An Elegant Fourth of July-Themed Rehearsal Dinner With Metallic Stars at Greengate Ranch in San Luis Obispo, California
Who doesn’t love kicking things off with a big (and stylish) bang? When it came to their wedding weekend, Southern California couple Kayla Marquez and Cody Stouffer did just that. As the convivial pair they are, both the bride and groom set out to give their friends and family a weekend jam-packed with fun, memorable activities stretching beyond the wedding itself. For the rehearsal dinner, they selected a redesigned horse stable as the canvas for their striking, unique vision.
With an all-white color base, the lovebirds’ event designer was able to truly flex their creative muscles in an exciting way. White drapery framed the space like a clean, crisp photograph and heightened the luxury of the dinner. As the event was being held over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, including themed elements was important to the couple. Hundreds of paper star lanterns engulfed the ceiling above the lengthy farm table, which also featured a floral table runner including roses, hydrangeas and more in bold red hues—another special nod to the Fourth and an extra “pop” to the tablescape.
Velvet linens in soft ivory and glass-etched chargers bedecked the tables. Each place setting featured a Lucite chair and a gold-mirrored acrylic name card, flanked by gold flatware. The couple’s nearest and dearest friends and family enjoyed the personalization and the elegance of the special aesthetic—an incredible representation of the fun-loving and stylish bride and groom.
Attendees nibbled on passed hors d’oeuvres and a three-course Italian feast while listening to heartfelt speeches toasting the happy couple and wishing them well on their marriage journey. Not to mention: drinks were flowing. The starry details continued to appear throughout the smaller elements of the dinner, including the custom bar sign, white-and-red napkins and the special drink markers resting on the lip of every glass. It was impossible not to stay merry and joyous as old friends caught up, new family members met and everyone connected before Kayla and Cody tied the knot.
As the rehearsal dinner acts as one big “thank you” to those that attended your wedding rehearsal, putting extra effort into its conception and execution (if you’re able) is a special way to show your appreciation to your nearest and dearest. It’s such fun to celebrate every moment of your wedding—including the days leading up to and the days after your exchange of vows. Those memories will well and truly last a lifetime… just ask Kayla and Cody!
