Wedding Trends Look Book 2015: Rustic

The wedding of Sarah + Christopher evoked an atmosphere that was a rustic wedding, yet comfortable. Self-described as ‘foodies’ the culinary experience was a priority. Their love for a casual and relaxed afternoon and an evening that was fun and festive gave us just the inspiration in creating their signature wedding. Sarah liked the idea of an outdoor ceremony and reception that was reminiscent of a California vineyard. The couple had recently relocated to California and wanted to evoke the feel of fresh produce stands and a farm-to-table atmosphere that included the finest selection of wines and champagne.

From the beginning, Sarah knew that she wanted The Wedding Guys® to design her long-distance wedding. She knew that she wanted all of the details of a perfectly curated ceremony and reception, but now living in California had limited opportunity to meet with suppliers and make selections. A few pre-wedding trips and a lot of emails back and forth would be the best way to accomplish all that Sarah and Christopher wanted for their celebration. Fortunately for us, Sarah contacted us before any of the major decisions had been made, so we were able to style the entire wedding including shopping with her for her bridal gown.

We knew that a vintage-inspired lace gown would be perfect. Together, we selected a beautiful fluted skirt gown with a delicate sheer overlay. A deep neckline and open back were accented with all-over lace. A toffee belt featured an off-center handcrafted ribbon

The pieces were tied together with string and placed in a craft paper-covered box. We selected a series of stamps to continue the vintage effect.

Before the ceremony, guests sipped iced tea and lemonade that was styled with large glass decanters and red and white paper straws. A distressed sideboard held mason jars and arrangements of fresh lemons. A weathered table featured a birdcage for cards and the thumbprint tree guest book.

We embellished the grapevine-wrapped gazebo with strung pearl, teardrop chandeliers and for the ceremony, we created eclectic seating. We combined metal garden benches in two styles with stools, wood benches, bamboo folding chairs, and hay bails. To embellish, we accented with oversized burlap pillows.

For the cocktail reception, we placed champagne bottles in vintage washtubs. Glasses of champagne featured sprigs of lavender. Guests played vintage games including badminton, bocce ball, and croquet. Hightop tables featured heavy woven linens with a weathered blue stripe.

After enjoying champagne and lawn games, guests moved onto the reception where we had designed a hearty display of grilled vegetables, gourmet breads,  crackers, cheese, and olives. A large farm table featured the abundant display.

Under the reception tent, we placed a mixture of furniture including vintage sofas, tables, trunks and sideboards. Mix and match vintage flatware was placed in open drawers for guests to grab.

A delicious dessert buffet included fruit tarts, petite pastries, and caramel apples. A small two-tiered wedding cake atop a milk-glass pedestal, featured a delicate floral motif piped in buttercream.

Sarah and Christopher sat at a duet table covered with cappuccino linen with black hydrangea print. An oval back brown leather occasional chair and an oval back toffee damask chair were perfect seating for the new bride and groom. The table featured lace runners and vintage glassware filled with pink and peach garden roses, orange ranunculus, and pink stock.

The evening continued with dancing, cigars, and a roaring bonfire which took the chill out of the evening air.

Photos by: Studio Laguna