French Country Inspired Wedding

If it’s possible to tire of European countryside-inspired weddings, I must have totally missed that memo. This beaut from Hom Photography is heavy on the French rustic influence, an aesthetic borne from the bride’s love of French language and culture. (In the words of the photographer: “The first time Hanna told Scott she loved him, she was too scared to say it in English so she told him in French” — how adorable is that?) Mountain Laurel Florist brought the wedding full circle with floral arrangements dripping with romance.

From the bride, Hanna: We wanted our wedding to to show the more natural and rustic side of French life. We wanted the wedding to feel very soft and simple, elegant, sweet, warm, loving. Our theme was French country. I lived in France for high school, and since then the culture has always been a huge part of my life. The color scheme was coral, cerulean blue, and white.

We made lots of the wedding accessories ourselves. The bride made all the bridesmaids belts, the ring bearer boxes, the chalk board signs, the wedding signs. The grooms mothers made the picture wall and the programs. The bride’s father made the cocktail hour bar and a personal wine and label for the wedding. The bride’s aunts did all the flowers and made the silverware holdings.

Any advice for couples planning their weddings now? I would say to not get caught up in the planning. Focus on your marriage and the life you will have together. Planning is fun, but don’t let it take over your day to day life. Take your time in planning if you are doing it mostly alone, but if you have a planner along your side they are SO HELPFUL and way worth the cost. Also, out of all your vendors, make sure you have a good DJ. Make sure that he has all the correct music you asked him to play, and even listen to it first to make sure it’s the correct version. It is smart to put out the pronunciation of bridal parties names for their entry so the DJ isn’t confused at the last second.

See Also

Art Nouveau Elopement At A Historic Bank Wedding Venue

Wedding Music:
Processional: “Without Words,” Bethel Music
Bride’s Processional: “What Does it Sound Like,” Bethel Music
Recessional: “Recessional,” Josh Garels
First Dance: “Wanted,” Hunter Hayes (Rachel Dehaan and Alex Miller from our bridal party sang it live as a duet)

From the photographer, Lauren of Hom Photography: Hanna and Scott were married at the beautiful Hurst Ranch in Jamestown, CA. Loving the French language and culture, the two decided a French country theme would be the perfect aesthetic for their wedding. This manifested in gorgeous details such as floral arrangements by Mountain Laurel Florist that looked as if the flowers were freshly cut from the countryside, hay sofas, potted flowers in kraft paper bags with scalloped edges, and signage calligraphed in French. Their rustic reception tables were named for various wine regions in France and adorn with olive branches from the olive grove on site, natural burlap, large hurricane candles, and tea lights.

Hurst Ranch in Jamestown proved to be a characteristic and picturesque venue for Hanna and Scott. The owners’ warm hospitality allowed Hanna and the bridesmaids to get ready in their home, while Scott and the groomsmen got ready in the owners’ art studio. Also unique to the venue is a small train, which offered train rides to the guests after the ceremony. Hanna was nothing short of a selfless bride. She showered her bridesmaids with gifts, including homemade wine made specifically for the celebration of their wedding, handmade flower belts unique to each bridesmaid’s personality, and lavender sachets. Throughout the day she was always considering others before herself. Her and Scott’s gifts to each other surprisingly were very similar. Scott gave her a journal full of entries and prayers he kept throughout their relationship. Hanna made a little booklet summarizing their love for one another. Both drew the other to tears.

Wedding Location: Jamestown, CA / Photographer: Hom Photography / Wedding Coordinator: Sharon Gravesen (sgravesen @ astound.net) / Florist: Mountain Laurel Florist / Wedding Venue: Hurst Ranch / Wedding Dress: Casablanca Bridal / Wedding Shoes: Steve Madden / Veil: Handmade / Head Piece: Debby Hoffman / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Banana Republic “Gathered Scoop-Neck Dress” / Hair and Makeup: Flawless Hair + Makeup / Groom’s Suit: Zara / Caterer: Molly’s Catering / Wedding Cake: Gold Street Bakery / DJ: Good Life Photo Booth and Sounds / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / Wedding Invitations: Paper Daisies Stationery