California Redwoods Picnic Wedding

L + W’s picnic wedding in the California redwoods was such a dream to shoot. Not only are they the nicest people, they’re also high school sweethearts who love the outdoors and their pup, Kilo. Anyone who prefers spending their time in the outdoors and surrounded by dogs are my kind of people.

My favorite part of L + W’s wedding was that it was entirely outdoors: the ceremony, the cocktails, the dinner, and the dancing. Celebrating outside is my favorite way to spend a wedding day and beneath the trees of a redwood grove is pretty high on my list. So glad L + W feel the same!

After a joyful ceremony and lots of happy tears, we snuck away for some golden hour portraits and some quiet time for L + W to be alone together. It’s so important to take time to be with just you and your partner on your wedding day, have a few minutes to yourselves to take some deep breaths and take it all in. Also the light just before the sun sets is super magical and is perfect for portraits!

Also, just because your wedding plans don’t go late into the night doesn’t mean you can’t still get your dance on! Even though L + W had a daytime wedding (had to be out of their venue by sunset), dancing and celebrating was still happening in full effect. It was so fun seeing everyone from grandma to the youngest baby out on the dance floor having a great time.

The biggest takeaway I have from any wedding is: plan the party you really want to have. If you want to spend the day under the trees in a redwood grove, then do it. If you want to dance with you friends and family and spend the day together, do that. Don’t let convention or social pressure dictate the type of wedding you want to have. Do it your way and have a blast!

Venue: Huddart Park | Catering: Straw