Brace yourselves, because this DIY Redwood Forest wedding in Foresthill, California is perfection. This wedding— this backdrop, the amazing weather, the FABULOUS Beverly Hills BHLDN wedding gown—this is why I love when I get to travel somewhere new for a wedding! Candace and Ian had a wonderful backyard wedding (It helps when the backyard is in the redwood forests of California!). They are the kind of couple that people gravitate toward—kind, easy-going, genuine, and 100% in love. So, it’s no surprise that they had tons of people travel great distances just to celebrate their special day. They are now living in Ian’s hometown of Hood River, OR, which I’m told is also a little bit spectacular when it comes to the scenery. I’ll be planning a trip soon (in the SUMMER).
Candace had her wedding day envisioned like so: Fiddles playing in the background. Surrounded by nature. Simple. Intimate. Lots of personal touches, like having an heirloom wedding ring. Ian’s wedding ring from Hood River Jewelers accompanied his wife’s so well–and I love when the rings “go together.” If you’re wondering how to achieve a unique wedding full of elegance and style without being too “trendy,” look to Ian and Candace’s day. They accomplished so much so subtly. For example, it was very important to Candace to let nature be their backdrop, and she didn’t want to take any beauty away by covering it with a bunch of decor. I tried to stay true to her vision throughout the photo sessions.
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She also understands the true meaning of DIY, and enlisted the help of friends and family to help her vision come true. This is very evident in the invitations printed by her uncle, which represented her setting so, so well. A good friend (and talented one at that) did all of the floral arrangements and bouquets, which were tied with a golden glitter bow instead of wrapped. This was an adorable little detail, and I hope more brides see this and adopt the “bow bouquets!” Candace also had the reception set up with mismatched wooden chairs, china, and teacups. This was special, since the teacups were from her own collection, and the seating and china from family members and friends.
Of course, I can’t leave out the beautiful BHLDN gown. Sigh. A lightweight, ruffled number that fit the bride and the style of the wedding just perfectly. Side note: I will admit, I always get excited when I have a BHLDN bride because I know that the wedding will be exquisitely unique every time. BHLDN and their brides know how to do unique.
I also love when the couple is as laid back as Candace and Ian were. The getting ready portion of the day was just so much fun for everyone, and if there were any nerves or tension, no one felt it! It was a wonderful day for the whole wedding party, spent with lifelong friends. And there were plenty of giggles and selfies.
Of course I was blessed to witness some very special moments during the preparation portion of the day. Some of my favorites are below. The first is a photo of Thaddeus, Candace’s older brother, right after she got dressed into her gown. I think that’s a face of a proud big brother. The next few photos were taken just before the ceremony, when a very close friend joined the girls to pray for the couple. There was lots of hugging, joy, and a few happy tears. I felt honored to be a fly on the wall for these. Right after that, I set up a quiet place for Ian and Candace to have a few moments and chat before the ceremony. They didn’t want to see each other, but they wanted to still have some quiet moments together. We kept the door in between, while they held hands and I snapped away. Then I made my exit and let the two have some time together. I always recommend doing this or a first sight for my brides—it was a very special moment, and one that I know they’ll treasure forever.
STILL TO COME in part 2:
The MOST adorable ring bearers ever, more gorgeous reception details, and a ceremony that will knock your socks off. For the reals.
With joy, Lizard.
P.S. Can’t wait for part 2? Visit the highlight video at: http://vimeo.com/101172768
(To view the full gallery until Oct 1 2014: www.lizardnickel.shootproof.com)
DIY Redwoods Forest Wedding | The Lizard Blog - […] plan was to split this DIY redwoods forest wedding into two posts. I blogged part one last week. Well, two posts just aren’t enough for this fabulous soiree. So this will be part two […]
Redwood Forest Wedding | The Lizard Blog - […] CA. Candace and Ian’s day was perfection, as I’ve described in my two previous posts, part 1 and part 2. Today I’ll be showing a few favorites from the adorable backyard […]