1. Real Weddings

A Elegant, Rustic Wedding at a Private Residence in Bakersfield, California

Danika Youngblood (22 and a real estate agent) first crossed paths with Frankie Hurtado (22 and a certified nurse's assistant) in the weight room at C

Danika Youngblood (22 and a real estate agent) first crossed paths with Frankie Hurtado (22 and a certified nurse's assistant) in the weight room at California State University, Bakersfield, where they were both athletes—Danika was a volleyball player and Michael was a wrestler. For their winter wedding, the two made it a true home game: “We had our wedding in Frankie's parents’ backyard,” Danika says. “We picked this venue because it would save us some money, plus we could do whatever we wanted with the wedding design.” Danika says she wanted “a very elegant wedding that was still natural and rustic.” This elevated, rustic look was conveyed through a palette of deep wine reds and plenty of soft, natural greenery. After exchanging vows outside before a backdrop artfully draped with a dozen green garlands, the newlyweds hosted their 250 guests in a glammed-out clear tent equipped with chandeliers, long wooden tables, a vibrant black-and-white dance floor, and crisp white lounge furniture. After a hearty dinner of tri-tip and mashed potatoes, everyone danced into the night. “I would suggest hiring a wedding planner if you can,” Danika says. “You have to put all trust into your wedding planner. It’s hard to let go on a day you want to be so perfect, but they know what they are doing and everything works out in the end—even better than you could have imagined yourself.” —Carolyn Meers

"I wore a very simple necklace that would accent my dress and glittery taupe Jessica Simpson heels," Danika says.
Frankie wore a classic black suit but paired it with an elegant white tie on a white shirt. His wine-toned boutonniere added a pop of color.
Shannon Hough Events, the planner for the day, also helped craft Danika's floral arrangements. "I was absolutely in love with my bouquet. I also love succulents, so the men wore those as boutonnieres, rather than the traditional rose," Danika says.
"My dress was designed by Justin Alexander," Danika says. "The fabric was lace on the outside with an inner slip that was a nude color that paired really well with my skin complexion. It was pretty slimming throughout with a beautiful lace tail that continued without the slip underneath."
For her bridesmaids, Danika chose long, deep wine-hued gowns. The look fit well with the rustic, wintertime wedding.
"The flower girls were dressed in white solid dresses with lace long sleeves," Danika says. "I wanted to incorporate the lace because my wedding dress had lace and the long sleeves were fitting for the month of December. The ring bearers wore little black suits and carried a wooden sign with a hook on it that says 'With this ring.' "
Danika and Frankie exchanged vows outside before a backdrop artfully draped with a dozen green garlands. They then led their 250 guests into the tented reception at Frankie's parents' home in Bakersfield, California.
Guests found their names and seating assignments on a chalkboard displayed just outside the reception tent.
Inside the clear reception tent, chandeliers hung over a striking black-and-white-tiled dance floor, which was paired with chic white lounge furniture.
Inside the clear tent, long farm-style tables were topped with succulents and a simple black-and-white-striped table runner. "I wanted an atmosphere that was elegant but natural and rustic," Danika says. "My wedding planner, Shannon Hough, combined those elements beautifully."
At the reception in Bakersfield, California, each long, wooden farmhouse-style table was topped with a simple black-and-white-striped runner and a medley of succulents, which guests took home as favors.
"We did a white and yellow naked cake with vanilla and almond buttercream," says Danika, who enlisted Cakes by Dorene for the task. "I love the rustic look to a naked cake, and it makes for an extremely light dessert."
"I wanted an atmosphere that was elegant but natural and rustic," Danika says. "My wedding planner, Shannon Hough, combined those elements beautifully."