Since both the bride + groom are big time into comedy (Niki is a writer for The Office and Will is an actor), they knew their day wouldn’t be too stuffy or serious. They choose the super rad Santa Margarita Ranch as the location for their festivities and they let their guests know from the beginning with their jokey save the dates that the day would be a fun party – with silly aspects to both the ceremony + reception. Love all the fun + personal aspects to their day and of course the stunning photos from onelove photography along with the event design by Love & Splendor. Congrats to Niki + Will!
How cute are they??!! Such a sweet first look.
Instead of doing the traditional jewish chuppa, Will built us this amazing backdrop out of three different, shabby-chic-esque screen doors he found out at a re-sale shop in Pasadena. Then he spent the next few weeks crafting his butt off, creating the multi-colored paper spiral flowers that he attached to them as decoration. It was exactly what we wanted: different, colorful, and fun.
Our readings and our vows! We had our two close friends Rob & Taylor read a scene from Quentin Tarantino's "True Romance" It was truly magical. Also our friend Bill read a hilarious poem by Steve Martin. And finally, our dear pal Lydia read a romantic Rumi poem. It was amazing. Aside from our vows and the ceremony, our dance party was off the chain!!! We just had the greatest group of friends assembled that really brought their A-game. People tore that dance floor up! It could not have been better food or music. And there certainly could not have been more love under one roof.
Processional: "You're So Cool" from "True Romance" & The London Suede's cover of The Pretenders "Brass in Pocket"
Recessional: "Jackson" by Johnny Cash + June Carter
First Dance: "Dancin' in the Moonlight" by King Harvest
As for our flowers, we decided to go all DIY on it (scary!) and did a succulent theme. We bought a ton of succulents, ordered some cute tins off ETSY, and then had a succulent planting party with some besties. We used them for our centerpieces and then found tiny succulents in little tin pales (also off ETSY) to use as our escort cards/party favors. Each table was named after one of my Texan father’s famous sayings (the man has a way with words.)
I love their personalized bibs with their wedding logo – two back to back guns that go into a heart and read “Have fun. Get Messy.” Oh, and maybe you recognize one of their groomsmen? :)
Both Will and I as well as ALL of our guests stayed at the Madonna Inn and it was a HOOT. So much fun. They also hosted our after party in their Silver Bar that was a full on dance party from 11-2AM. They provided food and a cash bar and a huge dance floor. They also let us use our own music. It was fabulous. I also wanted to mention that our shuttle buses were wonderful! Ride-On Transportation took everybody from The Madonna Inn to the Ranch and back. They were super great.
My only advice would be to have fun, try not to freak out, and don't sweat the small stuff. At the end of the day, nobody remembers whether or not the LED votives you bought were cute or not, they remember the food, the music, and most importantly, the vibe of the group you've brought together. They remember the party!
photography: onelove photography // venue: Santa Margarita Ranch // event design + planner: Angel Swanson and Michelle Cardona at Love & Splendor // wedding dress, shoes + bridesmaid dresses: Jcrew // hair + makeup: Felicia Howe of Primrose Organic // groom suit: Bloomingdales // invitations + paper goods: DIY // catering: Trumpet Vine Catering // pie: The Avila Barn // music: Red Shoe // transportation: Ride-On Transportation
I love everything about this wedding! The gorgeous photography, the bride’s beautiful gown, the rustic elements, the unique pie table…absolutely amazing!
Oh – such beautiful images from an awesome looking wedding. I’m in love with those centerpieces!
yay!! thank you so much for this feature! <3 we loved working with niki and will — they are such a fun couple and their reception was one of the most epic dance parties of all time. :) xo
Oh my goodness, they threw sparkly pom poms at the bride and groom down the aisle? That’s too cute!
this is adorable. I love the bride’s dress. and seriously, Chris Pine?!
So, I could not be more in love with this wedding. There’s a sense of ease and joy from just looking through these images–I can’t even imagine what it was like in person.
Excellent work, onelove, as always.
This “Wedding Hoedown” is amazing… The reception barn is lit and styled perfectly! Love!
love barn weddings. so much style and detail to love about this one…as well as chris pine…
What an amazing location! We are dying over here! :)
I want Captain Kirk at my wedding. Pretty jelly!
Chris Pine in suspenders just about made my month, but the bib was priceless.
This is like the third time or so in the last year where a wedding was featured on a blog and a guest happens to be someone well known, but they don’t say it’s that person, only hint at it, so you’re left wondering if you were right or not, ha ha, only slightly frustrating
Hi Emilie, As some of the other readers guessed, the celeb groomsmen is none other than Chris Pine – aka Captain Kirk. Don’t want to leave you frustrated! :)
They look like they had SO much fun!! What a lovely happy wedding – and stunning lipstick on the bride!!!
The wedding venue is incredibly gorgeous. I love that she rocked a jean jacket on her wedding day!
Amazing photography and great location.
So you had me at “Chris Pine” but this wedding is so off-the-hook fab that I would have loved it just as much without the hottie groomsman. How dapper did all of the guys look, btw? And the bride is just stunning. But my favorite part: the “table number” signs in the succulents! What a unique and fun way to add something personal.
This wedding is exactly how I want mine! Although in Australia. Loved everything about it, especially the humour behind it all. Any idea what Steve Martin poem she was talking about?
xxx
the reading was “ode to a marriage” by steve martin. ;-)
Is that the Arabelle dress?!!
yes, i’m pretty sure it is! i know niki got it from j. crew and i have an arabelle bm dress… so it looks like it to me. ;-) xo
Mackenzie, it was actually the Palais Gown!
A ranch wedding and magaritas! Ahhh, SWOON!
Beautiful couple! Love everything :)
What an awesome location and couple!
Hi Niki,
Hope you’re well! Loved you’re wedding! Congrats! We just booked Santa Margarita Ranch for our wedding and are so excited! Please email me if you get a chance. I have a few questions for you. Thanks!S
Wow, this is a dream location for wedding photographer!!!
This is great! They seem like such a fun couple to work with! Well done!