The most important things for Brooke + Jason’s wedding day was to keep everything relaxed, comfortable, and true to their personal style + taste. They consider themselves to be pretty easy going + carefree so it was important to create that same atmosphere for their guests. Brooke + Jason were friends for about 8 years before they started dating, but after their first date in 2008, they became inseparable. Like any couple, they’ve battled the ups and downs, but those are what makes them even stronger as a couple. In 2010, Jason was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and the journey to recovery is what facilitated the unexplainable bond the two of them share today – he is now almost 2 years cancer free! Because they have had their share of serious + intense moments, they really wanted to take a more light-hearted and fun approach to wedding planning which of course I just love! Thanks so much to Brooke + Jason for letting us share your beautiful + personal day and big thanks also to Ellie Grover for the gorgeous photos.
From Brooke, What better way to convey your personal style through your wedding than by having your best friend and maid of honor help create the day!?! Yes, I am that lucky. Emily Baker is the mastermind behind Emily Baker Creative, and alongside the super talented Whitney Werts, she took our dream and made it a reality. Let’s be honest – I’ve been secretly planning my wedding with Emily for YEARS!! My overall vision was rustic and warm, with lots of color. I used Free People catalogs as inspiration, while trying to incorporate a woodsy-bohemian feel, capitalizing on the natural beauty of the Union Hill Inn. We encouraged all of our vendors to be experimental and to think outside the box. Claire of PoppyStone Floral Couture really hit a home run with this direction. My bouquet, for example, consisted not only flowers, but also purple kale and kumquats – I’d say “unique” is a vast understatement.
I am a lover of fashion and all things vintage, so it was important to incorporate my personal taste not only in décor, but also in my wardrobe. My friends know me as a halo-wearing, vintage loving, carefree spirit who doesn’t shy away from being adventurous. I wanted our wedding day to reflect that exactly. In my eyes, there’s no such thing as over accessorizing, and jewelry can always be chunkier. I opted for my favorite vintage belt, my beautiful Untamed Petals halo, my favorite plaid shirt (only $1 at a garage sale!) and the focal point of my ensemble – the Anthropologie necklace.
I love turquoise, so I had my bridesmaids wear neutral shades of cream and brown with a pop of turquoise to match my necklace. Each bridesmaid wore at least one item from my own wardrobe (or a gift from me – a vintage locket); to make us all feel like it was our special day. I picked the bridesmaids’ outfits with each of them individually to ensure they were comfortable. With three pregnant bridesmaids (yes, THREE!) and a pregnant officiant – comfort was imperative.
Seriously, how adorable are these flower girls?!! Just love their fun hats + big flowers!
Processional: Parents + Grandmothers Processional: This Years Love – David Gray; Wedding Party Processional: Pachelbel's Cannon in D; Bride Processional: Wagner’s Here Comes the Bride
Recessional: Here Comes the Sun – Beatles
First Dance: Leather and Lace – Stevie Nicks and Don Henley
The most memorable aspect of the day was, hands down, the ceremony. Our dear friend, Corri Chadwick, wrote the most beautiful script – we were absolutely floored. People laughed and cried, but our highlight was accepting each other as husband and wife. Instead of saying the traditional “I do,” I decided (spur of the moment) to surprise my groom and say “yuuuuuup,” after the coined phrase from one of our favorite television shows, Storage Wars. He, in turn, replied the same. The crowd roared with laughter and neither of us will ever forget it. Our goal of keeping things light and fun was accomplished – a genuine reflection of our relationship.
Because Emily and her team are remarkably talented, I welcomed the chance to help them with DIY projects to give our day a homespun feel. Handmade elements are so much more personal and meaningful. It started with the invitations, which were illustrated by my cousin, Rachel. I wanted them to be light and fun and she nailed it!
