When you’re talking California rustic elegance—the kind inspired by rich foliage, layered textures, the outdoors, and wedding gowns with a touch of glam—there’s no better venue than a 100-year old barn nestled among alfalfa fields and almond orchards. The sprawling ranch location was a tribute to the bride + groom’s upbringing + family traditions and the classic beauty of the American west that Brooke Merrill Photography captured below:
Floral + event stylist Lotta of Mint Design mixed up a dreamy palette of deep merlots, ruby reds, peach, and pinks to complement the a earthy, vintage vibes.
Brooke says, The foliage-rich tablescape was created using various types of eucalyptus, hanging amaranthus, pink hypericum berries, garden roses in various hues, pomegranates, ranunculus, lisianthus, fuchsia anenomies, wisteria, purple snapdragons, and pepperberry.
Better bookmark this color palette, brides-to-be…
Fashion stylist Kim Lawson chose two swoon worthy lace gowns from the 2015 Watters Bridal collection to outfit our classic bride. The exquisite detailing, plunging back silhouette, and glittering embellishments added the perfect amount of glamour to this rustic outdoor setting. Kim styled the groom with a classic take on the traditional black tux. The groom wore a traditional white 10-pleat tuxedo shirt, black slim-fitting suit, and charcoal grey button down vest. The deep wine-colored tone of the groom’s crushed velvet bowtie added a perfect pop of color. To finish his look and in keeping with the tradition and style of days gone by, the groom wore polished black cowboy boots underneath his trousers.
(Remember her + Mint Design’s pretty bridal looks from this post?)
This amaranthus-draped cake. Le sigh.
Other antique elements that made this shoot so special included an antique steamer trunk used as a cake table. A salvaged mantel easily transformed into a glamorous bar by adding gold mirrored trays for displaying cocktails, elegant crystal decanters, an aged silver-plate champagne bucket, and a beautiful 1920s vanity mirror.
Thanks to everyone below for inspiring us today!
Photographer: Brooke Merrill Photography / Floral & Event Stylist: Lotta Alexandersson of Mint Design / Hair: Jacob HAIRnandez / Makeup: Tricia Leigh MUA / Personal Stylist: Kim Lawson / Invitations: Paper & Type / Cake: Shakar Bakery / Prop Rentals: Jody Reese Designs / Bridal Gowns & Accessories: Watters Bridal 2015
