So as dense as this makes me sound…I fell in love with Ojai from a television show. Brothers and Sisters. I know, I know. We’ve featured Ojai weddings on SMP that would make even the most discerning bride swoon with delight. But it was ABC’s Brothers and Sisters that first got me. That first made me think that there just might be a heaven right here on earth. So when I see a wedding like this next one, photographed to shockingly beautiful perfection by Jessica Lorren, I get that warm and fuzzy feeling all over again, knowing that this kind of beauty is only made more lovely by the incredible backdrop to which it is painted. Oh Ojai. How I love you so. Click here to see even more.
From the Bride… We knew from the beginning that we wanted an outdoor wedding venue that was a rental property so that we could have our family and friends come out and essentially spend an entire weekend with us. This was going to be the first meeting between families so be wanted it to be special. When we stumbled upon The Dent House as a venue option, we got really excited because it was exactly what we were hoping for — a beautiful rustic property with lots of rich history and plenty of room to accommodate our family and our wedding party. The DIY decor took months of thrifting and flea market scouring. I wanted everything to be personal and intimate, eclectic yet simple.
The entire wedding was planned outdoors (because it never rains in California, right?), and we had decided we didn’t need a rain contingency plan. It started to drizzle after the ceremony and when it only got wetter during pictures, I knew we would have to make some major adjustments for the reception. We walked into the main house after photos and all the tables had been moved inside (group effort by our amazing caterer, coordinator and guests), and everyone was eating, family-style, all around the house. A fire was blazing in the fireplace, candelabras were lit — it was so perfect, cozy and intimate. I had put so much planning into the whole day that I was not expecting to be surprised by an amazing se up. It ended up being even more special than we had planned — a perfect celebration.
Wedding Photography: Jessica Lorren Organic Photography / Wedding Venue: The Dent House in Ojai, California / Wedding Coordination: The Bride’s Cousin / Decor: DIY / Catering: Osteria Monte Grappa / Rentals: Amigo Party Rental / Wedding Dress: San Patrick via Little White Dress / Bride’s Sweater: Anthropologie / Bride’s Shoes: J.Crew / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Their Choice / Groom’s Suit: J.Crew / Bow Ties: Xoelle / Rehearsal Dinner Catering: Mobile Taco Man / Bride’s Rehearsal Dinner Dress: Free People