Handmade Wedding at Parker Ranch: Lauren + Daniel

flower crown bride

Lauren + Daniel really wanted their wedding day to be enjoyed with their closest friends + family with lots of handmade details. From Lauren, “We wanted it to feel as if we invited our guests over to our house and we were all hanging out, having a good time. It was a super relaxed day which I loved!” The Parker Ranch in Trabuco Canyon, California was the perfect location – an open field with trees and plenty of space to make it their own. Since they were on a pretty tight budget (be sure to read all Lauren’s tips below, she has some great ones!), they ended up making most of the details themselves. Friends and family helped with the centerpieces. In fact, Lauren and her bridesmaids spent many nights watching the Bachelor and wrapping wine bottles with yarn! Fun times. :) Big congrats to Lauren + Daniel and thanks so much to Jessica Claire for the gorgeous photos!

wooden backdrop invitation


I made and printed the invitations myself (I graduated with a graphic design degree so I had to!) which helped save a lot of money but took a lot of time to make. I am super happy with how they turned out though! My mom helped me assemble them and as well as Daniel.

bride and groom

bunting

groom wearing bow tie

groom socks

first look

first look

first look

bride and groom

bride and groom


I bought my Jenny Packham dress from a sample sale store that sold dresses for half price. I scored my dream dress that I never would have gotten if I had to pay full price!

succulent bouquet

bride and groom

branch arbor

outdoor ceremony

outdoor ceremony

outdoor ceremony

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

My favorite part of the wedding was the ceremony. It was God centered which was the most important to us and it was so filled with emotion and love. We were surrounded by people we love. I was tearing up before the doors even opened up and found out my soon to be husband was too. The moment those doors opened and I saw him was surreal. When we said our vows, I could tell how much Daniel meant them when he was looking at me. We were both tearing again and apparently everyone else was too. I was so focused on Daniel I didn't notice until people told me! My other favorite part was when our bridesmaids and groomsmen all surrounded us and prayed over our marriage. It was so cool!

outdoor ceremony

outdoor ceremony

outdoor ceremony

bride and groom

bride and groom


So love seeing that Lauren used our Flower Crown DIY for the reception! It came out so pretty Lauren!! :)

bride and groom

bride and groom

wooden wedding signs

yarn wine bottles

guest book

bookcase decor

yarn wine bottles


We didn’t care to have formal table seating so we worked with the picnic tables that were at the venue and made some tables out of free crates we picked up off Craigslist free section! That is the best kept secret on a budget, Craigslist free! We got crates, the sweetheart seat, and the mailbox from there. Goodwill is another great place. We got the couch, random decoration pieces and the dresser for next to nothing.

yarn wine bottles

bar

burlap bunting

wedding cakes

dinosaur cake toppers

chalk board

outdoor reception

first dance


Friends and family were a huge help with the day of setup. We seriously couldn’t have done it without them. They made my vision for the wedding come to life. We did a mock set up two days before, took pics and labeled bags that matched so day of set up was super easy for them. We also couldn’t have done it without our amazing vendors! We hand picked everyone of our vendors because we love what they do and have an important role in our lives.

photography: Jessica Claire // venue name: Parker Ranch in Trabuco Canyon, CA (contact Barbara Parker 949.278.6876 for details) // wedding dress: Jenny Packham // hair stylist: Rachael Scotti from ecco salon // makeup artist: Kelsey Clay of beauty heaven // catering: ascent events // cake: made by grooms aunt // music: Peter Merry of Peter Merry Weddings

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