We are back with another dose of genius from Jose Villa and with Fall at our doorsteps, this just might be the perfect inspiration for all of you Fall brides. Hearty autumnal colors, cozy rustic details, and the loveliest apple place cards. Not to mention a dapper little ring bearer that is beyond precious. All in all, this a job magnificently done by a team of rockstar vendors as well as a really talented bride who designed all of the gorgeous paper goods AND created a magical event full of family touches. See even more loveliness in the gallery.
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More from the Bride…
The creative photography: Jose Villa and his team captured the day just perfectly and were such a treat to work with. One of my highlights was just walking through the fields with Sam around dusk to take pictures… it was so surreal. We were not planning on doing video when we started planning. However, it was one of those things that I didn’t want to regret not doing later. When we learned my grandma wasn’t going to be able to make the trip, it put me over the edge. I was so unbelievably glad we did! We really wanted more of an art piece to capture not just the day, but also the “spirit” of the day. Gina at Lola Video created the most beautiful piece — we couldn’t be happier. And the best part… we were able to show the video to my “Noni.”
The music (and the banjo): As you can imagine, with “banjo” on our checklist, we wanted to find a bluegrass band that could bring the party. We had heard the Clumsy Lovers play before and knew they could ‘rouse a dance floor… and boy, did they ever! I don’t think there was a set of feet that wasn’t stomping, twirling, and dancing! The natural flowers: As a lover of all things vintage and mismatched, I wanted the flowers and arrangements to feel as though they’d been freshly picked and placed at a family farm table. Camille of Modern Day Design was so amazing to work with and translated this vision into the most creative and beautiful arrangements. Her use of funky tins and jars, lanterns and wooden boxes, gorgeous fall colors and textures truly delighted! My request to her for my bouquet… “long stems!”
The fun little details (and the booze): My mom and really enjoyed collecting vintage and eclectic odds and ends and did a few DIY projects like making a chalkboard sign that we moved around throughout the night, tin can luminaries, and a bocce ball scoreboard. We used a variety of table linens – red and white damask, vintage floral, even burlap and my grandma’s lace tablecloths. We had guests take Polaroids with a message on a chalkboard during the cocktail hour to include in a guest book. The sentimental and personal details however were the most meaningful. I wore the gold and pearl starburst necklace that both my mom and my “Noni” wore in their weddings. I carried my great-grandmother’s handkerchief that bore my namesake and wore a garter my cousins have been passing around to each other. The cake topper was also passed down through three generations. To celebrate my Scandinavian heritage and embrace an old family tradition, we poured guests shots of Aquavit during my dad’s toast. Link arms, “sköl,” drink, and kiss… that’s just the way it’s done!
It was truly a marvelous day. Of course, we were so blessed to have been able to work with such amazing and talented vendors who made it so easy for us to really let go and fully enjoy our wedding day. Planning this wedding from Chicago where we live now, we really had to put our trust and faith into those supporting us. One of my friends gave me a great piece of advice before we got married. She told us to hold hands throughout our wedding so we would always share the same memories. It’s so much fun to reminisce now with Sam and to think back on all the funny, touching, cherished – planned AND unplanned – moments!
Photography: Jose Villa / Venue: Crossroads Estate, Firestone Vineyard, Santa Ynez, California / Videographer: Lola Video / Floral Design: Modern Day Design / Wedding Gown: Vera Wang / Bride’s Shoes: Campbell / Groom’s Suit: Banana Republic / Bridesmaid’s Dresses: J. Crew / Hair and Makeup: LunaBella Makeup and Hair / Invitations and Programs: Designed by Bride – Pulp & Pixel, printed by AccuColor / Calligraphy: Write by Mike / Ceremony Music: Jason Sulkin / Reception Band: The Clumsy Lovers / Caterer: Duo Events / Wedding Cake: Solvang Bakery / Coordinator: Robin Sonner (no website) / Officiant: Jono Shaffer
