This Couple’s Micro Wedding Featured California’s Gorgeous Golden Hills

Rae and Peter eloped at a beautiful Airbnb in Hopland, CA called Dooley Creek Ranch with just a handful of their dearest people surrounding them. Rae wore a show-stopping Zimmermann wedding dress with 3-D floral details – that she added a matching layer to the bottom to make it full-length – and a bridal headband that would put Blair Waldorf to shame! Rae also happens to moonlight as a florist, and created masterpieces of all the floral arrangements herself. Beautifully photographed by Safeenah Noah, you’ll soon see that this day is one that R + P will never forget! Let’s dive in!!

All the Glitz and Glam!

The bride rocked a pair of amazingly funky Prada heeled platforms that she purchased second-hand at The RealReal. What a score!

Okay so we NEED to talk about this dress!

Originally spotted on the Zimmermann Spring/Summer ’21 runway, Rae pinned this dress to her “Someday Maybe” board without having any clue that Peter would propose several months later. After a surprise proposal on the 1-year anniversary of their first date, she set out to track it down despite pre-orders being sold out… everywhere. She submitted request forms and “notify me” alerts with Zimmermann, Moda Operandi and Intermix, and lo and behold, several weeks later someone had returned a pre-ordered dress in her size!

When the dress arrived, it zipped up – a perfect fit! – and it was pretty much a done deal from there. Rae worked with a local dressmaker (shoutout to Arisha at Ms. In Stitches in the Bay Area!!) to add a custom mini-train with Zimmermann fabrics tracked down from Mood in NYC; the final version was a slightly more formal take on the original silhouette with a modified back closure and additional petal details to oomph up the drama!

Safeenah Noah (the photographer) shared with us, “This particular wedding day went through a few covid-sponsored iterations before forming into the beautiful little thing it became. I can’t help but feel like it’s all a metaphor for life and love, but I’ll let you fill in the blanks to save you from my emo tangent.”

Here Comes the Beautiful Bride!

This couple was all smiles at the altar! They could hardly contain their excitement!

Want a Ride?

After exchanging sweet vows at Dooley Creek Ranch, the couple along with their photographer + videographer zipped around for a joy ride around Hopland in the classic car they’d rented for the occasion. Everyone stopped at an overlook for sunset where the couple danced in the sunlight, drank champagne, and basked in their general fabulousness!

How stunning is she?! The bride’s look was an instant classic with hair and makeup by Chantelle Studio. And we are huge fans of her bridal headband!

Rae wears an exquisite ring from Rebecca Overmann in this sultry black and white photograph.

Peter was equally dashing in a summer-appropriate blue suit from Tailor’s Keep.

Between the smiles on their faces, the gorgeous California backdrop, and the bride and groom’s impeccable ensembles, it’s hard to pick one favorite thing in this photo!

Memories That Will Last a Lifetime

The couple and their loved ones enjoyed the most delicious meal with their private chef back at the Airbnb.

Can I hear a little commotion for the dress? 👏🏻

The photographer shares: Dooley Creek was also an amazing choice for an intimate wedding location. It has sprawling grounds with golden fields, and multiple buildings on the property to host a small group on-site.

The After Party

Intimate is just what this couple was looking for! What better way to celebrate a marriage than being surrounded by your closest friends and family with a deliciously prepared meal to bond over!

Time to cut the cake baked by Sift Dessert Bar!

Sparkling and spectacular!! A major congrats to Rae + Peter! The GWS team is wishing you both the very best!