Healdsburg is such a little pocket of gorgeous in California and is the perfect spot for a wedding like this. You know the kind – charming nuptials infused with the loveliest organic touches and an air of casual cool all set to a really romantic backdrop like Barndiva. And then you add in stunning greenery and florals by Dragonfly Floral with a moss-covered ampersand to boot and we’ve been signed, sealed, delivered off to la la land. Matt Edge Wedding Photography snapped one stinkin breathtaking image after another and hip, hip hooray for galleries because we’ve got the whole fabulous affair right here!
Click here to see the entire gallery of images!
From the Bride…Seth & I met in Tucson, AZ and after a year of long distance, we found ourselves together in San Francisco. Our proposal was as low-key as the wedding planning process was: just the two of us in our apartment.We initially wanted a barn wedding, but without the Bay Area barn wedding price. Being a full-time student with little free time and a moderate budget, I knew I needed to find a venue that was outstanding on its own without needing too many added elements. We found that in Barndiva, about an hour and a half north of San Francisco in the heart of Sonoma County’s wine county. The charming, modern-yet-vintage restaurant stole our hearts during our first visit, but it was the back garden and dining area that really sealed the deal. Little details like an old library card catalog on the back porch, wrought iron weather vanes, and strings of twinkling white lights made the venue seem as if it were made just for us! Not only is it a “barn”, but it’s a modern take on the old barn wedding.
Because we met in the desert, I knew that succulents and other arid-weather plants were going to be an important component that allowed me to keep my color focus on neutral, natural colors such as grey, green, ivory, and dusty yellow. DIY was the name of the game when it came to decorations and details. In lieu of table cards, I painted individual names on 3 large, old window panes that we found at the Alameda Flea Market. I was inspired by a few “mad lib”cards on Etsy and fashioned my own. I printed out copies for everyone on my home computer and used them instead of a traditional guest book (great way to save money!). From making the moss-covered monogram and ampersand to cutting old maps of the Bay Area for seating cards,my best piece of advice is to start projects MUCH earlier than you’d think! Even the small project of covering our initials with decorative paper took hours longer than originally expected-not to mention the time it takes to shop around for good deals on paper, glue, etc.- it’s a time-consuming process.
Our short-and-sweet ceremony was performed in the back garden of Barndiva by owner Lukka and the sun peeked through the grey skies right after The Mighty Chiplings finished playing the processional song “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles. The cocktail hour moved next door to Studio Barndiva where guests were able to enjoy eclectic art pieces (another money saver-no need to decorate this space!) before everyone was whisked to the back garden dining space. Magical arches lit up with tiny white lights as guests dined on filet mignon and pan-seared halibut. We chose not to have musicians during the dinner hour, instead enjoying the clinking of glasses and laughter from the guests to serve as background music. Bonnie at Dragonfly Floral used beautiful succulents and other local floral from her 6-acre flower farm less than a mile from the venue. Being able to utilize local vendors not only cut down on delivery and travel costs, but it made the event much more personal and special. The night finished with a bang as everyone danced the night away to the most amazing cover band HIP Service.
All of the time and effort spent on the many DIY projects definitely paid off and we are still getting compliments on all of the little details. The overall mood was completely relaxed and we can’t wait to go back to Barndiva for our one-year anniversary!
Wedding Photography: Matt Edge Wedding Photography / Venue: Barndiva / Wedding Dress: Lea Ann Belter via Clarissa Bridal / Hair + Make-up: The Traveling Stylist, Amy Perdigone / Bride’s Earrings: Nadri via Nordstrom / Bridesmaid Dresses: J.Crew / Bridesmaid Jewelry: Katie B. Design Shop / Groom + Groomsmen Suits: J.Crew / Groom + Groomsmen Ties: Brooks Brothers / Floral Design: Dragonfly Floral / Invitations: Hello! Lucky / Calligraphy: Beacon Lane / Custom Address Stamp: Emililies / Vintage Paper Straws: The Gray Goose / Wooden Clothespins: Honey Can Do / Additional Paper: Paper Source / Guest Book “Mad Libs”, Monogram, Table Number Window: DIY / Wedding Cake + Desserts: Barndiva / Cake Topper: Vintage (bride’s grandparents’) / Officiant: Lukka Feldman of Barndiva / Bride + Groom Rings: Cresalia Jewelers / Ceremony + Cocktail Music: The Mighty Chiplings / Reception Music: HIP Service