Elegant Rustic California Ranch Wedding: Dana + Joel

I have such a sweet wedding to share with you guys today! Dana + Joel were married on her family’s ranch in Boulevard, California. Dana, along with help from family + friends, created lots of DIY touches – including the centerpieces, which were actually finished a month before the wedding! Dana’s affinity for the whimsical and dreamy shined through the simplest details – big bulb lights strung across the dance floor, ceremony happenings handwritten on chalkboard, and an array of mason jars, cursive cards, and candles. Thanks so much to Sean Walker for letting me share his gorgeous photos!

wedding sign wood

wedding sign wood

From Dana, “I was determined to get married outside and not to have a guest count restraint. When we first started talking about the ranch as a possibility it was more of a dream that I thought couldn’t be a reality. I love the ranch because of all the family memories it holds and the West Valley with its big oak trees and boulders has always been my favorite spot. The more Joel and I talked about the possibility of getting married out there, the more inspired I felt and convinced I was that this was the perfect spot for us!

bridesmaids in different dresses

bridesmaids on swing

groomsmen in suspenders

outdoor wedding ceremony ranch

flowers in glass jars for aisle wedding

I absolutely LOVE the way Dana made her entrance! Dana found matching doors at a thrift store and had the ushers hold them upright for the start of the ceremony. Just before Dana walked down the aisle with her father, the doors were pulled apart. The two entered as Coldplay’s ‘Till Kingdom Come played. What an entrance!!

wedding ceremony doors for aisle entrance

wedding ceremony doors for aisle entrance

flower girl with flower halo

bridesmaids in a row

Cream-colored canvas and garlands of fresh gardenias anchored the wedding site. Dana + Joel walked back up the aisle to “Rise” by Eddie Vedder. And right after the ceremony, a rainbow appeared. “It was such a gift,” Dana said.

wedding ceremony outside under tree

wedding exit

bridal party at a ranch

Dana decided on DIY dried flowers in order to have them ready a month ahead of time, avoiding the stress of making or buying florals the week before. Each bouquet was handmade with love and special care by her maid of honor, sisters, and wedding coordinator, Krystel. For an extra special touch, a few live gardenias were nestled into her bouquet on the day of the wedding.

dried flowers bouquet

wedding portraits on a swing

wedding portraits by a sign

flower girl

I love that they had a children’s table for all the younger guests – what a great idea to keep them occupied. :)

kids table at wedding

Dana had Megan of Mae Mae Paperie design a rubber stamp, which she then used to create their wedding invitations – such a fun idea! All the signs were painted by Kelli Murray (who was also a bridesmaid and we shared her wedding here on GWS!).

rustic wedding invitations with stamp

dessert table with cake

cake with flowers

In honor of Joel’s Texas roots (and the place where the couple’s relationship began), dinner consisted of barbecued delicacies, such as smoked chicken and brisket, prepared by Smokey Joe BBQ. Thanks to some dance lessons, a gift from Joel’s parents, Dana + Joel performed a semi-choreographed first dance to “Better than Love” by Griffin House.

wedding dance outdoors

wedding exit sparklers

What a gorgeous wedding! Best wishes to Dana + Joel. :)

Vendors:

Photography: Sean Walker Photography // Coordination & Event Styling: Couture Events // Wood painted signs: Kelli Murray // Invitation Design (Hand-Stamped): MaeMae Paperie // Catering: Smokey Joe BBQ // Rentals: Abbey Party Rentals // Hair: Heather Molchanoff of Hot Seat Salon // Makeup: Crista Nicole of Crista Nicole Artistry // Wedding dress: Allure Bridal from Bridal and Veil in San Diego // Hair flower: Twigs and Honey // Groom suit: Armani

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