A Wildflower-Filled Wedding Among the Redwoods in Felton, California

Gayle  and Eric's engagement lasted four years, but they stayed busy. “Eric and I spent two years traveling up and down the coast of California camping in the redwoods,” Gayle says. “What a great way to find a venue!” The spot they secured was the Cathedral Grove at Roaring Camp Railroads, complete with a train track that could carry guests from their ceremony in the redwoods to their indoor reception. The location also allowed them to emphasize one of their passions: native California flowers. The table numbers were labeled after them, and Gayle and Eric purchased blooms at the farmers market the day before their wedding to use along with ones grown in their yard. Gayle and Eric incorporated handfasting, a Celtic tradition that resonated with them, into their ceremony, using red ribbon to celebrate Eric’s Chinese heritage. The bridesmaids each wore a dress of their choice, while California buckwheat was a key addition to both Gayle’s and Eric’s looks: Gayle tucked it in her hair, and Eric wore it in his boutonniere. Gayle added a sheath skirt to her gown that “opened like a flower” during dancing. Guests got their sugar fix with blood orange cupcakes and a gluten-free chocolate cake with vegan buttercream frosting. However, the espresso bar the couple arranged for cocktail hour is what really stole the show.