If you’re a foodie with a love for a good shindig, then today’s intimate outdoor wedding is for you! Because when Kelsey & Joe planned their big day they knew they wanted two things: an intimate celebration surrounded by those they love and a relaxed dinner party feel to their reception……is it just me or does that sound like the perfect wedding?

From the prettiest palette of pinks (just wait until you see the mismatched bridesmaids), to the wonderful ceremony in front of a DIY Crate backdrop (so much lovelier than it may sound), and the relaxed courtyard reception complete with signature cocktails, cigar bar, dessert table & popcorn bar; everything about their wedding shouts Paaaarty! And was designed to create the most fabulous and fun evening for them and their nearest and dearest.

Before I share all these gorgeous details with you, I am going to hand you over to Tina of Loveridge Photography, who was there to capture it all, for a few words about the lovely couple and their day….. “I believe marriage is committing to help each other become more of who you already are in the best possible ways. From the short time I got to spend with these two I think they are amazing at this and it comes so natural to them. You can tell that when they are with each other they are comfortable to be fully themselves and fully for the other person. It was a beautiful day of celebrating at the Grace Maralyn. I hope these images do it justice.”

Bride Kelsey tells us a little more about their wedding planning journey “Making the big decisions about our wedding was pretty easy once we decided on location. We live in Southern California but decided to get married in Atascadero, California. We love the Central Coast and through our many visits there, we knew that was the place to have our big day. By happenstance, I did a quick search on VRBO just to see what kind of estates were in the area and that’s when we found The Grace Maralyn Estates.”

I love a good first look and these portraits are exactly why…..

If you’re planning a first look just remember 3 things – find a lovely location, remember to tell your photographer and have your makeup artist on hand for after – to fix any tear stains!

“For the reception, we didn’t do a traditional head table. We sat by ourselves at a sweetheart table while the bridal party sat with their partners at different tables. One of my favorite pieces of decor from the wedding would have to be the vintage 1920s settee that my, now, husband got for me as a valentine’s day gift. We wanted the dinner to have a dinner party atmosphere, which is why we chose to have heavy tray passed hors d’oeuvres from Zest It Up all night instead of a traditional sit down meal. We did not want the night to end. Everything was so perfect.”

I love this idea…… such a wonderful alternative to a traditional guestbook!

Hmm a vegetable platter has never looked so good!!…..

And instead of favours, the couple had a Cigar Bar where cigars were hand rolled to order by The Boss Cigars…..

And it wasn’t just wedding cake the guests were served with in the evening, how delish does a popcorn bar sound??

Pearls of Wedding Wisdom from the Bride…..

“Advice for future brides would be to not get caught up in little details. Like if you get a snag on your dress or your tables aren’t dressed EXACTLY how you imagined, don’t sweat it. No one even knows that anything went awry half the time and you won’t remember those little details 40 years from now. You’ll just remember what an absolutely perfect day it was when you married the love of you life.”

Many congratulations to the happy couple Kelsey & Joe! And huge thanks to their lovely photographer Tina at Loveridge Photography who did the most wonderful job of capturing all the gorgeous details as well as the smiles, love and joy that filled their day. These are just a few of my favourite captures, so if you want to see more, pop across to her blog here. Or if you would like to see more of her beautiful work, why not head over to her website loveridgephotography.com, and you will find her on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

And if this romantic rustic-vintage wedding only whet your appetite, why not take a peek at this modern vintage delight and its elegant barn reception, or this oh-so-romantic Spring celebration, and you definitely won’t want to miss this delightful destination wedding! You will find all of these, and lots more beautifully inspiring weddings, by clicking here.

Amy

x

Lighting & Entertainment ~ DJ Malik, Why These Coyotes & Kimera