Jessica + Jack’s amazing vintage-inspired wedding was a labor of love and a family affair. These two were hands-on throughout the wedding process, designing + planning for everything that they could, and working with talented friends + family who helped bring their fun + unique vision to life. As resourceful a couple can be, they looked around their house for decor ideas and included pieces from their own personal collections in the celebration. Flea market finds were purchased sparingly to fill in any gaps. A tip worth sharing to any DIY couple or bride: they tried to only buy things they could see working into their home decor after the wedding. While possibly more easily said than done, trying not to waste money on items you’ll never be able to use again is an idea worth getting behind! Here’s a bit more from Jessica about the day and setting:
Our inspiration included anything 1950s, our grandparent’s weddings, and Frenchy the pink haired beauty school dropout from Greece. Our location, being a desert resort of yesteryear, also provided a lot of inspiration and charm. There was a lot of natural beauty at Highland Springs, we wanted to let that do a lot of the talking.
Thanks so much to Chaffin Cade Photography for the pretty, pretty images + cheers to the happy couple!
Seed Floral really nailed it with this loose, garden-inspired bouquet! Comprised of coral charm peonies, peach garden roses, queen anne’s lace, fresh lavender, hypericum berries, and textural greens, it was the perfect way to add a touch of whimsy to J + J’s charming, vintage-infused day.
Jessica’s retro bridal look couldn’t be sweeter! She had her gorgeous Reem Acra dress altered to be the perfect tea-length and her adorable mint BHLDN heels + vintage-inspired pearl necklace can each be found in the GWS Shop!
Jessica’s three bridesmaids donned vintage coral prom dresses purchased from various Etsy shops or at local vintage fairs. We love this look so, so much, so we’re sharing some similar finds in our shopping guide below!
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Processional: Family: I Will – The Beatles; Bridal Party: Stay Alive – Jose Gonzalez; Bride: You’re the One That I Want – The Lennings (Played live by Heinz Healey + Ryan Saylor)
Recessional: Baby – Devendra Banhart (Played live by Heinz Healey + Ryan Saylor)
First Dance: Sea of Love – Phill Phillips and the Twilights
We adore all the romantic design touches + pretty signage incorporated into the reception!
For us it was our first dance. It wasn't’ a total secret, but very few of our friends and family knew we had been taking dance lessons for the months leading up to our wedding. We even got up early the day of our wedding to practice in the tent. We started our dance and muscle memory kicked in, I don’t remember doing the steps, I just know it was the first time my husband and I were able to relax and be ourselves together. We were so lost in the moment the song was over before we knew it, we nailed every step and our friends and family were cheering with excitement. Just after we finished our good friend who was MCing invited all the guest to join us on the dance floor and the real partying began.
Have your friends and family get involved. First of all, everyone, EVERYONE wants to be of use to you on your wedding day, so take advantage of it. The help of our friends and family not only made the event that much more meaningful to us but also allowed a great many of our loved ones to contribute and get invested in our day. It was a very fulfilling experience for all involved and is a great way to have your dream wedding on a more realistic budget. That being said, pick a trusted and organized friend (not someone who will need to be in pre-ceremony photos) who can serve as your day-of-coordinator, they will over see all the day’s prep, field any questions, and direct any unexpected volunteers.
photography: Chaffin Cade Photography // venue name: Highland Springs Resort, Cherry Valley, California // event design: bride and groom // planning: bride and groom // florals: Seed Floral // hairpiece: vintage millinery flowers from A Pink Swan // bride's shoes: Rachel Simpson // bridesmaid dresses: Vintage and purchased from various sources on Etsy and at local vintage fairs // hair stylist: Locks and Lashes // makeup artist: Locks and Lashes // groom attire: John Varvatos // videography: Geoff Boothby // paper goods: Designed by the bride and David Chesak, Father of the Bride printed at Arnold's Print and Copy // catering: The Grand Oak Steakhouse // cake: The Grand Oak Steakhouse // music: 90s With Attitude // day-of coordination: dear friend // wedding dress: Reem Acra, purchased and altered to tea length at Saks Fifth Avenue // veil: handmade by the bride with vintage materials // cake stands: mr2woodworking // cake topper: The First Snow
Absolutely loved seeing these photos again! It was such a joy to shoot Jess & Jack, and they are just as sweet, adorable and in love as they look in their photos! Thanks GWS for the feature! :)
What a gorgeous wedding! Love that vintage look! Best wishes from Judy at A Pink Swan!
Absolutely love their smiles! Their smiles are so genuine!
All the little favours and details make this wedding perfect- The silhouettes and printed bags are lovely little touches. Not to mention the amount of love there!
Such a beautiful vintage styled day. The bride reminds me of Dita Von Teese! Well done to everyone involved!
Love the bridesmaid dresses! Such gorgeous creativity!
I love the color palette of this wedding. The ribbon backdrop at the reception and the fabric scraps on the jam jars really tie the look together.
Love Jessica’s dress!!! All the little added decorations make it so beautiful!!
So cute, love the brides birdcage veil!