Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Real Weddings Wedding Styles Seasonal Weddings Summer Weddings The Contemporary Décor at This California Wedding Contrasted Beautifully with the Natural Setting By Marilyn Oliveira Marilyn Oliveira Marilyn is a freelance writer for MarthaStewart.com. Editorial Guidelines Published on March 26, 2020 Trending Videos Close this video player Ashley Ludaescher Photography The vision Caitlin Rowland and Fletcher Boyle had for their wedding was one where the focus was on fun. "We just wanted to have a big party with all of our favorite people, amazing food, drinks, and music," Cait says. "All, of course, in a beautiful setting." That setting was chosen shortly after their engagement ("Fletch surprised me with a trip to New Orleans and he proposed at The Columns Hotel," recalls Cait), during a birthday trip to San Francisco—that was rerouted, last minute, to San Luis Obispo. "Unfortunately, the wildfires were so bad that everyone in San Francisco was wearing medical masks and every drug store was sold out of them," explains Cait. "So, we canceled all the plans I had made, rented a car, and drove to San Luis Obispo. I went to Cal Poly for undergrad and grad school, and I'm pretty much in love with SLO, and have been talking about how amazing it is since the day I met Fletch." While the pair was driving down, Fletch did a Google search for "most spectacular wedding venues," and among the long list properties available was Greengate Ranch & Vineyard. "Fletch called on a whim, and scheduled a time to see it," says Cait. "We fell in love with it at first sight and never looked at any other venues." The couple joined forces with Vanessa Noel of Vanessa Noel Events to design a wedding that was relaxed, but chic. "Cait mentioned early on that she isn't really a 'girly girl,' so we kept things on the more neutral and textural side," says Vanessa, who brought in modern pieces to help the event stay contemporary in its design. The verdant grounds of the property served as the beautiful backdrop for the ceremony, while a rustic-chic wooden barn hosted the reception. "We both love it when our friends and family are having a blast, and so our focus was really just on throwing a fun party," says Cait. "That's probably the best way the wedding reflected who we are as a couple. Also, we wanted the ceremony to be intimate and authentic, and we think that was a pretty solid reflection of us as well." When it comes to advice they have for other couples, the pair says to keep it simple. "Pick a beautiful venue that speaks to you," Cait advises. "It sets the scene for your memories of the day and creates a vibe for your guests to soak in." Watch Cait and Fletch's wedding video by Vision on Fire. 01 of 24 Contemporary Suite Ashley Ludaescher Photography The couple kept their invitation design clean, simple, and contemporary, a look that spoke to the overall aesthetic of their big day. "Invites were black-and-white with modern typography," says planner Vanessa Noel of Vanessa Noel Events. Envelopes in a deep forest green added a touch of subtle color, while a leather tie held all notes together; the ties reappeared on the reception's napkin treatments. The Ultimate Guide to Wedding Fonts 02 of 24 Owe You One Ashley Ludaescher Photography Cait wasn't initially a fan of her Rue de Seine wedding dress. "My friend pulled it out and I told her how ugly it was, but said I would try it on so she would owe me one," recalls the bride. "I put it on and immediately, we all loved it. I guess I owe her one!" 03 of 24 Anemones Ashley Ludaescher Photography The bride's bouquet featured anemones accented with white peonies and blush roses. 25 Anemone Wedding Bouquets for Every Type of Bride 04 of 24 Something Blue Groom Ashley Ludaescher Photography Fletch donned a bespoke, three-piece blue suit from Burdi Clothing for the big day. 05 of 24 Ladies' Choice Ashley Ludaescher Photography Cait asked her bridesmaids to wear the long white dresses of their choosing, resulting in a beautiful mix of cohesive styles. 06 of 24 Navy Gents Ashley Ludaescher Photography Fletch's group of groomsmen presented a unified front; they wore their own navy suits, sans ties. 07 of 24 An Emotional First Look Ashley Ludaescher Photography Cait was nervous about sharing a first look with Fletch ahead of the ceremony. "It's weird having an intimate experience while people are watching, filming, and taking pictures," she admits. "But after I saw and hugged him, I felt calmer and way less awkward." Fletch was extremely moved by the moment. "I was trying to prepare myself not to cry when I saw her, but no luck there," he says. Pro Tips for Capturing That First Look Magic 08 of 24 Serene Décor Ashley Ludaescher Photography The ceremony décor was designed to be gentle on the senses. "We wanted a sort of overgrown, organic, garden-party feeling for the ceremony set at the pond," says Vanessa. 