As we kick off the week, let’s take a moment to bask in the warmth of Dan & Melissa’s rustic California wedding, radiating with blush tones, lush blooms, and effortless outdoor charm. The talented duo behind Figlewicz Photography – Casey and Andrea – masterfully captured this love-filled celebration.
Wedding Day Snapshot
As we kick off the week, let’s take a moment to bask in the warmth of Dan & Melissa’s rustic California wedding, radiating with blush tones, lush blooms, and effortless outdoor charm. The talented duo behind Figlewicz Photography – Casey and Andrea – masterfully captured this love-filled celebration.
Our Love Story
It was through mutual friends in Santa Monica that we first crossed paths. Our acquaintance turned into a series of chance encounters over the next year, with Dan and I constantly running into each other at social gatherings. It wasn’t until then that Dan finally worked up the courage to ask me out on a date. We spent hours deliberating over where to go, with Dan initially suggesting 15 different restaurants – all of which were ultimately deemed too fancy for our first outing.
After much consideration, we settled on a low-key spot with board games and tater tots, a relaxed atmosphere that allowed us to connect on a deeper level as our relationship blossomed. It wasn’t long before Dan proposed the idea of taking a weekend trip to Santa Barbara, which ultimately led to him asking me to be his girlfriend. Fast forward two years, and we found ourselves considering a major life change: purchasing a home in Orange County.
Despite the initial uncertainty, I knew it was the perfect place for us to put down roots. After what felt like an eternity of packing boxes and moving in, our friends and family began to disperse. Dan and I were finally alone in our new home, ready to start this new chapter together. Little did I know, Dan had been planning something special all along – a proposal that would make the night truly unforgettable.
As he got down on one knee and pulled out a ring, my initial shock gave way to overwhelming joy, and before I knew it, I was screaming and crying tears of happiness. With that, Dan sealed our future together with a resounding ‘yes’.
The Attire
I opted for an elegant all-lace dress with delicate spaghetti straps and a beaded belt to make a stunning impression. Meanwhile, Dan chose a sharp navy suit paired with a crisp white shirt, a navy tie, and complemented by tan shoes and belt. To add a personal touch, he carried his late grandfather’s pocket watch as a meaningful symbol of his presence throughout our ceremony.
In terms of attire for the bridal party, my bridesmaids all donned full-length, blush-hued dresses from the same designer, each with its unique style. The groomsmen, on the other hand, stuck to a similar theme as Dan, but traded in their jackets for a more relaxed, casual look.
Favourite Moments
The highlight of our special day was undoubtedly the first look with Dan, as it left an indelible mark on both of us. Witnessing him become emotional upon seeing me in my dress for the first time was a truly unforgettable experience. Additionally, we were thrilled to have our wedding weekend activities take place at the Westlake Village Inn, which proved to be the ideal setting for our loved ones to come together and revel in the joy of our celebration.
The Venue
After conducting an extensive search online, I finally came across the Walnut Grove website, which left me in awe of its striking style and elegance. The moment we stepped foot inside the venue during our tour, we were smitten – it was clear that this was the perfect setting for our special day. Our wedding aesthetic was characterized by a serene simplicity and rustic charm, with an emphasis on neutral hues.
We deliberately kept decorations understated to allow the natural beauty of our venue to take center stage. Our color palette featured soft blush tones and ivory accents, which complemented the venue’s effortless elegance.