In the scheme of wedding weekends, rehearsal dinners are a pretty big deal. They set the tone for everything to follow, and give couples a chance to shake those jitters before the Big Day. And this Ojai Valley Inn affair? Well, it’s the kind of rehearsal I’d die to attend. Mostly because Merryl Brown Events and Mindy Rice were the masterminds behind every rustic-inspired detail, and Elizabeth Messina was there to capture it all. And if you think this is awesome, just wait until you see the real wedding coming up next!
From Merryl Brown Events... Rustic, dusty and muted tones filled the old red barn at the Ojai Valley Inn with a charming old world elegance through the use of beautiful textiles, open organic flowers and a dappling of flickering candles. This was truly a welcoming and unexpected detour for a barn that frequently displays a country “barn party” look. Vignettes composed of chic linen sofas and oversized linen chairs were arranged in areas that beckoned guests to sit down and take in the surrounding energy with a favorite cocktail in hand! Billowing curtains, sewn from yards and yards of earthy toned linen were pulled back with dramatic floral sashes, giving the barn a fresh and lovely look. Diner was served at a collection of round and rectangular dining tables draped in lovely soft green woven textiles and English floral La Tavola linens, creating an eclectic and wonderful late spring look. Music played all evening long and then kicked into high gear on the hand-painted dance floor while ice cream sundaes were served from a rustic wooden table, along with footed mugs of steaming coffee. This rehearsal dinner was a glorious way to kick off an epic wedding weekend!
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Photography: Elizabeth Messina | Design and Production: Merryl Brown Events | Draping, Furniture and Décor: Rrivre Works Inc. | Floral Design + Decor: Mindy Rice | Venue: Red Barn at Ojai Valley Inn & Spa | Linens: La Tavola Linen | Vintage Plate Rental: Vintage Vault | DJ: Mike Ober | Sound + Lighting: 721 Productions | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals | Painted Dance Floor: Maryvonne La Parliere | Bride’s Dress: Claire Pettibone | Baby’s Dress: Etsy