November 2, 2023
When it came time for Casey and Gavin to select a venue for their wedding, their hearts settled on a charming venue in Guerneville. Gavin’s family has owned a home in the area for more than 80 years. He spent summers growing up along the Russian River. Casey and Gavin fell in love with each other among those redwoods. They loved the ideas of inviting their guests to enjoy an area that is a bit under the radar that holds so much meaning to them. A Dawn Ranch wedding was the perfect solution – with 50 cabins on site, guests were able to enjoy a whole weekend away and experience an “adult summer camp” of sorts while celebrating Casey and Gavin.
Casey’s talented cousin, Marley, created the paper goods for the wedding weekend. The redwood forest envelope liner, gold detailing, and vintage bay area stamps, set the tone for the wedding weekend in the woods perfectly.
Casey is a timeless, elegant beauty. She wore a simple, yet elevated gown that fit her perfectly. Her sister helped her into the dress, as Casey tucked a handkerchief from her mother into the bodice of her dress. She wore her hair down in loose, beachy waves.
Gavin got ready with the help of his groomsmen. A highlight of the morning was receiving a new watch from his wife-to-be. Gavin has such a fun-loving, welcoming personality. It is no surprise that the gentleman had a great time together anticipating the wedding.
While Casey and Gavin were initially hesitant to share a first look before the wedding, they changed their minds leading up to the wedding. They saw each other for the first time in the cutting garden at Dawn Ranch. Being able to hold each other and laugh together melted away all of their nerves before the ceremony.
Their wedding ceremony was held in the orchard at Dawn Ranch. Tucked among the apple trees, Casey and her dad walked down an aisle that was lined with white blooms and greenery. To honor Casey’s late mother, the groomsmen each handed out a corsage to the women in Casey’s life that had helped fill that role. It was a heartwarming tribute, and I felt her presence in the sun as it warmed guests through the redwood trees and created radiant flare in some of our images throughout the ceremony.
After cocktail hour, guests made their way over the bridge to the meadow for the reception. They picked up a glass of champagne with a mirrored nameplate on the rim to assist in finding their seat. The reception was set family-style with extended farm tables. White linens, forest-green quilted napkins, and white florals danced among the candles. Overhead, twinkle lights sparkled, creating a tunnel of stars for the guests to dance below. Casey and Gavin shared an epic first dance – complete with the perfect dip kiss as a conclusion. And of course, the couple was toasted with a plethora of entertaining stories and well wishes.
Casey and Gavin – you two are beautiful, inside and out. Your warmth and welcoming energy radiates from you! We are overjoyed that we were able to play a part in your wedding celebration – getting to know your friends and family. We can’t wait to see what you two accomplish and create together in the years ahead. You two are the best! Thank you, thank you!
Thank you to Style Me Pretty for sharing this beautiful day!
Planning & Design: L’Relyea Events & Destination Wine Country // Venue & Catering: Dawn Ranch // Floral Designer: Valley Flora // Bridal Boutique: Unveiled Bridal // Dress Designer: Chosen by Khya // Makeup: Stefanie Fritz // Hair: Jacquelyn Larkins // Bridesmaids Dresses: Jenny Yoo via Bella Bridesmaids // Ceremony Music: Bellarosa String Quartet // DJ & Photobooth: Boutique DJ’s // Cake: Flour & Bloom // Invitation & Paper Goods: Marley Lettering (Bride’s Cousin) // Rentals & Lighting: Bright Event Rentals // Rentals: Encore Events Rentals // Groom’s Attire: Suit Supply // Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux // Transportation: Pure Luxury Transportation // Restrooms: The Posh Privy // Photography: The Ganeys // Videography: Hit Maker Films // Styling Mat: Locust Collection // Film Processing: Richard Photo Lab //
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We are husband and wife California Bay area wedding photographers. We strive to capture joyful moments. We use film and digital cameras to capture your wedding with a timeless, fine art approach.