A Whimsical + Woodsy Garden Wedding in Northern California

“We fell in love in the redwoods, so we had to get married in the redwoods,” say Becca + Derek who first laid eyes on each other when they were both working at a California summer camp in college. The wedding they planned was woodsy, whimsical, and oh-so-romantic.

“We also fell in love around our best friends,” the couple adds, “so we needed them around us every step of the way. Because of that, we got married in a place where our closest friends could be on-site with us as if we all lived in the same neighborhood all weekend long (AKA grown up summer camp).”

The wedding weekend, put together by planners from Wild Heart Events, included group floating excursions down the Russian River, a breezy and bright outdoor wedding day at Guerneville, CA’s Dawn Ranch, and lots of priceless quality time.

These gorgeous pics from Laurken Kendall are the definition of outdoorsy romance. We can’t wait to give you a peek!

The periwinkle blue font details in these modern, minimalist wedding invites from Gold Dust Design introduced guests to one of the day’s key colors.

“Once upon a time, when I was in high school, I cried every time I shopped for a prom dress due to the pressure of trying on clothes in front of an audience,” says bride Becca. “So naturally, I bought my wedding dress online.”

“I wanted something that felt bridal but also something that fit with getting married in the forest, so LoveShackFancy felt perfect for the occasion. My dress came in a box and fit like a glove. Easy Peasy.”

Who says only the bride can wear white! We are loving these whimsical white bridesmaid dresses!

Loving the idea of wearing an all-white look to your next wedding but wondering if it’s the right move? Check out our helpful attire guide: Can You Wear White To A Wedding?

Becca’s crew’s white wedding day looks remind us of this striking destination wedding in Mexico and its beautiful all-white bridal party.

So into the way that Becca + Derek gathered their wedding party for picnic-style portraits. Such a perfect fit for the vibe of their sunny, outdoor day.

A Woodsy Ceremony

When it came to ceremony guest seating, Becca + Derek went for an eclectic-yet-intentional mix of benches and chairs. Take a look through our creative ceremony seating ideas for even more out-of-the-box ceremony layout inspo!

Dreamy white + periwinkle blue wildflower-inspired floral arrangements from Layered Vintage gave the day an organic, enchanted forest feel.

Like the idea of writing something special to share with your person during your ceremony like Becca + Derek did? We’ve got a super helpful vow-writing guide to help you put pen to paper.

We gotta say: Becca’s beautiful plunge-neck boho wedding dresses feels like the centerpiece for the day’s entire dreamy aesthetic.

Oh, and that gorgeous + effortless curly bridal updo? Becca’s mom did it!

Our Musical Choices
Processional
"Carry You" by Novo Amor
Recessional
"Best of My Love" by The Emotions
First Dance
"This Will Be (An Everlasting Love)" by Natalie Cole

Our Favorite Memory
The most memorable moment of our weekend was the float down the Russian River during our rehearsal dinner day. Because we had no stress about the ceremony or reception, we got to be so relaxed and truly spend time with our people. Floating was silly and fun and adventurous, which really encapsulates who we are.

A Whimsical Celebration

Absolutely obsessed with these striped fabric panels and the way they fluttered in the breeze! The whole reception setup reminds us of this sunny European beach-inspired bridal shower.

The mismatched green + white table linens added tons of free-spirited yet cohesive charm to the celebration. Very into the Arch Bancha pattern tablecloth from BBJ La Tavola on that long banquet table!

Love the way that these floral arrangements make the periwinkle reception seating charts feel so organic in the lush + grassy surroundings.

Becca + Derek’s guests feasted on a delicious reception dinner catered by Dawn Ranch.

These greenery-filled floral arrangements! We can’t get over the magical meadow vibe they create.

Our Advice
Our biggest advice is plan a wedding that you'd want to attend. We always asked ourselves, "Will we have fun if we did this?". Now, we always think back on our wedding as one of the most fun weekends of our lives because it was a reflection of us!

Dart Collective DJs provided plenty of tunes to keep the couple + their guest out on this super cute checkered dance floor all night long.

“We think our wedding was about our friends and family just as much as it was about us,” say Becca + Derek. “Enjoy each other, but also enjoy your company. The village that supported you throughout your relationship will be the village that supports you for the rest of your lives. Celebrate them too.”

Congrats, Becca + Derek! Your woodsy + whimsical California wedding day was an enchanted, outdoorsy dream. Best wishes from GWS!