Handmade California Wedding: Grace + Michael

California Ranch Wedding

It’s Wednesday, the week is half way over, and we’re in the mood for a little something sweet! Grace + Michael’s beautiful wedding, captured by the amazing Elizabeth Messina, delivers – with a barn celebration filled with the most charming of details. Held at a family friend’s ranch in central California, Grace handcrafted as much of the setting as she could, taking the event design + florals into her own hands. The end result was just what she + Michael envisioned. She says, We wanted it to be very much about us and those who chose to support us – about the celebration of those people.

mustard yellow heels

bride getting ready

bride getting ready

In love with Grace’s pretty yellow ModCloth  shoes!

flower girl

ranunculus bouquet

unique first look

And how pretty is that hairpiece, made by Grace’s sister?!

bride and groom

yellow and pink bridesmaids

groom and boys

groomsmen

California Ranch Wedding

Our Musical Choices

Processional: Festival – Sigur Ros

Recessional: Keep Moving – Boxer Rebellion

First Dance: La Reyna – Penny & Sparrow

California Ranch Wedding

California Ranch Wedding

California Ranch Wedding

California Ranch Wedding

California Ranch Wedding

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

We chose to do something a little out of the ordinary and sign the marriage certificate as part of the ceremony. The moment was very intimate as our best friends- the officiant, best man and matron of honor were with us- away from the rest of the ceremony.

California Ranch Wedding

California Ranch Wedding

little ones with bride and groom

flower crowns

bride and groom with boys

California Ranch Wedding

California Ranch Wedding

We’re all about these stunning portraits Elizabeth captured of the newlyweds!

California Ranch Wedding

California Ranch Wedding

California Ranch Wedding

California Ranch Wedding

veil

billy ball boutonniere

California Ranch Wedding

embroidery hoops

mason jars

bud vases

vintage tea kettle centerpiece

love barn door letters

And be sure to watch this gorgeous film by Joel Serrato Films!

 

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Try to remember you want to celebrate this day. You want to enjoy your family and friends as they support and celebrate your decision to spend life together. Take care of as many of the details as far in advance as possible and hand the 'week of' responsibility over to someone else.

photography: Elizabeth Messina // venue name: A family friends ranch in Huasna, California // event design: the bride // florals: the bride // hairpiece: made by the bride's sister // bride's shoes: ModCloth // bridesmaid dresses: miscellaneous (the bride provided the bridesmaids a style/ color scheme to choose from) // groom attire: H&M // videography: Joel Serrato Films // paper goods: Jane Johnson Design // catering: Anna Fuentes, taco bar // cake: Sugar Lips // officiant: Matthew Smith // event planner: Tish Mortenson + Aaron Pratt // hair stylist: Celeste Sparks, Megan Navongsy // makeup artist: Celeste Sparks, Megan Navongsy // rentals: Got You Covered

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