Sweet Los Gatos Wedding

We love a bride who knows exactly what she wants. Stephanie had dreamed of marrying her beau Rico at California’s Radonich Ranch, and was willing to postpone her wedding a year just to marry on its beautiful grounds. Worth the wait, I’d say! Our thanks go out to Rahel Menig for sharing her gorgeous images with us all today.

From the bride, Stephanie: We wanted something that felt like an old fashioned summer time BBQ with our closest family and friends. We also knew that we wanted it to be something outdoors. When I was searching for a wedding venue I wanted something that reflected this. The first place I found was Radonich Ranch, and I never looked back. Everything about it was perfect! From the big bulb cafe lights strung over the eating area, to the vintage Coca-Cola coolers in the bar area. (We waited an extra year to get married just because I wanted to get married there so bad!) That basically set the tone for everything else.

I always seem to gravitate towards summery colors – so we chose warm oranges, pinks, yellows, and corals. I love planning parties and all the fun decorations that go along with them. I discovered Pinterest right around that time that I started planning our wedding and it was all I could do not to spend hours planning every detail. It took a lot of effort to hold back! There were a few DIY projects that I just couldn’t resist. I went a little washi tape crazy and made the place cards, stir sticks with washi tape flags, and the glassine bags filled with birdseed. Everything was Pinterest inspired. I also had some fun playing graphic designer for the day making the signage that was up at our wedding. On a lark I found an amazing computer program (SimplyMpress) that lets you fake letter press. I worked out great!

Any advice for couples planning their weddings now? Pick vendors that you feel a connection with. We chose our vendors either because they had an aesthetic or style similar to our own or were referred by someone we trusted. This helped us to let go of micro-managing and feel completely confident that they would come up with something amazing – which they did! Include things that are meaningful to you. We asked a very talented (and young!) family friend to sing “Grow Old With You” from the Wedding Singer at our wedding. It was sweet and funny in a way that made you want to laugh and cry at the same time. A lot of guests commented that that was one of their favorite parts of the wedding.

See Also

An Epic Dance Party in Napa, California

Wedding Music:
Bridal Party Processional: “You Still Believe in Me,” M. Ward
Bride’s Processional: “Here Comes the Sun Again,” M. Ward
Recessional: “Going Up the Country,” Canned Heat
First Dance: “Wonderful World,” Sam Cooke
Sweetheart Dance Songs: “Hallelujuah I Love Her So,” Ray Charles
Cake Cutting Song: “Going to the Chapel of Love,” The Dixie Cups
Bouquet Toss Song: “I was Made for You,” She & Him
Garter Toss Song: “In the Summertime,” Mungo Jerry

Wedding Location: Los Gatos, CA / Photographer: Rahel Menig / Florist: Weddings by Roseanne / Event Coordination and Caterer: Marky Carr of Vignette Events / Venue: Radonich Ranch / Wedding Dress: BHLDN / Wedding Shoes: Seychelles / Garter: YvesBellaBrides / Hair: Alli Wilkinson / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Lulu’s, ShopSosie, and ModCloth / Flower Girl Dresses: Mini Boden / Ring Bearer’s Bow Tie: Kindcompanie via Etsy / Groom’s Suit: TopMan via Nordstrom / Grooms’ and Groomsmen’s Bow Ties: TieBar / Wedding Dessert: It’s-It / DJ: Guy Swan with Choice Music / Wedding Invitations: Waldo Press