A Simple, Spring Wedding in the California Oaks.
Her Name: Nicole
His Name: William
Nicole’s Gown: Denise
Photographer: Jillian Parks Photography
Venue: Dancing Deer Farms
Florist: Bohemian Bouquets
SM: Hello Nicole and congratulations on your wedding! You look gorgeous!
How and why did you choose your SuzannaM Wedding Gown?Nicole: Lace!!! I wanted something delicate and beautiful that was easy to wear… I can’t stand stiff, heavy wedding gowns and wanted something light and delicate that I wouldn’t ever want to take off!As soon as I saw Suzanna’s shop, I knew that her dresses were all of these things. I fell in love with the chantilly lace details on my dress from the first glance and knew that it was the one. I also felt great knowing it was created to my own measurements (at 5′ it can be hard not to look like I’m drowning in a dress).It was the absolutely perfect choice for the soft, natural vibe of our outdoor Spring wedding.
SM: How did you and William meet?
Nicole: We met the first day of college. We were in the same English class, and William moved across the room to sit next to me on the second day. I definitely noticed!
William wearing grey suit and thrift store shoes
SM: What was the first thing that attracted you to him?
Nicole: He was the brooding, artist type so I was instantly intrigued, but once I got to know him better we became fast friends! Romance didn’t bloom for a few years but he always had a special place in my life since that first day of classes.
SM: Were you together for a long time before your marriage?
Nicole: We dated for just over a year before we found out that we were expecting a baby girl!2 1/2 years later we decided to tie the knot in a simple ceremony that our daughter could witness and be a part of. We were already a family… now we just wanted to celebrate it!
SM: How did the proposal go down? How did you feel?
Nicole: I proposed to him!We had discussed marriage numerous times, but I had never felt quite ready and also we were so focused on raising our young daughter that it simply wasn’t a priority. Then one day I set up a simple picnic in the front yard and popped the question! No rings… just me letting him know I was ready to make things official.We were both really emotional about it though, actually!
SM: Which season did you choose for your Wedding and Why?Nicole: Spring, because we were going to be having it outdoors in an area we know well and I knew the colors were most vibrant and temperature perfect in April. I have always loved Spring.
SM: How did the Wedding planning go? Do you have any tips or advice you’d like to share with future SM Brides?Nicole: My mantra became, “Keep it simple” and that was a valuable reminder at every turn!Everything about the wedding industry encourages extravagance, over-spending, and showing off how fancy of a party you can throw. This is not what we wanted to focus on.Etsy was an amaaazing resource. I loved supporting the different sellers/artists and found both my dress and florist there. Also, finding a balance of DIY and professionals is key. You can’t do it all on your own (and not be a stress ball), but you also don’t have to go all out and hire a wedding planner. Instead I choice to skip a lot of traditional aspects that saved on time and money and nobody missed them!Some things we opted out of were paper invites (e-mail instead), programs, seating arrangements, a DJ, a wedding cake (donuts!), and a sit-down dinner.We simply aren’t formal people, so to pretend to be for one day would just be weird.Be true to you as a couple and accept help when people offer it!
SM: Did you choose a specific theme and/or colors?
Nicole: We were married in and very natural setting and wanted our colors to reflect that. The oak tree we stood under had loads of Spanish moss and I found a sash that was that same light green so that became the main color.
There were lots of succulents (that same shade of green) and the bridesmaids each wore a different solid color of their choice. Everything was very natural-looking, with jute and burlap accents. The scenery was definitely the inspiration and we wanted it to shine.
SM: Where did you get your inspiration from?
Nicole: From the scenic beauty of Dancing Deer Farms. We are also lucky enough to live on the very property where we got married (about 1/4 mile from the ceremony site) and we love the oak forest and rolling hills with all our hearts.
SM: How did you feel at your Wedding Day?
Nicole: A bit overwhelmed from time to time but definitely very happy! I have called it a “love-drenched day” and think that sums it up pretty well.
SM: What was the highlight of your Wedding?Nicole: Our 2-year-old daughter taking part during the ceremony and stealing everyone’s hearts!
SM: What about your Honeymoon? Where did you go? How was it?
Nicole: We spent 2 days and 1 night on the Big Sur coast. We hiked to a waterfall, ate delicious food, and stayed at the historic Deetjen’s Big Sur Inn.A wonderful time in one of our favorite places!
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