When Ryan and Roya decided to get hitched, they knew they wanted to steer clear of a traditional wedding. Instead, they wanted to focus on each other – and throw a great party with their closest friends and family.

Special thanks to Lindsey Gomes for sharing all the beautiful photos from Ryan and Roya’s colorful California wedding with us!

Intimate California wedding

Roya, 29 & Ryan, 33

Arroyo Seco, CA

Number of Guests: 70

Wedding Cost: $15,000

Wedding Ceremony Location: Family Cabin in Arroyo Seco (Greenfield) California

Wedding Reception Location:  Family Cabin in Arroyo Seco (Greenfield) California

family cabin sign

wooden wedding sign

colorful succulent bridal bouquet

bride portrait

bride and groom walking through vineyard

bride and groom walking down road

bride and groom kissing

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

We only wanted close friends and family present on our wedding day.

wedding dress hanging on a tree

wedding moccasins

bride portrait

close-up of bride's hair

bride portrait

bridal party portrait

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

LOCATION!

groom portrait

groom waiting to see his bride

first look session

bride and groom hugging

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list? 

Yes, it was difficult to pare down the guest list.

bride and groom walking down deserted road

wedding portrait

bride and groom portrait

bride smiling up at her groom

bride and groom walking away

bride and groom portrait in vineyard

bride and groom kissing in vineyard

bride looking over her shoulder while walking with groom

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

Thankfully we didn’t have any issues.

wooden wedding sign

bride walking down aisle with father

outdoor wedding ceremony set-up with paper lanterns

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

Cutting the log with a chainsaw was the highlight for me.

groom placing flower crown on bride's head

bride wearing flower crown

outdoor wedding ceremony

bride and groom first kiss

bride cutting log with chainsaw

bride and groom walking down aisle

What were the highlights of the reception?

The  toasts, the food, and the drinks!

periodic table seating chart

wedding drink table

mason jars with green striped straws

pick-up truck with buckets of beer

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

Knowing everyone who attended our wedding was the best thing for us.

chinese paper lanterns

outdoor wedding reception set-up

outdoor wedding reception table set-up

eiffel tower vase

sapling wedding favor and placecard

purple and yellow flower cnterpiece

head table set up outside

rustic tablescape

colorful wedding centerpiece

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

Do it!

bride and groom signs on back of chairs

Vendors:

Photography: Lindsey Gomes Photography

Getting Ready VenueMesa Del Sol

Venue: Private Cabin – Arroyo Seco, CA

Catering: Michaels Catering

Flowers: Flowers by Sharen

Wedding Planner:

Cake, Pies: Sweet Lady Jane

Dress: Mary Me Bridal 

Hair Make UpSalon Roux

Groom’s Attire: Paul Smith