Elegant Rock n' Roll Wedding at Saddlerock Ranch
Rock n'roll and total unabashed beauty don't usually go hand in hand. But then again, you haven't laid your eyes on this wedding. An elegant, al fresco affair tucked into Saddlerock Ranch with details that are fit for the most classic of days yet fully embrace that Rock n'roll side. It's yin and yang designed and floraled by Sweet Emilia Jane with imagery by Bonnie Tsang, See even more right here.
From the Bride... I’m getting emotional just thinking back to our wedding day - as I have every day since September 22, 2012. Jade and I got married in Malibu, California at Saddlerock Ranch atop the bluff overlooking the vineyards. The day was full of personal details that came together to create quite the multi-hyphenated vibe: part rock and roll (Jade is a guitarist/songwriter), part bohemian, part classic. And overall, undoubtedly romantic.
The ceremony was magical. My cousin who came all the way from Israel did us the honor of reading a traditional Jewish marriage blessing in both Hebrew and English. We asked the singer of Jade’s band to read the poem “Air and Angels: One Night Only” by Kenneth Rexroth, which really reflected the power of that moment we were sharing with everyone. My favorite part, though, was the exchange of vows. After the traditional “I do’s”, Jade and I then whispered our own private vows into each others ears, to keep just between us two.
One snafu: Our officiant called in sick two hours before, but thankfully – her husband was also ordained, so he came to the rescue. He did call me “Melissa” during the ceremony, but a chorus of 80 people quickly corrected him!
I certainly learned a lot of DIY skills throughout the planning process: from dyeing the fringe that hung on the ceremony structure, to painstakingly applying letters to the mirrors (and affixing hooks to then actually hang them) to learning Adobe Illustrator to have custom laser-cut signs made. Designing, printing and assembling the invitations was a grueling learning experience that I should have probably left to the professionals in retrospect!
My wedding dress shopping was unconventional. One morning, I was doing my usual online browsing on Shopbop.com and there it was: the one. With free shipping and free returns, I had to try it. It arrived three days later, and fit perfectly. I had every intention of wearing my gown the whole night, but we were having so much fun dancing (especially with my new niece, who is quite an impressive breakdancer!), that I did an impromptu wardrobe change into the beaded "departure" cocktail dress so I could really get down.
All of our vendors all did a wonderful job (with our coordinator, Emilia, even taking on our gorgeous florals!) in helping us create the perfect day that would really reflect our story as a couple. Our music ranged from Screeching Weasel's "Totally" (recessional) to Otis Redding's "For Your Precious Love" (first dance); the vintage postcard guestbook was a nod to Jade touring on the road; and we added custom guitar picks in the succulent favors. Whoa! Nelly created a cheese station (our favorite food) in addition to the delicious courses, and our signature watermelon mojito - "Munch Punch" - was named after our Chihuahua.
Bonnie Tsang’s images really captured the unbelievable beauty and romance of the day. I have no doubt that all of our guests felt the palpable current of love between Jade and me, and how blissful we were to share it with them in return.
The ceremony was magical. My cousin who came all the way from Israel did us the honor of reading a traditional Jewish marriage blessing in both Hebrew and English. We asked the singer of Jade’s band to read the poem “Air and Angels: One Night Only” by Kenneth Rexroth, which really reflected the power of that moment we were sharing with everyone. My favorite part, though, was the exchange of vows. After the traditional “I do’s”, Jade and I then whispered our own private vows into each others ears, to keep just between us two.
One snafu: Our officiant called in sick two hours before, but thankfully – her husband was also ordained, so he came to the rescue. He did call me “Melissa” during the ceremony, but a chorus of 80 people quickly corrected him!
I certainly learned a lot of DIY skills throughout the planning process: from dyeing the fringe that hung on the ceremony structure, to painstakingly applying letters to the mirrors (and affixing hooks to then actually hang them) to learning Adobe Illustrator to have custom laser-cut signs made. Designing, printing and assembling the invitations was a grueling learning experience that I should have probably left to the professionals in retrospect!
My wedding dress shopping was unconventional. One morning, I was doing my usual online browsing on Shopbop.com and there it was: the one. With free shipping and free returns, I had to try it. It arrived three days later, and fit perfectly. I had every intention of wearing my gown the whole night, but we were having so much fun dancing (especially with my new niece, who is quite an impressive breakdancer!), that I did an impromptu wardrobe change into the beaded "departure" cocktail dress so I could really get down.
All of our vendors all did a wonderful job (with our coordinator, Emilia, even taking on our gorgeous florals!) in helping us create the perfect day that would really reflect our story as a couple. Our music ranged from Screeching Weasel's "Totally" (recessional) to Otis Redding's "For Your Precious Love" (first dance); the vintage postcard guestbook was a nod to Jade touring on the road; and we added custom guitar picks in the succulent favors. Whoa! Nelly created a cheese station (our favorite food) in addition to the delicious courses, and our signature watermelon mojito - "Munch Punch" - was named after our Chihuahua.
Bonnie Tsang’s images really captured the unbelievable beauty and romance of the day. I have no doubt that all of our guests felt the palpable current of love between Jade and me, and how blissful we were to share it with them in return.