Today’s theme is (clearly) the California coast. (And if you missed this morning’s wedding, held right under the Golden Gate Bridge, be sure to take a minute to check it out!). Ericka + Jedidah’s wedding was a total DIY-slash-family affair, and included the likes of a handmade wedding dress, homegrown centerpieces, mini mason jar pies for dessert, and lots more. We say, when you’re surrounded by talented family and friends, it only makes sense to take full advantage of their skills as you plan your big day! Let’s hear all about this celebration directly from the bride, then enjoy all the photo goodness thanks to The Joy Archival!
Ericka says, I spend my days as an interior designer and occasionally moonlight at an event planner and coordinator. Jedidiah has a creative background as well, and used to DJ weddings as side business in college. All that experience with weddings really help us have a clear vision for what we wanted for our day. We both knew what parts of the day were most important to us, so it was a matter of combining those ideas into one seamless event. Our biggest priority was to create an event that felt like “us.” We both love to travel (both abroad and close to home) so a “mini-destination” weekend was kind of a no brainer for us. We ended up in the small beach town of Bodega Bay, a place that is special to my family (I grew up camping there). It was a dream come true to have all our favorite people in the world around for the whole weekend.
Ericka + Jedidah accessorized like a couple of pros! Steal their style in our shopping guide below!
Carousel
Carousel
And let’s not forget Ericka’s DIY wedding dress! She says, My mom and I designed my wedding gown which she graciously sewed for months leading up to the big day. Amazing!
That pretty protea bouquet is the handiwork of the bride!
The most memorable part for both of us was the ceremony. It's such an incredible and special feeling to walk down the aisle and stand in front of all your closet friends and family and make these huge, life-altering, forever promises. We had close family friend (he's basically know Jedidiah his whole life!) perform the ceremony so it was all very personal for us and just the right amount of serious and playful. Between my mom accidentally pulling my veil off my head when I hugged her at the end of the aisle, and Jed barely making it through his vows (there wasn't a dry eye in the crowd), it was far from "perfect" but it felt perfectly "us."
Processional: Friends + Family: Things are Better – Tyler Lyle; Bride: How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
Recessional: Radar Detector – Darwin Deez
First Dance: We've Got Something – Penny + Sparrow
Snag some Moscow Mule mugs for your wedding (or home) in the GWS Shop!
Our biggest advice to couples would be to sit down early on and prioritize what portions of the day are important to each of you. For Jed is was venue and having it be near the ocean. For me it was more detail oriented and being able to incorporate lots of our talented friends. The sooner couples can figure out priorities the sooner you can make decisions based on what you value as a couple. The other (everyone says it) but DELEGATE! It was hard for me to get used to handing things off, but at the end of all of it, people love to be involved in weddings and, as the bride and groom, there is more than enough other things to worry about.
photography: The Joy Archival // venue name: Mozzafiato By the Sea, Bodega Bay, California // event design: Ericka Violett // planning: Ericka Violett // florals: Ericka Violett // catering: Paella Del Reyes // invitations: Kortni Bottini // graphics: Kortni Bottini
This reminds me so much of our wedding! Just beautiful :)
Her cuff was really beautiful. I also like her the dresses of the bridesmaids weren’t the same but they featured similar colors that were in the bouquet.
-M
http://www.violetroots.com
We’re looking for a green suit – this one is perfect! Can anyone tell me where it’s from please!? :)
Hello! We love your venue & was wondering if you had any contact information? We’re having a hard time finding it online. Thank you so much :)