brianna Noelle Photography // Bakery: Ikedas // Floral Designer: Placerville Flowers on Main // Rentals: America’s Party Rental // Venue: Coloma Resort
A Sweet Yosemite Elopement
From the Groom: I met Yulia in New York City, all the way across the globe from our home country, Russia. Within a year, I proposed on a mountain in California. A month later, we visited California again, this time for our intimate wedding ceremony in the mountains on Bass Lake, near Yosemite National Park. We held our ceremony as the sun set over the lake, shown in real-time to our parents in France and Russia, with them congratulating and cheering us with best wishes. We are a family spread out on multiple continents, and a destination wedding was the best fit. After all, this is what a wedding should really be about – the two of us, having a relaxing and romantic day together to celebrate a new beginning of the best relationship we could ever imagine.
Dmitry’s RECOMMENDED VENDORS
Photographer: Heather Elizabeth Photography. Heather was very relaxing to work with. She had spent the morning scouting locations for photo shoots, including an unusually green river, gorgeous back-lit forest for our picnic, and even a lake-side sunset dock. Heather was warm, like an old friend, and helped artistically position us for the shots.
Venue: The Pines Resort