1. Real Weddings

A Green Garden Wedding at Wildwood Acres Resort in Lafayette, California

"The single most important thing to us on our wedding day was to love so hard that it'd be felt all around us," Kristin Bechtold (29 and an aesthetici

"The single most important thing to us on our wedding day was to love so hard that it'd be felt all around us," Kristin Bechtold (29 and an aesthetician) says of marrying Staci Brandon (36 and an importer) in a lush garden at Wildwood Acres Resort in Lafayette, California. To bring their outdoor fete to life, the pair favored rugged fabrics and textures, including burlap, linen and wood, for their mid-summer celebration. “I was seeking a space with natural beauty that could accommodate my idea of raw elegance,” Staci says of their natural-meets-rustic design. The couple wed under a custom arbor covered in greenery, while Staci donned a white dress accented with metallic studs for added edge. After a friend pronounced them as newlyweds, Kristin and Staci shimmied their way into their cocktail hour alongside a troop of dancers while musicians performed OMI's "Cheerleader." "The dancers were cued when our officiant said 'You may now kiss your bride,'" Staci says. "We kept it a secret from everyone to make it even more of a special moment. It was so uplifting and fun!"—Carolyn Meers


For the bouquets and centerpieces, Kristin and Staci used succulents, garden roses, lilies and greens for bouquets, boutonnieres, centerpieces and ceremony decor. "Wildwood Acres is already so lush and green, so we used neutral white and ivory flowers with the succulents to tie into the naturally beautiful environment," Kristin says.
Guests could relax on a comfortable vintage sofa and chairs during cocktail hour while enjoying a selection of cigars.
White linen tablecloths with burlap runners were set with ivory plates on gold chargers.
Kristin's dress was an expression of her elegant, edgy aesthetic and was adorned with tiny metallic studs along the bodice and back. Staci wore a black suit, suspenders and a vintage watch.
After a friend pronounced them as newlyweds, Kristin and Staci shimmied their way into their cocktail hour alongside a troop of dancers while musicians performed OMI's "Cheerleader." "The single most important thing to us on our wedding day was to love so hard that it'd be felt all around us," Kristin says.
A troop of Samba dancers surprised guests as they accompanied the newlyweds up the aisle in an unforgettable recessional, setting the tone for a lively reception.
Succulent Topped Fondant Wedding Cake
Polaroids of Kristin and Staci were pinned against mini chalkboard easels and served as table markers.
A mini chalkboard easel placed among glass jars of pebbles and succulents shared the couple's Instagram hashtag.
A wood-framed chalkboard outlined the details of the ceremony, including the names of the brides' attendants.
White candles and bundles of white roses served as centerpieces at Wildwood Acres Resort in Lafayette, California.
A selection of cigars were available to guests during the reception, and a handwritten chalkboard displayed the different types.
"Be present," Kristin says. "Look around and enjoy all your planning and feel the love. The day goes by so fast, so use a videographer to capture the moments you may have missed."