There’s nothing quite like witnessing a couple’s genuine enthusiasm and passion for their special day. Melissa and Matthew’s wedding was no exception. The pair tied the knot at a picturesque ranch in Southern California, surrounded by an atmosphere that was equal parts fun, romantic, elegant, and deeply personal. We’re thrilled to share Kaysha Weiner Photography’s stunning images with you.
The Condor’s Nest provided a breathtaking backdrop for the celebration, complete with an impressive prop room just waiting to be utilized. Melissa and Matthew took full advantage of this treasure trove, incorporating beautiful styling, lush greenery, and vibrant florals into their overall aesthentic. Of course, no mention of this wedding would be complete without highlighting the stunning attire on display.
Melissa’s strapless Anne Barge wedding dress was truly showstopping, while Matthew looked effortlessly stylish in his beige and navy ensemble. Meanwhile, the bridesmaids shone in their coordinated yet mismatched mink and blue dresses, adding a playful touch to the proceedings. As you gaze upon these photos, it’s impossible not to sense Melissa and Matthew’s genuine excitement and joy as they embarked on this new chapter together.
Their love story is one of true beauty, and we’re honored to have been a part of it.
Wedding Day Snapshot
There’s nothing quite like witnessing a couple’s genuine enthusiasm and passion for their special day. Melissa and Matthew’s wedding was no exception. The pair tied the knot at a picturesque ranch in Southern California, surrounded by an atmosphere that was equal parts fun, romantic, elegant, and deeply personal. We’re thrilled to share Kaysha Weiner Photography’s stunning images with you.
The Condor’s Nest provided a breathtaking backdrop for the celebration, complete with an impressive prop room just waiting to be utilized. Melissa and Matthew took full advantage of this treasure trove, incorporating beautiful styling, lush greenery, and vibrant florals into their overall aesthentic. Of course, no mention of this wedding would be complete without highlighting the stunning attire on display.
Melissa’s strapless Anne Barge wedding dress was truly showstopping, while Matthew looked effortlessly stylish in his beige and navy ensemble. Meanwhile, the bridesmaids shone in their coordinated yet mismatched mink and blue dresses, adding a playful touch to the proceedings. As you gaze upon these photos, it’s impossible not to sense Melissa and Matthew’s genuine excitement and joy as they embarked on this new chapter together.
Their love story is one of true beauty, and we’re honored to have been a part of it.
How We Met
It was a typical Friday evening in July 2012 when our paths crossed at The Bluebeet, a local hotspot that’s a staple among Newport locals. I was out with friends, including Cassie, one of my bridesmaids, who had been plotting an escape route to turn the night into a girls’ night out. But before we could make our move, a charming stranger approached me and offered to buy me a drink, claiming he wanted to cheer me up because I looked like I was having a tough time.
I politely declined, and Cassie and I continued chatting. Little did I know, Matty – the handsome gentleman in question – had been watching us from the bar, subtly signaling for me to join him with a series of nods and smiles. Despite my initial hesitation, we struck up a conversation that flowed effortlessly, and before long, I found myself completely absorbed in talking to him.
The hours flew by like minutes, and before I knew it, Matty had asked for my number – the start of a romance that would become the defining chapter of my life.
The Inspiration
We envisioned an intimate, rustic, and romantic wedding atmosphere that reflected our unique blend of vintage charm and modern romance. Our neutral color palette, featuring soft hues of blue, green, grey, white, and pink, was inspired by the natural beauty of the beach where we grew up, the rolling hills of our hike engagement spot, and the countryside’s rustic landscapes.
As lovers of old barns and unique ranches, we drew inspiration from various sources, including blogs, Etsy, Pinterest, and Instagram. We curated a collection of lace styles, DIY projects, suit colors, and styles that reflected our individuality and personal taste. We also took cues from the special days of our loved ones’ weddings, incorporating our favorite ideas and elements into our own celebration.
