Home on the Ranch: Dreamy DIY Wedding with a Tropical Twist

Hummingbird Ranch Wedding

Home, home on the ranch… where the deer and the antelope play. That’s not quite how it goes, is it? Well, if you’ve learned anything about us at GWS, we’re all about putting your own spin on things… just like today’s couple! Rachel + Seth set out for the hills of Santa Susana (just north of Los Angeles), to Hummingbird Nest Ranch, with quite the vision. As Rachel works as a designer + art director, and Seth makes his own vodka + whiskey, they HAD to incorporate their respective skills.

Rachel shares: Needless to say, it was important for us to infuse our personalities and our creative process into all of the details of our special day. From the save the date and invitations, to envelope calligraphy, screen printing, cocktail menus and our DIY escort labels, I designed all of our printed details for our big day. Seth had a blast barrel-aging his own crafted whiskey for the bar and creating our entire cocktail menu.

Adding in tropical twists, along with honoring Seth’s Moroccan family + Rachel’s Middle Eastern roots, Details, Darling crafted one STUNNER of a day. Let’s head out to the ranch in the snaps by Ed Pulella!

custom invitations

Don’t you love a creative bride? Rachel is the owner of Ink & Osprey Studio and crafted all of the paper goods for the day!

The Florals

bridesmaids

protea bouquets

To give the bouquets a tropical twist, Shindig Chic focused on palm fronds, proteas, and tons of textured greenery.

Hummingbird Ranch Wedding

Isn’t Rachel’s custom dress so modern + so cool? We love how chic it is, especially when paired with her Steve Madden kicks.

Hummingbird Ranch Wedding

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

Seth and I had written letters to each other before our wedding. After our ceremony, we snuck away for a bit to share our letters, privately, as newlyweds. It was a really special moment for us, where we could really show our appreciation and love for one another.

Hummingbird Ranch Wedding

Hummingbird Ranch Wedding

CUTIES!!

Hummingbird Ranch Wedding

Hummingbird Ranch Wedding

Our wedding was filled with love and personalized touches that spoke to Seth and I as a couple. We rang in our wedding the way we hope to live out our marriage – with joy and love, surrounded by our incredible family and friends.

Hummingbird Ranch Wedding

Our Musical Choices

Processional: Rivers & Roads (Acoustic Version) by The Head and The Heart

Recessional: Going to California (Acoustic Version) by Led Zeppelin

First Dance: Sweet Disposition by Miki Ratsula

The Personalized Favors

infused vodka escort display

When you can DIY favors and incorporate things the two of you love — that’s where the magic happens!

infused vodka escort display

By far, my favorite project was the wedding favors Seth and I created for our guests. Each one of our friends and family received a small bottle of Seth’s infused vodka, with a custom label I illustrated, taking elements of our experiences together. Our friends helped us hand-bottle each and every one which really brought a personalized touch to each favor.

Dinner Under the Lights

Hummingbird Ranch Wedding

Hummingbird Ranch Wedding

Tables were lined with a collection of gilded goblets + tons of vibrant florals.

Hummingbird Ranch Wedding

Hummingbird Ranch Wedding

Hummingbird Ranch Wedding

Hummingbird Ranch Wedding

Hummingbird Ranch Wedding

Hummingbird Ranch Wedding

Inevitably, things don’t always go according to plan. I had designed an awesome neon sign, which Shindig Chic created, and a really fun backdrop… and the whole thing ended up catching fire! It was a total bust, but quite a memorable experience, to say the least. It’s important to just roll with the punches and continue to enjoy yourself. Ultimately, when I look back on it, I remember laughing hysterically with our guests about it.

The Ceremony

Hummingbird Ranch Wedding

As the sun went down, these two said their vows… in the most magical way. With all of the string lights festooned from the trees!

Hummingbird Ranch Wedding

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Pick your priorities. Find the things that are most important to you and sink your energy into those. Don't let the small things weigh you down. For Seth and I, we really wanted to encapsulate our personalities into all the elements of the night, so we focused on creating unique, personalized touches... and it was certainly the most fun!

Additionally, if you can afford a Day of Coordinator or wedding planner, do it. Just do it. You will thank yourself later.

Hummingbird Ranch Wedding

Hummingbird Ranch Wedding

How magical is this?!

A million congratulations to the two of you!!

photography: Ed Pulella // venue name: Hummingbird Nest Ranch, Santa Susana, California, USA // planning: Details, Darling // florals: Shindig Chic // wedding dress: Custom // bride's shoes: Steve Madden // bride's ring: Sofia Kaman // hair stylist: Salon Nuuvo // makeup artist: Salon Nuuvo // groom attire: Theory and bowtie from Barneys // paper goods: Ink & Osprey Studio // calligraphy: Ink & Osprey Studio // handmade details: Ink & Osprey Studio // catering: Taste of Pace // tabletop rentals: A Rental Connection // music: Dart Collective

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