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Offbeat partner: Jackie, Coordinator at a tech company
Offbeat partner: Cody, Respiratory therapy student
Date and location of wedding: Slowcoast Lodge in Davenport, CA — September 2, 2017
Our offbeat wedding at a glance:
Our theme was boho meets music festival. We had a camping wedding and were at the property with our friends and family for four days. Almost all decor was DIY and even the tables, chairs, and light posts were made by friends.
Tell us about the ceremony:
Our ceremony took place in a redwood grove near the reception area. We were married by our best friend, Ari Cohen, who did such a beautiful job. Our family and friends gave us tearful hugs afterwards. Our macrame backdrop was made by me and the altar was made by my husband.
Our friend, David, played some acoustic guitar while we all walked down the aisle and as the ceremony ended, my husband and I walked back up the aisle while guests sent us off by throwing dried flowers.
Tell us about your reception:
We wanted to create a sort of bohemian festival-themed atmosphere, where everyone felt like they could do what they wanted in the space. The most important goal was to bring all of our family and friends together in one place and to make sure that everyone felt comfortable and welcomed. We didn’t assign seats and we had activities going on all around the redwood grove. Guests were hanging out on pillows inside a wooden tetrahedron tent, playing cornhole with our hand-painted cornhole set, dancing to the band who played on top of a trailer bed, and taking pictures in the photobooth.
It was a camping wedding, so our guests brought tents and camped at the property. I made all of the hand-painted signs and the fabric garland that was strung overhead. We used antique brass candle holders and assorted vintage brown bottles filled with wildflowers for centerpieces. The most beautiful piece was our geode cake created by a friend. The favors were hot sauce bottles that were filled and designed by me and were displayed in a large basket surrounded by colorful cloths decorated by my family.
What was your most important lesson learned?
It’s easy to get caught up with Instagram and Pinterest pictures, which can be great inspiration, but make sure that you’re still incorporating your own style. If possible, be your own stylist so that all of your decor will have a little piece of you. Cody and I did everything DIY and even though it was a ton of work, we both agree that we would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
Also, don’t lose sight of why you’re planning this wedding to begin with. Take a long look at your fiance either during the rehearsal or before the ceremony and just tell each other “I love you.” That’s why you’re there and that’s a moment you’ll remember.
Vendors
Wedding Dress: Grace Loves Lace • The Groom wore: ASOS • Photographer: Lynn Lewis Photography • Videographer: Adam Stanton • Venue: Slowcoast Lodge, Davenport, CA • Florist: the bride and her wedding party • Stylist: the bride • Hair: Tina Park • Makeup: Alisia Lundie • Band: Van Goat • Catering: Food Trucks: G’s Tacos, Holopono Hawaiian, Uncie Ro's Pizza
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