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Celestial-inspired rustic barn wedding at Olympia’s Valley Estate in Petaluma, CA

October 9, 2017
Petaluma farm wedding

If you’ve got a wedding theme in mind but are wary of going *too* over the top, look no further than Emily + Dean’s celestial-inspired wedding at Olympia’s Valley Estate. It. Is. Magic. Emily has always been drawn to the moon and stars, so they wanted to incorporate the night sky without it feeling too forced or theme-y. With Lee Brown behind the lens and Lisa of Bravo Events as their planner, we think you’ll agree that their wedding was such a thoughtful representation of a super special theme:

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Instead of going for metallics or silver like one might expect, they chose a natural green + white and pale pink palette. It kept everything organic and subtle, which fit the laidback barn vibe perfectly.

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The whole day was full of DIY elements, like this bouquet charm the bride’s sister created for her.

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Emily says, Dean and I love the outdoors—we knew we weren’t after a ‘wine country’ wedding, nor did we see ourselves inside a big resort. It was important to us to show off the beauty of Northern California to our friends and family—most of whom flew in from Australia or the East Coast for our wedding. Olympia’s Valley Estate is whimsical, charming and comfortable, and at the same time it feels special and grand. The property reflects the occasion of a wedding without anything feeling stuffy. The barn where we had our reception is warm and inviting and with all the strung tea lights it felt like grown up summer camp!

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As for music, it all went with their theme as well—the ceremony began with The Beatles’ Here Comes The Sun, and Dean + his guys came out to Pearl Jam’s Just Breathe. The processional was Cat Stevens’ Moonshadow, to start with the sun and end with the moon. And they made their grand barn entrance to Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen with everyone cheering inside the barn. So fun!

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My mom is a letter press printer at Saltbox Press and she hand letter pressed every paper element for our wedding. Our signature drink cards had crescent moons on them. All our table assignments were named for various constellations; my mom letter-pressed each one. Our signature drink cards had crescent moons on them. A friend of my mom’s painted a gorgeous banner that hung on the barn above our escort cards which read “Yours is the light by which my spirit is born: you are my sun, my moon, and all my stars.” – e.e. cummings. And our invites and escort cards were all hand calligraphed. 

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Dinner under twinkling lights, check!

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Our menus had a beautiful hand letter pressed moon and the wording “Under the light of the Moon…” And Dean and I hand wrote every wedding guest a personal note that was tucked inside their seating assignment—a sweet and unexpected gesture to reflect just how honored we were to have them join us for such an intimate and special occasion. We also had the Aussie and American flags hanging behind our 8-piece band to incorporate the merging of our families.

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The icing on the cake? Their reception was during the peak of the Perseids meteor shower, with clear skies to see the shooting stars. What a magical celebration… Congrats, you two!

Photography: Lee Brown Photography / Venue: Olympia’s Valley Estate / Planner: Lisa of Bravo Events / Flowers: California Sisters / Hair & Makeup: Julie Morris / Invitations, Programs, & Signage: Bride’s Mom, Saltbox Press / Dessert: Haverton Hill Ice Cream Truck / Catering: Sage / Ceremony & Cocktail Hour Music: Ivy Hill Entertainment / Band: KJ & The Allstars / Wedding Dress: Jenny Packham from Marina Morrison in San Francisco / Shoes: Badgely Mischka / Veil: Bride’s Sister’s / Jewelry: Custom & Vintage / Groom’s Suit: Banana Republic / Bridesmaid Dresses: Jenny Yoo / Robes: Sunday Forever