by Jen Hart | California Wedding, Real Weddings
Both natives of a small Southern California town called La Crescenta, where everyone knows everyone, Lauren and Brent first met when she was in the 7th grade and him in the 9th. Lauren had been invited on a ski trip to Big Bear for the weekend with a friend and her family and Brent, who was friends with the brother, had been invited as well. Lauren had heard of Brent before but had never actually locked eyes with him; as soon as she had she knew that this would be the guy she married one day. Right from the start, whenever he tried to talk to her, she would get really nervous and feel butterflies in her stomach.
They had an awesome time on the trip but they were still so young and since Brent had a girlfriend at the time, the best Lauren could do was to develop a huge crush on him, which stood the test of time. As Laura approached her senior year, the pair ended up in the same friendship circle. Brent became really close friends with Lauren’s brother, which in turn made it a little easier for Lauren to be around him. Brent officially asked Lauren out on their first date when she graduated from high school: she was 18 and he was 20.
Lauren grew up in a family of avid campers, with a passion for riding dirt bikes and off road vehicles in the desert. For her 26th birthday they planned a trip to Cal City to go camping and do exactly what they love. One Saturday evening, while the girls were all sitting in a trailer talking where it was warm, Lauren noticed Brent walking around the camp aimlessly, in the corner of her eye. Now, this was a little weird because usually the guys would all be together around this time, working on something together or hanging out.
Lauren turned to grab a couple of beers out of the ice chest and when she turned back, she found Brent on one knee, proposing…it was perfect and 100% magical
Lauren approached him and asked what was wrong, insisting he was perfectly fine, he invited Lauren for a sunset cruise in his razor. Lauren agreed and her cousins were set to follow along shortly. Brent even said that she could drive, which was something he never did so she got really excited and they took off. Brent guided her to the top of the mountain where they could switch off engines and enjoy the sunset. Lauren turned to grab a couple of beers out of the ice chest and when she turned back, she found Brent on one knee, proposing…it was perfect and 100% magical.
After a moment of hugging and crying together their cousins showed up out of nowhere…they’d been hiding in the nearby bushes the whole time, taking pictures. They headed back in to camp to find the entire family there cheering for them with glow sticks and champagne. Brent had planned everything out just perfect and it was the most wonderful feeling in the world.
So, Lauren didn’t exactly have an image of her ideal dress in mind…she did, however, know that it would have to be comfortable, as well as a good representation of her style. After seeing pictures from her brother’s friend’s wedding, she fell in love with the dress. She did a little digging and soon found out that the dress came from Dreamers and Lovers. Lauren made one other appointment and an appointment at Dreamers and Lovers. Although she was really discouraged by her first appointment, she knew that she’d find her dress at D & L and lo and behold, she ended up falling in love with the first dress she tried on!
Lauren remembers her favorite one for Brent: “I promise to roll my eyes with you and not at you.
The celebrations were by no means understated, with a total of 257 guests along for the ride.
The couple’s only readings were their vows to each other; they wanted to keep it short and simple but still very meaningful. Lauren remembers her favorite one for Brent: “I promise to roll my eyes with you and not at you.”
The wedding flowers, by Katie from Bottles and Blooms, captured Lauren’s vision perfectly. Ample greenery with pops of rich merlot and blush. At the beginning of the aisle was pampas grass in beautiful big vases and at the altar there was beautiful hanging and draped greenery with a vintage chandelier in the middle. The table settings, boutonnières and bouquets were all absolutely stunning.
The cake was a small and simple cutting cake with a beautiful and simple flower on top. There was also a desert table with cupcakes, brownies, desert shots and s’mores station.
One of Lauren’s favorite details of the wedding was the massive light-up LOVE sign that Brent built. It stood on a little hill behind the dance floor and made its way into just about every picture taken of the event…it looked so cool!
One of the biggest challenges the couple faced during planning was probably the guest list…both their families are huge and Lauren felt terrible about not being able to invite everyone.
Other than that, the day was magical from start to finish and Lauren feels that they couldn’t have asked for anything more. From getting ready with the girls, their first look and pics with their wedding party to the reception, the weather and the music…everything was phenomenal. In fact, they wish they could relive the day from start to finish, maybe the second time round they’d get a chance to sample the food as well!
