This Upscale California Garden Party Is Proof That a Classic Wedding Can Feel Personal

Classic Green Invites

Copper Willow Paper Studio created an invitation suite using Mike's favorite color—green—for the invitations' text and envelopes, which were hand-addressed in white ink. "We really loved bringing the dark green color in where we could on the invitations," explains Katie.

The Great Outdoors

Kestrel Park was the perfect venue for the couple, who were determined to help guests traveling from abroad enjoy the outdoors during their event. "I fell head-over-heels in love with the property the moment we first visited," says Katie. "It's just the dreamiest space."

Ivory Dresses

Katie tried on two different gowns before she decided on her wedding dress. She went home with the second option she'd slipped into—a form-fitting Sareh Nouri number with a bateau neck and subtle trumpet flare. "When I see something I love, I'm certain and confident and ready to move forward," says the bride of her quick choice. "The salesperson was pretty adamant I try a third style, but it was a lost cause."

Katie's bridesmaids joined her in wearing ivory, donning floor-length Lela Rose gowns.

Dramatic Details

Her dress also featured a plunging back and dramatic bow. "It was a fun surprise," Katie says of those details. "It was a little something extra without taking me out of my comfort zone. If I could wear that dress tomorrow I would—and maybe I will!"

The Dapper Groom

Mike worked with Dutch retailer SuitSupply to create a custom midnight-blue tuxedo "with wool from Vitale Barberis Canonico mill, grosgrain silk lapels, and piping," he says. His silver cuff links were a gift from his groomsmen; he wore his grandfather's watch, too.

A Loose Bouquet

Camellia Floral Design created Katie's large bouquet from a mixture of gardenias and David Austin roses, two of the bride's favorite flowers. Its hand-gathered look, Katie says, "was a "fun statement against a more classic, fitted dress."

The bridesmaids also carried gardenias.

Green Boutonnières

Velvet-tied boutonnières were made from a variety of greens, including ferns; Mike's featured two small ivory roses and sweet-smelling eucalyptus.

A Sycamore-Lined Ceremony

The couple held their ceremony in Kestrel Park's Sycamore Alley, a space that—true to its name—is lined with beautiful sycamore trees. Low-to-the-ground floral arrangements at the back and front of the space looked as though they were part the of garden.

First Look

Katie and Mike saw each other for the first time on their wedding day during the service. "I remember wiping tears out of my eyes. She had a huge smile on her face," Mike recalls.

Cocktail Hour

A string quartet played during the couple's cocktail hour, held at the park's Kitchen Garden.

Escort Card Station

Katie and Mike placed two garden carts just outside of their reception space, where guests could find their framed seat assignments. The carts were decorated with potted herbs.

Under the Tent

Post-cocktail hour, the reception took place under "the coolest sailcloth tent," Katie says, in a space close to the park's arena and horse stables.

An Extra-Long Head Table

The head table sat 30 people—and featured a dramatic greenery backdrop. Edison bulbs and additional greens were hung above the dance floor.

Squares and Rectangles

Guests sat at a mix of square and rectangular tables topped in cream-colored velvet linens.

Low Centerpieces

Centerpieces were made from "super lush flowers and greenery," Katie says, and kept low so they didn't feel "overpowering or distracting." Candles also dotted the tabletops.

On the Menu

Menu items were hand-written on handmade paper; the notes were placed on top of stone plates. "The plates were the best," says Katie, describing them as "super modern [and] in direct contrast to the ultra-classic feel of the rest of the table. It looked so cool."

Lounging Around

Lounge areas inside the tent gave guests a comfortable, but posh place to sit.

A Not-So-Simple Cake

While Katie and Mike's cake looked simple on the outside, it was made from anything-but-simple flavors: lavender lemon honey and salted chocolate pudding.

A Slice of Advice

Katie offers this cake-cutting tip to other couples: "Do not cut from the top. It will fall," she says. "Mike and I went rogue and cut from the top piece and sure enough—it fell. We still ate it."

Sources

Photography, Jen Huang Photography

Location, Kestrel Park

Event planning, Davia Lee Weddings

Catering, Field to Table; SideCar Slo

Flowers, Camellia Floral Design

Videography, T & C Studios

Stationery, Copper Willow Paper Studio

Cake, Enjoy Cupcakes

Music, DJ Tempest for DJ Hecktik; Santa Barbara Quartet

Rentals, The Tent Merchant; The Ark Rentals; Found Vintage Rentals

Bride's gown, Sareh Nouri

Bride's shoes, White by Vera Wang

Hair and makeup, Plush Aesthetics

Bridesmaids' dresses, Lela Rose

Groom's suit, SuitSupply

Lighting, SPARK Creative Events

Transportation, Go Executive Limo