It’s safe to say that it’s a time for re-building. To safely gathering again and celebrating the love and endurance that has brought us to this moment. For Darby + Jake, it’s even more personal. Darby’s family property on Mulholland Rock Ranch in Agoura Hills was burned down in the 2018 Woolsey fire. A house they’d worked so hard to restore, gone, and the land left in despair. So while their wedding was a celebration of six years of loving one another, it was also about the rebirth of the land. They brought family and friends together to the property for the first time since the fire — with one incredible outdoor wedding backdrop in tow.
I wanted a very free wedding. No seating plans, just organic. My mother is an architectural designer and our family business, started by my father 30 years ago, is a custom very high-end manufacturing business for doors and windows. Meaning, my father is a man that can build anything. My talented mother designed the chapel, my father made it happen. Good Seed Floral then did an amazing job of covering it with beautiful flowers.
Darby’s parents built and designed that stunning steel chapel facade! Talk about meaningful. With design and planning Salt and Sparrow, the entire day came together for a truly memorable celebration. Let’s have a look at the beautiful photos by Laurken Kendall!
Modern Slip Wedding Dress
Darby wore the stunning Franchesca Dress from Flora‘s 2020 collection. For her, it was an easy meant-to-be choice:
I knew this was my dress when Flora Bridal first released the collection, I think a year before I was even engaged. The second I got engaged I made an appointment at the Dress Theory in San Diego since I knew they carried it. It was the first dress I tried on. I tried a few others for fun, but there was no question that was my dress!
Peachy Floral Bouquet
Not only did Good Seed Floral dress up the chapel in beautiful blooms, they totally nailed this bouquet! With subtle color notes to the surrounding landscape, it’s just beautiful.
Bridesmaids in Slip Dresses
Darby’s girls complemented her wedding dress with their own cowl-neck satin gowns in a sweet champagne color.
What a good-looking crew — and totally rocking those bolo ties!
Outdoor Wedding Backdrop: Welcome to the Mulholland Chapel
After all the destruction this place has seen, can you imagine how moving this moment would be?!
Just AMAZING. An outdoor wedding backdrop that rivals them all. The florals and textiles just make it, and the view is stunning!
This steel chapel obviously involved some serious work, but if you’re looking to DIY your own outdoor wedding backdrop, here are a few of our most popular ideas to get you started!
Here Comes the Crew
Darby walked down the aisle to a live performance of “It’ll Be Her” by Waylon Jennings, performed by Drew Cole. Jake surprised her with the song choice!
Walking down the aisle, seeing all of our ideas come to life, and all of the smiling faces and of course my sweet groom waiting for me. And what I will always remember is how much fun EVERYONE had. It was just the freest, most amazing party ever. People still text me to tell me it was the best wedding they have ever been to. Our live 7-piece funk band was pretty incredible too. Definately helped make the party memorable!
Yay! What a moment!
She’s barefoot and it’s PERFECT.
Celebration Time at Mulholland Rock
Darby + Jake are full-on believers in leaving a few things to chance. They didn’t plan the day to the very last detail but rather let their guest mingle, sit where they wanted, and offered freedoms for them to just enjoy themselves outdoors amongst all the space of their property.
A perfect boho-rainbow cake by KTs Bake Shop sealed the deal!
There is sincerity in spontaneity. Do not waste time on a seating chart if you do not feel it is important, stop worrying about those traditional details. Planning is, of course, essential to a wedding, but there is something so pure (for both you and your guests) about leaving some things “unplanned.” I really saw this to be true when people were sitting with who they really wanted to be with, and it made them more comfortable to get up and hit the dance floor with others. It was just really special. Sometimes planning every little detail seems to be disingenuous, in our opinion.
We’re so inspired by the beautifully meaningful day and sending all our love and congratulations to Darby + Jake!
photography: Laurken Kendall // venue name: Mulholland Rock Ranch, Agoura Hills, California, USA // event design: Salt and Sparrow // planning: Salt and Sparrow // florals: Good Seed Floral // wedding dress: Flora // catering: Marshalls BBQ // cake: KTs Bake Shop
The building of steel chapel facade by the Derby’s parents was a great gesture that shows a real love for her. While the venue and theme is also amazing.