Christina Teenz Tan and Ron Danziger’s Creative Wedding Proposal Strikes a Chord Before Their Elegant Hotel Bel-Air Wedding
Love in Bloom: Chelsea & Chris’s Rustic Garden Wedding
Chelsea and Chris married at their ‘family’ barn in Vermont. Despite living thousands of miles away (the couple actually live in sunny California) they were able to plan their perfect wedding in just 6 months surrounded by close family friends whilst enjoying good food and excellent wine. Now this sounds like my type of wedding!
I asked Chelsea to tell me more…
Searching for inspiration and tips for your Rustic Garden Wedding? You’ve reached the right place. Check out Chelsea and Chris’s wedding below, and stick around to the end to get our useful planning tips!
“We started planning our garden wedding just 6 months before our big day. From the beginning we both agreed on a few key elements that were most important to us. We wanted our wedding to feel personal and unique to us as a couple, we wanted it centered around things we love — music, food, wine and our friends and family — not tradition, or how things are “supposed to be” done and we wanted it be intimate, so that our guests felt like participants not observers. We actually noted that all down in a vision statement/planning strategy. Boy did that come in handy down the road when we were making decisions about what to prioritize. I highly recommend couples take this extra step!
The setting was something we had agreed to long before we even got engaged — the family “farm” in Vermont where I grew up. It’s a beautiful location with lots of sentimental appeal to me, but it did bring its own challenges. Mainly that we live in California (over 3000 miles away) and everything had to be brought in (which requires lots of extra coordination between vendors). The theme — I guess I’d call it rustic garden party — evolved from there. We started with a few key design elements that fit with the barn and outdoor setting: vintage mason jars filled with baby’s breath as the key floral feature; mis-matched chairs set around cedar farm tables (my father is an antique dealer so he gets the credit for sourcing both the mason jars and the chairs); painted board signage; and a big beautiful sailcloth tent from VT Tent Company for dinner (and as backup in case weather didn’t cooperate for the ceremony). Other than that we didn’t do too much more in terms of decoration since we figured nature would help us out in that area. The colors were chosen by me (coral and dusty teal are two of my favorites) and Chris designed the branding, invites, place cards and a fantastical website.
When it came to choosing our vendors, we were pretty picky. We love food, and so do our family and friends, but we couldn’t be there for a tasting. So we spent a lot of time talking to caterers and reading reviews before deciding on Let’s Pretend Catering. We had my parents stand in for our tasting with some very specific things to look (and taste) for. The wine we had shipped in from the vineyard where we are wine club members in Napa (Elher’s Estate) both because they’ve become part of our story of moving west, and because the bottles feature a heart-shaped design. In lieu of a cake (we’ve seen too many couples forget to even cut into their very expensive cakes when they get caught up in the moment!) we had desserts shipped in from Momofuku Milk Bar in NYC, which is located around the corner from the first apartment we shared, so also a part of our story. Music was provided first by Eugene Uman’s jazz trio after Chris listened to a number of musician’s sample tracks; and the DJ, Steven Sonoda was chosen mainly because he could offer both music for dancing and a karaoke machine for the end of the night (which was a Huge hit with our guests, especially because we kicked things off with a well-rehearsed duet!). Perhaps the most important vendor was our photographer Brian Friedman of BFreed Photography, a friend who I’ve worked with professionally and also seen grow as an artist over the years. Chris and I didn’t really care too much about staged photos (a couple obligatory family shots was really all we posed for). On the other hand photography was still an important element for us, and we knew Brian was the perfect person to capture candid moments and intimate details to help us remember the day (and he did!).
Asking friends and family to travel in to a small town in Vermont over labor day weekend was a lot, and we wanted to make a weekend out of it for everyone. In the end we had just shy of 50 people join us for the special day and it really was a weekend to remember. All were invited to the rehearsal dinner at Glimmerstone Mansion, and we used that night for speeches and toasts so that we could keep the fun, easy-going spirit flowing from day into night at the wedding. Probably most memorable of the whole experience for me was how everyone chipped in during those couple days before our wedding. People just kept showing up at the farm and asking how they could help, and we took them up on the offer because there were so many details to finish!! The giant baby’s breath wreath you see hung on the barn is thanks to all those helping hands. We took a Christmas wreath and filled it with baby’s breath, lemon leaves and a lot of love to achieve that look! In the end what was already one of the most memorable days of my life was made that much more special knowing everyone had a hand in bringing our vision to life. And while we may have felt pangs of guilt putting people to work in the moment, after all was said and done we were showered with thank you’s for letting everyone truly be a part of it.”
