Ultimate wedding & party destination since 2009

California backyard wedding: Robin + Dave

October 16, 2012
Lone Pine, CA desert wedding portraits

Cheers to Robin + Dave for snagging their photographer via our Vendor Request list. We’re always jazzed to hear when couples and photographers find each other through it. And Fondly Forever was the perfect match for R + D’s small, simple and relaxed hometown wedding in Lone Pine, California. With a view of the Sierras you kinda don’t need much decor, but Robin, as obsessed with Pinterest as she is, couldn’t help herself from sneaking in a few pretty DIY details.

J. Crew wedding dress delicate floral headdress and Seychelles shoes

Instead of a veil I wanted to wear a flower crown, something my mom had done at her wedding in 1970. Karen looked at my inspiration and created the perfect curly willow crown with scattered clusters of blooms.

green desert boutonniere J. Crew wedding dress and delicate floral headpiece astilbe, scabiosa, spray roses, feverfew, bridal blush, and sweet peas bouquet

Robin’s sweet bouquet recipe: astilbe, scabiosa, spray roses, feverfew, bridal blush, and sweet peas.

J. Crew wedding dress and John Varvatos groom's suit pastel wedding florals romantic desert wedding portraits delicate floral headpiece cactus wedding ring display colorful chalkboard sign wedding rings nest carrier outdoor backyard wedding guest parasols and fabric garland chalkboard signs and parasol tree hanging vase row of flower vases and candle centerpieces wild lavender

I took the sage, blush, and butter colors of the desert and the lavender blues of the mountains as the palate, and with my amazingly talented floral designer friend Karen Amit we planned the beautiful flowers.

rows of flower vases covered jam guest gifts and a boat beverage cooler twinkle light decor

We wanted to keep the cost low and to have a real homemade feel to everything, so we figured we could do most everything ourselves except the food and photography! We hung the lights, decorated, made itunes playlists for dancing, borrowed and set up the tables and chairs, all with lots of help from family and friends of course!

decorative jar label and delicate rose centerpiece rustic tin can elements and bud vase rabbit couple wedding cake topper backyard wedding reception

My advice would be to plan those extra events! We had everyone at the rehearsal/welcome dinner, and did a pancake breakfast up in the mountains the day after. And even though it’s more to plan on that long list of wedding planning, it’s worth it! It was all such precious time together, even casual things like pizza the night the first people started getting to town and just friends and family hanging out at my parents house, helping set up and clean up, it was so fun! Enjoy that time, let it distract you from the last minute stresses, it’s ok if a few things don’t get done.

Cheers, Robin + Dave!

Photography: Fondly Forever / Cake: Alabama Hills Cafe / Bride’s dress: J.Crew / Shoes: Seychelles / Groom’s suit: John Varvatos / Shoes: vintage / Fox and hare cake topper: MelaboWed / Guestbook: Ampersandink / Wedding rings: custom by Chris Timberlake / Flowers: Karen Amit Floral Design / Catering: Greg McMillan