Private Horse Ranch Estate Wedding {California Documentary Wedding Photographer}

Sometimes the best things in life take time. In this case, the time it took me to blog this gorgeous wedding. We shall treat it like a fine wine that needed aging. Everything about this day was my favorite. The private cutting horse estate it took place at was on the same grounds I used to show horses growing up. The sweet smell of equine wafting through the air combined with the incessant sound of laughter made me yearn for more when the day was through. And of course…the bride and groom whom I love so dearly and who are pivotal members of our friendship circle. Chelsea and Mike had a huge hand in the design and details of this unique wedding. The bride tirelessly collected place settings for over a year from thrift stores, each one having been hand picked. They hand made the green tumblers by heat cutting old wine bottles. All the horses were moved out of the main barn in order to set up the gorgeous single row table setting. The cake, made by Chelsea’s grandmother who has since passed, is a wonderful reminder that keeping it in the family helps to keep the bonds strong. They kept the bridal party intimate with just Chelsea’s sister and Mike’s best man to stand in for their union. A close family friend read Dr. Suess’ “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” while the bride’s grandmother did a sentimental reading. The reception room was adorned with lights and candles as they celebrated their evening with loved ones. And I even got a place setting…

I’ll stop talking now since it’s taken me long enough to get to this point. Here’s to decades of happy matrimony for our dear friends Mike and Chelsea!

 

Band: Apple Z

Catering: Tuli Bistro

  • seriously… These are gorgeous. I got all teary eyed at some point, and I have no idea why. Must be all that beautiful love and imagery I was just looking at.ReplyCancel

  • What an amazing couple and wedding! The joy and beauty is amazing!!!!!!ReplyCancel

  • Tammy Lacey

    Oh Chelsea… although I was not there I remember you talking about all the little things that you and Mike were doing to prepare for your wedding day. I enjoyed these photos but most of all I see so much of your beautiful, passionate spirit in them. All those little things are whats really important. Life is truly all about the little things. Thanks for sharing…ReplyCancel

  • Oh my gorgeous!! these are just stunning and you have such a gift for capturing great moments! Beautiful couple and wedding, stunning photos!ReplyCancel

  • Oh my gosh, I love this so much! So many awesome details that you captured so beautifully, and you take such artistic and well composed shots. I love the last few in the dark with the lights. So pretty!ReplyCancel

  • Beautiful!! Down to every last detail. I felt like I was there with you! Thank you for sharing this gorgeous wedding!ReplyCancel

  • Now that is a couple that knows how to plan an amazing wedding!!!! Such fun and such wonderful sentiment and emotion. <3ReplyCancel

  • These are so, so beautiful, Jo. There’s so much joy in these images! Gorgeous photography (and couple!).ReplyCancel

  • I just adore your perspective and the way you told the story of the day. So much love and so much joy in all of these images. So lovely!ReplyCancel