Smell that? It’s the smell of crisp, fresh mountain air. And it’s seeping from these photos along with an immense amount of wedding inspiration. Yosemite National Park is the grandiose setting for today’s forest wedding by Kate Whelan Events. The majestic mountain backdrop for Steven and Lisa’s ceremony is complete paradise, isn’t it? And did you see him? The unexpected guest at the wedding? Yes, Mr. Deer! Just adorable. More details I adore from this wedding include the elegant black bridesmaid dresses, the tall luscious centerpieces and…oh my, that ring! More rustic wedding inspiration from this forest wedding can be found here. xoxo Chantale from La Belle Bride
You can see the rest of this glamorous mountain affair in the galleries
The story of today’s wedding: When Steven proposed to Lisa at the top of a waterfall in while hiking in Yosemite National Park, they knew they must return to get married amidst some of the most amazing surroundings Northern California has to offer. The regal and historic Ahwahnee Hotel, where even Queen Elizabeth II herself came to visit, became the backdrop to this rustic chic celebration. In fact, the very same waterfall would become the backdrop to their actual wedding ceremony.
Lisa worked closely with Kate Whelan Events to design the wedding of her dreams – we anchored the jewel-toned color palette to the rustic aesthetic of the Ahwahnee by utilizing an Ikat pattern throughout many of the details; a testament to Lisa’s love of interior design and it’s current trends. Lisa created DIY hand sewn satin rosettes for each place setting, and Kate custom-designed menus and programs with an Ikat print that mimicked the fabric wrapped vases and escort card table runner.
Lisa also commissioned bespoke walnut stationery Luxecut™ escort cards and table numbers (to later be used for future birthday cake toppers in an eco-friendly way). A calligrapher hand wrote each guests’ name on the cards in white ink, while the table numbers were embedded into the centerpieces. For the tall centerpieces, moss vines were intertwined with moss balls, and fuchsia and purple blooms accented the curle willow branches. The short centerpieces were a cluster of square vases covered in Ikat fabric and filled with fuchsia peonies and purple anemone, surrounded by creamy pillar candles and textural moss balls.
Photography: Sarah Maren Photography / Flowers: Natalie Galasso Designs / Event Planning and Design: Kate Whelan Events™ / Ceremony and Reception Location: The Ahwahnee at Yosemite National Park / Invitations: Designed by a friend of the Bride / Escort Cards & Table Numbers: Luxecuts™ / Menus & Programs: KME Paperie by Kate Miller Events™ / Calligraphy: The Calligraphy Girl / Shoes: Cole Haan / Dress: Monique Lhuillier / Hair and Makeup: Article Salon & Spa / Groom’s Suit: Ferragamo / DJ: Exquisite Entertainment / Linens: La Tavola Linen / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / Videographer: Red Plate Productions