I can only begin to imagine what it is like for a planner who spends her days scheming and plotting for other brides-to-be to step into her clients shoes for her own big day. Overwhelming, perhaps? So many choices when you’ve seen it all! Not for Bre of Joyful Weddings. With a good head on her shoulders, she pushed away all the pressure and decided to stay true to her roots – her childhood home. With a family filled with craftsmen, every little detail was handmade, including all fourty-two farm tables! Needless to say, Bre’s day went on without a hitch and the gorgeous imagery by Lane Dittoe proves it. See every last pretty photograph right here. Dang this girl is good!
From the Bride… Since I was a little girl, I have dreamed of my wedding day. Now, weddings are a part of my life as I find pure joy sharing in my client’s special day. This wedding, on the other hand, was much different as I experienced it from the perspective of the bride. Both Kyle and I grew up in small towns in Northern California, so it made perfect sense to head home for our wedding. Sitting 45 minutes West of Lake Tahoe, my quaint little town of Placerville was the ideal location to us. It is famed for Gold Country and portrays a very rustic elegance. Staying true to our beginnings, we incorporated soft and pretty touches with the natural woods and historical pieces, to represent our style and roots.
Working in the wedding world, I tried to put aside all the hustle and bustle, outside pressures and simply make it a day representing us. My favorite vendors were in Southern California, so it was a tremendous honor that they would make the trek up North. From the light capturing, timeless photos of Lane Dittoe, Modern Bouquet’s (Hannah) soft and elegant flowers, DJ Flo with Kik Entertainment, to Courtney Toney from Joyful Joyful Designs stepping in as the day of planner, the wedding was truly a day of overflowing generosity and love. Of course, we had to have a Sweet and Saucy item as well! So, the ladies were kind enough to box up the cake as it had to survive the 10 hour car ride. Kyle is the biggest San Francisco Giants fan south of the Embarcadero, so he was so thrilled when he saw the Giant’s Groom’s Cake made especially for him!
Getting married at home and the house my father built, carried tremendous significance to me. This was the property where I was raised with my siblings, a beautiful place to grow up: building tree forts, outdoor adventures and swimming in the lake. It was such an incredible sacrifice and gift from my parents to open the property up for our wedding. The wedding was completely a family affair…when two contractors kids decide to marry, everything becomes just another project. My dad built 42 farm tables with the help of my uncle, the grand entrance, and even worked with the local blacksmith in Coloma to brand our logo into the stumps & fruit lugs outlining the ceremony site. Together our dads built the ladder chuppah for us to be married under. My mom and aunt compiled many treasures and started Forever Vintage Rentals several months prior to the wedding so we had a vast array of historical finds. They even provided an old wash tub for Kyle and I to wash each others feet as part of the ceremony. Kyle’s mom skillfully sewed beautiful lace runners, my garter, bridesmaids belts and custom napkins with our own monogram. My sister created the dried cotton boutonnieres as a gift to the often “allergic to flowers” groom and my Grandfather officiated the ceremony. Kyle’s dad collected numerous old palettes and built the fencing outdoors on our lawn creating an indoor barn atmosphere for the reception.
As a planner, one of my pet peeves is when guests go straight to the reception without enjoying a cocktail hour; so…although the idea seemed a bit crazy, we loved the palette fencing outdoors! It allowed the reception space to stay clear until dinner was served. We wanted our guests to experience the same down home meal around the farm table that was such a part of our childhood. The table was always open to whoever wanted to join us for dinner. From all the support from our family and friends, the wedding day was such a celebration of marriage. It was a dream come true defined by the humble expression of our faith, our families and the blessing of each other’s love.
Wedding Photography: Lane Dittoe Photography / Digital Photography: Rhonda Piper Photography (Bride’s Aunt) / Wedding Venue: Leaning Tree Lodge in Placerville, California / Wedding Design + Planning: Bride, Owner of Joyful Weddings and Events / Floral Design: Modern Bouquet / Cotton Boutonnieres: Bride’s Sister, Olivia Nelson / Wedding Cinematography: Austin Duarte / Wedding Catering: El Dorado Roasting Company / Wedding Cake + Giant’s Groom’s Cake: Sweet and Saucy Shop / Desserts: Sugar Lilies Bakery + Chelsey Chamberlain / Gelato: Zia’s Gelato / Espresso Bar: A Whole Latte Love / Wedding Stationery: Cole Miller with Jacob Tyler / Invitation Suite: Bride / DJ: Kik Entertainment / Banners: Joyful Joyful Designs / Rentals: Forever Vintage Rentals / Bride’s Dress: Justin Alexander (Dress #8558) via D’Angelo Couture Bridal / Bride’s Shoes: Kate Spade + Nike Free / Bride’s Jewelry + Flower Girl Attire: H&M / Wedding Party Attire: Forever 21 / Hair + Makeup: Amy Gaines (Bridesmaid)
