Pink and white Calamigos ranch wedding

Picture this a sweet rustic ranch wedding set in the soul of Malibu Wine Country that intertwines a gorgeous palette of pale pinks, peaches and whites that takes rustic elegance to a new level.

Today’s rustic ranch soiree of Donna and Richard was incredibly photographed by Michael Segal Photography who took special note to capture every last detail of the couple’s big day. The brides wedding dress was designed by JLM Couture doesn’t she look absolutely stunning? Her bridesmaids wore the cutest soft floral pattern knee length dresses from David’s Bridal that paired perfectly with the couple’s wedding color palette. The groomsmen looked dapper wearing indigo shirts with gingham check shirts that greatly complimented the rustic atmosphere of the whimsical venue held at Calamigos Ranch Malibu. And just wait till you feast your eyes on their blueberry topped naked wedding cake whipped up by Wonder Bakery if only pictures could come to life that cake would be eaten in a heartbeat. I can’t wait for you guys to browse through Donna and Richard’s wedding and read the brides take on her wedding day. I hope you’ll find some inspiration to incorporate as you continue the exciting process of planning your own wedding.

Words from the bride:
Being from very different backgrounds and having lived together in so many great cities around the world, Richard and I had a very difficult time deciding on a venue location. After playing around with different ideas, we decided we wanted a casual rustic wedding and after visiting Calamigos Ranch on a trip back to my hometown of Los Angeles we knew we found our spot.

We really wanted a simple, casual and cozy event that represented us as a couple, but at the same time incorporate something to represent the adventures we have had around the world together. We decided that a rare vintage piece of West African indigo dyed textile that we acquired while living in Tokyo would be the starting point in our planning process. Indigo became our main color that was softened with contrasting shades of corals and peaches to match our romantic venue. We subtly incorporated it into many details from my indigo denim wrapped bouquet, pops of blue flowers to custom-made bowties wrapped in natural leather and made from the actual piece of our inspiration fabric by our friend of RTH in Los Angeles.

Since we were living in Hong Kong at the time, I recruited my Maid of Honor, my younger sister, who was based in Los Angeles to help with the details and planning of the logistics. After a number of FaceTime conversations to plan out all the details of the wedding, all supplies were bought and sent to my parents’ home in LA. I arrived a week before the date and recruited anyone willing to help in an all-out DIY marathon. The venue itself was gorgeous with so much natural character that I tried to focus only on the small details. Richard and I are both very laid-back people and we wanted a cozy environment to show in the details. We placed various vintage frames of our family, friends, and childhood throughout the sign-in area. Our cake was a simple 3-tiered blueberry shortcake topped with a beautiful peony to tie in with our color theme. Other desserts, my childhood favorites, tres leches cakes and cheese rolls from Portos Bakery, candies, flowers, and candles were scattered around the dessert table. Table numbers were one of my favorite DIY details made with indigo fabric, embroidery hoops and wooden numbers.

We started the event with a traditional Chinese Tea ceremony to honor my Chinese background in which Richard and I knelt before family members in an emotional exchange of tea, well wishes and small gifts. Afterwards, we proceeded with the ceremony in which we exchanged vows under an old oak tree draped with fairytale-like lights. Following a heartfelt introduction from our Officiant, Richard’s childhood friend, I was surprised with a song, an adaption of a letter from Richard to me, written and performed by one of the groomsmen who also happens to be a very talented music producer. It was the highlight of the event that brought both tears and laughter to everyone there. Following the song, we performed a hand-binding ceremony with ribbons of indigo, corals, and lace. Once we exchanged vows, kissed and made our way down the aisle, our guest sent us off waiving coordination ribbon wands and cheering.

Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktails and canapes on the outdoor deck of the reception tent, looking out to a vast expanse of lawn back dropped with the most amazing vintage Ferris wheel. Inside a bar and seating area, decorated with out engagement photo, the variety of framed old family photos, and the dessert table, led outside to the tent where the reception tables were set up. Once we were introduced as husband and wife, speeches, dinner and dancing flew by in a flash.

Our wedding will always be a wonderful memory that we can look back on. Aside from the wonderful details and work put into it, it was an amazing evening where our friends from all over the world could come together and celebrate with us. In our initial planning, we were on the fence about doing “the wedding” thing, but in the end, we all had a blast and I am so glad we did it!

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