Woodsy Malibu Wedding

There’s something so romantic about the idea of not only getting married underneath trees, but also preparing for your wedding day in the middle of the woods — which is exactly what bride Hayley did when she married her longtime sweetie, Luke. Marianne Wilson Photography captured all the darling moments of the day, including some beautiful portraits by a nearby abandoned Ferris wheel.

From the bride, Hayley: Luke and I met in Breckenridge, a small mountain town. So we adored the woodsy, outdoor setting of Calamigos Ranch. The immensely beautiful oak tree and twinkle lights, surrounded by tall pines, a rustic ferris wheel and vintage carousel made for the perfect wedding location. We accented the space with neutral colors, mercury glass, old silver, antiques, lace, candles, rustic wood pieces, doilies and worked with a friend who made rustic vintage flower arrangements (the feathers were the perfect touch). It all made for a flawless execution of our so-called “fall rustic vintage DIY” theme.

We wanted our wedding to be very us so we tried to add a special touch to every detail. From the apple roasting favors (Luke’s family is from Wisconsin and go apple picking in the fall) to making the table numbers and naming them after destinations that we have visited together (we met in the Colorado mountains and now live on the beach in Santa Monica- so goes the quote that was painted on signs and banners “from the mountains to the beach and happily ever after”). My mom made the beautiful rustic chandeliers, my cousins and aunts brought desserts from famous family recipes, we used my parents vintage cake topper, my dad and husband chopped wood logs for our table numbers and dessert platters, we collected lace, doilies and old silver from all of our family and friends helped me with all the decor. It was a labor of love from all our family/friends.

There were definitely moments when I wanted to give up on the DIY theme or thought we were going WAY overboard, but then I would remind myself that this was the biggest day of our life and it is SO worth it. Our wedding was magical. It was such a rare and wonderful thing, to have all of our friends and family celebrating the biggest day of your life together. And then to see your wedding day, all the decor that you and your family slaved away on, come together so perfectly before your eyes- It’s an amazing feeling.

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

Any advice for brides planning their weddings now? Don’t get too overwhelmed with Pinterest and the all things you want to do. I made a list of what I wanted and had in mind, then as time went on I would narrow it down- you’ll realize you don’t need it all. Or maybe your ideas will change. Also, I would highly recommend to take breaks form the planning and enjoy your fiance and engagement. Spread out the DIY crafting and planning over weekends. Get your girlfriends together and enjoy some wine while you all make crafts. And as they all say, enjoy it. Try to soak it all in and not stress too much, because in the end, it will all get done (somehow, someway).

Wedding Music:
Bride’s Processional: “Wonderful Tonight,” Eric Clapton
Recessional: “Everything,” Michael Buble
First Dance: “Ho Hey,” The Lumineers
Father/Daughter Dance: “You Don’t Have to Let Go,” Jessica Simpson
Mother/Son Dance: “In My Life,” The Beatles
Bouquet Toss: “I Know What Boys Like,” The Waitresses
Cake Cutting: “What a Wonderful World,” Louis Armstrong

Wedding Location: Malibu, CA / Wedding Photographer: Marianne Wilson Photography / Wedding Venue and Catering: Calamigos Ranch / Wedding Flowers: Rhonda Fauci / Wedding Dress: Pronovias via Marylinn’s Couture Bridal / Hair: Lauren Champion / Makeup: Dwell by Erin / Groom and Groomsmen’s Suits: Three Day Suit Broker / Ceremony Music: Jim and MaryKay Altizer / DJ: Ryan Wise / Videographer: Loveshot Productions / Wedding Invitations: Mark Kipling