Kelsey and Brian’s Woodsy Wedding Weekend

by Amy Serrago

Kelsey and Brian both grew up in families that loved camping and exploring nature, an activity that they continue to enjoy as a couple. So they knew early on that they wanted to get married in the woods. They decided on a small, family focused wedding and chose a gorgeous spot in Idyllwild, CA. They found the perfect log cabin, with a large backyard, where their friends and family could stay for the entire weekend, so they could all spend time together. One of their closest friends officiated the ceremony under a canopy of ancient pine trees, keeping things intimate and personal. The natural beauty of the woods was enhanced by a large floral wreath that formed their wedding altar and the gentle sounds of a nearby creek and chirping birds serenaded the group. Kelsey says it was important that she and Brian write their own vows and they “ended up being like 10 minutes each …oops! But so worth it! Just being in the moment, surround by the closest 18 people to us was so special and we wish we could re-live it all the time.”

Kelsey works as a wedding coordinator, so when it came time to shop for “the dress”, she says “BHLDN just always spoke to my style as a bride”. She fell in love with the first dress she tried on, a vintage-inspired A-line stunner with a lacy beaded bodice and layered tulle skirting that reminded her of her grandmother’s wedding gown. She paired it with casual accessories so the styling would feel more like her. “I did a layer necklace… and just a very simple gold chain belt.” She added some nude chunky heels for the ceremony then quickly changed into her boots! Her bouquet was an absolute knockout combination of lush greenery and all of her favorite flowers in red, peach and white. Brian was handsome in navy blue suiting which he paired with one of his favorite checked button down shirts, adding to the woodsy vibe. Kelsey used her designer’s eye and added a wooden tie clip. It’s all about the details.

No detail was forgotten when it came to the stunning tablescape Kelsey created inside the cabin, one of her passions has always been event design. She says that, “since we did a small wedding we wanted to do things very ‘smart’ so we actually purchased dishes and appetizer decor that we will use later in our own home”, a great idea for an intimate reception. To bring the natural mountain feel of their surroundings inside, Kelsey and Brian’s dinner table featured a long runner of greenery and leaf accents adorned each place setting. Gilded touches like flatware and place cards and amber glass goblets completed the decor. Brian and his brother are expert home brewers, so those goblets were filled with a custom brewed pilsner or a red ale all night. The group enjoyed a feast while they exchanged stories of the newlyweds and Kelsey says her first dance with Brian was one of her favorite moments of the day because it was, “a great way to just hang out in each others arms after becoming married people.” Congratulations Kelsey and Brian!