Last October, Kate + Nick had the homespun California ranch wedding dreams are made of – and it took place on Nick’s birthday! These two had one main goal and it was to make sure their guests would feel right at home. So an un-stuffy + simple celebration combing elements of Oregon (where Nick is from), Texas (where Kate is from) and California (where they now live) was just perfect. McCormick Home Ranch in Camarillo provided a low-key + cozy, yet elegant, backdrop. And we adore the simple, heartfelt decor + relaxed vibe. But more than anything, we love, love, love the sweet way that Kate + Nick explained their story to us, so here it is for you to read, too:
He was in Taiwan. She was in LA. He had a blog. She read it. She tweeted at him. He tweeted back. He followed her on Instagram. She followed him too. They met last December, became friends on Facebook, and after 214 hours on Skype, 7,440 miles of traveling, 10,000 prayers, 7 months of falling in love, 1 talk with her dad, 3 months of planning, and 1 diamond ring, Nick + Kate got married.
A big thanks to Floataway Studios for sharing these beautiful images with us today + congratulations to Kate + Nick!
Nick - Seeing Kate in her dress for the first time, and when JP (DJ) started playing "Birthday Sex" right before Kate and I left. You can’t get married on your birthday and not play that song.
Kate - Nick’s 13-year-old brother, Ethan, gave an incredible best man speech. Like, if someone had filmed it, it would have blown-up on YouTube. It was the perfect combination of roasting and toasting. By the end, he had the entire crowd in side-splitting laughter and tears. I also loved seeing Nick for the first time – that feeling is indescribable.
Kate’s vintage-inspired dress was made by a dear friend. It’s so, so lovely!
And um, can we discuss these perfectly-clad bridesmaids for a sec? Each gal chose her own frock in shades of nude (from places like Free People, Anthropologie, Brandy Melville, BCBG, and Nordstrom) and the end result is the all time best mishmash of bohemian pretty!
It only made sense for this couple, both of whom work in social media, to have a “social moment” during their ceremony – 60 seconds for everyone to take pictures and post them online (including themselves.) This minute allowed for the bride and groom’s quirky personalities to shine through AND gave them a one-of-a-kind picture.
Reception details included homemade Texas peach preserves, Oregonian wood rounds (cut down by the groom’s father), and wedding portraits of grandparents + parents, honoring the many years of marriage within both of the couples’ families. Tables were adorned with ferns, miniature gold animals, gold tin cans, and glass juice jars, and inside them, cactuses, cotton, wildflowers and peonies.
LOVE that they served In-N-Out, a California staple, for dinner!
Pick and and choose your battles. If someone (whether that be the bride’s family, the groom’s family, the bride, or the groom) feels strongly about having/not having something be a part of the wedding, assess its importance, and decide if it’s worth fighting over.
Check something small off your planning list each day, but don’t make the wedding a part of every conversation with your fiancé. Have a day each week where you don’t bring it up, and just enjoy each other.
Hire people to setup and cleanup on the day of. It was so stress-free, knowing that my parents and dearest friends (most of whom had come from very far away) were going to be able to enjoy themselves from the start of the day, to the very end, and not have to worry about things being taken care of.
photography: Floataway Studios // venue name: McCormick Home Ranch, Camarillo, California // event design: Kate, Her Mom, and Becky McCormick // planning: Becky McCormick // florals: Jenn Sanchez Floral Design // wedding dress: Handmade by a family friend and Cynthia Hawkins // hairpiece: Jennifer Larcomb // bride's shoes: Steve Madden // hair stylist: Kate did her own makeup, and hair was done by one of her bridesmaids, Karley Kiker // makeup artist: Kate did her own makeup, and hair was done by one of her bridesmaids, Karley Kiker // groom attire: Topshop // videography: Mackenna Millet // paper goods: Invites were designed by Kate, and printed by a friend in Dallas // cake: Sweet and Saucy Shop // music: JP McLeod // bridesmaid dresses: A mixture of nudes -- several dresses were from Free People, Anthropologie, Brandy Melville, BCBG, and Nordstrom // catering: Wildwood BBQ and In-n-Out Burger
THE MOST AMAZING WEDDING. Their love was so evident and every detail was just fab. Love y’all.
It’s been my dream to have In N Out cater my wedding.
Is there any way to find out where Kate’s engagement ring is from? I think it may be my dream ring!
Hi! Answer: Nick designed it with a family friend, who happens to be an incredible jeweler :)
Every detail amazing!
kate beautiful wedding! i too am having my wedding at mccormick in a few months and i’ve seen some of your photos on instagram from the wedding! i am so glad this is up on green wedding shoes. can i ask you who your florist was?
Congrats! Her name is Jenn. You can contact her here: http://www.jennchez.com/ I highly, highly recommend her.
Everything is so charming in this event! We are so thrilled that you used our Guestbook Signature Conifer tree to record your happy day!
omg! this wedding is seriously incredible. kate, where did you get those awesome bracelets for the bridesmaids?
Anthropologie! :)
Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous! What stunning photos
Such a gorgeous wedding! I love the colors and the selfie! Just perfect!
What a day of beauty, joy and celebration!!
This is just so sweet and stylish!
Love the first look and selfie photos!
What a wonderful and unique wedding, full of character!!! I love all the personalized signs!
Wow! What a truly awesome wedding! High five for their dinner choice :)
Love everything about this wedding! How did the “guest book” tree work?