Old-Timey Western Santa Ynez Ranch Wedding: Amy + Galen

western wedding

Amy + Galen’s story is all kinds of amazing. He proposed in an unassuming little bar in Cambodia at what Amy describes as the perfect time – no gimmicks or parades, just us two. Their wedding planning began during a trip to New Orleans, where they found themselves deeply inspired by the time-honed tunes, French Creole grit, and old-world enchantment that the one-of-a-kind city has to offer. And it’s definitely safe to say A + G’s gorgeous wedding day lives up to their adventurous spirits! We love that they were able to beautifully execute a modern take on a historical time period, and create such a unique + incredible setting.

From Amy, Being people who live just as much in our imaginations as we do reality, we wanted to create a somewhat modern adaptability to a historic theme. We resurrected the wisecracking gamblers of the old west and the Parisian brothels of the Belle Époque for one blackstrap kind of evening. The whole effort was carried by an array of friends and family. We used flowers from a friend’s farm, my mother’s collection of antiques for décor, hay bales from the venue (as it was on an 80-acre working horse ranch), sound systems from a friend’s recording studio, local wine provided by one of the bridesmaids who also happens to be a sommelier, and the list goes on. Our caterer, Tracey Fleming (Stewart and Clark Catering) prepared an amazing barbecue with local ingredients and haute cuisine touch. For desert, we opted for S’mores (homemade marshmallows and graham crackers of course). Every bit of the wedding was result of family and friends from both sides of the family joining together to marry us!

Big thanks to the talented Jennifer + Rebecca (who just so happens to be Amy’s sister!) from Found Creative Studio for sharing these beautiful images of Amy + Galen’s day with us! And, of course, big congrats to the happy couple!

western wedding

western wedding

western wedding


Love that Amy wore victorian-inspired lace up boots!

bridal boots

back necklace

old timey western bride

old timey western bride

bridesmaids


And the bridesmaids each wore black Free People dresses! Such a unique + fun touch!

black dress bridesmaids

old timey western bride

western bouquet

western groomsmen

old timey western ceremony

old timey western ceremony

old timey western ceremony


Every bit of the wedding was result of family and friends from both sides of the family joining together to marry us. The groom’s grandfather performed his 11,451st wedding ceremony in sanctifying our marriage with all of his Welsh wit and sophistication.

old timey western ceremony

old timey western ceremony

old timey western ceremony

old timey western ceremony

fire

Our Musical Choices

Processional: Down to the River to Pray – Alison Krauss

Recessional: Tender – Blur

First Dance: Silent Spring – Massive Attack

fire

old timey western ceremony

old timey western ceremony

old timey western ceremony

tunnel

wedding party

old timey western bride and groom

old timey western bride and groom

old timey western bride and groom

old timey western bride and groom

western groom

escort cards

western guests

chalkboard

steer skull

vintage lantern

barn reception

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

Galen: Sitting at the head of the table with Amy, with all of our friends and family eating good food and drinking good wine. It was one of the few moments that didn’t rush by that day. I was able to reflect on how special our wedding was and how grateful I was to have a woman like Amy to share it with.

Amy: After the ceremony Galen and I went off into the field, away from everything. We sat for a good 30 minutes both in silent and vocal reflection. I loved having that time to digest, appreciate, and completely acknowledge all of the beauty that came with our day.

barn reception

sparklers

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

See your wedding planning as a blank canvas to produce the unique vision of you and your partner. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the art and imagination of your love. Make it weird, authentic, and original. Just know that it can be anything you want it to be.

photography: Found Creative Studio // venue name: Rio Ynez Ranch, (Private Residence) an 80-acre working horse ranch in Santa Ynez Valley, California // event design: Teal Green Design // planning: Teal Green Design // florals: Ashley Rorke -- [email protected] // wedding dress: Designed by Bride, Sewn by Paula at Just Lovely Fashion in Ventura and CA // bride's shoes: Free Bird Boots // bridesmaid dresses: Free People // hair stylist: Dreamcatcher Artistry // makeup artist: Dreamcatcher Artistry // videography: Jaime Gianopoulos Productions // paper goods: Minted // catering: Stewart and Clark // event planner: Alana Guinn // bride's jewelry: Pyper Gray Design

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