Above all, we wanted our wedding to feel like an extension of ourselves – a true reflection of our love for each other and for those who mattered most.
The Attire
As the big day unfolded, the bride stole the show in her stunning Anne Barge gown, while the bridesmaids donned Jenny Yoo’s Annabelle tulle dresses in mink grey. The maid of honor stood out in Mayan blue, thanks to Nordstrom and BHLDN for making the purchase a seamless one. What made their attire truly special was the versatility – each bridesmaid could customize her look by wearing the dress multiple ways.
Meanwhile, the groom and his entourage were impeccably dressed in custom suits from Grooms Grotto, the talented team behind this exceptional brand.
The Ceremony
When I think back on our special day, one of the moments that stands out is when my sister read Corinthians 13 aloud. What made this reading even more meaningful were the personal touches we incorporated throughout the ceremony. Matt, being the thoughtful groom he is, wore a patch from his wedding gift and also took care of building part of our arch, as well as handling all the drapery, ring bearer pillow, and flower girl basket.
The music we chose for our ceremony held a deep significance to us, making it an integral part of the experience. I also wanted to honor my parents in a special way, so my father wore a patch on the back of his tie while my mother and father accompanied me down the aisle for a portion of the walk before handing me over to Matt. The most memorable moment, however, was when we finally saw each other – it was truly enchanting.
Not seeing each other beforehand only added to the magic of that moment, making it one we’ll treasure forever.
The Flowers
The wedding’s botanical beauty was a true showstopper, thanks to the stunning floral arrangements that adorned every corner of the celebration. The bridal bouquet, in particular, was a masterpiece – a loose gathering of garden roses, dahlias, spray roses, lisianthus, hypericum berries, china mums, and dusty miller, perfectly balanced with flowing greenery. The color palette was predominantly soft whites and ivories, punctuated by subtle blush and gray accents.
The florist’s creative touch extended far beyond the bouquets, as the archway, tables, and decorative props were all transformed into living, breathing works of art. Greenery was carefully laid down the middle of each table, interspersed with sprigs of flowers in an assortment of milk bottles and vases – a veritable feast for the eyes.
The flower girl’s baby’s breath crown added a touch of whimsy to the proceedings, while the groom’s understated yet elegant grey succulent boutonniere, wrapped in textural greenery, served as the perfect counterpoint. The groomsmen’s botanical gatherings of greenery brought a sense of continuity to the proceedings, and the mothers’ small posies and fathers’ simple boutonnieres with ivory spray roses and greenery added a charming, thematic touch.
As if all this weren’t enough, ten shepherd’s hooks lined the ceremony aisle, each one bursting with textural greenery. The seating chart windows were transformed into verdant masterpieces, seven feet of garland swooping across the top and down either side in an asymmetrical shape that was equal parts elegant and whimsical. Meanwhile, the sweetheart table boasted a dense collection of vintage vases overflowing with deconstructed floral arrangements and lush greenery.
The Music
When it comes to wedding music, the processional and recessional songs set the tone for the celebration. For this couple, their family processional song is a heartfelt rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Landslide’. As the wedding party makes their way down the aisle, they are accompanied by the sweet melodies of Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic. The bride’s grand entrance is marked by ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’, while her groom-to-be joins her with Shut Up and Dance by Walk the Moon.
The newlyweds’ first dance is to the romantic tune of I Won’t Give Up, Jason Mraz. Father-daughter and mother-son dance moments are filled with nostalgia and love, as they sway to My Little Girl by Tim McGraw and Wildflowers by Tom Petty respectively. To close out the evening, ‘If You Ever Want to Be in Love’ by James Bay brings a sense of closure and joy.
The Photography
We’re thrilled to introduce you to Kaysha Weiner, not only an exceptional photographer but also a kindred spirit. A serendipitous encounter with her was facilitated by mutual friends who raved about her work. As we stepped into her studio, we were struck by the warm and inviting atmosphere that permeated every corner. The subtle touches and heartwarming moments captured in her photographs added to the sense of homey familiarity.
