Rustic Glam Santa Cruz Redwood Forest Wedding

Some of our favorite weddings here on SMP are a study in opposites. Ball gowns on the beach, sequins in a barn. And this wedding, set amongst the Redwood Forest is the very reasons why we believe wholeheartedly that opposites really do attract. With images by Melissa Fuller Photography, this wedding is all about love, laughter and a little bit of bling. And there is so much more right here.

[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/121521957 600 338]

Colors

From the beautiful Bride… Eric and I met about 7 years ago, right after college through mutual friends. We instantly bonded over our love for animals and nature, which has become a huge part of our lives together and also played as a major theme on our wedding day. A few years into our relationship, we started our own company called LVR, an eco-friendly yoga lifestyle line that gives back to animal rescue and to a local women’s shelter. Working together with Eric everyday has been such an amazing experience. His dedication to helping others and commitment to running a green company inspires me daily. When he asked me to marry him I knew there was no one I would be prouder to spend the rest of my life with.

Once the wedding planning started, we both fantasized about exchanging vows under giant redwood trees surrounded by our friends and family including our fur baby, Barkley. When I found Nestldown LLC. on Pinterest I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was the most gorgeous venue I had ever seen complete with a replica Snow White house, stunning barn, 100 year old redwoods, an apple orchard, a mini train for guests to ride, and much much more. Visiting the venue took our breath away. We felt so close to nature and knew this magical place was exactly what we had dreamed of.

Once we had the venue, we decided our wedding should be simple yet elegant. We chose white and gold as our wedding colors which we felt really complimented the rich green tones of the lush forest. Our amazing florist, Svenja from Chestnut and Vine, did a spectacular job adding romantic touches to our ceremony using asymmetrical arrangements using shades of whites, soft silver greens, apricot blush, and golden accents. My bridesmaids and I wore different shades of gold and silver adding to the magical energy to the day. The way the girls sparkled in the forest was incredible!

More than anything, we really wanted our guests to really feel the love we have for each other which is why were honored to have our best friend Cait Hubbard officiate our wedding. She’s known us both for a long time and has seen our relationship grow to what it is now. Her words to us were full of so much soul and really embodied the very essence of us. She led us in a series of om chants that spoke to our spiritual connection to each other and our environment. She even made a large macramé where we finished two knots individually symbolizing our union. I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect ceremony.

After the day was over, what still remains most in my memory was my husband’s beautiful vows to me, how it felt to say I do to the man of my dreams, my mother and father dancing the night away, all the dogs that joined in on the fun (yes it was dog friendly of course), the tear jerking toasts, and just how magical it all was. It was truly a dream.

Photography: Melissa Gayle | Videography: Billy Kessler Films | Catering: Thomas John Events | Ceremony Music: Elite Entertainment | Wedding Venue: Nestldown | Chestnut And Vine Flowers: Chestnut & Vine Floral Design | Desserts And Cake: Pretty Please Bakeshop