Ultimate wedding & party destination since 2009

Rustic California ranch wedding

March 7, 2016
Volkswagen wedding portrait

You can imagine how owning a vintage VW van might be a conversation starter, yeah? And that people would probably want to use it in various shoots and such? Turns out this van is the groom’s, and Danielle Poff Photography had already shot it once before for a wedding editorial. So when it came time to find a photographer, she quickly came to mind. Major bonus that they love her work and felt super comfortable with her behind the camera. Don’t you love those years-in the-making kinda decisions? Onto the pics…

Volkswagen wedding portrait

Bride portrait Wedding party portrait Bridesmaids portrait

Color palette for modern rustic elegance: blush, navy, gold, white, and greenery

(Btw, the elegant theme was actually a budget saver, because it means lots of clean lines and simplicity!)

Invitation suite Wedding rings Bridal jewelry Bridal portrait Groomsmen portrait California wedding ceremony California wedding ceremony

That romantic ceremony arch? Kasem made it along with all the wood signage and centerpiece boxes. Plus, Brittany’s brother whipped up the table number cards, seating chart sign, and graphic design. Did we mention that all the floral was DIY by friends and fam too? Well done, team!

Bridal bouquet California wedding ceremony California wedding portrait Groom's attire

Brittany’s Martina Liana gown is made of ivory lace + champagne silk with a long train, and she had it altered to be a bit more fitted, giving it a subtle mermaid silhouette… Such a good move!

Bridesmaids bouquet Rustic California wedding Wedding florals Rustic wedding tablescape Gold candle holder Rustic wedding tablescape

Brittany says, We were looking for a barn, and fell in love with thousand hills because of its beautiful surroundings. Set back in the country on a private gated road, lush green hills and trees made for a beautiful backdrop. The large groomed lawn with trees was a great ceremony spot just walking distance for our guests to the reception. Not to mention, the owners of the ranch are wonderful people to work with and made the process smooth. 

Gold wedding decor Rustic California wedding reception Wedding cake Rustic wedding signage Wedding desserts
  • Bridesmaids portrait
  • Wedding portrait
  • Wedding dress
  • Betsy Johnson wedding shoes
  • Wedding portrait
  • View More

On planning a wedding with 200 guests… The biggest hurdle to us was the small details such as decorations and minute things that we would forget about. Making decisions on decor without knowing exactly how it was all going to come together in our big venue space. Our advice would be to take a day here and there to get away from the stress of planning and spend time doing something fun (we took a day trip up to Big Sur with friends) and try to avoid doing anything wedding-related that day. It helped us to clear our minds!

Congratulations!

Photographer: Danielle Poff Photography / Venue & Rentals: Thousand Hills Ranch in Pismo Beach, CA / Event Coordination: Monica of Buonasera Events / Bride’s Hair: Jessi Skipton / Bridesmaids’ Hair: Brit Tarr / Bride’s Makeup: Megan Navongsy / Bridesmaids’ Makeup: Megan Navongsy & Dannika Nichole / Florist: Family Friend Donna Peitzmeier / Invitations: Shine Wedding Invitations / Cake: Bride’s Mother / Donuts: SLO Donut Company / Linens: Purchased from Linen Tablecloth & CV Linens / Candelabras: e2designworks / Bride’s Dress: Martina Liana from Lovella Bridal in Glendale, CA / Bride & Bridesmaids’ Shoes: Blue by Betsey Johnson / Necklace: Dainty Co / Bridal Sash: Lola & Madison / Earrings: Gift from Father / Groom & Groomsmen Suits: ASOS / Shoes: ASOS / Ties: True Dapper / Shirt: Calvin Klein / Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal, Vera Wang, ASOS / Monique Lhuillier / Adrianna Papell, BHLDN / Flower Girl’s Dress: Sweet Kids