Most couples find planning a wedding – even an intimate one – stressful, but not Jennifer and Casey. The couple included their friends in the planning process making the whole thing a team effort – and a downright pleasurable one at that! Their friends even arranged a few special musical surprises for the bride and groom, making it a truly special and memorable day for everyone involved.

Special thanks to Shannon Moore for sharing their beautiful wedding with us today!

California Deer Farm Wedding

Jennifer, 36 & Casey, 36

Templeton, CA

Wedding Date: July 19, 2014

Number of Guests: 60

Wedding Cost: $26,000

Wedding Ceremony Location: Dancing Deer Farm, Templeton, CA

Wedding Reception Location: Dancing Deer Farm, Templeton, CA

wedding i spy game

wedding ring shot

just married sign in popcorn

wedding portrait

groom's boutonniere

purple lily bouquet

wedding portrait at dusk

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

The process of entering into a relationship, getting engaged, and planning a wedding was moving and overwhelming. We wanted the people who had been integral in our process to be there celebrating our marriage. Sharing that day with those directly involved in our love was very important to us. Also, we had a wedding weekend, so that we all had time to spend together and connect before the actual ceremony. It was beautiful!

bride getting her make-up done

bride getting her hair done

wedding dress hanging up

wedding shoes

bride getting her dress buttoned up

What are some of the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?

In my opinion, it was more fluid to plan an intimate wedding because everyone was involved and it was more of a team effort than just a couple planning a wedding. Our friends are amazing and the planning was quite pleasurable!

first look session

first look

first look session

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

No, we felt very certain about being surrounded by friends who love and support us and the decision on the guest list was quite easy!

intimate wedding portrait

bride and groom portrait

groom portrait

bride portrait

deer farm wedding portrait

bride and groom kissing

couple portrait

bride and groom kissing on farm

couple portrait

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?

No issues! Casey and I both have cut contact with our families and so our guests included friends only and we invited every friend that was important to us in our lives.

rustic outdoor wedding ceremony site

wedding ceremony decor

tree stump lined wedding aisle

Here Comes the Bride sign

bride walking down the aisle

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

So many! Unbeknownst to me, all of our friends had gotten together and recorded a song that was played as I walked down the aisle. So beautiful! Our friends, Joe & Nikkia, sang a song to us during the ceremony. We let them choose the song and it was a surprise revealed during the ceremony. They blew us away with a lovely and moving choice. Also, at the very moment that our officiant, Jono, was talking about the future, our friends’ two year-old son ran up to us on the podium with an orange popsicle. It was classic.

bride walking down the aisle

rustic wedding ceremony

live music at wedding ceremony

bride reading her vows

bride and groom laughing during ceremony

bride and groom first kiss

bride and groom walking down the aisle

What were the highlights of the reception?

Again, so many! The speeches by our bridal party had us both in tears the entire time. Standing on the veranda and watching all my friends clicking away with utter joy and goofiness in the photo booth was priceless. We had a late night dance party in the barn on the property and watching everyone dancing their hearts out was great!

Guest book table

wedding ceremony set-up

wedding centerpiece

cucumber water dispenser

mason jar name tags

bride and groom dancing

wedding guests dancing

wedding guests dancing

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

I got to spend time with the people I love!

wedding buffet

wedding salad

wedding guests eating

white wedding cake with succulents

bride and groom about to cut cake

bride and groom cutting cake

bride and groom feeing each other cake

wedding guest with cake

wedding speech

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

DO IT! Getting married is such a monumental life transition and it’s meant to be nurtured by those around you who love you. Also, having an intimate wedding offers the opportunity to connect more with your guests and make the day memorable for everyone!

wedding toast

Vendors:

Photography: Shannon Moore – Plum Jam Photography

Flowers: Erin at Sprigs Floral Designs