Kate + Jared planned a sunny spring time country wedding at Riley’s Farm in Oak Glen, California. However, sunny springtime is not what they got – instead, they got SNOW! Oh, did I mention this wedding happened two weeks ago! :) Snow rarely happens in this part of Southern California, but it left a pure white blanket over their ceremony + reception. Instead of freaking out, Kate just layered up her leggings and even sported a pair of striped socks that belonged to a wedding guest! The wedding was beautifully brought back together by all of the love and support from the bridal party, friends, and family as everyone braved the snow to witness Kate + Jared tie the knot! Thanks so much to Sara Lucero for the lovely photos.
From Kate: Jared and I have been told countless times that we are two of the most sentimental people you’ll ever meet. We search for connections and value in everything (without even realizing it). With that being said, naturally, I wanted everything in the wedding to have a meaning behind it. I wanted it to feel country + cozy. I wanted it to be nothing but personal.
In the very beginning, I started with asking my mom, aunts and grandma to sew all the gray and yellow table toppers/runners (which probably ended up being my favorite detail). I had the yellow flower sash made from Etsy, but used my great-grandmother’s jewelry for the center. I asked the women in my life to make their specialty desserts for the dessert bar. I had my mom paint the tree for the guestbook. My brother made the cornhole boards. The morning of the wedding, my aunt surprised me with the quilt, and I cried like a baby (it was another homemade detail to add into our special day!) I tried to do as much DIY as I could, because it set that hometown feeling and emotion I was looking for.
Processional: Bridesmaids Recessional: You've Got a Friend by James Taylor and Bride Entrance: Acoustic version of Here Comes the Sun by The Beatles
Recessional: You Make My Dreams by Hall and Oates
First Dance: Time After Time by Javier Colon
Out of so many amazing moments that day, my favorite memory was just minutes before the ceremony. I walked out of the snow, and through the barn for the first time since it was completely set up. I saw all of our many months of planning, and my countless daydreams, put into the reality I hoped for. The lemons were in their vases, and the heart garland was hung up. I just starred in amazement and realized this was real, and I was about to walk down the aisle! I took my dad's arm, and he put the yellow umbrella over my head as we walked back into the snow... where I saw 100 people looking at me with complete love and joy. This was it! The moment every little girl wishes for, and then I saw Jared, looking right at me, his bride.
To all the planning brides out there, I have one major piece of advice – learn to just go with the flow. Details will probably go wrong! When something unplanned comes up (umm like snow!) remember the only thing that matters is you'll be married at the end of the day regardless. I don't think weddings have to be perfect. Even though the gray sweaters were purchased ahead of time, they quickly and officially became part of the attire when we felt the 40 degree weather! While saying our vows, it sounded as if an avalanche was coming down the mountain – It was snow falling on the tin roof of the altar! Also, after being announced as Mr. and Mrs. our song didn't start playing, so we just stood at the front of the aisle for a good thirty seconds and laughed. Those parts of the day you'll remember and love... because it reminds you how REAL your day was.
photography: Sara Lucero // venue + catering: Riley’s Farm in Oak Glen, California // event coordinator: Jan Theim from Riley’s Farm // wedding dress: David’s Bridal // bridal accessories: yellow sash from FloralCouture, lace leggings from DGstyle // sweater: Anthropologie // bridesmaid dresses: David’s Bridal, gray belts from Target // grooms suit: JC Penney // groomsmen ties: Macy’s // floral design: Collette Budd of Brier Rose Design // band: Lonsome Otis // cake: cupcakes by The Cake Shop (all other desserts made by the wonderful women in Kate’s life)
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