A rustic, family ranch wedding where cowboy boots and belt buckles were the norm and the groomsmen came to the ceremony on horseback might sound too darling to be true, but it is just how this couples’ big day unfolded. And if it weren’t for the pictures from Kelly Boitano, I would barely believe a wedding could be so sweet, but with one look at this gallery, you’ll see it totally was.
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From The Bride…When Matt and I got engaged, we knew right away we wanted to get married at his families’ ranch about two and a half north of the Bay Area. Stonyford is a beautiful, small town, tucked away near the Mendocino National Forest. Late Spring is the most beautiful time at the ranch, with everything lush and green. We said our vows in front of a 100 year old barn on their property.
Our wedding was everything we envisioned and more. Matt and his groomsmen rode horses to the barn, which had always been a dream of his. My parents walked me down the aisle, and then my father proceeded to marry us, which made the day extra special. Three of my five bridesmaids were eight months pregnant, and such troopers! I wore jewelry from both my late Grandmothers, which meant so much to me.
One of my favorite moments of the wedding was when everyone left to enjoy cocktail hour, my new husband and I enjoyed some quiet time alone together before the reception. Instead of tossing my bouquet, we chose to do an anniversary dance – asking all married couples to the dance floor. Such a special moment when the longest married couple left were Matt’s Aunt and Uncle (married 50+ years!).
The day all flowed together beautifully, and we couldn’t have done it without our loved ones help. Matt’s mother watered the grass in front of the barn twice a day for weeks leading up to the wedding. Our families spent many weekends restoring the barn we were married in front of. The honey stick favors were all put together by family. Overall, we felt such love and support on our wedding day, and dancing under the stars on the warm Spring night just made everything right.
Photography: Kelly Boitano | Cinematography: Matter Video | Wedding Dress: J'aime Bridal | Wedding Cake: Emily Gillette | Bridesmaids Dresses: Bill Levkoff | Catering: Bacio Catering | Hair & Makeup: Francesca McMorrine | DJ: Elite Sound | Officiant: Bride's Father | Wedding Venue: Groom's Family Ranch | Belt: Amie Noel Designs | Bride's Cowboy Boots: Corral Boots | Cake Topper: Etsy | Dance Floor Rental: Party Dogs | Flowers and Day of Coordinating: Rachelle Nyswonger | Honey Stick Favors: Pendell Apiaries | Veil: J'aime Bridal | Venues: Mt. Hood National Forest