Super Suppliers – Photographer: B-Freed Weddings// Marquee: VT Tent Company // Catering: Let’s Pretend Catering// Wine: Elher’s Estate// Desserts: Momofuku Milk Bar// Entertainment: Eugene Uman’s jazz trio & Steven Sonoda // Submitted via Two Bright Lights//
Gosh that wreath has to be one of the most epic floral arrangements I have seen at a wedding so far, isn’t it beautiful!! Have you had to plan your wedding long distance? We would love to hear how you tackled the challenge, maybe you have some helpful tips for our other brides and grooms?
Why We Love Garden Wedding Parties
Are you dreaming of a wedding that feels like it stepped out of a storybook, complete with twinkling fairy lights, wildflowers, and the sweet scent of fresh greenery? Well, a rustic garden wedding party might just be your ticket to wedded bliss! As a wedding blogger who’s seen it all, let me tell you why this theme is a blooming marvellous idea.
First off, let’s talk ambiance. Picture this: wooden tables adorned with mason jar centrepieces, each bursting with hand-picked flowers. Twinkling lights strung up in the trees create a canopy of stars, and the natural backdrop does all the heavy lifting, making decor a breeze. It’s Mother Nature’s gift to you – and who says no to free decor at a garden wedding party?
Rustic garden wedding parties also offer unparalleled charm. There’s something inherently romantic about the blend of rugged and refined. Think vintage lace meets burlap, elegant china on wooden picnic tables, and whimsical touches like handwritten chalkboard signs. It’s Pinterest-perfect, but with a down-to-earth vibe that makes everyone feel at home.
And the photos? Oh, the photos! Sunsets peeking through the trees, candid moments under the open sky, and every shot dripping with rustic elegance. Your Instagram feed will be the envy of all.
So, if you’re looking to tie the knot in a setting that’s equal parts enchanting and effortless, a rustic garden wedding party is the way to go. Cheers to saying “I do” in the great outdoors! 🌿💍
Tips and Ideas for Planning a Rustic Garden Wedding
Alright, my lovely nearly-weds! Lean in, because we’re about to tiptoe through the tulips and talk about one of the most enchanting settings to say “I do”: the rustic garden wedding. For thirteen years at Bespoke Bride, I’ve seen couples yearn for that magical blend of nature’s effortless beauty and charming, unpretentious details. It’s a vision, isn’t it? Sunshine filtering through leaves, the gentle hum of bees (hopefully not dive-bombing the cake), and the scent of blossoms creating an olfactory love letter. But just like any beautiful bloom, a garden wedding needs careful tending to truly flourish.
Is a Rustic Garden Wedding the Blooming Marvel You Imagine?
Oh, the romance of it! I once attended a wedding nestled in a sprawling historic garden in the Cotswolds. The bride emerged from a rose-covered archway, looking like something out of a pre-Raphaelite painting. Guests sipped elderflower cocktails amidst lavender bushes, and as dusk fell, fairy lights transformed the walled garden into a twinkling wonderland. It was, quite simply, poetry.
The allure is undeniable: you have a naturally stunning backdrop, often requiring less embellishment than a blank-canvas venue. The atmosphere is inherently relaxed yet can be elevated to sheer elegance. It’s that delightful paradox of curated nature – wild enough to feel free, yet tamed enough to host a sophisticated soiree. However, let’s not be entirely swept away by the petals and perfume. Mother Nature is a notoriously fickle wedding guest. She might bestow upon you a day of glorious sunshine, or she might decide a torrential downpour is just the thing your carefully coiffed hair needs. And let’s not forget her smaller minions – the mosquitos who fancy your guests as a buffet, or the uneven ground that declares war on stiletto heels.
Choosing a rustic garden wedding is like commissioning a masterpiece from nature, but you must be prepared to work with her temperament. It’s less about imposing your will and more about a harmonious collaboration.
For insights on navigating outdoor wedding variables, Martha Stewart Weddings offers excellent advice.
How Do You Find a Garden That’s More ‘Secret Paradise’ Than ‘Overgrown Patch’?
Not all gardens are created equal, especially when it comes to hosting an event. You’re looking for what I call “good bones.” Are there established flowerbeds, mature trees for shade, perhaps a charming pergola, gazebo, or even a characterful old wall that can serve as a focal point? These existing features are your best friends, providing structure and reducing your décor budget. I recall one clever couple who used a beautifully weathered garden shed, not as an eyesore to be hidden, but as a quirky, rustic bar – genius!
When it comes to décor, the mantra is often “less is more.” Let the garden’s natural beauty sing. Think flowing fabrics draped from tree branches, simple wooden signage, lanterns, and perhaps floral arrangements that complement, rather than compete with, the existing blooms. The rustic element can come through in your choice of materials: weathered wood, vintage lace, mismatched antique china, or hand-tied wildflower bouquets. Symbolically, a garden represents growth, new beginnings, and the nurturing of love – a rather perfect metaphor for marriage, wouldn’t you agree? My philosophy has always been that beauty found is often more profound than beauty forced.
