When Harper + Aaron initially started to plan their wedding, they very much wanted to capture some of the intimacy that is found when sitting around a backyard table with a few close friends + a bottle of wine – basically, they wanted to recreate a large dinner party outdoors. Inspired by photos of long natural, family-style dinner tables under a canopy of twinkle lights strewn within large oak trees, Saddlerock Ranch in Malibu, California could not have been a better venue for them to fulfill their vision.
Since Harper + Aaron are both architects, they love getting involved with all the little details. Once they started diving into the little things, the big picture really came together. With subtle tones of gray, lush, aromatic greens, and small pops of coral, their understated palette wove it’s way through the evening. I love that they created a unified graphic look anchored by the physical marks of their individuality – their fingerprints – on everything from the the invites, table numbers, escort cards, signage, menus and favors. Congrats to Harper + Aaron and big thanks to Aaron Young for the photos and to Heather of LVL Weddings & Events for all the planning!
We designed our own wedding invitation suite. We’re both architects and wanted to put together a clean, modern invitation suite that also had some playful elements. We’ve always loved brown kraft paper and the way it contrasts with crisp white paper, so we made sure to use it as an accent material in the suite. For the fingerprints, we individually scanned our ring fingers and then traced the prints in AutoCAD (nerds, I know). We overlaid the two fingerprints to create the heart and used that as a graphic thread to tie together elements of the wedding.
Processional: Groom + Bridal Party: Til Kingdom Come – Coldplay; Bride: Crazy Love – Van Morrison
Recessional: You Are The Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne
First Dance: Sunday Kind of Love – Etta James
As counterintuitive as it may seem, both of our favorite moments of the evening were probably the last song (We Are Young by FUN.). There was something so magical about everyone being on the dancefloor at once, at the end of the evening no less, and singing at the top of their lungs with nothing but love and happiness and joy in the air. It was one of those truly out-of-body experiences where we caught ourselves looking at each other and smiling ear to ear at how beautiful the whole day had been. We would not have wanted to end our wedding day any other way - singing, dancing, and surrounded by friends and family (a fortuitously timed solar eclipse as the reception was getting started didn't hurt to make it a memorable night either!)
Everyone will tell you to "cherish the moment" and "take a step back and enjoy it" and as cliche as that may sound, and as many times as you may tell yourself you will - tell yourself again. Really make a point (and not only during the wedding itself but also during the planning) to take a look at what you're doing and where you are and pause to just enjoy it. These are moments that you won't have again and will keep with you forever. And if nothing else, JUST HAVE FUN. When else will you get to throw a party for your self with all of your friends and family there to celebrate with you?
As for the planning process - make sure to choose vendors that you really like and that you'll feel comfortable working with – not necessarily just the one who says the right thing or shows you the right price. These, more than anyone else, are going to be the people that will make or break your day. You spend so much time before and during the wedding with them and they help shape and accomplish the vision that you have. We couldn't have asked for a better team and at the end of the night, we weren't asking them to work, we were asking them to share the dance floor with us. Heather of LVL, Aaron Young, Brian of Elevated Pulse and Brynne of BBlossom truly brought our wedding to life and we couldn't be happier to now call them our friends.
venue: Saddlerock Ranch, Malibu CA // photographer: Aaron Young Photography // coordination: Heather of LVL Weddings & Events // catering: Eco Caters // floral design: BBlossom // ceremony + cocktail musician: Chris Wooley // dj: Brian Lee of Elevated Pulse // dessert: Coolhaus // hair + make up: Melissa Hennessee of OC Make up Artist// paper goods: designed by Aaron +Harper, printed by Cordes Printing, New Jersey // groom’s suit: Dan Trepanier for Michael Andrews Bespoke, NYC // groom’s tie: Jack Spade // shoes + belt: Cole Haan // bride’s dress: Cymbeline Paris // bride’s shoes: Calvin Klein (Heels), Vera Wang Lavender (Flats) // bride’s sash: handmade by bride //groomsmen vests + pants: ASOS //groomsmen ties: The Tie Bar //bridesmaid’s dresses: Amsale from Bella Bridesmaid
As always, awesome shots Aaron!!! Just beautiful :)
gorgeous wedding. aaron captured it so beautifully!
Absolutely beautiful pictures and wedding!
Those table settings are incredible. I love everything about them.
The details are all amazing, and love the beautiful images.
thank you for the feature jen! harper and aaron had an amazing wedding! its proof that a wedding is a reflection of the couple – working with them has been a highlight of my career.
Aaron and Harper’s wedding was magical down to the very last detail – from the moment they got engaged until the last dance. Their attention to detail, and their love and respect for each other was evident in every aspect as you can see in the photos. It was without doubt the most special wedding I’ve ever attended!
Lovely shots Aaron! The details of this wedding are simply amazing!
Thank you so much for featuring this amazing couple and their beautiful wedding! Harper & Aaron are so much fun and full of talent, which is very evident in all the super cute paper goods. I loved working with them and we had a great team of vendors for an all around great day. Thanks to Aaron Young for capturing their love so perfectly.
any idea where their Ketubah is from? I love it- and have been looking all over for one that I like!
@ Jenn: I also love their Ketubah – and I just found it online here: http://theketubah.com/prints/beloved.html
@Lauren C you just made my night! Thank you SOOO much. This was the first time I had ever written on a GWS post – but I had to do it because I was so obsessed with the Ketubah! We’re literally ordering it now! Really appreciate the response- best of luck with your wedding. xo
thanks so much for showing the ketubah as part of the whole wedding package and for loving it so much!
Love this wedding! Can you tell me what font was used for the invitations and table numbers? Thanks!!
They really did have an amazing, beautiful wedding day and I’m so happy to have seen it!
all the colors are so cute, beauty wedding
Really nice photos, liked them a lot, thanks for posting