Saddlerock Ranch is well known around these SMP parts and we always love seeing how each couple makes it unique and all their own. Photographed gorgeously by Jillian Bisinger Modern Photography, this wedding was inspired by Claude Monet’s paintings and has a beautiful mix of colors and textures. And we’re totally loving that the bride DIYed all the printed materials herself. How cool are those wood veneer invites?! Click here for even more.
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From Jillian of … With its natural beauty and secluded rustic charm, Saddlerock Ranch has become one of the most popular venues for Los Angeles weddings. Chateau Le Dome is the hilltop overlooking the vineyards on the ranch. The Chateau itself is an octagonal stone house set on a manicured lawn with 360 degree views of the property and the surrounding hills of Malibu. One of the fun attractions of Saddlerock Ranch is the collection of exotic animals that find their home in the fields and stables around the property (American buffalo, Scottish highlanders, camels, zebras, llamas, sheep, peacocks and, of course, horses). The bride and groom worked together with their photographer, Jillian Bisinger, to include the animals as a way to lighten the mood of their portraits. Also incorporated were some of the signature settings around the property: “The Giant Yellow Frame,” “The Door to Nowhere” and the vintage Airstream trailers of “Camp Cabernet.” The bride wanted a festive, happy, Claude Monet-like palette of dusty pinks, soft greens, powdery blues and ivory accents that would look fun and elegant against the natural beauty of our surroundings.
The overall look for centerpieces was an informal mix and match. The bride wanted each table to stand alone as it’s own masterpiece. Again, Monet was the inspiration, using a collage of colors, lots of silver, glass and of course, florals! Low centerpieces were chosen so guests could see and talk to each other easily during dinner. Six foot banquet tables were arranged in clusters to keep things from feeling too formal. Pint-sized mason jars in antique blue were used as vases and gave a nod to the groom’s southern roots. A chandelier hung from the center of the center of arch and was wired to light up so the ceremony site could still be seen from up the hill as the party continued throughout the night. All print materials were designed, printed, stitched, stamped and assembled solely by the bride (a labor of love and a massive DIY undertaking). The invitations were printed on thick wood veneer using a graphic that was purchased from Holly and Henry on Etsy. Envelopes were handmade from rolls of kraft paper that were cut and stamped with clear embossing ink, then heat embossed with clear embossing powder with a wood grain stamp all over. The treated paper was then folded into an envelope and glued together in such a way so that the wood grain pattern would run diagonally. Invitations were wrapped in bakers twine with a weathered map of the event location. Maps were made of natural cotton muslin.
Guests gathered on the scenic hill overlooking the vineyards to watch Margaret and John exchange their vows. The 360 degree panoramic views of the Conejo and San Fernando Valleys provided the perfect backdrop for the sunset ceremony and cocktail hour that followed. Margaret used her wedding dress as inspiration when creating the cake with one of Los Angeles’ most popular cake designers: Vanilla Bake Shop. Ruffles on the cake echoed the soft rippled flowers of the dress. To add contrast, the ruffles were dusted in silver and accented with soft pink flowers. Two flavors of cake represented the bride and groom’s individual tastes: “Chocolate Southern Banana Pudding” for his and “Vanilla Cake with Lemon Raspberry Passionfruit Filling” for her.
Wedding Photography: Jillian Bisinger Modern Photography / Wedding Venue: Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu, California / Event Coordination: Hustle & Bustle / Floral Design: The Flower Lab / Wedding Cake: Vanilla Bake Shop / Wedding Invitations: DIY / Wedding Invitation Graphic: Holly and Henry / Wedding Dress: Amsale / Hair + Makeup: Chiali Meng / Groom’s Suit: Giorgio Armani / Matron of Honor’s (The Bride’s Sister) Dress: Carmen Marc Valvo Couture / Mother of the Bride’s Dress: Mark & James / Ring Bearer’s (Bride’s Nephew) Knicker Set: DapperLads
