Ashley + Denni’s super sweet Ojai wedding totally makes us remember why we love weddings so much. Not only were the details seriously spot-on (just wait ’til you see the ceremony backdrop + their reception tables!), these guys took everything in stride and kept in mind what the big day is really all about. Says Ashley, All the planning and all the details were perfect to our vision, but at the end of the day the best part of our wedding day was our starting a future together and solidifying our families. That’s what made it the happiest day of our lives. We couldn’t have said that better ourselves! We love how these photos by Fondly Forever Photography really feel like they captured these two and their charismatic personalities. And when you work with the talented design team at Hello Gem – who artfully tackled the styling, florals, hairpieces, invitations AND coordination (whew!) – you know you + your guests will be getting a day that’s truly chock-full of pretty!
More from Ashley, Denni and I both love the outdoor recreation and travel. I work for an outdoor clothing company, and Denni is an outdoor educator and bike mechanic. We wanted our wedding to show this side of us. Although the location was local for us we also knew for the majority of our guests, our wedding was a destination wedding and they would be traveling from out of town. We really wanted to give them a taste for our lifestyle and show them a “SoCal vibe” as well as showcase the location that we had chosen.
Rather than see Each other for the first time walking down the aisle, Denni and I choose to have a first look. The first look was amazing. The whole day leading up to that moment went by so fast- it felt like a bluer and very surreal, but when I saw Denni for the first time it was literally like time slowed down. Having that time to be together with nobody else around made both of us feel calm and excited about the ceremony ahead. When I think back to our wedding day, that moment is the first thing to come to my head every time.
Loving these ‘maids in black + white! Ashley set up a Pinterest board and let the girls choose their favorites from four options. Amazingly none of them picked the same dress! Such a fun end result.
From Jen at Fondly Forever, Ashley + Denni were wed in front of a handmade rope web adorned with flowers all created by Hello Gem. The rope theme carried over into the cocktail hour area where the trees were adorned with ropes as well. The reception took place in a large field under hanging lights and the dinner table was one long serpentine table beautifully decorated with various colorful flowers, cactus and fruits.
Processional: Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles (played + sung by Ashley's aunt)
Recessional: Happy – Pharrel
First Dance: That's What's Up – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
We’re surely not the only ones swooning over the details + dresses from this one! Get the look from A + D’s gorgeous + playful wedding in our Shopping Guide below:
This winding table is such a dream! As are those pretty, punchy blooms!
Find awesome like minded people to work with! All of our vendors were so amazing and working with all of them was less like work but more like chatting with friends. It made the planning process worry free and actually really fun!
Also, don't be afraid to think "outside of the box". Just because it's not traditional, doesn't mean it's not beautiful. If it feels right to the two of you, don't let anyone talk you out of it - at the end of the day, being honest to yourself will make the day feel extra personal and special.
photography: Fondly Forever Photography // venue name: Dent House, Ojai, California // event design: Hello Gem // florals: Hello Gem // wedding dress: Ivy and Aster // hairpiece: Hello Gem // bride's shoes: Kate Spade // groom attire: J.Crew // catering: DJ's California Catering // music: Dash Entertainment // invitations: Hello Gem // coordination: Hello Gem // rentals: DJ's California Catering // lighting: Wendees Occasions // beauty: Luna Bella // bridesmaid dresses: each girl chose their own: Karen Millen, Madewell, Banana Republic, Anthropologie
Absolutely adore this! Love love love. So pretty and perfect
Ooh – so many gorgeous personal touches. I love those colorful ropes decorating the tree and the painted oars – they did such a great job making it their own.
http://6000milestohome.blogspot.com/
These pictures say it all, what a wonderful start to your lives together. HAPPY tears love you two so much
So much about this wedding speaks to what kind of marriage to expect: Attention to detail: Check. Beautiful: Check. Creative and Good at Follow Through: Check. Appreciates the Outdoors: Check. Respects and Loves Family: Check. Is OK with Laughing, Dancing, Singing, Standing ones Ground and Crying all in the same Day: Check. Takes unexpected Changes in Stride: Check. Generous: Check. Thoughtful: Check
YOU two are certainly off to a great start! And I have no doubt you will finish strong. Mean while Enjoy Each Day for it is Perfect Just As It Is.
I love SO much about this wedding! From the b&w bridesmaid dresses to the tied knots to the serpentine table! Its just adorable and it looks like they really let their personalities shine through!
I am all about that floral garland! x