VENDOR CREDITS
Photographer: Anna Delores Photography
Venue: Retro Ranch Temecula
Planning: Pure Lavish Events
Florist: Bottles and Blooms
Dress: Agnes with Customizations
by Jen Hart | Bohemian Brides, Real Weddings
Looking at wedding pics of these two lovebirds’ day, I’m reminded of just why it is that we love boho. A. Ryan and Laura met while attending a Sign Language Interpreting Program at college in North Carolina. Ryan was a few years ahead of her and, as fate would have it, he ended up grading her video projects. Finally, a program event put them in the same place at the same time and while they locked eyes for a rather extended moment, they didn’t share a word. The wheel, however, was a-turning and a year later, they went out on their first date. They were absolutely inseparable from that date onward and because of that, they mark that day every year as their true anniversary.
Laura was taken totally by surprise as she turned to find Ryan down on one knee
Sharing a great love for the outdoors, the couple packed up one day and headed off into the mountains for a quiet weekend away. En-route to the cabin they decided they had time to do a little impromptu exploration of Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Admiring the pristine view from Clingman’s Dome, they decided to walk along a small portion of the Appalachian Trail…a trail they plan to return to one day to experience the full length of it. When, at one point, the couple decided to stop for a photo op…Laura was taken totally by surprise as she turned to find Ryan down on one knee. And that, of course, was that.
Now, Laura is what you’d have to call ‘extremely picky’ when it comes to dresses. Her prom dress had to be specially made for her and as you’d expect, having the perfect wedding dress was even more of a big deal…Laura knew it would be a challenge. Which is why it was such a pleasure for her when she typed ‘boho wedding dress’ into the search panel and bam! up popped Dreamers and Lovers. Laura fell instantly in love and knew she’d be ordering her dress from the D&L site. Trying dresses on at home turned out to be a really fun experience and she was impressed by how simple it was to add little details, like sleeves, to her gown with D&L.
Laura, when asked about her favorite vendor, actually assured us that it was, in fact, Dreamers and Lovers because EVERYONE at the wedding had something to say about how gorgeous she looked and how unique the dress was. Not just that, she was utterly comfortable throughout the day and when it came to take the dress off at the end of the night, she didn’t even want to. She also praised her photographers, Connection Photography, for making the beauty of that dress and that perfect day shine through so truly.
So, the event was planned for 90 guests but in fact, there were 92…two special friends were not about to be left out of their humans’ special day. Jobey, a black miniature labradoodle, was Best Dog and Breck, a boxer/hound mix, was Dog of Honor! They looked scrumptious and adorable and can be seen in most of the pics right there, by their owners’ sides.
I promise I will try to leave the light on for you when you’re coming home late from work
The couple’s vows were self written, Laura recalled her favorite line from Ryan’s vows: “I promise I will try to leave the light on for you when you’re coming home late from work.” She said that it might not seem like much but it’s those small things that really mean the most. The reading was something both fun and beautiful:
An Awesome Book of Love:
If I was a dinosaur and you were a jet
There’s a good chance that we’d have never met.
If I was a river and you were the sky
If I was down low and you were up high
Or if I was an apple and you were a Sunday
If you were a Wednesday and I was a Monday
If you were spring seasons and I was the fall
We might never have gotten together at all
But we aren’t all of those things
You’re you and I’m me
And we’re together as together can be
And you know I’m aglow with a smile on my face
When I wonder what magic you’ll make of this place
Of this town, of this world,
You’ll transform your surroundings
That sprit inside you is truly astounding
And when I’m beside you
I’m leaping and bounding
So proud I can hardly contain my heart pounding
I love you
I love you in so many ways
Over thousands of years
Over billions of days…
The wedding cake was the most delicious Naked Vegan Cake they could ever have imagined…the top and bottom layer were chocolate with raspberry icing and the middle layer was vanilla with blueberry icing…yuuuurm!!!
Laura’s advice to future brides is simple and concise…don’t stress, the only thing that’s important is that you’re surrounded by wonderful people to celebrate an even more wonderful moment with your best friend.
And as for what’s next on the cards for this beautifully boho couple…enjoying each moment they have together, every day…for the rest of their lives and more! Much love, you two and may your lives be filled with wholesome goodness, just the right balance of adventure and all the cuddles you can cope with!
VENDOR CREDIT
Photographer: Connection Photography
Wedding Dress: Modified Catherine Dress : Front Slit Added + Long Sleeves
by Jen Hart | Backless Wedding Dresses, Wedding Dress Collection
Dancing On Cloud Nine – The Vision Behind our New Collection
Some time ago, I happened to come across an early photograph of that unforgettable and seemingly ageless icon of fashion and music, the outspoken, daring and exquisite Cher. She was flaunting a statuesque, paneled gown and had an air about her: as if she felt that she owned the room. More than usual in that old photograph, she conveyed a timeless elegance, in a style so extra-ordinary but still so complimentary. You could never put Cher in a box, she was and remains undeniably her own.
