One thing you should know about today’s couple? They aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty! (Okay, that plus the fact that they are wildly in love!) Emily + Matt managed to put their own creative touch on practically every single wedding day detail, while keeping things relaxed + fun in the process. They wed at McCormick Home Ranch, an outdoor venue in Camarillo, CA with a cute little 1918 Colonial-style house on the property! Tara, the photographer behind Lovers & Mountains, gave us the scoop on E + M:
On Emily and Matt’s first date, he took her on a hike planned solely around GPS coordinates down to Kirby Cove in San Francisco to soak up some eucalyptus forests and golden hour rays. From that day forward, they’ve been up, down and around the Northern, Central and Southern parts of the state—hiking, backpacking, surfing, camping and whatever other adventures came their way. Emily said, “I think our wedding was an ode to, not only our love story, but our story of falling in love with California.
E + M planned their 140-guest wedding with a budget of about $23K, which is a tough feat, especially when you’re getting married in California. So, how’d they make it happen?
Having a budget-friendly wedding anywhere in this state isn’t the easiest task, so Emily and Matt tried to make the DIY adventures as fun as possible. They endured countless trips to Home Depot, afternoons spent sawing, sanding, staining, sewing, and scrubbing. When it was all said and done, they still managed to be pretty fond of each other! With the help of Matt’s dad and brother, Matt made geometric table number signs, sandwich board signs, a customized corn hole game and a homemade Jenga set for the big day. Needless to say, this wedding was very close to their hearts and felt like something they put a serious amount of elbow grease and love into!
You guys are going to LOVE these DIY elements, not to mention the happy couple, themselves! Let’s dig in with the gorgeous photos from Lovers & Mountains!
Something Branded
Emily is the graphic designer behind Little Spot, so she put her talents to use for the wedding branding, creating the invitations and signage throughout the day! Can’t you totally feel the modern camp vibes??
Bride + Groom Style
Hello, golden locks! Brie Leach gave Emily the perfect bohemian bridal look, complete with flowers in her hair…heart eyes!
Matt was outfitted in a navy suit by Groom’s Grotto. Just look at that grin!
(psst: Love a guy in a floral tie? Here’s our collection with Neck & Tie Company!)
Emily wore a dreamy off-the-shoulder Daughter’s of Simone dress that she found at Bride — it was the second one she tried on!
The Bouquet
The best way to save money on your wedding? Enlist friends and exchange in favors! E + M called on their friend, Amy, from Desert Rose Florals who literally brought their floral dreams (and ours!) to life.
We LOVE Emily’s laid back bridal style! So effortless!
A Sweet Ceremony
Emily: Walking down the aisle! It was truly the most incredible feeling to be surrounded by every single person you love the MOST in the world, all smiling from the center of their hearts straight at you. Walking through that group and feeling those feels, anchored by the two best parents down to my forever best friend waiting for me at the end? Truly the absolute best.
Matt: Right after we said “I do” and were announced as husband and wife. We hugged, we kissed, and we turned around to 140 of our best friends clapping and cheering for us. We had smiles ear-to-ear as we held hands on that gorgeous California evening with reggae music playing, and walked back down the aisle giving high-5’s and handshakes. I was finally so relaxed after that and felt so surrounded by love.
Processional: Old Pine by Ben Howard
Recessional: Lucky Man by Courtney John
First Dance: Angel by Jack Johnson
Hip + Handmade
Add this one to the list of DIY projects: they washed and dried nearly 400 glasses! (But don’t they look SO worth it?!)
E +M both love words and had some fun with quotes and clever lingo across the signage and invites. With some help from friends they made giant linen signs (like this seating chart), menus, table numbers, and more!
What a set up!!
E + M called on Fahrenheit LA to bring in pizzas for dinner! Pizza and donuts? WIN.
(Also: they ironed and folded 150 napkins! Total bosses.)
Matt’s mother made 190 jars of homemade apricot, bumbleberry, pomegranate and pear jam. And the “cherry” on top was the wax seal!
If you love that handmade look, there are so many options to get you started on Etsy! And the fun thing about linen banners is they can go from your wedding to your home!
Carousel
CarouselThe Newlyweds
Dying over this green barn and Emily’s dress!!
When you feel good about something, make the decision then and there and go with it! I bought the second dress I tried on, we hired the first caterer we tasted, and booked the first venue we saw. The wedding is so much more about the people and the feeling you create than any of the added extra things. Try to focus on the meaning behind your day as opposed to what color of cream your linens are going to be. I promise you’ll enjoy the experience a whole lot more. :)
SO many sweet touches from this day. Emily + Matt, we’re absolutely thrilled for you and wish you all the best in your marriage!
photography: Lovers & Mountains // venue name: McCormick Home Ranch, Camarillo, California, USA // planning: Holly Hong // florals: Amy at Desert Rose Florals // wedding dress: Daughter’s of Simone // wedding dress boutique: Bride // bride's shoes: Free People // bride's ring: Rosado's Box // bridesmaid dresses: Reformation // hair stylist: Brie Leach // makeup artist: Brie Leach // groom attire: Groom’s Grotto // videography: Anhtuan Hong // paper goods: The Bride - Emily // handmade details: The Bride - Emily // catering: Fahrenheit LA // cake: Casey Mason // desserts: Rolling Pin Donuts // tabletop rentals: DIY by the Bride & Groom // furniture rentals: Mccormick Home Ranch // music: Adam Brock // officiant: Bride's Father // engagement ring: J&L Jewelers // dj : Heart of Cosmos
Gorgeous !
Love it all !
♥♥♥