A Formal, DIY Woodland Wedding With a Bohemian Spin at a Private Residence in Sebastopol, California

Twinkling market lights, elegant lounge furniture and a romantic palette created an enchanted forest feel at this formal backyard wedding, surrounded by the natural environment in Sebastopol, California. "I wanted guests to feel like they stumbled upon a grand scene in the midst of a wild forest, and I liked the idea of making it a more formal event," Liz Beeler (35 and a magazine producer/stylist) says of her wedding to Shiloh Strong (36 and a screenwriter/motion film director). Elegant white invitations gave away the not-so-typical woodland theme, done with calligraphy and floral watercolor designs that were repeated throughout the day—from the simple escort cards held up by wooden holders to the labels that wrapped around homemade bottled wine. Shiloh's family cleared redwood trees in their backyard to make room for the reception, where they set up lights in the shape of a tent that created an enchanted feel (among many other DIY details). Liz arranged fern and succulent centerpieces positioned on top of hand-cut wooden slabs, surrounded by votive candles that created a romantic glow. Our favorite detail? Liz's beautiful BHLDN blush wedding dress, which had a strapless sweetheart neckline and a skirt with several layers flowing to the bottom. "I loved this gown from the minute I saw it because it has a bohemian feel," Liz says. "I certainly didn't want to be overly formal just to traipse around in the forest."