I want you to feel like you’re walking on Cloud Nine: that photograph was the inspiration that stirred this new Dreamers and Lovers Collection into being
The spirit of boho is a lot like the one I saw shining from her…laid back, authentic, creative and timeless. For me as a designer and kindred free spirit, I want our brides to be able to walk the aisle with the same confidence that Cher walked that red carpet all those years ago. I want you to feel like you’re walking on Cloud Nine: that photograph was the inspiration that stirred this new Dreamers and Lovers Collection into being.
this time I’ve focused on adding a touch of something extra, something that’s just as much a part of love: the element of seduction
We know that love is a multifaceted gem and probably the single most important emotion we’ll ever have the pleasure of experiencing. It’s a kind of light that I keep in my mind’s eye as I focus on my designs and when they’re finally worn by our brides, I hope that they’ll somehow convey my vision of that eternal diamond, of love. Beauty, youthfulness, comfort, freedom all these elements of love are elements incorporated into each of our Dreamers and Lovers Collections and Cloud Nine is no different…except that this time I’ve focused on adding a touch of something extra, something that’s just as much a part of love: the element of seduction.
The feeling of walking on Cloud Nine is the feeling being that much in love, seducing and being seduced by it’s colored luster, the intimacy love allows and the confidence we feel as a result of it. Seductiveness, confidence, intimacy…I expect you’ll see these elements shining through in this new line of boho wedding gowns. Embrace that confidence, be unapologetically feminine…that’s what this collection asks of you, become your own icon and express yourself, even if it’s just for one very special day.
Cloud Nine delivers that same attention to detail, the same top quality, lightweight and luxurious fabrics, the same consideration for comfort and the simplicity that has become synonymous with boho and Dreamers and Lovers. This time round though, we’re letting you flaunt a touch more of that shape that makes you a boho goddess and, of course, that skin which your groom-to-be can’t seem to get his hands off!
we’ve paid that little bit of extra consideration to the female form, it’s graceful curves and subtleties; it’s eternal spirit of seduction
With this collection, more so than our previous lines…we’ve paid that little bit of extra consideration to the female form, it’s graceful curves and subtleties; it’s eternal spirit of seduction.
xo
Yanique
VENDOR CREDITS
Fine Art Photographer : Lara Lam
Creative Florist: Amy Nicole Floral
Boutique Vintage Rentals: Etablir
by Jen Hart | California Wedding, Real Weddings
So you fancy that sexy colleague but you’re convinced it won’t end well? Think again…as Anna says, it’s worth it to date a co-worker when you’re planning on marrying him! You guessed it, this gorgeous couple met on the job. Now, although they worked in different locations they got the chance to chat on the phone regularly. Anna would call Mike to ask for help with a task and Mike would soon have her in stitches, laughing uncontrollably. They became friends until, two years later, they started dating and lucky for them, co-workers and management were super-supportive, to the extent that their CEO ended up being their officiant!
The proposal story is a classic: the couple was on holiday in Hawaii when, on the first night of their trip, Mike got down on bended knee to make the move. However, in his attempt to locate the ring in his obviously very complex jacket…he fell hopelessly short. That didn’t deter Mike, he simply removed then entire jacket and offered that to Anna instead. Needless to say, she refused to comply until he’d unearthed the elusive ring. The rest of the trip was spent with them both deliriously happy.
So, living in Santa Barbara, Anna visited a few Bridal outlets before deciding rather to schedule a big dress hunting expedition to LA with her mom and sister. They’d made appointments to visit four boutiques on their first day, with Dreamers and Lovers being third on their list. Anna had a vision in mind, lace, with a low back and a stunning train. In true boho spirit, Anna was un-phased about wearing a train at an outdoorsy ranch wedding and with good cause…her gown ended up fitting in just fine. When they reached their third appointment and she tried on the Amber dress, she knew she’d found the one. Amber ticked all the boxes and on top of that, it just felt so Anna. They quickly cancelled their fourth appointment and the rest is history!
Using their own mixing skills, the couple laid the track over a piano cover that they found on YouTube, resulting in a wedding-worthy and truly romantic number for their first dance
So, it was to be a medium sized, boho-ranch bash with 150 friends and family on the guest list. As they set about planning, they considered which song to use for their first dance, as this was an element of importance to them. Having spent a night at a big electronic music gig, shortly before they began dating, they’d fallen in love whilst dancing to one specific song. They wanted to use it for their first dance but let’s just say that the beats were a little on the intense side. They reached out to the producer, expecting nothing back, what with him being well known and traveling the globe doing gigs and all. To their pleasant surprise he responded by donating a sample of the vocal track. Using their own mixing skills, the couple laid the track over a piano cover that they found on YouTube, resulting in a wedding-worthy and truly romantic number for their first dance. A choreographer friend helped them to come up with the perfect moves to match their song.
