At GWS, we believe that each + every day with the one you love is a reason to celebrate… So vow renewals + anniversary sessions hold a special place in our hearts! From concept to creation, serendipity was a recurring theme throughout the entire planning process of this styled shoot turned vow renewal for Ojai couple, Cristen + Gabriel. How did serendipity play a role? Well, while the photography team, Burgundy Blue, and farmer florist, Topa Flora, were scouting locations for the shoot, they bumped into Cristen + Gabriel, the owners of Sunstream Goods, and the two were thrilled to model for the shoot!
The couple’s wedding anniversary fell just days following the shoot so the team decided to model the shoot around the couple, turning the styled shoot into an *actual* vow renewal for the couple! They included their two youngsters, the most adorable baby alpaca, and the couple spoke their true renewed vows under a setting sun at Black Walnut Ranch, located on the outskirts of upper Ojai with dramatic views of the Topa Topa Mountain Range.
Let’s take a look at how the whole thing, designed by Hive Events, came together + swoon over the details, shall we?
THAT RING! Such a stunner of a piece, right? Any guesses where it’s from? The couple’s very own shop — Sunstream Goods. The bohemian + modern vibes of the day were actually inspired by Cristen’s jewelry line, Eros, which is sold from her vintage airstream turned boutique.
The darling alpacas (Annie + Opal) belong to Mike with Paparado Alpacas.
Our absolute favorite memory of this unique and beautiful experience was watching our children interact with the baby alpacas. The way that the four young souls (the two alpacas and our two children) became so instantly attached was so special and so delicately sweet. Watching them lean into each other and embrace the animals so innocently and lovingly made our hearts sing as parents.
How CUTE are they?!
R.S. Hair and Makeup harnessed the natural glow of the entire day and translated it into a stunning look for the bride.
Those hanging florals are by Topa Flora. Wouldn’t you *love* to have this in your backyard?! The goal was to take the well-known trends we all love, but put a little spin to show it could be something new, yet recognizable.
Those rustic, moody + autumn-inspired florals = Color palette inspo of our DREAMS
Rich and surprising colors of turquoise, golden yellow, and aubergine felt indulgent and romantic, popping against the concrete and natural green backdrops provided by the ranch. That stunning calligraphic art is by Sophia Loves Letters.
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Floral ice cubes? Yes, please!!
We’d gladly have this gold brush semi-naked cake by Sugar Lab Bake Shop at any + every event…
A beautiful spread was catered by Private Chef Robin and displayed among vintage rentals from Party Pleasers Event Rental Co. The menu included a fennel, garlic, + mushroom tart, a fig and olive papenzde with pistachio, seasonal spreads of cucumber and preserved lemon labneh, along with feta-orange marmalade with zatar dip. Can you say, “YUM?”
How gorgeous is this display of turquoise gold drip cakes?!
Wasn’t that absolutely heart warming?! Not only was it styled to perfection (hello textures + plenty of gold accents), but the way they incorporated their children was so sweet… Plus all the emotion that could be felt through the photos! From the team at GWS, happy anniversary!!
To see more of this celebration of love + more baby alpacas, check out this sweet clip by Sarah Bourscheid.
photography: Burgundy Blue // venue name: Black Walnut Ranch, Ojai, California, USA // event design: Hive Events // planning: Hive Events // florals: Topa Flora // wedding dress: Vintage // bride's shoes: Vintage // bride's ring: Sunstream Goods // hair stylist: R.S. Hair & Makeup // makeup artist: R.S. Hair & Makeup // groom attire: Vintage // groom's shoes: Vintage // groom's ring: Sunstream Goods // videography: Sarah Bourscheid // paper goods: Sophia Loves Letters // calligraphy: Sophia Loves Letters // catering: Private Chef Robin // cake: Sugar Lab Bake Shop // tabletop rentals: Party Pleasers // furniture rentals: Party Pleasers // linen rentals: Tono & Co. // specialty rentals: little ones tie from Dazi // lollipops: Amborella Organics
Lovely, beautiful setting, adorable couple. Photos are stunning!
Goodness, this is perfection!