Central California Rustic Barn Wedding

Abby
June 8, 2015
Categories: Real Weddings, Rustic

Burger bar, check. Vanilla, funfetti, and snickerdoodle cakes? Check, check, check. Bride that literally can’t contain her joy and an equally smitten groom. Check. All I have to say is thank goodness Peppermint Plum Photography was on hand to capture every last detail so we can pretend like we were there right alongside this adorable pair. Oh and there is so much more here.

From Peppermint Plum Photography… I began photographing Kathryn and her daughter Kalli about 4 years ago. I remember the first time she brought Michael along for a few pictures. He just fit effortlessly into their family. Kali loved him, and he and Kathryn were obviously taken with one another. So when they asked me to capture their big day, I couldn’t be more excited! Even with the threat of rain the morning of their wedding, Kathryn was calm and excited. This was the day she was going to marry her love; rain or shine! Lucky for us, the rain stopped and the sun shone down on us throughout the remainder of the day.

I knew Kathryn would put together the most amazing day. She had so many perfect DIY projects throughout the ceremony and reception decor, that it really made the wedding feel like them. The shades of indigo that she chose as her color palette matched the vintage feel perfectly. The paper hearts that sprinkled the aisle added a playful touch, as the vintage lace and seeded eucalyptus garland at the alter added an organic natural element. The blue glass that speckled the tables was so pretty paired with simple white, cream, and blue flowers. I loved the vintage novels she used to add various heights to the table decor, as well as the blue floral design that pulled all of the paper goods together. The vintage velvet sette and vintage bicycle added the perfect compliments to some of their photos.

The bride and groom’s first look set the tone for the rest of the wedding. Kathryn had the biggest smile spread across her face as she walked closer and closer to Michael, his back turned, waiting to see his beautiful bride. Her Sue Wong gown flowed whimsically behind her as she tip toed through a large patch of dandelions, as her BHLDN crown shined in the sun. From the moment Michael turned around, the two of them didn’t stop smiling. Their smiles, laughs, kisses, and hand holding, continued throughout the pictures, the ceremony, and reception. I just loved that they were having fun the entire time; sharing secret jokes, creating memories. Their joy was palpable. This was their dream come true.

From the Bride… I knew exactly where I wanted to marry Michael. I knew it had to be at 3 Oaks Vineyard in Clovis, CA where I was raised. There was only one problem. Their wedding season was May-June and September-October. Our summers in Fresno County are long and too hot and I, not being a fan of the heat, would rather chance the rains of late April then the warmth of early May. After a few meetings and a lot of praying on my end, we were finally granted the date of April 25, 2015.

Finally, the day was here and the weather we had prayed not to come was here as well… rain! We had been watching the weather forecast religiously and once we knew there was 100% chance of rain till at least noon on that day, we made some contingency plans. I rented large umbrellas to go over the tables and extra heaters to be placed around the reception. Luckily, the weather forecast was right. The rain stopped at noon and the sun out from behind the clouds. The day was beautiful. My friends helped the venue set up later than they liked, but we all worked together and it looked exactly how I envisioned it would. It was beautiful.

The ceremony was perfect. My daughter, Kalli, walked me down the aisle. Just before we past the old doors and started down the aisle, she told me how nervous she was. I told her to squeeze my hand and look at me if she got too nervous and I would smile down at her. She only squeezed my hand once. Our ceremony was officiated by, Jay Stallings, who is a dear friend and mentor of my husband’s. It meant the world to us that he was the one to pronounce us husband and wife.

Our reception was even better. The DJ nailed our music preference of an indie singer/songwriter vibe and really helped set the mood of the reception. It was relaxed. It was peaceful. Our first dance was hilarious to us. My husband, although talented at many things, dancing is not his forte. We giggled and talked and tripped over each other’s toes the whole song, which was Emmylou by First Aid Kit. Our “Burger Bar” was a hit. After a long day, some good old fashion American food was all we needed. The speeches given by the Best Man, Maid of Honor, our best friends, and our parents had us laughing and crying at the same time. The father/daughter dance was made especially special when not only did I dance with my father, but my daughter danced with her new step-father, my husband. It was a sweet moment. One I will never forget. The cakes were delicious. Three of them, each with a different flavor; vanilla, funfetti, and snickerdoodle. Once all of the ceremonial steps were complete, we danced, we chatted with friends and family, and we created more lasting memories.