A Whimsical Treehouse Wedding: Dolly + Andrew

Dolly + Andrew are really just big kids! They wanted their wedding to not only have a whimsical feel, but also be a relaxed day. They paid homage to their childhoods by choosing to do a “treehouse” theme – lots of toys, fun games and a big tree to celebrate under! Such a fun + beautiful day! Thanks so much to Mark Brooke Photography for the lovely photos.

What song did you walk down the aisle to? Instrumental version of “In My Life” by the Beatles. We exited to an instrumental version of “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles.

Most memorable moment of your wedding day?
Dolly: For me, it was when I finally got to look into Andrew’s eyes after my father walked me down the aisle. It’s hard to explain, but I could just feel the love radiating from the both of us at that moment. I couldn’t have been happier.
Andrew: It was right as our officiant was pronouncing us ‘husband and wife.’ Dolly was so excited, she started jumping up and down. I couldn’t help but think, ‘I don’t think any other bride can be as happy as she is…and she is mine.’ It was one of my happiest moments.

The pretty flowers are all by Honey & Poppies.

Any advice for those planning now?
Wedding planning is hard. It may seem easy and straightforward, but there are elements throughout the planning process that will surprise you, no matter how prepared you may be. But remember to not lose sight of why you are planning a wedding. Amidst the stresses and emotional turbulence of the planning process, know that the two of you are on the same team, working toward the same goal. Also, if you have a vision for your day, be firm with what it is that you want. It’s easy to let other people, especially loved ones, influence your decision-making by offering their opinions and ideas. Grateful as you may be for such wonderful advice, and even though you know that those offerings come from hearts filled with love, at the end of the day, it is your wedding day and what you’ve dreamt of.

A lot of our friends offered to help us put our wedding together because they knew how much we wanted them involved. It was amazing to have extra hands to help with putting details together! But when the wedding day comes, leave it to the professionals to take care of things. Hire at least a day-of coordinator so that your loved ones can enjoy the fruits of their labor. One more thing: your vendors are your best friends! Find vendors that you mesh well with and really get where you’re coming from. Our vendors totally made our wedding a dream come true!

vendors:

photography: Mark Brooke Photography // venue name: Secret Garden at Happy Trails Catering, in Pasadena, California // wedding dress: Augusta Jones // bride's shoes: Baker's // bridesmaid dresses: J.Crew // hair stylist: Kelly Zhang Makeup & Hair Studio // makeup artist: Kelly Zhang Makeup & Hair Studio // groom attire: J.Crew // paper goods: self designed; paper from Paper Source // catering: Happy Trails Catering // cake: Michelle's Bakery // music: Mike Robles // event planner: (day-of coordinating) In The Clouds Events // floral design: Honey & Poppies // invitations: self designed; paper from Paper Source