Imbued with a blend of glam and rustic elements, Heather and Joel’s outdoor wedding paid homage to the couple’s personal aesthetics. The affair took place at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu and featured a striking green setting, the dreamiest lighting, and romantic floral details. After a charming outdoor ceremony before the most stunning rustic altar, the couple celebrated by dancing the night away with friends and loved ones who flew in from all over the country.  

Heather looked lovely in the Bella, purchased from retailer Kinsley James in West Hollywood. The gown which features delicate leaf embroidery on French lace, was the perfect choice for a chic rustic celebration. Scroll down to learn about the couple’s wedding details and to view their beautiful wedding album! 

How did Joel propose?

“The proposal was completely unexpected. We went to visit Joel’s parents in Northern California for Easter and decided to take a day trip to Napa… We had a great day that ended with a wine tour at Cakebread Cellars, which makes my favorite wine. Once our intimate wine tour was over, Joel suggested we take a picture in the vineyard. As I went to pose for our picture, he got down on one knee, and to say I was shocked is an understatement… He picked out the ring completely on his own and it could not have been more perfect!”

How did you choose your wedding dress?

“My wedding dress was really the only thing that I was very particular about when it came to wedding planning. I researched some designers online and made appointments at three bridal boutiques in Los Angeles, but made an appointment at Kinsley James specifically to try on the Bella LPG gown. I brought about twelve dresses into the fitting room but Bella was the first one I tried on. It took my breath away and when I walked out to show my mom and sister they had the same reaction. The dresses I tried on after that all paled in comparison. The Bella was the dress! I felt like if the rest of the wedding details didn’t turn out perfect it didn’t matter–I found the dress that made me feel truly amazing and nothing could take that feeling away!”

Can you tell us about your wedding theme and venue?

“We ultimately picked our wedding date based around the best time of year to go to Bora Bora which is where we wanted to honeymoon. Our wedding venue was in the Birchwood Room at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu Wine Country. We were looking for an outdoor venue that combined both of our aesthetics–romantic with a touch of glam and rustic. The second we saw the Birchwood Room we fell in love. It was such an intimate space with so much greenery and a small waterfall. It really was magical.”  

What’s  your favorite memory from your wedding?

“It’s hard to pick a favorite memory from our wedding. It was from start to finish the most perfect day–and it even rained which is so rare for Los Angeles in September! There are two moments that stood out for me though: when I reached Joel at the end of the aisle all of my nerves just melted away and it felt like it was just us two in that moment…

..The other memory is being on the dance floor, looking around at all of our loved ones having the best time. Throughout the wedding planning process, we kept saying that ultimately we just wanted people to have a really good time. Almost all of the guests had to fly in for the wedding and if they were coming in from all parts of the country, the least we could do was make sure they had a great time. So when we saw that it all turned out how we hoped, I was elated. I don’t think I left the dance floor the entire night.”

What was wedding planning like?

“Wedding planning is tough! No matter how organized you are, there are definitely moments that feel overwhelming. But through it all I loved how close it brought me to my family, specifically my mom and sister. I live on the opposite side of the country from them so there were lots of phone calls… It was also a huge help that one of my bridesmaids, Sarah, was a wedding planner in Austin. I really would have been lost without her!”

Congratulations on a lovely wedding, Heather and Joel! 

Retailer: Kinsley James Couture Bridal | Venue: Calamigos Ranch Birchwood Room | Wedding Planner: Mrs. Planner  Photographer: Dakai Photography | Florist: Poppy Design Co | Hair Stylist: Ashlee Zakar