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Rustic winter wedding in Oak Glen, CA

November 3, 2017
Rustic winter wedding in Oak Glen, CA

Did you all peruse yesterday’s rustic fall wedding? So gorg! Lindsay + Matt planned own their lush winter wedding in California from their new home in Idaho. Matt is a baseball player who spends a lot of time away too, so they had their share of long distance planning to take on. Luckily, the talented crew at A Good Affair totally got what they were going for and as you’ll see in the photos by Isaiah & Taylor Photography, it was warm, intimate, and pretty darn magical.

Rustic winter wedding in Oak Glen, CA Rustic winter wedding in Oak Glen, CA Rustic winter wedding in Oak Glen, CA Rustic winter wedding in Oak Glen, CA

Their love story, as told by our bride… We were both going to school in Riverside, CA when we met in January of 2011. We became fast friends and everyone around us could tell that there was something special going on—before we even knew it ourselves. After graduation, we went on our first date and for a few months enjoyed the bliss of being in love and being out of school, going on countless adventures together while living about 60 miles apart. The following year Matt left for his first professional baseball season. Since that time he has played for many teams in many places, giving us both space to grow and pursue our careers independently and together, and giving us a great excuse to explore new parts of the world. We even got engaged in Melbourne, Australia on Christmas Eve 2016 during a winter season he was playing there.

Rustic winter wedding in Oak Glen, CA Rustic winter wedding in Oak Glen, CA Rustic winter wedding in Oak Glen, CA

Isn’t Lindsay’s Rita Vinieris gown so stunning for winter? It’s got a low cut silk bodice with delicate lace up each side, forming the shoulders and wrapping around the back, and layers of tulle sweep the bottom.

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Hot cocoa, don’t mind if we do.

Rustic winter wedding in Oak Glen, CA Rustic winter wedding in Oak Glen, CA Rustic winter wedding in Oak Glen, CA

I initially had a really hard time trying to put what I wanted into words, even when Matt and I were brainstorming. Eventually we decided that while we couldn’t put our finger on specific design elements or trends, we knew exactly how we wanted to feel and how we wanted our guests to feel that day. We knew what we wanted an environment of warmth and personality, and wanted our guests to feel special and close to us. We wanted to embrace the winter wedding vibe without it feeling like a Christmas themed wedding. We shared those things with our Natalie of A Good Affair and her team. Having a wedding in December and us having asked for an organic, lush, and rustic feel, definitely put them to the test.

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One of Lindsay’s fave moments was walking into the reception area after the wedding (can you blame her?!) because it was all of those feelings she + Matt initially couldn’t put into words.

Rustic winter wedding in Oak Glen, CA Rustic winter wedding in Oak Glen, CA Rustic winter wedding in Oak Glen, CA Rustic winter wedding in Oak Glen, CA

Kay, who here just *has* to whip up a holiday tablescape inspired by their wedding this month?! Would be so warm and inviting.

Rustic winter wedding in Oak Glen, CA Rustic winter wedding in Oak Glen, CA

The day was so saturated with details that it was impossible not to be present, to soak it in and to savor every single minute. Looking back, there is nothing we would change or do differently: The first look, something we initially waffled on quite a bit for fear that it would take away from the ceremony, turned out to be one of the best suggestions Natalie gave us. It allowed us to have time together that was our own and freed up space in the rest of the day’s timeline so we weren’t rushed. Having our Great Dane walk our nieces down the aisle and sit in the front row was perfect. Our officiant surprising us with a reading of 1 Corinthians, and us both busting out laughing at the Wedding Crasher reference, was unplanned and hilarious. The custom donut and hot chocolate bar, magic. A stone fireplace and blankets for all of our guests, wonderful for a breezy night. A burger truck surprising the guests with a late night snack, much needed after hours of dancing!

Wedding day perfection, much? Cheers to Lindsay + Matt!

See their wedding film by Lighthouse Studios here.

Photography: Isaiah & Taylor Photography / Videography: Lighthouse Studios / Venue & Catering: Serendipity Garden Weddings in Oak Glen, CA / Planning & Design: A Good Affair, Wedding & Event Production / Hair & Makeup: Beach Bridal Beauty / Cake: Muffin Top Bakery / Hors D’Oeuvres: Crayons Catering / Late Night Snacks: TK Burgers / Furniture: Found Vintage Rentals  / Linens: Wildflower Linens / Ceremony Musician: Denny White / DJ: Elevated Pulse Productions / Bride’s Dress: Rita Vinieris from Bella Bianca Bridal in Oakbrook, IL / Shoes: Betsey Johnson / Veil: Rita Vinieris / Groom’s Bowtie: Nordstrom