Northern California Backyard Wedding | Caitlin + Steve

There’s an old oak tree in Caitlin’s parents’ backyard, and she always envisioned getting married beneath it one day. That wish came true on a glorious fall day when she exchanged vows with Steven! Loaded with character and color, their celebration was a joyous quilt of stunning florals, vintage furniture, romantic lighting, their cute pup Winston as the ring bearer, and wedding photos of their grandparents and great-grandparents.

When she was searching for her gown, Caitlin originally pictured herself wearing something fitted and boho…until she slipped on Jacaranda at Lace & Bustle. Caitlin shares more on that moment and details about the rest of her day below:

 

How did you choose your gown?

 

“I thought I wanted something more fitted and bohemian, but the lovely ladies at Lace & Bustle convinced me to try the beautiful Jacaranda dress and I cried right when I saw myself in it and couldn’t imagine wearing anything else!

wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Jacaranda via Lace & Bustle | photographer: Benj Haisch | full vendor list at bottom

Tell us about your day!

 

“We knew right away that we wanted to have our wedding at my parents beautiful home. I always imagined getting married under the gorgeous old oak tree in the backyard. I love color, so I made a palette of all my favorite fall colors and tried to incorporate them all in a cohesive way—I told my florist she had full artistic freedom and she made the most beautiful creative arrangements I’ve ever seen! We also placed old photos from our grandparents and great-grandparents weddings around the venue with some antique furniture vignettes that I picked out to match the color themes. And we had to incorporate our puppy Winston somehow so he was our ring bearer!”

 

What was your first dance song?

 

“ “This I Promise You” by *NSYNC.”

 

What’s one detail you couldn’t live without?

 

“My makeup/hair artist Maria. Not only did she make me beautiful, but she stayed through the ceremony, photos and the beginning of the reception—helping me stay calm, get water, and supporting me every way possible. I couldn’t have kept my chill without her!”

 

Describe your wedding day in 5 words or fewer:

 

“Full of joy and love.”

 

What was the funniest moment of your day?

 

“When everyone on the dance floor started singing Backstreet Boys together and somehow the microphone made its way to my husband who loves karaoke.”

 

What was your something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue?

 

“Old was I used my mother’s old wedding band to create my band, new was my beautiful veil, borrowed was a handkerchief that was owned by a woman very dear to my family who passed away earlier this year, and blue was a gorgeous sapphire necklace my mother owns.”

Caitlin + Steve’s Northern California Backyard Wedding Vendors

wedding dress: Lea-Ann Belter Jacaranda via Lace & Bustle | photographer: Benj Haisch | planner: Michelle Martinez, Allure Wedding Consulting | videographer:  StopGoLove, Jason McCutchen + Caleb | florals: Anne Mendenhall | hair + makeup: PMA, Maria Chang | DJ: Matthew Rubino, The Flashdance | caterer: Jessica Lasky | rentals: Abbey Party Rentals and One True Love Vintage Rentals

Were you a Lea-Ann Belter bride? We’d love to see your pictures and share your story! Email [email protected].