Our initial meeting with Kaysha was a joyous experience, marked by effortless conversations and laughter. She demonstrated a deep understanding of our needs, empathizing with our nervousness in front of the camera while expertly addressing all our concerns. Her exceptional talent, warmth, and passion for her craft made us feel valued, secure, and loved. We’re forever grateful to have Kaysha in our lives and look forward to many more opportunities to collaborate with her.
In a similar vein, we’re fortunate to have Jordan Niswender on board as our videographer. A Facebook recommendation from a friend led us to him, and we were impressed by his professionalism, extensive experience, and uncanny ability to grasp the essence of our wedding vision. He put us at ease, allowing us to trust in his expertise and talent. The final product exceeded our expectations, leaving us feeling grateful and lucky to have found him.
In fact, Jordan has already secured bookings for two of my friends’ weddings – a testament to his exceptional craft.
The Refreshments
Our bespoke cocktail, crafted by a made-of-honour and sister of the bride, was a refreshing blend of mint and orange infused vodka mixed with ginger beer and soda water. It was the ideal accompaniment to our charming drinkware, featuring distinctive straws in jean, birch wood, and vintage floral prints. To fuel our guests’ appetites, we served a selection of meats, cheeses, and fruits from my family’s restaurant, as well as an assortment of other savory snacks.
For dinner, we opted for Danelan’s BBQ, which offered an impressive buffet spread designed to accommodate the large crowd in a timely manner. Our dessert bar was a real showstopper, boasting an array of treats including rich chocolate truffles, tangy lemon bars, an assortment of delectable cupcakes, and our signature naked cake, infused with the sweet flavor of banana. We were thoroughly enamored with each and every one of our desserts.
Advice for Other Couples
I highly recommend exploring a curated list of trusted vendors, including BHLDN, Pinterest, Bridal Musings, Wedding Chicks, Kaysha Weiner, Jordan Niswender, Cute Cakes, Etsy, Elyse Reneau, Jeanna Pizzollo, The White Dress, Blooms by Breesa, The Knot, Honeyfund, Crate & Barrel, and myregistrycom. In terms of advice, prioritize the elements that truly matter to you and your partner, allocating necessary resources and freedom to secure the best options for your special day.
Your wedding day is a celebration not just for everyone else’s enjoyment, but also for yours and your partner’s. Embrace this reality by planning the day around shared experiences and moments that will be cherished forever on your big day, be prepared for unexpected twists and turns, but don’t let them dampen the mood. Soak up every moment of love and happiness with your partner.
Take a quiet moment to step outside the wedding venue with your partner, look back at all the loved ones gathered to celebrate your union, and gaze into each other’s eyes. This is an unforgettable experience – your first alone as husband and wife amidst those who care deeply for you. Lastly, don’t be afraid to cut unnecessary elements that can make the day more chaotic. We opted out of bouquet toss and garter toss at our wedding, opting instead to dance the night away with our loved ones.
It was an unforgettable decision. Remember to laugh, cry, sing, dance, and love every moment of this whirlwind year and incredible day – it will fly by in a flash.
The Honeymoon
We embarked on an unforgettable honeymoon adventure in Bora Bora and Moorea, a trip that we wholeheartedly recommend devoting at least ten days to, to truly experience the island’s essence, be sure to hike, swim with sharks, rent a boat, paddleboard, and immerse yourself in the local culture. This enchanting destination has left an indelible mark on us, and we’re already itching to return. The memories created during our visit will forever be cherished.
We’re grateful for the opportunity to have experienced it. The beauty of the islands is simply breathtaking; I’m particularly fond of the intricate lacework on Melissa’s wedding dress, as well as the harmonious blend of grey and blue hues worn by the bridesmaids. It was a true delight to see these details come together to create such a stunning visual display. We extend our sincerest gratitude to Kaysha Weiner, Melissa, and Matthew for sharing their special day with us.
Their love story is truly inspiring.
