Cortney and Brandon: A Boho-Chic Wedding in the Woods

by Amy Serrago

Cortney and Brandon are both nature lovers. They chose to get married on the property where Brandon grew up because it has a gorgeous wooded area and they have always enjoyed long walks exploring the forest. Getting married at home also afforded them the ability to add all sorts of personal touches to their rustic, boho-chic styled wedding. Starting with the ceremony, where guests crossed over a wooden bridge to get to the site. The couple built a teepee to use as an altar and laid an oriental rug at its base. Brandon’s father officiated the ceremony, adding yet another personal aspect and a string quartet serenaded them from under another cedar structure the couple had built for their day. The trees around the ceremony space were decorated with lights and signs and guests sat on pine benches which were created, DIY-style by the bride and groom. For the cocktail hour, they sourced large stumps from the woods and put them together to fashion tables, showing that creativity pays off.

Cortney made a beautiful boho bride in the gown she chose because as she puts it, “it was simple, elegant, and had some lace [for] a rustic feel”. She wore a floral crown and braids in her hair which was pulled into a half updo and carried a show stopping bouquet of eucalyptus, sunflowers, roses and lavender. Her bridesmaids burgundy gowns celebrated the fall season and their bouquets consisted of sunflowers and roses, a perfect bohemian look. Brandon and his groomsmen stood out in royal blue suits with burgundy ties and Brandon wore leather suspenders under his jacket. Both the bride and groom wore their favorite footwear, cowboy boots, with their wedding garb. Adding that perfect final touch to the already impeccable styling.

The reception was open air in a yard across the property. Edison lights were hung over the space and wooden farmhouse tables were set with pink napkins and colored glass goblets. Ivy that was found on the property ran the length of each table, serving as centerpieces along with brass candlesticks. All of the flowers were sourced from a local farm and though the overall vibe was colorful, Cortney and Brandon focused in on sunflowers and eucalyptus as their main floral statement. Several lounging areas were set up around the property for guests to enjoy, including a cool teepee that tied in the ceremony theme. Oriental rugs and vintage furniture brought the indoors out and after dinner, a live band got everyone up and dancing. If guests needed to rest their feet, they could relax by the fire pit and enjoy one of several types of cigars from the cigar bar. Cortney says it took a lot of hard work to put everything together, but it was all worth it when she walked down the aisle and saw the look on Brandon’s face. Congratulations you two!