All of the rocks used for escort cards were handpicked by Jason from our favorite spot along the Sacramento River. We painted and wrapped them with twine. We also built and painted all of our directional signage. Jason is a contractor, so we put that leftover scrap wood to good use! It was important that he feel like he was part of the planning as well. Using the same leftover wood, I made the photo blocks used as décor for the cookie table. I actually make and sell these, so naturally I had to have them at my own wedding!
Emily and her team crafted up the yarn garland used over the cookie table, using a GWS Yarn Garland DIY for inspiration! To add some style and a pop of color to the table settings, we had napkins made from mismatched, patterned fabric by Once Again, then wrapped them with yarn and twine. The head table was one of Emily’s secret projects. She sourced custom wood-stump chargers on Etsy, gorgeous turquoise plates from Antrhopologie, yellow cut glasses from World Market, and even used vintage chairs in the bride’s favorite colors (red & aqua) for the Bride and Groom’s seats. My twine-wrapped rock place cards were the final touch!
She and her team also surprised Jason with a whiskey and cigar bar, complete with a custom industrial-style “W” light (for Wade, our last name). Lastly, to add a personal touch for my bridesmaids, I made each of us yarn-covered hangers used to hang our dresses. I thought it would be special to add a handmade element to their gift. They’re super easy to make and they turned out pretty cute.
And their sweet film by Rain Studios!
If I were to give advice to brides, I would suggest two things. First: splurge on a great photographer!! Ellie Grover captured our event absolutely flawlessly. I honestly could not be more pleased and I will cherish the photos forever. She’s a genius behind the lens!! Second: I would suggest staying true to yourself and infuse your unique personalities into your event. I would say the greatest compliment we received was that who we were was reflected in each detail. Whether it was the selection of records playing at cocktail hour, or the cookie bar alternative to a cake – it was very “us.” Because we were so comfortable – we never felt nervous or anxious; we felt like we married our best friend in the comfort of our living room. I don’t think there’s much more you can ask for on your wedding day. :)
photography: Ellie Grover // venue: Union Hill Inn in Sonora, CA // event design + production: Whitney Werts + Emily Baker Creative // videographer: Rain Studios // flowers: PoppyStone Floral Couture // catering + cookie bar: Lila & Sage // table linens: La Tavola Fine Linens // custom napkins: Once Again // ceremony music: Eric Hart // reception music: DJ Sol // brides dress: Amy Kuschel // brides necklace: Anthropologie // brides belt: vintage // brides halo: Untamed Petals // brides shoes: Ruche // brides socks: Anthropologie // hair + make-up: Annie Baker + Erika Jones // grooms attire: Macy’s & Banana Republic // grooms shoes: Dexter // grooms + groomsmen suspenders: Treborirol // paper goods: Illustrations by Rachel Lane and layout design by Emily Baker Creative // rentals: Milk Glass // transportation: Link Line Charter // photo blocks, hangers, painted signs, rock escort cards: handmade by the bride, Brooke
absolutely magical! congrats
I am absolutely charmed by this wedding. Thank you so much for sharing!
Also… I realize the lovely bride may have intentionally left out information about who made her dress (some details are nice to be kept personal) but I am struggling to find a simple, strapless, fitted dress without all the frill and sparkle. Any tips on where I could find something similar would be appreciated.
http://www.amykuschel.com/
Hi Ashleigh! I’m so flattered you liked my my dress – thank you!! It was Amy Kuschel Couture in San Francisco, as you can see in the link Britney mentioned. My particular dress was custom designed to cater to my taste. Originally I think it was the “Paris” style, so maybe that will help you know where to start? Amy did a FABULOUS job and the girls there are AMAZING! :)
Hello! Beautiful photos and video! I’m just wondering what the song in the video is called and where I could find it! Google isn’t helping me at all. Could you email me?
Thank-you!
Hi Lily! Such a fun song right? It’s called Whistle by Tyrone & Elina
what a gorgeous couple and venue!
