Handmade Boho Wedding In The Redwoods
The star-studded celebration was captured by the talented Lynn Lewis Photography. Joining forces with the offbeat couple were their special partners, Jackie – a coordinator at a tech company, and Cody – a respiratory therapy student in training. The memorable day unfolded on September 2, 2017, at the picturesque Slowcoast Lodge in Davenport, California.
Our offbeat wedding at a glance:
Immersive and eclectic, our bohemian-inspired celebration seamlessly merged with the vibrant energy of a music festival. The setting? A camping wedding extravaganza that unfolded over four unforgettable days, surrounded by loved ones and like-minded individuals. What’s more, an impressive array of DIY decorations filled every corner, including handcrafted tables, chairs, and even light posts courtesy of our ingenious friends.
Tell us about the ceremony:
The setting for our special day was a serene redwood grove nestled near the reception area, providing a picturesque backdrop for our intimate ceremony. Surrounded by loved ones, we exchanged vows with our dear friend Ari Cohen officiating and beautifully capturing the essence of our love. The emotional reunion that followed was nothing short of heartwarming as family and friends showered us with tearful hugs and well-wishes.
A personal touch to our ceremony came in the form of a stunning macrame backdrop, crafted by yours truly, and an elegant altar designed by my husband. As we embarked on this new chapter together, the sweet melodies played by our friend David on his acoustic guitar added a layer of warmth and joy to the proceedings. The ceremony culminated with a joyful sendoff as we made our way back up the aisle, serenaded by the gentle toss of dried flowers from our adoring guests.
Tell us about your reception:
To create an immersive festival-like atmosphere, we aimed to give our guests the freedom to do as they pleased within the redwood grove. Our top priority was fostering a sense of community among our loved ones, ensuring everyone felt at ease and welcomed. We eschewed assigned seating in favor of sprawling activities throughout the space.
Guests lounged on pillows inside a wooden tetrahedron tent, engaged in cornhole with our bespoke set, danced to the live band atop a trailer bed, and snapped photos in the photobooth. The unique setting was further amplified by the presence of campers who brought their own tents to the property. I took pride in crafting hand-painted signs and a fabric garland that draped above us, while antique brass candle holders and vintage brown bottles filled with wildflowers served as centerpieces.
The pièce de résistance was our stunning geode cake, lovingly crafted by a friend. To further enhance the experience, we offered hot sauce bottles filled and designed by me, displayed in a large basket surrounded by vibrant cloths adorned by my family.
What was your most important lesson learned?
While it’s natural to get swept up in the visual inspiration of platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, it’s crucial to infuse your wedding decor with personal touches that reflect your unique style. Where possible, take on the role of your own stylist to ensure every element feels authentic and meaningful. For Cody and I, embarking on a DIY approach was an all-consuming effort, yet we both concur that it was an experience we’d gladly relive in an instant.
As you plan your special day, don’t forget the fundamental reason behind it all: your love for each other. Take a moment to pause and gaze into your fiancé’s eyes – whether during the rehearsal or before the ceremony. Simply say ‘I love you’ and let that be the defining moment of your wedding.
Vendors
The wedding of a lifetime is a dream come true for many couples. For our lovely couple, their special day was made even more unforgettable with the perfect blend of style and romance. The bride, a stunning vision in her Grace Loves Lace wedding dress, shone brightly alongside her groom who looked dashing in his ASOS attire. Captured by Lynn Lewis Photography’s talented lens, and brought to life through Adam Stanton’s captivating videography, the day was filled with joy and laughter.
The picturesque Slowcoast Lodge in Davenport, CA provided a serene backdrop for the celebration, while the florist, played by the bride herself and her wedding party, added a touch of elegance to every corner. The bride also took charge as stylist, ensuring her look was flawless from head to toe, with the help of hair expert Tina Park and makeup artist Alisia Lundie.
As the night wore on, the atmosphere turned lively thanks to the Van Goat band’s infectious beats, while the delicious spread courtesy of Food Trucks: G’s Tacos, Holopono Hawaiian, and Uncie Ro’s Pizza satisfied every craving.
