If you adore DIY you’re going to fall hard for this al fresco affair. The couple has known each other since elementary school (too cute!) so when it came to planning their wedding, they wanted a celebration that was not only romantic but also embraced their playful personalities. The details are sweet-as-can-be and who doesn’t love a bride on a swing!?!? Captured beautifully by Rob Skog of Jennifer Skog Photographers this is a sunny California swoon-fest. It’s burlap and baker’s twine. It’s rustic and refined. And it’s all right here for your viewing pleasure.
From the Bride… David and I had been together almost seven years before we got married – and had known each other since 2nd grade! So instead of coordinating a huge formal event – we wanted to throw a huge party! We chose to get married atop a mountain in our hometown of Walnut Creek named Mount Diablo. This set the scene for the direction and feel of our wedding. We knew that we didn’t want anything to be taken away from the views of the rolling hills so we went with minimal decorations. We chose colors that were soft, romantic and neutral with pops of texture – baker’s twine and burlap.
Many of the elements were DIY – I painted all the table numbers and tied them with baker’s twine. I asked Anthroplogie in Union Square if they would be kind enough to give me their window display when they were done with it (and they did!) which is where all the twine balls hanging from the market lights come from. I also really wanted to incorporate our dog Finn (without actually having him there) so I found an amazing vendor on Etsy who hand carved his image onto a stamp – it looks identical to the photo we provided her. We used those stamps on our favors, which was a donation to a local animal rescue foundation. In addition I handwrote all the escort cards, window pane and menus. It was a labor of love! I have dreamt of this day for so long and in the end, it perfectly reflected David and me. We even brought in a food truck instead of having a traditional caterer!
I am also so glad we chose to have a “First Look.” I struggled with this decision for quite some time because I did not want to take away from the magic of the real first look – me walking down the aisle. However, I am so glad we did this, it really was our only alone time and the photos are some of my absolute favorites.
Planning a wedding is stressful, having a budget even more so. In the end it truly is worth it when you are surrounded by your closest friends and family. My parents have been married for 40+ years and David’s parents celebrated their 40th in 2012, so we have very strong role models to look up to. Our cake topper is the same topper my parents had on their cake back in 1971! I married my very best friend… cheers to Happily Ever Parker!
Wedding Photography: Rob Skog of Jennifer Skog Photographers / Wedding Ceremony + Reception: Diablo Ranch, Mount Diablo State Park, California / Floral Design: Full Bloom / Wedding Coordinator: Meghan McCray Events / Catering: Roli Roti (Gourmet Food Truck) / Cake: Marisa Cakes / Wedding Dress: Moonlight Couture (H1190) via Gesinees Bridal/ Bride’s Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Men’s Attire: Men’s Wearhouse / Hair: Natasha Cordellos of 13 Hair Salon / Makeup: Shena Woodall / Burlap Bunting: CMHandmade / Dog Stamp: Ayu Tomikawa Art / DJ: Rob Mutzl – Amos Productions / Decor: (twine balls) Anthropologie / Invitations: 120 Water Street / Calligraphy: The Butler’s Pantry / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals