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California ranch wedding: Holly + Jon

January 26, 2012

What you may notice after just a few images of Holly + Jon’s wedding, is there’s no defined “theme”. This wasn’t because of any lack on their part, it was because Holly decided to let go of the whole “wedding colors” topic in the beginning stages of planning. Instead of pining over two colors that went good together, she focused on a palette of several hues (that just so happen to go perfectly with our blog’s design). Start with a palette of soft, dreamy, earth tones and a venue with two beautiful plantation style homes, peach trees, a farm – all at the base of Mt. Diablo and you’ve got a romantic, no-fuss, comfortable California wedding!

minted wedding invitation

They ordered their super cute blush rose invitations from Minted.

Blush wedding dress California ranch wedding

Holly’s bouquet had English Garden roses, Dusty Miller, Jasmine, Dahlias and mini Daisies.

California ranch wedding California ranch wedding

The music:  The boys walked in to Sleepwalk by Santo & Johnny, the girls walked to Perpetuum Mobile by Penguin Café Orchestra and Holly walked to Canon in D. Their recessional song was a great classic 80s jam – Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Tears for Fears. Later, they entered their reception to Renegade by Styx and had their first dance to Let It Be Me by Ray LaMontagne.

California ranch wedding

Vintage brown bottles were a must and Holly was determined to have them everywhere. 2011 was the year of collecting vintage brown bottles at flea markets, antique fairs and thrift stores.

California ranch wedding

For the escort cards they purchased arrow pins from Miniature Rhino and attached them to kraft paper and stamped the table number on them. Easy and cute. Plus, they got to see everyone wearing their pin throughout the night.

California ranch wedding California ranch wedding

Advice from the bride… A note about vendors. Don’t rush when selecting your vendors. Obviously their aesthetic and quality of work is number 1, but chose them how you would chose a friend. Do they respond to you in a reasonable amount of time? Are their responses thoughtful? Meet vendors in person and see if you click with them. If you don’t, move on and keep searching. This will make the whole planning process more enjoyable and those days leading up to the big day you won’t be second guessing anything. And if you can, hire Kate Harrison and Enjoy Events Co.!

Photography: Kate Harrison Photography / Day of coordination: Enjoy Events Co. / Florist: Anne Mendenhall Flowers / Catering: Trumpetvine Catering / Cake: Le Gâteau Élégant / Invitations: Minted / Venue: Mt. Diablo Ranch 925-899-8752 / Makeup: Trish Ward / Bride’s dress: Aire Barcelona by Rosa Clara/ Shoes: Franco Sarto found at a discount shoe store for $40 / Ring: Rivka Friedman blue quartzite ring from Gilt / Earrings + bracelet: Sister in law’s / Groom: J.Crew / Bridesmaids dresses: Alice + Olivia, Madewell, Modcloth, Just Cavalli and vintage