“Ends of the Earth” Big Sur DIY Wedding

Free People Big Sur Inspired Wedding

Kendal is normally the gal behind the lens, capturing weddings as the owner of Ostara Photography. But today she’s front + center with her guy, Anthony! She’s dreamed about her own big day since she was a little girl, and her DIY dedication proves it: Kendal was the visionary for the entire event, decor, and lighting, she created the wedding logos and all of the paper goods, she hand illustrated their wedding invitations, branded and painted the ‘welcome boxes’ &  searched high and low for all of the wedding decor and special touches! The couple incorporated a theme of lyrics from Lord Huron’s, “Ends of the Earth” as they quite literally pronounced their love for each other overlooking the ocean in Big Sur – or, the end of the earth.

Kendal filled us in on the inspiration for the day: As a couple we’ve spent every anniversary exploring Big Sur’s unparalleled beauty and rugged wilderness–it’s our ‘happy place’ and we knew the first time we camped under the majestic redwoods that there was no other place in the world we would want to get married. We are dreamers and believers, we love to travel, adventure, road trip, camp, explore the great outdoors, drink fine wine and eat amazing food. We’re passionate about music, art, photography and design and we hoped to combine all these things together to make our wedding day unique. Our wedding venue set the perfect setting for our ‘I-do’s.’ We were married on a private ranch with goats, cows and horses, under an oak tree, hundreds of feet up on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. 

Get ready to fall in love, thanks to the beautiful photos from Josh Elliott Photography!

Free People Big Sur Inspired Wedding

K+A’s INCREDIBLE invitation suite was printed on real birch wood!

wedding rings

floral bridesmaid robes

We love a good bridal party in robes shot, check out our exclusive collection of floral bridesmaid robes with Plum Pretty Sugar to create your own!

Monique Lhuillier Wedding Dress

This boho crown is the perfect, delicate details from Brides & Hairpins.

Monique Lhuillier Wedding Dress

boutonnieres

SO SWEET.

first look

Free People Big Sur Inspired Wedding

Stunning! Blush Hair and Makeup Design gave Kendal relaxed + romantic curls for the big day.

Free People Big Sur Inspired Wedding

berry bridesmaid bouquets

Cargo Creative brought out the dreamiest floral tones to PERFECTLY match the ‘maids dresses. Love!

berry bridesmaid dresses

berry bouquet

Monique Lhuillier Wedding Dress

The beading…the sweetheart neckline…the sweeping skirt…we love this Monique Lhuillier gown on Kendal!

wedding signage

Dying over the details! Lyrics painted on wood and flowers on the tree – how perfect is this?!

wedding signage

Free People Big Sur Inspired Wedding

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

Anthony: Our first look was my favorite part of the day, I had pictured what Kendal was going to look like in my head and when I turned around and saw her for the first time my jaw dropped; she was more beautiful than I had ever imagined--she was so stunning that she took my breath away.

Kendal: The only time I had to myself the entire wedding day was my walk down to marry my handsome groom. I was able to look out at the ocean, take in Big Sur's breathtaking beauty and reflect about how all of the hard work, time, planning, saving, stress, designing, DIY-ing, and daydreaming had led to this exact perfect moment in time. Wiping away tears, I took a few big breaths and descended down the hilltop towards the man of my dreams surrounded by all of my family and friends. It was the most surreal, wonderful, fulfilling and joyful moment of my entire life. I will NEVER forget that moment, that day, our vows, or this love.

ring bearer

Free People Big Sur Inspired Wedding

Free People Big Sur Inspired Wedding

Free People Big Sur Inspired Wedding

Free People Big Sur Inspired Wedding

Our Musical Choices

Processional: Wild Horses by The Rolling Stones

Recessional: Ends of the Earth by Lord Huron

First Dance: Green Eyes by Coldplay

Free People Big Sur Inspired Wedding

Free People Big Sur Inspired Wedding

Monique Lhuillier Wedding Dress

The Bride at golden hour…incredible.

Free People Big Sur Inspired Wedding

seating chart

Can you believe Kendal designed all these?? Yep, we’re inspired.

cocktail bar

free people lounge

cheese board

grazing table

Free People Big Sur Inspired Wedding

Love love love!!

Free People Big Sur Inspired Wedding

Free People Big Sur Inspired Wedding

Free People Big Sur Inspired Wedding

first dance

weve decided on forever

gold cake

Our color pallet was rich and earthy, accentuating Big Sur’s natural beauty: copper, gold, rose gold, and burgundy. Wood was an underlying material throughout our wedding. Our invitations, ceremony cards, menus as well as our table assignments were printed on wood. Copper was also an important aesthetic. Copper signage, table numbers, flower holders, geometric candle holders, and copper flatware. Our signature drinks were Moscow mules served in personalized copper mugs that the guests could take home with them.

wedding napkins

copper mug favors

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

If you have the desire, time, and passion to put together your dream wedding, DO IT. Don't hold back on the ideas, the details, or the decor. They are important parts of your wedding vision! The planning process is all consuming, more expensive than you ever imagined, and the wedding day is here and gone in a flash, but if you're true to yourself, your day will be everything you dreamed AND MORE!

love marquee sign

See the romance (his sweet first look reaction – aw!) set to the song that inspired it all, captured beautifully by Chariot Films:

Many congrats from all of us at GWS to the happy couple!

photography: Josh Elliott Photography // venue name: Rancho Rico, Big Sur, California, USA // event design: Kendal Riley (the Bride) // planning: Amber Christensen Milner // florals: Cargo Creative // wedding dress: Monique Lhuillier // wedding dress boutique: Erin Cole Couture Bridal // hairpiece: Brides and Hairpins // bride's shoes: Kate Spade New York // bride's ring: custom designed by Soroya Jewels // bridesmaid dresses: Custom Designed by Crawford + Denim // getting ready robes: Custom Designed by Crawford + Denim // hair stylist: Blush Hair and Makeup Design // makeup artist: Lauren Reid Makeup Artist // groom attire: Custom suit designed by Carl Sterr Clothing and watch from Shinola Detroit // groom's shoes: Barrett Shoes // groom's ring: groomsmen suits from Jos A Bank // videography: Chariot Films // paper goods: Kendal Riley (The Bride) // calligraphy: Velvet & Gold // handmade details: invitations, menus, ceremony cards, seating cards were all printed on real birch WOOD // catering: Savory Events // cake: Hope Bakes through Big Sur Bakery // desserts: Big Sur Bakery // furniture rentals: Chic Rentals // specialty rentals: branded welcome boxes by Kendal Riley // music: live music from Kyle Smith // officiant: Bob Nicholas // models: DJ Greyson Beffa

Explore: