Whitney and Zak

I love super classic black tie weddings, but this was a whole other experience. Whitney and Zak envisioned getting married among the blooming almond trees in the springtime. They also switched up the notion of having chairs for the ceremony, opting instead to have blankets- each with it's own set of colored glass goblets, wine, bread and cheese. This became something for the guests to enjoy during the ceremony, and also participate in communion with the couple. I showed up in the morning just as Whitney and some of her friends with getting done setting up the ceremony site, when it started raining. I mean- it was raining. When you collected the blankets, goblets, made each of the pillows, and the cutting boards and they were all getting wet- it'd be normal to be a little anxious or even bummed out. Whitney was so calm about it, and by the time the ceremony was rolling around, the sky opened up and everything even had some time to dry off. It was everything that they dreamed of and I was thrilled to be there to document their day. A big thank you to Flutter Magazine for publishing an epic 7 page feature on Whitney and Zak's wedding. Also thanks to Green Wedding Shoes for the lovely online feature as all.

A side note- I am obsessed with cohesive, and appropriate went it comes to wedding style. To me, I love when you go to a wedding as a guest and are blown away by how well everything reflects and celebrates that couple. In this case, Zak and Whitney's wedding was so them- creative, bohemian, organic and intimate. All of their friends would agree, that this was the perfect celebration for them. Everything from Whitney's dress, to the location, the butterfly release, the flowers, colors and on and on were a perfect fit for their style. A black tie affair in a ballroom would have just felt wrong. All this to say, that it's ok to be you and do you for your wedding. Even if it's different or non traditional, do your thing and I'm sure it will be amazing and appropriate.

photography: Josh Gruetzmacher // ceremony: Private Residence in Turlock, California // bride’s dress: Dreamers & Lovers // bride’s jewelry: Whitney Shelhamer Designs // groom’s suit jacket: Express // hair, makeup + florals: The bride // mexican + indian blankets: Sercal // tapestry pillows: Handmade by the bride’s mom // vintage goblets: Bride’s personal collection // pottery plates: Local garden store // wood “teepee” tables: Casey Joens // monarch butterflies:Swallowtail Farms // reception + food: La Mo Café in Turlock, California