1. Real Weddings

An Elegant Ranch Wedding at Hathaway Ranch in Santa Fe Springs, California

Lyndsee Haddadin (25 and a youth pastor) built a strong friendship with Arthur Farzan (31 and a corporate trainer) over three years before they began

Lyndsee Haddadin (25 and a youth pastor) built a strong friendship with Arthur Farzan (31 and a corporate trainer) over three years before they began dating in earnest. He popped the question three months into their courtship. “Some people said that was way too soon, but when you know, you know,” Lyndsee says. She and Arthur opted for a fall wedding in Bakersfield, California, their hometown. “I really wanted to have a rustic-chic theme for our wedding. I incorporated burgundy and blush for my color palettes with a pop of gold,” Lyndsee says. The couple hosted 375 guests at Hathaway Ranch in Santa Fe Springs, California, just outside Bakersfield. Their ceremony took place outdoors and overlooked the property; the reception was at a restored barn (also on-site). Wooden farm tables were decorated with eucalyptus garlands and candles, while chandeliers overhead added even more romantic ambiance. Although it was a dry wedding, a coffee bar, lawn games and a photo booth provided plenty of entertainment. As for advice, Lyndsee has some key points: “Don't get so caught up in the details that you forget about what the day is all about. "The decor, food and entertainment are important, but they're not the most important things. Your love—and the journey you are about to start together—is.” —Carolyn Meers

For her wedding day, Lyndsee (a big fan of coffee) was handed a specially personalized cup of her favorite brew.
Lyndsee chose her "squad" of bridesmaids, made them all tank tops and managed to coordinate all 13 of these beautiful ladies so perfectly in their mismatched dresses.
Lyndsee's sheath silhouette gown had a champagne undertone and ivory overlay, along with an ivory cathedral-length veil. "I wore ivory flats that were comfortable," Lyndsee says.
Designs by Sharon, Lyndsee's florist, created all the day's arrangements on her own (Lyndsee provided some initial inspiration) and kept the rustic, romantic feel throughout. The bride's bouquet was a lush mix of greenery, blush roses and large red ranunculus.
"All my bridesmaids wore different-style dresses, long length, with different colors such as blush, ivory and taupe," Lyndsee says.
Reflecting the elegant theme of the day, the groomsmen wore black tuxedos with white button-down shirts and bow ties.
Before the ceremony, instead of a first look, Lyndsee and Arthur exchanged love letters (without seeing each other).
Hathaway Ranch, just outside the bride and groom's hometown of Bakersfield, California, was the ideal mix of scenery and intimacy. "I wanted a more private feel, and the venue is on a vineyard. It was absolutely gorgeous and went perfect with what I envisioned," Lyndsee says.
Lyndsee and Arthur said their vows under a wooden arch draped with a leafy green garland. White rose petals and candles in hurricane glasses served as aisle decor.
After saying their vows, Lyndsee and Arthur walked up the white-rose-petal-strewn aisle to the nearby barn reception.
Guests located their names on seating charts, which were hung from wooden rectangles on a special wire rack and decorated with greenery.
At the reception, iced tea and lemonade were served from a quaint pine bar decorated with handcrafted signs and more greenery.
Lyndsee and Arthur—both big coffee fans—created a special java bar for guests, complete with flavored syrups to make fun concoctions.
The reception took place at a redone barn on the property. Eucalyptus and white rose garlands ran down each table alongside numerous candles.
Gimme Some Sugar created Lyndsee and Arthur's three-tier gold cake, which fit perfectly with the day's warm, elegant style.
Lyndsee and Arthur's guests gave them a dazzling sparkler send-off at the end of the night, a beautiful finish to a truly romantic day.