California Garden Wedding

This California wedding has us dreaming of sunshine, that’s for sure! Photographer Clayton Austin is no amateur when it comes to capturing dreamy weddings and gorgeous bohemian brides, and this wedding between Christen and Will fits perfectly into his canon. Be sure to stay tuned for an accompanying wedding film from Reel Eyes Media later today!

From the bride, Christen: I leaned toward neutral colors but really I had an open color palette I allowed myself to work with. But that worked with the mixed up vintage feel we had going on. Everything was a DIY project! From the save the dates, hand-painting 150 feathers, invitations, making wine barrel jockey boxes for the kegs, all the favors I hand made (making homemade jam and jarring local honey) finding every plate and decor item, planting every flower in the dressers, suitcases, books. The look to me was very “home grown,” almost “organic.” After the wedding, everyone said “it was soo you guys!” That was exactly what I wanted — something that was us!

Any advice for brides planning their weddings now? I got swept up in wanting to do a million projects and have a million things, but realistically that just wasn’t going to happen. So I prioritized what I truly wanted, things I couldn’t go with out, putting it down on a list from most important to the least. That helped me, but of course I wasn’t making these lists by myself — my sister helped! Make sure to have that one person that won’t stress you out and just keep you on track. I know everyone says this but it’s sooo true, your day goes by so so fast. Remember why you’re there in the first place. I love that we wrote our own vows and my girlfriend suggested right after you walk back down the aisle go off completely by yourself for 5 minutes. We did and I was happy to get a moment right after the rush of the whole thing to just have a moment in time with my love.

A Tuscan Inspired Wedding with Pastel Hues at California’s Filoli Gardens

View all images from this wedding in the gallery

Wedding Location: Murphys, CA / Wedding Photographer: Clayton Austin / Event Styling: Bride and bride’s sister / Wedding Flowers: Paige Ware of Whole Foods, Roseville / Wedding Dress: House of Fashion Sacramento / Hair: April Battle of Avant Garde Salon (209.532.7770) / Makeup: Ashlyn Taylor of madameme / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Forever 21, Macy’s, TJ Maxx / Wedding Music: Keno Rojas / Wedding Caterer: Paula Schwartz ([email protected]) / Wedding Cake: Cora Roberts ([email protected]) / Wedding Invitations: Bride / Videographer: Darren of Reel Eyes Media