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Southern California ranch wedding: Desiree + Michael

September 23, 2014
Southern California ranch wedding | Photo by Ashley Kelemen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=79005

Who doesn’t love to see a slew of pretty bridesmaids dresses on the blog? For their ranch wedding, TV post supervisors D + M went for “whimsical vintage romantic” – which is just what Desiree dreamed up on Pinterest. Their theme really took off when they enlisted Blush Botanicals for florals, and created sweetest dessert bar ever. Thanks to Ashley Kelemen Photography, who these guys chose for the soft, romantic film photos.

Southern California ranch wedding | Photo by Ashley Kelemen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=79005 Southern California ranch wedding | Photo by Ashley Kelemen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=79005 Southern California ranch wedding | Photo by Ashley Kelemen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=79005

And the floral goodness begins…

Southern California ranch wedding | Photo by Ashley Kelemen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=79005 Southern California ranch wedding | Photo by Ashley Kelemen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=79005 Southern California ranch wedding | Photo by Ashley Kelemen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=79005 Southern California ranch wedding | Photo by Ashley Kelemen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=79005 Southern California ranch wedding | Photo by Ashley Kelemen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=79005

Desiree always dreamed of getting married under a gorgeous old tree like the one they found at Rancho Bernardo Inn. They also loved that RBI has a beautiful ballroom and the guests could stay all weekend.

Southern California ranch wedding | Photo by Ashley Kelemen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=79005 Southern California ranch wedding | Photo by Ashley Kelemen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=79005

A friend suggested they take a selfie during the ceremony, but here’s what happened: Right after Mike smashed the glass, I was distracted, expecting him to get his cell phone out and do the selfie. Instead he grabbed me (to my surprise) and swooped me over for our first kiss. It was perfect. Once he stood me back up, he took out his camera and snapped a shot of us and all our guests in the background. Props to the groom on that one!

Southern California ranch wedding | Photo by Ashley Kelemen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=79005 Southern California ranch wedding | Photo by Ashley Kelemen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=79005 Southern California ranch wedding | Photo by Ashley Kelemen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=79005 Southern California ranch wedding | Photo by Ashley Kelemen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=79005 Southern California ranch wedding | Photo by Ashley Kelemen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=79005 Southern California ranch wedding | Photo by Ashley Kelemen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=79005 Southern California ranch wedding | Photo by Ashley Kelemen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=79005 Southern California ranch wedding | Photo by Ashley Kelemen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=79005

Honestly, has there ever been a more elegant tablescape than this?!

Southern California ranch wedding | Photo by Ashley Kelemen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=79005 Southern California ranch wedding | Photo by Ashley Kelemen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=79005 Southern California ranch wedding | Photo by Ashley Kelemen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=79005 Southern California ranch wedding | Photo by Ashley Kelemen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=79005 Southern California ranch wedding | Photo by Ashley Kelemen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=79005

Pretty little macarons on the dessert bar…

Southern California ranch wedding | Photo by Ashley Kelemen | Read more - http://www.100layercake.com/blog/?p=79005

The bride’s favorite moment: Just as my parents and I were making our way down the aisle, a leaf got caught in the train of my dress, resulting in a little “scccrrrp” sound every time I walked. I couldn’t do much at the time since everyone was staring at me. I whispered to my parents “Do you hear that stupid leaf?!” They did and all three of us were giggling until we finally made it to the grass where it was silenced. It definitely kept me from bawling my eyes out as I came down the aisle! My other favorite moment was during the ceremony when Mike and I would look at each other with intense love and respect. The light was pouring in through the trees in the most beautiful way. I wanted to remember that moment forever.

And the groom’s: One of my favorite moments came at the end of the night when the “after party” ended up at one of the Jacuzzis on the hotel grounds. Desiree didn’t want to change out of her wedding dress just yet, (she wanted to wear it as long as possible), so we both showed up in suit and gown. She plopped herself into an armed pool chair with her big dress billowing over the sides. Next thing I know, she’d got a bottle of champagne in one hand and a cigar in the other. I smiled to myself and said, “That’s my wife!”

PS: If you love Ashley’s photos, see her in our vendor guide!

Photographer: Ashley Kelemen Photography / Photo Assistant: Jen Wojcik / Videographer: Alumiq Productions / Venue & Catering: Rancho Bernardo Inn / Event Planner: Cara North of Luxe Events / Floral Design & Flower Crown: Blush Botanicals / Hair & Makeup Artist: Kristi Colby of The Makeup Box / Invitation designer: Merrimint Designs / Cake: Vallee d’Brume / Desserts: Sweet Lydia’s / Band: Bonnie Foster Productions / Film Lab: Indie Film Lab / Bride’s Dress: Pronovias from Pebbles Bridal in Woodland Hills / Veil: David’s Bridal / Engagement Band: Robbin’s Brothers / Groom’s Suit: Jos. A Bank / Shoes: Nordstrom / Tie: Burberry / Cufflinks: Grandfather’s / Bridesmaids’ Earrings: J. Crew