When Anna was nine, she’d decided that her centerpieces would be rustic bowls with floating flowers and candles and that’s exactly what she had. This was the only detail that she used that was part of her childhood vision of that perfect day. She’s incredibly grateful to her mom, who designed them, because they turned out exactly how she’d always pictured them.
Cake tasting was one of the couple’s favorite parts of the planning process. The wedding cake was a red velvet naked cake with a cream cheese frosting. Both the cake and the catering for the event were beyond delicious and thoroughly enjoyed by all.
At one point during the day, the photographers took the happy couple and bridal party into a field to do a shoot. Anna and her bridesmaids were all barefoot and they soon discovered the ground in the field was prickly and painful. Mike offered Anna a piggyback ride and it was only a matter of time before every bridesmaid had paired up with a groomsman to receive the same service. One couple even took a tumble; it was a hysterical experience which none of them will ever forget.
Readings were not of the traditional kind. As you know, the couple’s CEO officiated
Readings were not of the traditional kind. As you know, the couple’s CEO officiated…now; he took it upon himself to request a gem of wedding advice from each family member, which he then related at the ceremony. It was both touching and hilarious, such a brilliant idea!
The couple chose to write their own vows and Anna warmly remembers this snippet from the end of Mikes vow to her: “
“I promise to continue to be the person you fell in love with. I will always put you first, and try my best to make you laugh and smile. I will always make you feel safe, secure, and comfortable. In doing this, I hope I can make you feel even half as good as you make me feel. I love you.”
Mike’s favorite was when Anna explained that he had a tendency to make her laugh so hard that she usually became quite self-conscious about it.
The only challenge they encountered in the planning was the fact that they didn’t realize that their day coincided with a popular local fair, for which the streets were closed. As you can imagine that made transport somewhat difficult and also meant that hotel rooms weren’t easy for the guests to find. An outstanding shuttle service and a few strings pulled though and the event were a great success.
Anna’s advice to other boho-brides is that it’s your day and you can do whatever you want, you don’t have to do something just because it’s tradition. The couple made no grand entrance or exit, as it just didn’t feel authentic to them. Make sure your family and friends know to stay close on the day of the event…they will ground you and keep you centered!
So what’s next for the couple? They have plans to buy a house soon but otherwise they’re just relishing their time together as a young husband and wife. Little ones are on the cards but likely only in the next five years or so. We wish them many a romantic summer and many a wholesome, homely winter, together with all the love they can possibly bare!
CREDITS
Photographer: California based Kindred Weddings
Anna’s Dress: Dreamers & Lovers Backless Amber Simple Wedding Dress
To see more bride’s wearing the Amber, see Alexis California Wedding and see it in this California coastal setting here
by Jen Hart | Bohemian Brides, Real Weddings
A Pretty Chill Poem (Written for this Chilled-out Bride & Groom)
I think our friends would say we’re not the sort to fight or fuss
that the terms ‘laid back’ and ‘bohemian’ would go further to describe us
I spent a full day calling around, to order the perfect wedding cake
you kissed me and said “ but babe, that’s all the sweetness I need, for heaven’s sake”
I was worried about booking a venue where we could look out over sea and sky
you said, either way, it’ll never compare to the beauty of just looking in your eye
In a rush to get a tan on my skin, you said i needn’t go so far
that to you my skin was like the universe, each beauty spot a star
You told me I needn’t get my hair done up, especially for the occasion
you prefer it wild like white waves breaking, your own little stretch of ocean
fretting about losing that extra pound you advised me to take a breath
insisting there’s something rather blissful about an extra handful of flesh
When i asked what you thought about my shoe selection, you just smiled and took my hand
you said a boho girl like me’s better of with just the soft earth on which to stand
When I finally stepped into the aisle, in my simple wedding dress
praying that I hadn’t done just that little too little to impress
All it took to ease my nerves was a single glance at you
That smile on your face told me I’d done everything that I’d needed to
Later you said: that’s right and I wouldn’t have had it any other way
you in that boho wedding dress, you took my breath away
PHOTOGRAPHY all by India Earl
Dress worn by Olga : Lisa Backless Dress