I loved the photos and how the bride described all the details. I could see the love and the joy between them. And this video… what can I say about it? Just congratulations for you all. Kisses from Brasil
Great wedding pics. I like the brides turquoise bead necklace.
We love how this couple uses Bohemian details and colors in a rustic setting to make their wedding day magical and charming. We especially adore how the bride and groom made homemade yarn garlands, escort cards out of rocks and photo blocks. Very creative and personal!
stunning photographs Ellie, one of the prettiest weddings ive seen, love the styling, bossing the boho cool
What a beautiful wedding, so relaxed and full of love.
I’m SUCH a boho bride. I love this wedding’s crafty love. You can really see the creative vibe they have together. I wanted every touch of my wedding to be the same. I got my bridesmaids a cute little give from http://www.mykitsch.com They have a “swan lake” hair tie set that is SO cute and very boho. They are hair ties that double as a bracelet. I wear all 5 at a time so it looks very bohemian :)
Such a perfect wedding! I love everything about it! I was wondering if anyone knows where the bride got her adorable blue and grey striped sweater. It’s too cute over her wedding gown. Beautiful in every way!
Hi Michele! My sweater is actually from Target!! Cute, right? I just tucked it into my belt to make it shorter. :) They still have similar ones there now!
What about the flannel?! :)
This is my fav. story and wedding yet! I think i have watched and cried every time! You CAN see the love. God bless guys!
wondering where the brides engagement and wedding ring is from stunnning
Hi Rachel! Thank you!! My engagement ring was designed by my hubby and a family friend jeweler out of Huntington Beach, CA. The center diamond used was from my mom’s ring when she was married to my dad. My wedding band was designed by me and made by the same jeweler. Jason’s ring was from the antique fair in Sacramento and was only $4!!! A steal, if you ask me. :)
Beautiful rings! I was wondering if you don’t mind sharing the designer? :)
I was curious where you got your plates from? I absolutely love the pottery look- and sort of would like these plates for my own house haha :)
Hi Callee! The plates are from Anthropologie and were an amazing surprise Emily Baker Creative. We use them at home now and LOVE them. :)
Thanks so much! I am bummed they arent being made anymore! but they have similar ones now! Congrats again on your marriage!
What is the song used in the video. Its so cute!
This is the second gorgeous wedding I’ve stumbled across at Union Hill when searching simply ” rustic wedding” the most amazing thing? It’s not very far from where I live ( in fact my mother lives even closer). I think it may be fate. Thank you for sharing this beautiful day!
I just think this was the most precious wedding. Thank you for sharing your love……
LOVELY! I found the name of the song but I can’t find it to download anywhere! Help??
Hi Maia – You can download the mp3 from Amazon here: http://www.amazon.com/Whistle/dp/B0043321IO/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?s=dmusic&ie=UTF8&qid=1350497891&sr=1-2-fkmr0&keywords=Whistle+by+Tyrone+%26+Elina
love the wedding! How did y’all create the lights, figs branch circle chandelier? Also is that lights with linen curtains during the ceremony?
Great photos! Looked like iit was a fantastic wedding!
I have looked for that necklace on the anthropologie site…and couldn’t find it!
Do you know what the name of it was/where I could get it?!
Meg :)
Incredible wedding with so many lovely touches.
The video was absolutely amazing!!! love these artists, they really captured your story with a special angle, congrats!!
Amazing! this wedding is so pretty! A romantic wedding is filled with color.
One of my favorite weddings GWS has showcased! So stunning, warm and stylish!
Congrats to the beautiful couple!!!
What a beautiful wedding. I love the ceremony venue. It’s gorgeous! Love the belt worn on the wedding dress too. Lovely touch.
These photos made your wedding look magical. Every girl envisions her wedding and yours looked amazing. I love it! Great job and congratulations.
Stunning Boho wedding. Congratulations I love the pictures x
Awesome beautiful Pictures :) Every picture saying a lovely moment :)