Currently: I’m super jellin on Ojai‘s version of winter. Where beach days are do-able (and actually enjoyable) and the sun still breathes life into al fresco weddings. Where scenes like this still make their way onto our pretty pages, thanks to Smith + James Events and Sally Pinera. Fair warning before you take a virtual step into THE VAULT, you’ll be there a while. Dive into all the beauty and grab the tasty winter cocktail recipe below!
From Smith + James Events… I grew up in California, so my idea of the winter season is a bit different than our friends on the east coast. Any native Californian will understand what it means to occasionally enjoy the beach in December or January- especially this year!
With this shoot, I wanted to share the feeling of the winter season in California and knew that the rolling hills of Ojai with its magical light would be the perfect setting. I put together a team of my favorites, because my favorite part of doing styled shoots is collaborating with a talented group of my friends. Plus, we get to spend the day laughing and creating together.
We aimed to use seasonal textures, colors, blooms, and even fruit to tell the story. Kate from The Ark let us go shopping in her inventory and her collection is such a dream. The wooden table top from Elan’s collection allowed us to do a fresh take on the farm table look by combining a draped linen with a more rustic wooden top.
I always try to create details that are meaningful without being too theme driven and Sally Pinera is so talented at capturing everything we bring to the shoot in the most beautiful, delicate way.
Crystal Sanford of Heirloom Design House brings such beauty to everything her hands touch. Everything she does looks a still life painting; fine art that should be hung up in a home to be treasured.
It makes such a difference when you have models that are actually a real-life couple. Jaclyn and Alexander made everything feel so relaxed and uncontrived. Jess Wilcox made the hair and makeup fit right into the vein of the shoot’s unfussy, yet elegant vibe. Jess is amazing to work with- she just gets it.
I want to say an extra thanks to Kelly Oshiro for coming onboard to help style the shot by shot details and fluff all the little extras at the end! Love that girl!
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We love hearing the inspiration behind these gorgeous shoots straight from the vendor team, and speaking of, did you catch Tory of Smith + James‘ wedding we featured earlier this week captured by Jose Villa? Isn’t she a stunner?!
| prep time 5 Minute/s | cook time 7 Minute/s | total time 12 Minute/s |
Photography: Sally Pinera | Event Planning + Design: Smith + James Events | Event Styling: Kelly Oshiro | Floral Design: Heirloom Design House | Wedding Dress: Emily Riggs | Cake: Sheila Mae | Hair + Makeup: Jess Wilcox | Calligraphy: Plume Calligraphy | Candles: Creative Candles | Hat Box: Trousseau & Co | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Models: Jacyln Cartier Ghilarducci And Alexander Ghilarducci | Rentals: Elan Event Rentals | Rentals: The Tent Merchant | Ribbon: Silk and Willow | Ring Box: The Mrs Box | Tabletop: The Ark