A Natural, Rustic Wedding at Thousand Pines Christian Camp and Conference Center in Thousand Pines, California

Accents of pine, burlap and wood created a natural ambience for this rustic wedding, inspired by Michelle Swanson (24 and a graduate student) and Alex Sherbon’s (25 and in postproduction) love for the winter season. The couple shared an interest in spending time outdoors, so it was an easy choice to book the Thousand Pines Christian Camp and Conference Center in Thousand Pines, California, located in the middle of the woods. Invitations made of wood laser-cut with the shapes of flowers and trees reflected the simple, natural theme of the occasion. Wedding attire, including everything from the bridesmaid dresses to Michelle’s custom-made TOMS shoes and the groomsmen ties, embodied the day's color palette in a range of blues -- all captured on camera by Becca Liz Photography. For her gown, Michelle chose an ivory wedding dress with a lace overlay and tulle sleeves, designed by Essence of Australia. At the reception, tables were dressed in white tablecloths and decorated with burlap flags and runners, complemented by simple ivory rose arrangements. We especially loved the couple's personalized wedding cake: “Our cake was made by one of our friends and again represented us perfectly,” the pair says. “It had a beautiful mountain scene on the front and then the back was cut down the middle with rock-climbing ropes and two rock climbers at the top.”