A word of caution: I did attend one garden wedding where the chosen space was, shall we say, a little too wild. Guests had to navigate thorny bushes to find their seats, and the ‘charming’ long grass hid more than a few divots. Do a thorough walkthrough, preferably in the same season as your intended wedding date, to truly understand the space.
For visual inspiration on garden wedding setups, explore Gardenista’s beautiful features: [https://www.gardenista.com/]
What Could Possibly Go Wrong at a Gorgeous Garden Wedding? (And How to Fix It!)
Ah, the million-dollar question that keeps wedding planners up at night! With a garden wedding, your primary dance partner is the weather. A robust contingency plan isn’t just advisable; it’s non-negotiable. This could be a beautiful marquee on standby, access to an indoor space, or at the very least, a collection of chic umbrellas and a “keep calm and carry on” attitude. I’ll never forget a wedding where a sudden summer shower threatened to derail the outdoor reception. But the couple, bless their organized hearts, had a stunning clear-span tent ready to go. Within minutes, guests were cozy, champagne flutes refilled, and the sound of rain on the roof added an unexpectedly romantic soundtrack.
Beyond biblical deluges, think about practical comforts. Are there adequate, easily accessible restrooms, or will you need to hire luxury loo trailers? (Trust me, “luxury” is the operative word here). How will guests navigate pathways, especially if it has rained or if they’re wearing less-than-sensible shoes? Consider temporary flooring or clearly marked paths. And pests! Citronella candles, discreet bug zappers, or even providing guests with elegant bug spray can make a huge difference. Power for your musicians, lighting, and caterers is another crucial element that might not be readily available in a sprawling garden. Planning the logistics for a rustic garden wedding is like conducting an unseen orchestra; all parts must work in harmony for the performance to be seamless.
Real Simple offers practical tips for outdoor entertaining that can be adapted for weddings.
Can Your Wedding Style Truly Blossom in a Garden Setting?
Absolutely! A garden offers a wonderfully versatile canvas. For attire, think lighter fabrics like chiffon, organza, or cotton lace that move beautifully in a gentle breeze. Grooms and their parties can look dashing in linen suits or more relaxed ensembles. And please, oh please, advise your guests on footwear – wedges, block heels, or smart flats will save many an ankle and much sartorial distress.
Let your menu reflect the freshness of the setting. Think farm-to-table fare, vibrant salads, grilled delicacies, and perhaps a signature cocktail infused with herbs or edible flowers from the garden itself. I attended a wedding that featured a “Pimp Your Prosecco” bar with fresh berries, fruit purees, and floral syrups – it was a huge hit!
When it comes to flowers for your rustic garden wedding, you might think you’re all set. And while you have a natural abundance, carefully chosen bouquets, centerpieces, and accent arrangements can tie everything together. Consider using locally sourced, seasonal blooms that harmonize with the garden’s existing palette. Sometimes, the most impactful statements are the simplest – a few perfect peonies in a vintage pitcher can speak volumes.
A truly memorable rustic garden wedding I worked on had the couple plant a tree together as part of their ceremony. It wasn’t just symbolic; it was a living testament to their growing love, rooted in the very earth where they exchanged their vows. It’s these personal, thoughtful touches that elevate an event from lovely to unforgettable.
This path requires a bit more pioneering spirit than opting for an all-inclusive venue, but the rewards – a day steeped in natural beauty and personal charm – can be truly spectacular.
Blooming Brilliant Tips for Your Garden Gala:
- Scent-sibility: Visit your garden venue when flowers are in bloom. Some heavily scented flowers (like certain lilies) can be overpowering for some guests.
- Shady Business: Ensure there are shaded areas for guests, especially for a daytime summer wedding.
- Sound Check: How will sound travel? Will your vows be carried away on the breeze, or will your music disturb the neighbors (or local wildlife)?
- Permission to Party: Check local noise ordinances and permits required for outdoor events.
People Also Ask:
- What’s the best time of year for a rustic garden wedding?
- Late spring and early autumn often offer the most pleasant weather and abundant blooms, but this varies by region. Avoid the height of summer heat or rainy seasons if possible.
- How do you make a garden wedding feel rustic?
- Incorporate natural materials like wood, burlap, and linen. Use vintage or handcrafted décor, string lights, and informal floral arrangements.
- Are garden weddings expensive?
- They can be, but not necessarily. If the garden is naturally stunning, you may save on décor. However, rentals for tents, outdoor amenities, and robust contingency plans can add to the cost.
May your love blossom as beautifully as the gardens you celebrate in!