09 of 24 Garden Arch Ashley Ludaescher Photography "Carla with Idlewild Floral created an arch structure made fully of floral and foliage. Nothing was too bold or saturated; all the elements in the arch were textural, soft, and airy," adds Vanessa. 59 Wedding Arches That Will Instantly Upgrade Your Ceremony 10 of 24 A Tisket, a Tasket Ashley Ludaescher Photography Smokebush-filled baskets marked the foot of the aisle, and played nicely with rows of wooden garden chairs. 11 of 24 A Lighthearted Ceremony Ashley Ludaescher Photography The couple had two friends officiate the ceremony, which was filled with laughter. "It was absolutely perfect," says Cait. "The weather was amazing, the music was exactly as we envisioned, and we enjoyed being in a little bubble together with all our friends and loved ones there to celebrate with us." 12 of 24 Sealed with a Kiss Ashley Ludaescher Photography After being pronounced husband and wife, Cait and Fletch recessed back up the aisle, sharing a kiss as they reached the top. 13 of 24 Mobile Bar Ashley Ludaescher Photography Guests ordered beverages, listed on a custom sign, from an aqua-blue mobile bar that was set up just outside the reception area. Mobile Bars and Food Trucks That Can Roll Right Up to Your Reception 14 of 24 Contemporary Lounge Seating Ashley Ludaescher Photography Lounge areas were placed outdoors; the modern indoor furniture offered a chic contrast to the natural surroundings. 15 of 24 Playing Games Ashley Ludaescher Photography Lawn games, like cornhole, were splayed out on the lawn, much to the delight of the attendees. Fun Wedding Games That Will Keep Guests Laughing 16 of 24 Find Your Seat Ashley Ludaescher Photography Modern signage, attached to a chic black stand flanked by baskets of grassy foliage, showcased guests' seating assignments. 17 of 24 Into the Barn Ashley Ludaescher Photography Greengate Ranch & Vineyard's soaring wooden barn served as the main reception space. 10 Things to Consider Before Planning a Barn Wedding 18 of 24 A Striking Focal Point Ashley Ludaescher Photography The party's most defining feature? The lighting and draping placed over the dance floor. "To break up the darkness in the barn, we planned a criss-cross pattern of draping," explains Vanessa. "But in an effort to not have anything feel too glam, we opted for a natural muslin that didn't offer too stark a contrast. We layered various whitewashed and gray beaded chandeliers overhead for even more impact." 19 of 24 Elegant Reception Tables Ashley Ludaescher Photography Long tables on criss-cross stands were arranged together and surrounded by chic black bistro chairs. Search Results Web results Popular Wedding Rental Chair Types 20 of 24 A Touch of Color Ashley Ludaescher Photography One of the couple's favorite elements was the dark green stoneware that rested at each place setting. Paired with vintage rocks glasses and accented with leather-tied striped napkins, the plates were nestled with die-cut menus. The Prettiest Place Settings from Real Celebrations 21 of 24 Sweet Treats Ashley Ludaescher Photography In lieu of a wedding cake, Cait and Fletch had an ice cream truck on hand to serve guests; a sundae bar was also set up, so guests could fashion their own desserts. Mouthwatering Ways to Serve Ice Cream at Your Wedding 22 of 24 A Joy-Filled First Dance Ashley Ludaescher Photography Cait and Fletch took their first dance to "Coming Home" by Leon Bridges. "Fletch loves Leon Bridges and we felt that it was a beautiful and fitting song for us," says Cait. 23 of 24 Light the Night Ashley Ludaescher Photography String lights lit up the night and the barn's exterior, where the celebrants retreated to take a break from the merriment just inside. 24 of 24 Sources Ashley Ludaescher Photography Photography, Ashley Ludaescher PhotographyVenue, Greengate Ranch & VineyardEvent Design and Planning, Vanessa Noel EventsVideography, Vision on FireFlowers, Idlewild FloralInvitations and Stationery, Fete & QuillOfficiants, Sarah Spooner and Cory BangertBride's Gown, Rue De SeineJewelry, Dana RebeccaShoes, Alexandre BirmanHair, Blushing BeautyMakeup, Amanda Olson BeautyGroom's Attire, Burdi ClothingEngagement Ring, Tapper'sWedding Bands, Brilliant Earth; Tapper'sMusic, Lucky Devils BandCatering, Field to Table Catering & EventsIce Cream Truck, Negranti CreameryRentals, All About Events; Avenue Twelve; Embellish Vintage Rentals; SCOUT Rental Co.Transportation, SLO Safe RideLighting, Bella Vista DesignsBartending, Copper & Crystal Was this page helpful? 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