A Colorful California Backyard Wedding Replete with Wildflowers

Jamie + Brenton were set on getting married at a place that had a sentimental meaning to the both of them. So, after much deliberation, they figured it was only natural to be married at Jamie’s uncle’s ranch — especially as they describe themselves as outdoorsy people! J+B wanted the wedding to have an effortless, fun vibe where everyone could relax and enjoy themselves, so they brought on Danielle Silver Niemann at Orange Blossom Special Events to help them plan.

The bride shares: I grew up going to the ranch and we had spent a few weekends there together, making it such a special place for our celebration. The feeling of the ranch brings anyone who visits a little bit of magic and peace. A wide-open California landscape served as the perfect blank canvas for some gorgeous pops of bright florals mixed with neutral blues and gold accents.

Let’s take a peek at all the desert magic, captured by Heirlume Photography. Shall we?

The Details

Okay, so we’re LOVIN’ those subdued blue hues — especially when they’re offset by the brilliant bright orange + red pops. Plus, aren’t those balloons so much fun?!

The Outfits

AH-DOR-A-BLE!!

From day one of engagement, Brenton was adamant that there be NO LACE — because it reminded him of doilies on his grandma’s table. Luckily Jamie shared in the sentiment that simple was better, so she tried to keep her look all about fit (and doesn’t this Anomalie gown just WOW?!) with a few fun accents.

The Ceremony Space

One of our guests’ favorite moments was when they were all seated for the ceremony, waiting for the procession, and my uncle and his buddy flew right over the aisle in their vintage bi-planes!

The ceremony took place on the dirt landing strip with an incredible live acoustic guitarist, Aaron Copenhagen, and the ceremony was officiated by one of our best friends, Jacob. Jacob was on the trip to Peru where we met six years ago on a medical service trip. He has been by our sides ever since, so it only made sense to have him marry us.

Isn’t that floral backdrop Petal created absolutely breathtaking?!

The Newlyweds

In the spring of 2012, Brenton was following his passions of adventuring and medicine and joined a few friends from medical school to volunteer in Peru. Meanwhile, I was encouraged by my aunt and uncle to go to Peru on a medical service trip with a colleague of theirs. Fortuitously, I got to chatting with a college girlfriend about plans after graduation and figured out that her boyfriend at the time David (we will later know as Brenton’s med school roommate) happened to be going on the exact same medical trip to Peru! So, I joined the couple and some of David’s med school buddies on a month-long adventure to Peru.

The night before leaving, I actually cried to her girlfriend about being nervous because I didn’t know anyone or any of the plans since the boys took the lead. Luckily, I got it together and we embarked on a journey to meet the boys in Lima, Peru.

My friend and I journeyed to a hostel where the boys were already sleeping. So, we got our room and decided to find the boys in the morning. We were fast asleep when we heard a SCREAM across the hostel. We woke up and thought it sounded like David in a different room… so we investigated. Brenton answered the door and introduced himself to Jamie for the first time with a mouth full of toothpaste, a great big smile and an even bigger hug. The rest is history.

All those florals + so much love. Can’t handle the sweetness of these two!

The Al Fresco Reception

After the ceremony, guests were invited for cocktail hour around the expansive pool area for charcuterie and appetizers, and then to the tennis court for the reception. Picking up the blue hues the bridesmaids wore, the tables were lined with cerulean pressed glasses, gorgeous floral arrangements, and tangerines — for a fun pop or orange.

Jamie has passion for creating cards, and when it came to the wedding she did not hold back! She hand-lettered in watercolor all of the names for the escort cards, table numbers, welcome signage, and personalized cards for the wedding party and vendors. Way to go, girl!

The florals didn’t stop at the tablescape… but in fact, were carried through to the darling Half Baked Co. cake seen below!

Sparklin’ all through the night! From the team at GWS, congratulations, you two!

Want to be swept away even more? Check out this sweet clip from Garret Stone from Light Up! Videography:

photography: Heirlume Photography // venue name: Uncle Steve's Ranch, Agua Dulce, Californai, USA // planning: Danielle Silver Niemann at Orange Blossom Special Events // florals: Petal // wedding dress: Anomalie // bride's shoes: Badgley Mischka // bridesmaid dresses: Cara by Monique Lhuillier in French Blue, Show Me Your Mumu and Lulus // getting ready robes: Pretty Plum Sugar // hair stylist: Mieko from Kelly Zhang Makeup & Hair Studio // makeup artist: Mieko from Kelly Zhang Makeup & Hair Studio // groom attire: Bonobos // groom's shoes: Cole Haan // videography: Garret Stone from Light Up! Videography // paper goods: Minted // calligraphy: Bride and friend Jacky Blickenstaff // catering: Little Nelly! // cake: Half Baked Co. // tabletop rentals: A Rental Connection // furniture rentals: A Rental Connection // linen rentals: A Rental Connection // music: Gold Standard // officiant: Jacob Blickenstaff, friend of the bride and groom // lighting: A Rental Connection // photo booth: Shnapshots Photobooth