Eco-Friendly California Wedding

This California wedding is right up our alley — creative centerpieces, gorgeous photography from Katrina Louise, and a happy couple that’s as cute as can be. Danielle and Shawn filled their wedding day with succulents (a perennial fave) contained in colanders and strainers pulled from secondhand shops and garage sales. We love this eco-friendly and low-cost approach to reception decor!

From the bride, Danielle: I envisioned a simple/elegant/beautiful day filled with small unique details. I have always done things my own way and I wanted to have artist freedom. The best way to explain the process is to think of an oil painting, all the thousands of tiny strokes of color that eventually surfaced the most magical beautiful day we would ever experience. We wanted the whole day to feel like we felt when we listened to “Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole.

Our wedding was the most magical, romantic and simple vintage feel. We built it to our custom needs and created a whimsical week of love. We created and designed all most everything ourselves (fiance and I). We were on a year-and-a-half-long treasure hunt for items to be re-purposed for the wedding. We hit up second hand shops, garage sales, craigslist, some new items and friends donations to build the day.

We cloned and grew most of the succulents that we used as centerpieces and planted in the old random items I scored. We created the cool dessert pedestals that were merely spray painted candlesticks that we siliconed to plates/trays. We trekked up to the garment district in LA and bought table linens/napkins cheaper than the cost of renting linens. How could I forget about the table names that my hubby sewed lace on the card stock name tags. We had all original wacky names that meant something to us.

See Also

A Bold Berry-Colored Vallejo Wedding

Any advice for brides planning their weddings now? My main advice is do not be scared to go against the grain and do what truly inspires you. Everyone will give you their opinion and strong suggestions of what you SHOULD do, follow your heart. My advice is to use craigslist and thrift stores to save a ton of money. Remember that the guests will not remember the silverware you used or other things you may think you need to pay too much money for. I would also advise people to take the help that your friends/family offer, there are so many details and it all helps. Create a funny line, or a “happy place” that you and your partner can think of when you want to pull your hair out. Too Blessed to be Stressed was our motto!

Wedding Music:
Groomsmen’s Processional: “The Cave,” Mumford & Sons
Bridesmaids’ Processional: “Over the Rainbow,” Israel Kamakawiwo’ole
Bridal Processional: “Buckets of Rain,” Bob Dylan
Recessional: “My Love is Your Love,” Terry Linen
First Dance: “Make Me Feel Your Love,” Adele

Wedding Location: Carlsbad, CA / Wedding Photographer: Katrina Louise / Wedding Venue: Levyland Estate / Wedding Flowers: Bride and family + friends / Wedding Dress: Igigi / Bride’s Hair: Diana Dawning / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Overstock.com / Groom’s Suit: Macy’s / Wedding Caterer: Smokehouse Catering / Wedding Cake: Andrew’s Creative Confections / Desserts: Cake Invasion / Wedding Music: DJ Don Juan / Officiant: Bride’s Uncle / Wedding Invitations: Printing Center USA